RockHounds defeat Arkansas for Opening Day win

Midland scores 5 runs to top Travelers in season opener

Apr. 3, 2026 at 3:41am

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A fragmented, geometric painting in bold blues, greens, and reds depicts the action of a baseball game, with players and the field rendered as abstracted, angular shapes.An abstract, cubist-inspired illustration captures the dynamic energy of the RockHounds' season-opening victory over the Travelers.Midland Today

The Midland RockHounds kicked off the 2026 season with a 5-1 victory over the Arkansas Travelers at Momentum Bank Ballpark on Thursday night. Midland scored a run in each of the first two innings and then after Arkansas cut it to 2-1 in the top of the fourth, the RockHounds answered with three runs in the bottom of the inning.

Why it matters

The RockHounds are looking to build on a strong 2025 season and get off to a good start in their quest to return to the playoffs. Arkansas is also hoping to bounce back after a disappointing 2025 campaign.

The details

Brayan Buelvas hit a solo home run, Joshua Kuroda-Grauer had an RBI double and then later scored on a wild pitch for the 4-1 advantage. Buelvas was 2-for-4, while Shane McGuire was also 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored. Athletics' top prospect Leo De Vries walked twice and scored a run. Blaze Pontes got the win in relief of Midland starter Wei-En Lin, who allowed one run on three hits, two walks and struck out six over 3 1/3 innings.

  • The game was played on Thursday, April 3, 2026.
  • The teams play the second of a shortened three-game series at 7 p.m. Friday.

The players

Brayan Buelvas

A Midland RockHounds player who hit a solo home run and went 2-for-4 in the game.

Joshua Kuroda-Grauer

A Midland RockHounds player who had an RBI double and scored a run in the game.

Leo De Vries

An Athletics' top prospect who played for the Midland RockHounds, walked twice and scored a run in the game.

Blaze Pontes

The Midland RockHounds pitcher who got the win in relief.

Wei-En Lin

The Midland RockHounds starting pitcher who allowed one run on three hits, two walks and struck out six over 3 1/3 innings.

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What’s next

The teams play the second of a shortened three-game series at 7 p.m. Friday.

The takeaway

The RockHounds got off to a strong start to the 2026 season, scoring five runs to defeat the Arkansas Travelers. Key contributors included Brayan Buelvas, Joshua Kuroda-Grauer, and top prospect Leo De Vries. The win sets the RockHounds up well for the rest of the series and the season ahead.