STWF Sports | FRISCO, Texas | April 24, 2026 — A critical reset opportunity arrives Friday night for the Frisco RoughRiders as they continue their six-game series against the Tulsa Drillers at Riders Field. First pitch for game four is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. CT, with right-hander Leandro Lopez set to take the mound against Tulsa’s Payton Martin.

Frisco RoughRiders: A Team on the Rise

Frisco (8-10) enters the matchup searching for its first win of the series after dropping the opening three games, including a 6-1 loss on Thursday night that highlighted the team’s recent offensive struggles. After producing one of the most explosive stretches in Minor League Baseball just days earlier, the RoughRiders have cooled significantly at the plate against a surging Tulsa club (14-4).

Through the first three games of the series, Frisco is hitting just .156 with seven total runs scored — a stark contrast to the offensive outburst displayed in Amarillo last week, where the club posted a .318 batting average and averaged nine runs per game over a six-game span. The sudden shift underscores the inconsistency that has defined the RoughRiders’ early season.

Thursday’s defeat encapsulated those challenges. Frisco managed only one hit against Tulsa starter Patrick Copen, who delivered 6.1 dominant innings while striking out nine. The RoughRiders fell behind early after a bases-loaded hit-by-pitch in the first inning and never recovered, as Tulsa capitalized on a five-run sixth inning to pull away.

Despite the recent offensive lull, the RoughRiders’ lineup remains one of the most productive in Double-A over the full season sample. The team leads the level in hits (171) while ranking near the top in batting average (.276), slugging percentage (.455), and OPS (.813). That underlying production suggests a lineup capable of rebounding quickly — provided it can rediscover its rhythm.

Several individual performances continue to stand out. Outfielder Marcus Lee Sang has maintained a strong presence at the plate, hitting .304 on the season while delivering power and consistency. Over his last eight games, Lee Sang has slashed .423 with three home runs, including a towering 466-foot blast that showcased his ability to change a game with one swing.

Orlando Martinez has also been a key contributor, leading qualified hitters on the roster with a .318 average. The outfielder is in the midst of a hot stretch, batting .389 over his last nine games with multiple extra-base hits and run-producing opportunities. His ability to generate consistent contact has provided stability in the lineup.

Infielder Frainyer Chavez continues to anchor the offense with a combination of patience and power. Chavez has reached base in 17 of 18 games this season and is tied near the top of the Texas League leaderboard with five home runs. His development into a consistent run producer has been one of the most encouraging storylines for Frisco early in the year.

The focus now shifts to Leandro Lopez, who will look to provide stability on the mound. Lopez enters with a 2.20 ERA and has shown the ability to limit damage in his early outings. Against a Tulsa lineup that has demonstrated timely hitting throughout the series, his command and efficiency will be critical in setting the tone.

On the opposite side, Payton Martin (0-1, 6.10 ERA) presents an opportunity for the RoughRiders’ offense to regain confidence. Frisco’s ability to apply early pressure and capitalize on scoring chances could prove decisive in reversing the momentum of the series.

For the RoughRiders, game four represents more than just another contest — it is a chance to halt a slide and reestablish identity. The team has shown it can compete at a high level, particularly in nine-inning games, but has struggled to close out tight contests and maintain consistency across all phases.

As the series reaches its midpoint, the formula remains clear: rediscover offensive timing, execute in key moments, and lean on pitching to create opportunities. With talent throughout the roster, Frisco has the tools to respond — but the urgency to do so begins Friday night under the lights at Riders Field.