STWF Sports | FRISCO, Texas |August 20, 2026 — The Frisco RoughRiders welcomed back Texas Rangers right-hander Jack Leiter on Thursday night, but the Wichita Wind Surge spoiled his return by taking control in the middle innings and handing Frisco its third consecutive loss to open the series at Riders Field.
Leiter, making his first appearance for the RoughRiders since 2023 as part of a Major League rehab assignment, opened his outing in impressive fashion. The right-hander kept Wichita scoreless through the first two innings and struck out three batters while showing the swing-and-miss ability that has become a key part of his arsenal.
The game changed quickly in the third.
After Leiter retired the first batter of the inning, Wichita broke through for four runs. Brandon Winokur delivered the biggest blow, launching a two-run home run as the Wind Surge jumped in front.
Frisco answered immediately in the bottom half.
Marcus Lee Sang connected for a solo home run, trimming the deficit and giving the Riders their first run of the night. The homer was Lee Sang’s 13th of the season, tying his Double-A career high.
Wichita continued to apply pressure in the fourth inning. Marek Houston drove in two runs with a single to extend the Wind Surge advantage to 6-1.
Once again, the RoughRiders responded with power.
Yeison Morrobel blasted a solo home run in the bottom of the fourth to cut into Wichita’s lead and keep Frisco within striking distance.
The Riders continued chipping away in the fifth, narrowing the margin to two runs. That rally offered another opportunity for a comeback from a team that has consistently produced late offense throughout the season.
Wichita, however, answered before Frisco could completely erase the deficit.
The Wind Surge pushed their advantage back to four runs in the sixth inning, building an 8-4 cushion and preventing the RoughRiders from producing another dramatic late rally.
Right-hander Cory Lewis (2-7) helped Wichita protect the advantage during the closing innings and secure another road victory.
Leiter finished his rehab appearance after working three-plus innings, allowing four earned runs while striking out five. Despite the third-inning damage, his return marked an important step as the Rangers right-hander works his way back toward Major League action.
Frisco also received valuable length from Dylan MacLean, who handled bulk relief duties. MacLean allowed just two runs over four innings, helping keep the RoughRiders within reach after Wichita’s early offensive surge.
The loss continued a difficult beginning to the series for Frisco, which dropped to 24-24 in the second half and 63-53 overall. Wichita improved to 23-25 in the second half and 48-67 overall while taking each of the first three games at Riders Field.
Frisco has shown an ability to create offense throughout the series, but Wichita has consistently found answers at critical moments. After consecutive one-run losses to begin the week, Thursday’s game saw the Wind Surge establish more separation with their middle-inning production.
The RoughRiders will try to reverse the series Friday night with a bullpen game.
Right-hander Cole Stasio (1-1, 4.70 ERA) is scheduled to start for Frisco against Wichita right-hander Ty Langenberg (2-3, 3.64).
First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. CT at Riders Field, where the postseason-bound RoughRiders will look to break through for their first victory of the six-game series.
