Missions Take back Texas League South Lead after 2-1 win over the Riders

Heath Criswell

20 Jun 2025 — 4 min read

The Frisco RoughRiders fell 2-1 to the San Antonio Missions on Friday night at Nelson Wolff Stadium. The defeat drops Frisco (37-29) a half-game behind both the Missions and Midland RockHounds with just two games left in the first half, turning up the heat in a playoff race with a postseason feel.

Davalillo’s Double-A Debut

RHP David Davalillo took the mound for his Double-A debut, delivering a gritty effort against the Missions lineup. His final line: 4.2 IP, 2 R, 4 H, 2 BB, 3 SO, 75 pitches (46 strikes), and 6 swinging misses. Though San Antonio scratched out two runs, Davalillo kept Frisco in the game, setting the stage for a tense finish.

Bullpen Holds Firm

Frisco’s bullpen kept the Missions’ bats quiet. RHP Ryan Lobus tossed 1.1 innings, allowing 1 hit with 2 strikeouts on 20 pitches (15 strikes). LHP Larson Kindreich worked a clean inning, fanning 1 on 12 pitches (9 strikes). RHP Gerardo Carrillo closed out the eighth, walking 1 but striking out 2 on 16 pitches (10 strikes). Despite their efforts, Frisco’s offense couldn’t capitalize.

Late Rally Falls Short

With the heart of the order due up in the ninth, Frisco mounted a final stand. Sebastian Walcott struck out swinging on three pitches, and Josh Hatcher grounded out. Luis Mieses, pinch-hitting for Marcus Smith, kept hope alive with a single and stole second for his first stolen base of the season. But Abimelec Ortiz was called out on strikes, ending the game and silencing the RoughRiders’ faithful.

Tempers Flare in the Seventh

Tensions boiled over in the seventh when SS Keyber Rodriguez was called out at home. Rodriguez slammed his helmet with both hands, earning an immediate ejection. Manager Carlos Cardoza charged to home plate to argue the call and was promptly tossed, adding fire to an already electric atmosphere.

Missions’ Baez Shines

San Antonio’s RHP Henry Baez (2-2) earned the win, dominating with 5.2 scoreless innings, allowing just 2 hits and striking out 10. His performance outdueled Frisco’s pitching, handing the Missions the crucial victory.

Path to the First-Half Crown

With Midland’s 2-0 win over the Tulsa Drillers, Frisco now faces a must-win scenario. The RoughRiders need to sweep their final two games against the Missions, starting Saturday at 7:05 p.m. at Nelson Wolff Stadium, while Midland must drop at least one of their last two to secure the first-half title.

Rangers Farm System Roundup

Across the Rangers’ minor league affiliates, prospects and veterans made waves:

Round Rock Express (34-39): Crushed the Oklahoma City Comets (44-29) 13-4. Bobby McKinney led the way, going 3-for-4 with 2 HR, 6 RBI, and a walk. C Cooper Johnson also had a 3-hit game, while Cody Freeman went 2-for-5 with an RBI. Dustin Harris, Kellen Strahm, and Blaine Crim each stole a base. LHP Ty Blach (2-0, 4.28 ERA) earned the win with 5 IP, 4 R, 9 H, 2 SO, and 91 pitches (64 strikes). The bullpen tossed 4 scoreless innings, allowing 3 hits, 1 walk, and 7 SO: Joe Barlow (2 IP, 2 H, 3 SO), Robby Ahlstrom (1 IP, 1 BB, 2 SO), and Codi Heuer (1 IP, 2 SO).
Hub City Spartanburgers (31-35): Fell 12-5 to the Bowling Green Hot Rods, despite 11 hits. Keith Jones II (9th HR) and Gleider Figuereo (11th HR) went deep. Dylan Dreiling went 2-for-5 with a run, Casey Cook 2-for-4 with 2 runs, and Luis Marquez 2-for-4 with an RBI. RHP Kolton Curtis (6.37 ERA) started: 4 IP, 5 R, 4 H, 3 BB, 5 SO, WP, 69 pitches (37 strikes). RHP D.J. McCarty (0-3, 6.53 ERA) took the loss: 2.2 IP, 5 R, 5 H, 2 BB, 2 SO, HBP.
Hickory Crawdads (34-32): Rolled to an 11-3 win over Delmarva at LP Frans Stadium. Yeremy Cabrera and Pablo Guerrero each had 3 hits, with Guerrero doubling and Marcos Torres delivering a 2-run triple (1-for-4, 3rd HR). Esteban Mejia added a 2-run double and a single. Maxton Martin tripled to spark a 4-run third. RHP Garrett Horn debuted with 3 IP, facing one over the minimum and striking out 5. Erick Alvarez drove in a run via sac fly.
ACL Rangers (20-15): Edged the ACL Mariners 10-9. C Malcolm Moore went 1-for-4 with a HR and 4 RBI. Rashawn Pinder went 2-for-3 with a HR and 4 RBI. RHP Jesus Delgado (1-1, 3.72 ERA) earned the win: 2.2 IP, 1 H, 2 BB, 3 SO.
DSL Rangers Blue (3-10): Beat the DSL Twins 9-4. C Carlos Torres (.302) went 2-for-5 with 3 RBI. Joaquin Arias Jr (.227) drove in 2 runs without a hit (0-for-2, 2 RBI, 2 BB, 1 SB, 1 run) via a groundout and sac fly. RHP Albert Cordero (1-0, 4.50 ERA) earned the win: 3.1 IP, 2 R, 2 H, 1 BB, 5 SO. RHP Diego Lanzosa fanned all 5 outs in 1.2 IP, with 3 BB; he has 16 SO in 8.2 IP this season.
DSL Rangers Red (9-4): Outlasted the DSL Cardinals 18-10 in 10 innings, scoring 8 runs in the 10th. OF Marco Argudin went 2-for-5 with a grand slam and 5 RBI. RHP Noel Ulloa earned the win: 2 IP, 2 H, 1 BB, 5 SO.