STWF Sports | FRISCO, Texas | April 25, 2026 — Momentum has finally shifted, and the Frisco RoughRiders will look to build on it Saturday night as they face the Tulsa Drillers in game five of a six-game series at Riders Field. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. CT, with left-hander Dylan MacLean set to take the mound against Tulsa’s Wyatt Crowell.
After dropping the first three games of the series, Frisco (9-10) responded with a statement 9-7 victory Friday night, fueled by an early offensive surge and a dominant bullpen performance. The win not only snapped the skid but also reminded observers of the club’s offensive ceiling when it finds its rhythm.
Frisco Roughriders: Capitalizing on Momentum
Friday’s breakthrough came quickly. After surrendering an early run, the RoughRiders answered with four runs in the first inning, highlighted by a two-run single from Julian Brock and RBI contributions from Keith Jones II and Keyber Rodriguez. The offense followed with another four-run inning in the second, creating a cushion that ultimately proved decisive.
From there, Frisco’s bullpen took control. Eric Loomis bridged the middle innings with a scoreless frame, and Ryan Lobus delivered three perfect innings, striking out four and halting Tulsa’s momentum. Closer Ricardo Velez secured the win in the ninth, earning his first save of the season.
The offensive outburst marked a sharp turnaround from earlier in the series, where Frisco struggled to produce runs. Prior to Friday, the RoughRiders were hitting just .156 across the first three games, scoring only seven total runs. The nine-run performance not only ended that slump but also provided a blueprint for success moving forward.
Despite the recent inconsistency, the RoughRiders remain one of the most productive offensive teams in the Texas League. Through 19 games, Frisco leads the league with 182 hits and ranks near the top in batting average (.279), slugging percentage (.457), and OPS (.819). The lineup’s ability to generate contact and power continues to be a defining strength.
Several players have been central to that production. Outfielder Marcus Lee Sang has maintained a strong presence, hitting .300 on the season while delivering power in key moments. Over his last nine games, he has slashed .400 with three home runs, providing a consistent spark at the top of the order.
Orlando Martinez has also been a key contributor, leading qualified hitters with a .318 average. His recent stretch has been particularly impressive, as he has hit .389 over his last nine games with multiple extra-base hits and run-producing opportunities.
Infielder Frainyer Chavez continues to anchor the lineup with both consistency and power. Chavez has reached base in 18 of 19 games this season, while tallying five home runs and 13 RBIs. His ability to set the tone at the top of the order has been instrumental in Frisco’s offensive success.
Saturday’s pitching matchup adds another layer of intrigue. MacLean (1-0, 4.61 ERA) will look to build on his early-season success and provide stability against a Tulsa lineup that has proven capable of capitalizing on mistakes. On the other side, Crowell (1-1, 3.60 ERA) presents a challenge for a RoughRiders offense that is seeking consistency against left-handed pitching.
Historically, Tulsa has held the edge in the matchup, with Frisco posting a 14-20 record against the Drillers over the past six seasons. Reversing that trend will require sustained execution on both sides of the ball, particularly in late-game situations where the RoughRiders have struggled at times this season.
For Frisco, game five represents an opportunity to even the series momentum and continue building confidence. The formula is clear: early offensive pressure, disciplined at-bats, and reliable pitching to close out games.
With the offense showing signs of life and the bullpen finding its groove, the RoughRiders enter Saturday’s contest with renewed energy — and a chance to turn a challenging series into a competitive one.
