STWF Sports | CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas | May 3, 2026 — The Frisco RoughRiders closed out their six-game road set with a back-and-forth battle Sunday afternoon but ultimately fell 7-5 to the Corpus Christi Hooks at Whataburger Field, settling for a series split.
Frisco (14-13) wasted no time continuing one of its defining early-season trends — fast starts. In the top of the first inning, Keith Jones II delivered a three-run home run, his fourth of the season, to stake the RoughRiders to a 3-0 lead. The blast extended Frisco’s reputation as one of the most dangerous first-inning offenses in Double-A baseball.
Frisco Roughriders: A Powerhouse in Double-A Baseball
Corpus Christi (13-14), however, responded immediately.
Taking advantage of defensive miscues, the Hooks plated two unearned runs in the bottom half of the first against right-hander David Davalillo. While the early damage was partially aided by errors, it set the tone for a game in which momentum would frequently shift.
Davalillo, who entered the start looking to build on a strong previous outing, showed flashes of effectiveness but ultimately struggled to contain Corpus Christi’s lineup. Over four innings, he allowed six runs — four earned — while striking out eight and issuing two walks. His ability to miss bats remained evident, but timely hits by the Hooks proved costly.
Frisco regained control in the fourth inning behind another display of power. Marcus Lee Sang launched a two-run home run to extend the lead to 5-2, continuing the RoughRiders’ season-long surge in extra-base production. The blast marked another example of the lineup’s depth, as multiple hitters have consistently contributed throughout the early portion of the season.
But once again, the Hooks had an answer.
In the bottom of the fourth, Corpus Christi turned the game decisively in its favor. The inning featured a four-run rally highlighted by a three-run double from Yamal Encarnacion, which flipped a 5-2 deficit into a 6-5 lead. The sequence underscored the Hooks’ ability to capitalize on opportunities and deliver in key moments.
Corpus Christi added an insurance run in the fifth inning when Tommy Sacco Jr. connected for his second home run of the game, pushing the lead to 7-5. The additional cushion proved important as Frisco’s offense, despite early success, was unable to generate further runs down the stretch.
The RoughRiders’ bullpen provided stability in the latter innings. Bryan Magdaleno delivered two scoreless frames, while Ryan Lobus added a clean inning of relief to keep the game within reach. Their efforts gave Frisco an opportunity to mount a late comeback, but the offense was unable to break through against the Hooks’ bullpen.
Reliever Alex Santos II earned the win for Corpus Christi after tossing 1.1 innings, while Railin Perez secured the save with a scoreless ninth inning to close out the victory.
Despite the loss, Frisco’s offensive production remained a notable storyline. The RoughRiders have now hit 39 home runs through 27 games, the most in franchise history at that point in a season since 2005. The power output has been a cornerstone of the team’s identity and continues to keep Frisco competitive even in challenging stretches.
The series finale loss resulted in a 3-3 split between the two clubs, reflecting the competitive nature of the matchup. Both teams demonstrated resilience throughout the series, trading momentum and showcasing the depth of talent within their respective organizations.
For the RoughRiders, the road trip concludes with a balanced outcome but also clear takeaways. The offense remains among the most potent in the league, while consistency on the mound and in the field will be key areas of focus moving forward.
As Frisco returns home, the objective will be to build on its strengths while tightening execution in critical moments. Sunday’s contest served as a reminder that in a league where games often hinge on a few key plays, sustaining momentum is just as important as creating it.
