STWF Sports | MIDLAND, Texas | May 13, 2026 — The Frisco RoughRiders return to Momentum Bank Ballpark on Wednesday night searching for a bounce-back performance after a power-filled series opener slipped away against the Midland RockHounds.

Frisco RoughRiders’ Quest for Consistency

First pitch for game two of the six-game series is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. as Frisco sends left-hander Blake Townsend to the mound against Midland lefty Wei-En Lin.

Tuesday’s opener showcased exactly why the RoughRiders remain one of the most dangerous offensive teams in Double-A baseball — while also exposing the pitching inconsistencies that continue haunting the club early this season.

Frisco fell 9-7 in the opener after surrendering four home runs, including three during a decisive fourth inning that allowed Midland to seize control.

Still, the RoughRiders nearly erased the deficit late behind another explosive offensive effort.

The game’s biggest early moment came in the second inning when infielder Corey Joyce crushed the first grand slam of his professional career to give Frisco a temporary 4-0 lead.

But Midland answered immediately with a grand slam of its own from Ryan Lasko before adding three more long balls later in the game to secure the victory.

Despite the loss, Joyce continued one of the most remarkable offensive stretches in the Texas League this season.

Since joining Frisco on April 14 after signing as a Minor League free agent earlier this spring, Joyce has completely transformed the RoughRiders lineup.

In just 20 games, the infielder is slashing .329/.405/.686 with seven home runs and 19 RBIs while posting a massive 1.091 OPS.

His power surge has become one of the biggest surprises in the Rangers organization.

Last season, Joyce hit only two home runs in 92 games for Double-A Knoxville in the Chicago Cubs system. Now, he ranks among Texas League leaders in slugging percentage, OPS and home runs.

The comparison being discussed around the club highlights just how ridiculous Joyce’s power pace has become.

During Aaron Judge’s historic 62-home run season in 2022, the Yankees superstar averaged one homer every 11 plate appearances. Joyce is currently averaging one home run every 12 plate appearances.

The offensive firepower does not stop there for Frisco.

Infielder Keyber Rodriguez continues proving himself as one of the best pure hitters in all of Double-A baseball.

Rodriguez enters Wednesday batting .323 while leading the Texas League with 43 hits. Over his last 12 games, he is hitting .370 with a near 1.000 OPS and continues setting the tone near the top of Frisco’s lineup.

His six three-hit games this season currently lead all of Double-A baseball.

Outfielder Dylan Dreiling also arrives in Midland carrying major momentum after earning Texas League Player of the Week honors earlier this week.

The Rangers’ No. 10 prospect blasted four home runs last week and enters Wednesday riding a six-game hitting streak while batting .364 during that span.

Dreiling’s recent breakout has added even more depth to an already dangerous lineup that now leads the Texas League in batting average, hits, runs scored, slugging percentage and OPS.

Frisco’s 48 home runs through 33 games represent the highest total in franchise history at this stage of a season since records began in 2005.

The offense has consistently given the RoughRiders opportunities to win games.

The challenge now becomes finding more consistency on the mound.

Townsend enters Wednesday still searching for his first victory of the season after posting an 0-2 record with a 6.75 ERA through his opening starts.

The left-hander showed flashes of improvement during his last outing against Northwest Arkansas despite taking the loss. Townsend struck out seven batters, tying a professional career high, while settling in effectively after early control issues.

Frisco hopes he can deliver length against a Midland lineup that punished mistakes throughout Tuesday’s opener.

The RockHounds enter Wednesday at 21-13 and continue looking like one of the stronger clubs in the Texas League South Division. Midland’s offense displayed significant power in the opener behind home runs from Ryan Lasko, Davis Diaz, Bobby Boser and top prospect Leo De Vries.

For Frisco, however, confidence offensively remains high despite the loss.

Over their last 15 games, the RoughRiders have averaged more than seven runs per contest while launching 23 home runs during that stretch.

The formula remains simple.

If the offense continues producing at its current pace, Frisco simply needs cleaner pitching performances and improved execution in close games to quickly climb back into the Texas League standings.

And with the bats currently swinging hotter than nearly anyone in Minor League Baseball, the RoughRiders remain capable of turning any game into an offensive showcase.