STWF Sports | FRISCO, Texas | April 24, 2026 — A night after being held to a single hit, the Frisco RoughRiders flipped the script in emphatic fashion, riding an early offensive explosion to a 9-7 victory over the Tulsa Drillers at Riders Field.
The win snapped a three-game skid to open the series and improved Frisco to 9-10 on the season, showcasing the kind of resilience that has defined the club’s highs early in 2026.
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After surrendering a run in the top of the first inning, the RoughRiders wasted little time responding. Facing Tulsa starter Payton Martin, Frisco erupted for four runs in the bottom half of the frame to seize control. Julian Brock ignited the rally with a two-run single, bringing home Frainyer Chavez and Dylan Dreiling, before Keith Jones II and Keyber Rodriguez added RBI contributions to push the lead to 4-1.
Tulsa answered with two runs in the second, but Frisco’s offense continued to apply pressure. The RoughRiders responded with another four-run inning, turning a narrow margin into a commanding advantage. Marcus Lee Sang and Corey Joyce set the tone with base hits, and Chavez delivered again with a run-scoring single. Dreiling followed with a sacrifice fly, while Brock and Rodriguez each contributed run-producing hits to extend the lead to 8-3.
The early offensive output proved critical, as the Drillers chipped away in the middle innings. Tulsa capitalized on scoring opportunities to close the gap, but Frisco’s bullpen stepped in to stabilize the game at a pivotal moment.
Eric Loomis provided a key bridge out of the bullpen, delivering a scoreless fifth inning that halted Tulsa’s momentum. From there, Ryan Lobus took control, retiring all nine batters he faced over three perfect innings while striking out four. His dominant performance gave the RoughRiders the breathing room needed to maintain their lead heading into the late innings.
Frisco added an insurance run in the fifth when Corey Joyce launched a solo home run, continuing his impressive start with the club. The second baseman reached base in each of his first three plate appearances, finishing the night with a double, home run, and walk. Since joining the RoughRiders, Joyce has been one of the team’s most productive hitters, already surpassing his home run total from the previous season.
The Drillers mounted one final push in the ninth inning, but closer Ricardo Velez held firm. Despite allowing two two-out hits, Velez secured his first save of the season, closing the door on Tulsa’s comeback attempt and sealing the victory.
The offensive turnaround was a defining storyline of the night. After managing just one hit in Thursday’s loss, Frisco’s lineup responded with contributions across the board. Eight of the team’s nine starters recorded hits, highlighting the depth and potential of an offense that has shown it can produce in bursts.
On the mound, the RoughRiders continued to demonstrate their ability to miss bats. The pitching staff recorded 13 strikeouts for the second consecutive game, reinforcing a strength that has kept the team competitive even during offensive struggles.
Perhaps most encouraging was the bullpen’s collective effort. Between Loomis, Lobus, and Velez, Frisco retired 14 consecutive Tulsa hitters from the fifth through the ninth innings, a stretch that proved decisive in maintaining control of the game.
With the victory, the RoughRiders have an opportunity to build momentum as the series continues. Frisco will look to secure a second consecutive win on Saturday night, when left-hander Dylan MacLean is scheduled to face Tulsa’s Wyatt Crowell in a 7:05 p.m. CT first pitch.
For a team that has experienced both extremes in recent days, Friday’s performance offered a reminder of its potential. When the offense clicks and the pitching delivers, the RoughRiders have the tools to compete — and win — against any opponent in the Texas League.
