MIDLAND, TX — The Frisco RoughRiders pulled off a late-game escape act on Saturday night, riding a clutch eighth-inning rally and dominant bullpen work to a 2–1 comeback victory over the Midland RockHounds at Momentum Bank Ballpark.
With the win, Frisco (35–26) surged back into first place in the Texas League South Division, holding a slim half-game edge over both Midland (35–27) and San Antonio as the race for the first-half title tightens.
⚾ Early Duel: Bratt vs. Tur
Midland struck quickly in the opening frame, manufacturing a run on a safety squeeze from third baseman Colby Halter that scored the game’s first and only RockHounds run. Despite the early blemish, Frisco starter Mitch Bratt settled in, tossing six strong innings while allowing just that one run. He struck out five and walked only one, logging his fifth quality start of the year — tied for the most in the Texas League.
Meanwhile, Midland starter Yunior Tur, making his Double-A debut, was nearly untouchable. The right-hander held Frisco hitless through 5.2 innings, showcasing electric stuff in a memorable first outing at the next level.
🔄 Eighth-Inning Breakthrough
Frisco finally cracked the code in the top of the eighth. Jax Biggers drew a walk to break up the rhythm, and Frainyer Chavez followed with a clean single to left — the Riders’ first hit of the game. After a Marcus Smith sacrifice bunt moved both runners into scoring position, Tucker Mitchell delivered the decisive blow — a two-run double down the left field line off reliever Diego Berrera (0–1), flipping the score in Frisco’s favor.
🔒 Lockdown Bullpen Finishes the Job
The Riders’ bullpen slammed the door from there. Aidan Anderson (1–0) tossed two scoreless innings in relief, and Skylar Hales recorded a perfect ninth to notch his third save of the season.
Frisco’s bullpen has now surrendered just one run across 10.0 innings over the past two games, helping anchor a team surge at a crucial point in the schedule.
🧭 Playoff Picture Tightens
With only seven games remaining in the first half, Frisco controls its own destiny. They’ll head home next week for a pivotal six-game series against San Antonio, with the first-half division crown — and a postseason berth — on the line.
🗓️ Up Next
The RoughRiders will try to take the series on Sunday at 1:00 p.m., sending RHP Trey Supak (3–2, 5.10 ERA) to the mound against Midland’s RHP Kyle Robinson (1–1, 5.31 ERA).
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