RoughRiders Battle Missions in Pivotal First Half Series

The Frisco RoughRiders roll into Nelson Wolff Stadium to face the San Antonio Missions, the Padres’ Double-A affiliate, in a six-game series that could decide the Texas League South Division’s first-half crown. With a 36-26 record, Frisco holds a slim 1.5-game lead over the Missions (35-28) and Midland RockHounds, making every pitch critical. The RoughRiders’ magic number is five, and a 4-2 series could clinch a postseason berth.

Head-to-Head History and Team Stats

This is the second clash between these clubs this season, with their earlier series splitting 3-3. Frisco’s bats bring more pop, launching 55 home runs to San Antonio’s 45, and edge out the Missions in OPS (.700 vs. .694). Walks are nearly even, with Frisco drawing 239 and San Antonio 234. However, the Missions’ pitching staff shines with a 3.90 ERA compared to Frisco’s 4.29, and a tighter WHIP (1.28 vs. 1.33).

Pitching Reinforcement: Davalillo’s Arrival

Frisco’s rotation gets a spark with RHP David Davalillo’s promotion from the High-A Hub City Spartanburgers. The ace posted a 2.12 ERA in High-A and starts at Double-A with a clean 0.00 ERA slate. He bolsters a staff featuring LHP Kohl Drake (3-3, 3.19 ERA), LHP Mitch Bratt (4-1, 2.18 ERA), RHP Josh Stephan (4-2, 5.44 ERA), and tonight’s starter, RHP Ben Anderson (3-3, 4.10 ERA).

Prospects to Watch: Walcott, Zavala, and More

The RoughRiders have eight of the Texas Rangers’ top 30 prospects: INF Sebastian Walcott (No. 1), RHP Winston Santos (No. 4, IL), LHP Kohl Drake (No. 12), 1B/OF Abimelec Ortiz (No. 13), INF Cam Cauley (No. 19), LHP Mitch Bratt (No. 21), RHP Josh Stephan (No. 22), and RHP David Davalillo (No. 28). Walcott’s dynamic play is must-see, while OF Aaron Zavala is red-hot, leading the Texas League in walks (42) and walk rate (18.8%) and ranking third in OBP (.408).

Frisco’s Rotation

Frisco’s pitching schedule is locked in:

• Tonight: RHP Ben Anderson (3-3, 4.10 ERA)
• Wednesday, 6/18: LHP Kohl Drake (3-3, 3.19 ERA)
• Thursday, 6/19: RHP Josh Stephan (4-2, 5.44 ERA)
• Friday, 6/20: RHP David Davalillo (0-0, -.-- ERA)
• Saturday, 6/21: LHP Mitch Bratt (4-1, 2.18 ERA)

Series Outlook: Path to the Postseason

The RoughRiders lead by 1.5 games with 6 games to play in the first half. A run of five wins in six games would lock up the first-half title, but a 4-2 series keeps the RoughRiders in pole position. With prospects like Walcott, Bratt, Drake and Davalillo, leading the way, Frisco aims to punch their postseason ticket in this series.