STWF Sports | FRISCO, Texas | August 18, 2026 — The Frisco RoughRiders appeared headed toward a comfortable series-opening victory Tuesday night at Riders Field before the Wichita Wind Surge authored a stunning ninth-inning comeback.

Frisco carried a five-run lead into the final frame, but Wichita scored six times to steal a 10-9 victory in the opener of a six-game series.

The loss dropped the RoughRiders to 24-22 in the second half and 63-51 overall, while Wichita improved to 21-25 and 46-67.

The Wind Surge struck first in the opening inning when Garrett Spain delivered an RBI single against Frisco starter D.J. McCarty.

The RoughRiders answered immediately.

In the bottom of the first, Rafe Perich launched a three-run home run to put Frisco ahead 3-1 and quickly flip the momentum.

Wichita responded with two runs in the second to tie the game at 3-3, but the RoughRiders continued to pressure the Wind Surge pitching staff.

Frisco scored five runs across the next two innings to build an 8-3 advantage. Corey Joyce provided one of the biggest swings during the stretch with a solo home run as the RoughRiders created the separation they appeared poised to protect.

Frisco RoughRiders Showcase Resilience in Loss

McCarty settled in after the early damage and delivered five innings for Frisco.

The right-hander allowed three earned runs while striking out five, giving the RoughRiders enough stability to maintain control through the middle innings.

Wichita cut into the deficit before Frisco added what appeared to be an important insurance run in the eighth.

Max Wagner connected on a solo home run against Paulshawn Pasqualotto, extending the RoughRiders’ lead to 9-4 heading into the ninth inning.

Then everything changed.

Wichita mounted an improbable rally against Frisco reliever Austin Roberts.

Caden Kendle provided the first major blow with a two-run home run, pulling the Wind Surge closer. Wichita continued putting runners aboard before Jay Thomason stepped to the plate with the bases loaded.

Thomason delivered the decisive swing, launching a go-ahead grand slam that turned a five-run deficit into a 10-9 Wichita lead.

The six-run inning silenced Riders Field and put Frisco in a situation few expected after it had controlled most of the night.

Kyle Bischoff then retired the RoughRiders in the bottom of the ninth to record his fifth save and complete Wichita’s comeback.

Despite the loss, several Frisco hitters continued strong individual stretches.

Dylan Dreiling extended his hitting streak to 12 games, collecting singles in both the first and ninth innings.

Perich produced one of his best offensive performances since reaching Double-A, setting a career high at the level with four hits. His night included the three-run homer, two doubles and a single.

Frisco finished with enough offense to win most nights, but the final inning overshadowed the production.

The defeat also represented a reversal from the RoughRiders’ recent late-game success. Frisco has built a reputation for eighth- and ninth-inning rallies throughout the second half, but this time it was Wichita that delivered the decisive comeback.

The RoughRiders will now look to reset quickly.

Frisco has not announced its starter for Wednesday night’s matchup, while Wichita is scheduled to send right-hander Riley Quick to the mound. Quick enters with an 0-2 record and a 5.68 ERA.

First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. CT at Riders Field, with Frisco looking to even the series at one game apiece.