STWF Sports | AMARILLO, Texas | April 18, 2026 — After back-to-back extra-inning heartbreaks, the Frisco RoughRiders found their response in the late innings Saturday night, edging the Amarillo Sod Poodles 5–4 at Hodgetown to take a 3-2 lead in the six-game series.

Frisco (8-6) leaned on a composed outing from left-hander Dylan MacLean and timely offensive production, highlighted by another impactful performance from recent addition Corey Joyce, to secure the narrow victory.

MacLean delivered one of the RoughRiders’ most efficient starts of the young season, setting the tone early with precision and control. The left-hander retired the first nine batters he faced, navigating the opening three innings without allowing a baserunner. In a ballpark known for favoring hitters, MacLean limited Amarillo (4-10) to just one earned run on five hits over five innings while striking out six.

Key Performers in the Frisco RoughRiders Game

His ability to generate soft contact and avoid prolonged innings proved critical, particularly as the Sod Poodles attempted to establish rhythm offensively. MacLean capped his outing by inducing a double play in the fifth inning, exiting with Frisco firmly in position to compete.

The RoughRiders’ offense broke through in that same frame. Facing Amarillo starter Jose Cabrera, who had cruised through the first four innings, Joyce delivered the game’s first decisive swing. The infielder launched a three-run home run over the left-field bar and out of the ballpark, shifting momentum and giving Frisco a 3-0 lead.

The blast marked Joyce’s second three-run home run since joining the RoughRiders earlier in the week, continuing a remarkable stretch at the plate. Through his first games with the club, Joyce has provided immediate production, emerging as a key contributor in the middle of the lineup.

Amarillo responded with a pair of runs in the middle innings, gradually trimming the deficit and keeping pressure on Frisco’s pitching staff. However, the RoughRiders added an important insurance run in the eighth inning when Orlando Martinez delivered a two-out RBI double, extending the lead to 4-2.

The advantage proved short-lived.

In the bottom half of the inning, the Sod Poodles answered with a two-run home run from Jansel Luis, erasing the deficit and tying the game at 4-4. The swing marked another late-inning test for a Frisco team that had struggled to close out games earlier in the series.

This time, the RoughRiders responded.

In the top of the ninth, Frisco loaded the bases and once again turned to Joyce, who delivered in a high-leverage moment. The infielder sent a ball over the head of third baseman Manuel Peña, allowing the go-ahead run to score and giving Frisco a 5-4 advantage.

With the lead back in hand, the RoughRiders turned to Wilian Bormie to secure the win. The right-hander continued his impressive start to the season, working through traffic in the ninth inning and stranding two runners to close out the victory. Bormie improved to 4-0 on the season, leading all Texas League pitchers in wins through his first five appearances.

The win not only snapped Frisco’s brief skid but also highlighted the team’s ability to execute in critical moments. After falling in consecutive extra-inning games, the RoughRiders showed resilience, capitalizing on late opportunities while maintaining composure on the mound.

Offensively, the continued emergence of Joyce adds another dimension to an already productive lineup. Combined with contributions from players like Martinez, Frisco has demonstrated the depth needed to compete consistently in high-scoring environments.

With the victory, the RoughRiders now hold a 3-2 series lead and will have an opportunity to secure their first six-game series win of the season on Sunday afternoon. Right-hander David Davalillo is scheduled to start for Frisco against Amarillo left-hander Avery Short, with first pitch set for 1:05 p.m. CT at Hodgetown.

As the series nears its conclusion, Saturday’s performance may prove to be a turning point — one defined by timely hitting, steady pitching, and a long-awaited finish in Frisco’s favor.