FRISCO, Texas (July 18, 2025) — A hard-fought game under the lights at Riders Field slipped away from the Frisco RoughRiders on Friday night, as the visiting Corpus Christi Hooks erupted for four runs in the 10th inning to seal a 7-3 victory. Despite a strong showing from Abimelec Ortiz and a record-setting night for Aaron Zavala, Frisco was unable to close the door in extra innings and dropped their second straight in the three-game series.
Ortiz continued his impressive campaign, finishing 2-for-4 with a solo home run and two RBIs. The power-hitting first baseman gave the RoughRiders life in the fourth inning with his team-leading 13th long ball of the season and later drove in the go-ahead run in the sixth. With his performance, Ortiz moved into a tie for third in the Texas League in home runs (13) and sixth in RBIs (45).
A Tight Game Early
The Hooks (8-11, 30-57), an affiliate of the Houston Astros, wasted little time getting on the board. In the top of the second, Jeron Williams tapped an infield single to score a run, giving Corpus Christi a 1-0 lead. Frisco responded in the third when rising star Sebastian Walcott tied the game at 1-1 with an RBI groundout, his 28th RBI of the season.
The Hooks regained the lead in the fourth thanks to a wild pitch by Rangers reliever Josh Sborz, who was making a rehab appearance. The errant delivery allowed Luis Baez to score, putting Corpus back in front 2-1.
But Ortiz answered back in the home half of the inning, launching a leadoff solo shot deep into the Frisco night to knot things at two apiece. It was a no-doubt blast and another reminder of the power that has made Ortiz a fixture in the middle of the RoughRiders lineup.
Ortiz Delivers Again
Frisco pulled ahead in the sixth when Ortiz came through again, ripping an RBI single to plate Walcott and give the RoughRiders a 3-2 lead. That advantage, however, would be short-lived. In the seventh, the Hooks clawed back with an RBI from Zach Dezenzo, tying the game at 3-3 and setting up the eventual extra-inning showdown.
The RoughRiders’ bullpen held strong through regulation, including Travis MacGregor, who notched his 12th hold of the season — the most in all of Minor League Baseball. But the 10th inning proved costly.
Hooks Strike in Extras
With the automatic runner on second, the Hooks quickly loaded the bases in the 10th and capitalized. Luis Baez delivered the crushing blow with a three-run double to left-center, breaking the deadlock and giving Corpus a 6-3 edge. Pascanel Ferreras followed with an RBI double of his own to stretch the lead to 7-3, effectively putting the game out of reach.
Frisco failed to mount a rally in the bottom half and dropped to 7-12 in the second half and 3-4 in extra-inning contests.
Notable Milestones
Veteran outfielder Aaron Zavala etched his name in RoughRiders history during the contest. With his walk in the fifth inning, Zavala surpassed Guilder Rodriguez (2009-15) to become the franchise’s all-time walks leader with 207 free passes, achieving the milestone in 212 fewer games than Rodriguez.
What’s Next
Frisco and Corpus Christi will continue their series on Saturday night with first pitch slated for 7:05 p.m. from Riders Field. Right-hander David Davalillo (0-1, 2.03 ERA) is scheduled to start for the RoughRiders, while the Hooks will counter with Bryce Mayer (1-1, 4.82 ERA).
With playoff implications looming in the second half of the Texas League season, every game down the stretch counts — and the RoughRiders will look to bounce back and even the series before Sunday’s finale.
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