STWF Sports | CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas | May 2, 2026 — Power and timely hitting carried the Frisco RoughRiders back into the win column Saturday night, as they defeated the Corpus Christi Hooks 9-5 at Whataburger Field behind a breakout performance from infielder Max Wagner.
The victory improved Frisco to 14-12 on the season and showcased the club’s defining trait through the first month — an offense capable of erupting at any moment. Wagner led the charge with two home runs, continuing a remarkable start to his RoughRiders tenure.
Frisco opened the scoring in the second inning with a patient, situational approach. Keith Jones II drove in the first run on a groundout, and Ian Moller followed with an RBI single to give the RoughRiders a 2-0 lead.
Corpus Christi (12-14) responded in the third inning, stringing together timely hits to plate three runs and take a 3-2 advantage. The shift in momentum briefly put Frisco on its heels, but the RoughRiders answered immediately.
In the fourth inning, Moller delivered again, lining an RBI double to tie the game. Moments later, Wagner stepped to the plate and changed the complexion of the contest, launching a two-run home run to put Frisco back in front, 5-3.
The back-and-forth nature of the game continued into the fifth. Jones added to his strong night with an RBI single, extending the lead to 6-3, before the Hooks capitalized on a passed ball in the bottom half to trim the deficit to 6-4.
Wagner struck again in the sixth inning, delivering his second home run of the night — a towering shot that further solidified his early impact with the club. The blast pushed the RoughRiders’ lead to 7-4 and continued a remarkable run for the infielder, who has now homered four times in his first three games with Frisco.
The RoughRiders created additional separation in the seventh inning, capitalizing on patience and pressure. A bases-loaded walk forced in a run, and a subsequent double play brought home another, extending the advantage to 9-4.
Corpus Christi added a solo home run in the eighth from Yamal Encarnacion, but the late push proved insufficient as Frisco’s bullpen closed out the game.
Right-hander Ricardo Velez (3-0) delivered a key performance in relief, tossing two scoreless innings to secure the victory. His effort helped stabilize the game during its final stages and ensured the RoughRiders maintained control.
Offensively, Frisco’s depth once again played a pivotal role. Jones finished with three RBIs, marking a season high and providing consistent production throughout the lineup. Moller also contributed multiple key hits, including his RBI double that sparked the fourth-inning rally.
The win further underscored Frisco’s historic offensive pace. Through 26 games, the RoughRiders have hit 37 home runs — the most through that span in recorded franchise history since 2005. The power surge has been a defining characteristic of the team’s early-season identity.
Wagner’s emergence adds another layer to that identity. After joining the club earlier this week, he has quickly become one of the most impactful bats in the lineup, delivering power and production in crucial moments.
Saturday’s performance highlighted the resilience that has defined Frisco’s season. Each time Corpus Christi threatened to seize momentum, the RoughRiders responded with timely offense and composure, ultimately pulling away in the later innings.
With the series now heading to its finale, Frisco has an opportunity to build on Saturday’s momentum and secure a strong finish to the road trip. Right-hander David Davalillo is scheduled to take the mound for the RoughRiders in Sunday’s contest against Corpus Christi’s Trey Dombroski.
As the RoughRiders continue to find their rhythm, one thing remains clear — when the bats are active and the lineup is clicking, Frisco is a difficult team to contain.
