STWF Sports | Frisco, TX | May 21, 2026 – The Frisco RoughRiders return to Riders Field on Thursday night looking to build momentum in their six-game series against the San Antonio Missions after evening the set with a convincing 5-1 victory earlier in the week. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. CT as Frisco sends left-hander Dalton Pence to the mound for his second Double-A appearance against San Antonio right-hander Ian Koenig.

The RoughRiders enter the contest at 21-19 overall and continue to showcase one of the most explosive offenses in the Texas League. Frisco has scored 262 runs through 40 games, the highest mark in the league, while also leading the circuit in batting average (.275), slugging percentage (.460), OPS (.830), and total hits (376). The offensive consistency has helped the club remain one of the most dangerous lineups in Double-A baseball over the past month.

Thursday’s matchup also presents another opportunity for the Riders to continue their strong trend of fast starts. Frisco has already produced 42 first-inning runs this season, tied for third-most in Minor League Baseball, and the club has scored in the opening frame in 18 games. When the offense gets rolling early, the Riders have proven difficult to stop, posting a dominant 13-1 record when scoring eight or more runs.

One of the biggest recent stories for Frisco has been the arrival of designated hitter Arturo Disla, nicknamed “The Buffalo.” Since being promoted from High-A Hub City, Disla has immediately energized the lineup. Through his first seven Double-A games, he is hitting .444 with two home runs, one triple, 10 RBI, and a staggering 1.360 OPS. His go-ahead triple in the ninth inning during Saturday’s comeback win in Midland quickly introduced him to RoughRiders fans, and his offensive production has not slowed since.

Disla’s emergence has complemented an already dangerous middle of the order led by Corey Joyce, Keyber Rodriguez, and Dylan Dreiling.

Joyce has become one of the best midseason additions in the Texas League after signing with the organization in April. The infielder has blasted seven home runs in just 25 games while posting a .983 OPS. His ability to provide power and timely hitting has added another dimension to Frisco’s lineup.

Rodriguez continues to establish himself as one of the league’s most complete hitters. Entering Thursday, he ranks among the Texas League leaders in batting average, doubles, hits, and total bases. The infielder has already produced seven three-hit games this season, the most in Double-A baseball, while batting .351 over his last 18 contests.

Meanwhile, Dreiling continues to live up to expectations as one of the Rangers organization’s top prospects. The outfielder has been especially disciplined during his recent stretch, combining power with patience at the plate. Over his last 12 games, Dreiling owns a .341 average with four home runs and 14 walks while striking out only seven times.

On the mound, all eyes will be on Pence as he looks to build off a promising Double-A debut last week against Midland. The left-hander allowed two runs across five-plus innings while striking out three in a solid first outing at the level. Pence showed composure throughout the start and kept the Riders competitive before the bullpen took over.

Frisco manager Carlos Cardoza will likely rely heavily on the bullpen again Thursday night, especially after the relief corps delivered strong performances throughout the previous series. Wilian Bormie recently secured a save against San Antonio, while the bullpen has continued to provide stability during several close games over the last two weeks.

San Antonio counters with Koenig, who enters with a 1-4 record and a 5.23 ERA. While the Missions have struggled overall this season at 15-26, they still possess power threats capable of changing a game quickly. Frisco pitchers will need to limit mistakes against a San Antonio lineup that showed its home-run ability during Tuesday’s series opener.

With the series tied and the offense continuing to surge, the RoughRiders have a chance to gain control heading into the weekend portion of the homestand. If Frisco’s lineup continues its recent pace and Pence delivers another quality outing, the Riders could once again find themselves in position for another statement win at Riders Field.