STWF Sports | FRISCO, Texas | July 17, 2026 — The Frisco RoughRiders battled back from an early three-run deficit Friday night, but their rally was undone by one swing in the ninth inning.

Tulsa outfielder Josue De Paula launched a go-ahead two-run home run in the top of the ninth, lifting the Drillers to a 6-4 victory over Frisco in the opening game of a three-game series at Riders Field.

The loss dropped the RoughRiders to 10-9 in the second half and 49-38 overall. Tulsa improved to 12-7 in second-half play and 58-30 on the season.

Frisco RoughRiders: A Team on the Rise

Frisco entered the series riding the momentum of a productive road trip in Corpus Christi, but the RoughRiders were forced to play from behind almost immediately.

Tulsa attacked Frisco starter Aidan Curry in the first inning, collecting four hits and scoring three runs. The early damage placed pressure on the RoughRiders’ offense, but Frisco responded in the bottom half of the inning.

Arturo Disla delivered an RBI single to bring home Sebastian Walcott, cutting Tulsa’s advantage to 3-1. Walcott, making his return from offseason elbow surgery, reached base twice on walks, stole a base and scored a run in his first game back.

The return of one of the Texas Rangers organization’s top young talents provided an encouraging development for Frisco despite the final result.

Tulsa restored its three-run advantage in the fifth inning when Mike Sirota lifted a sacrifice fly, extending the Drillers’ lead to 4-1.

Once again, Disla answered.

With two outs in the bottom of the fifth, the RoughRiders first baseman lined a two-run single that scored Walcott and Yeison Morrobel, trimming the deficit to one. The hit gave Disla three RBIs on the night and moved Frisco within striking distance.

Disla finished 2-for-3 with two walks, reaching base four times while serving as the centerpiece of the RoughRiders’ offense. His production gave Frisco repeated opportunities to erase Tulsa’s early advantage.

Morrobel also made an immediate impression in his Double-A debut, recording two hits and scoring a run. His ability to contribute in his first appearance at the level added another positive note for a Frisco lineup that has relied on depth throughout the season.

The RoughRiders remained within one run until the eighth inning, when Max Wagner delivered the equalizer.

Wagner led off the frame by turning on a pitch from Christian Suarez and driving it over the fence for a solo home run. The blast tied the game at 4-4 and energized the crowd at Riders Field as Frisco completed its comeback.

The tie did not last long.

In the top of the ninth, Tulsa placed a runner aboard against Zach Bryant before De Paula delivered the decisive swing. The left-handed hitter connected for a two-run homer, sending the Drillers back in front, 6-4.

Bryant took the loss and fell to 1-2 on the season.

Frisco brought the tying run to the plate in the bottom of the ninth, but Tulsa reliever Antonio Knowles shut the door. Knowles worked a scoreless final frame to record his third save of the season and preserve the Drillers’ series-opening victory.

Although the loss ended Frisco’s comeback bid, the RoughRiders showed resilience after falling behind early. The offense produced eight hits, drew six walks and received contributions from multiple spots in the order.

The result also demonstrated how narrow the margin can become late in games. Frisco overcame a three-run deficit and tied the contest against the Tulsa bullpen, but De Paula’s home run proved to be the difference.

The RoughRiders will look to even the series Saturday night at Riders Field. Right-hander Dalton Pence is expected to start for Frisco against Tulsa left-hander Adam Serwinowski, who enters with a 7-2 record and a 5.10 ERA.

First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Saturday’s promotion will feature Harry Potter Night presented by Wyndham Rewards, followed by postgame base running for children courtesy of Raising Cane’s.