AMARILLO, Texas (July 12, 2025) — The Frisco RoughRiders suffered another heartbreaking defeat Saturday night, falling 5-3 on a walk-off home run by Jean Walters as the Amarillo Sod Poodles claimed their third win in the past four games from HODGETOWN.

With the game deadlocked at 3-3 in the bottom of the ninth, Amarillo’s nine-hole hitter Walters stepped to the plate with one out and a runner on first. Facing Frisco reliever Josh Mollerus (1-2), Walters connected on a belt-high fastball and launched it into the night sky over the left-field wall, sending the Sod Poodles (10-7, 42-44) and their home crowd into jubilation. The RoughRiders (6-11, 44-41) were left stunned, suffering their fourth loss in five games in this closely contested series.

🔥 Late Drama Defines the Series

Saturday’s contest continued the theme of dramatic finishes. Incredibly, four of the five games so far in this six-game set have been decided in the winning team’s final at-bat. With Amarillo improving to 3-2 in the series, the RoughRiders now face the challenge of salvaging a split in Sunday’s finale.

The RoughRiders took an early lead in the second inning thanks to Frainyer Chavez, who launched a towering two-run homer to right. The blast marked Chavez’s third home run of the season—and his second at HODGETOWN—providing an early spark for Frisco’s offense.

However, Amarillo responded in the bottom of the third. After a pair of base hits set the table, Manuel Peña crushed a three-run home run to give the Sod Poodles a 3-2 advantage. The shot came off Frisco starter Mitch Bratt, who otherwise pitched well in his outing.

Bratt, one of the Rangers’ top left-handed prospects, worked five innings, allowing three earned runs on eight hits while striking out seven and walking one. He managed to limit damage beyond the third inning, giving Frisco a chance to mount a comeback.

⚾ Midgame Response and Missed Opportunities

Frisco tied the game in the sixth inning when Abimelec Ortiz reached base and later scored on a throwing error, knotting the contest at 3-3. However, that would be the last run the RoughRiders could muster, as Amarillo’s bullpen shut the door.

Jhosmer Alvarez (4-2) picked up the win in relief for the Sod Poodles, tossing three shutout innings and allowing just one hit while striking out four. He outdueled Mollerus, who was saddled with the loss after surrendering the decisive ninth-inning blast.

Frisco’s offense managed just five hits on the night, with Keyber Rodriguez standing out as the only player to record multiple hits. The infielder went 2-for-3 with two singles and a walk, continuing to provide a steady presence at the top of the order.

📝 Notes to Know

• Saturday marked the fourth game of the series to be decided in the ninth inning or later. Frisco is 2-3 in those tight contests.

• Chavez’s homer extended the RoughRiders’ streak to six home runs in the last seven games, including at least one long ball in every game of this series.

• Frisco’s bullpen, typically reliable this season, has now allowed game-changing runs in three of the team’s last four losses.

🔜 What’s Next

The RoughRiders and Sod Poodles will wrap up their six-game set Sunday evening with the series finale at 6:05 p.m. CT from HODGETOWN. Frisco will look to end the road trip on a high note behind LHP Mitch Bratt (5-2, 2.55 ERA), who is set to make his second straight start after throwing Saturday. Amarillo counters with RHP Jose Cabrera (4-3, 5.64 ERA) in what promises to be another tightly contested matchup in a series defined by late-game drama.