Express Derailed In Omaha

OMAHA, Nebraska - The Round Rock Express (8-6) ran into a buzz saw Thursday night in Omaha as the Storm Chasers (7-7) pounded out 16 hits to route the E-Train 14-1 at Werner Park.

The difference in Thursday's contest came down to Omaha's propensity to capitalize on scoring opportunities and Round Rock's inability to generate much offensively.

The Express left 13 runners on base, going 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position, while the Storm Chasers were 7-for-20 with runners in scoring position.

Six Storm Chasers turned in multi-hit performances in the game, while seven collected RBI.

Brett Nicholas got Round Rock on the board with an RBI base hit in the first. Left fielder Bryan Petersen singled with one out in the inning, stole second, and came around to score on the Express catcher's two-out base knock two batters later.

Control evaded Express starting pitcher Michael Kirkman (0-1, 13.50 ERA) right from the get-go Thursday and the Storm Chasers made him pay. Kirkman issued four walks in the home half of the first and Omaha capitalized, adding three base hits to come away with a 4-1 advantage. Matt Fields drove home two in the inning, while Brian Fletcher and Melky Mesa added an RBI each.

Omaha plated four more runs with two outs in the third to up its total to eight and chase Kirkman from the contest. Jesus Flores highlighted the Storm Chasers' second big inning of the game with a two-run homer to deep left field. The home run was the catcher's first this year.

Kirkman allowed eight runs on seven hits in just 2.2 innings of work. The left-hander totaled five strikeouts and five walks to suffer his first loss.

Reliever Scott Richmond, who entered for Round Rock in the third, didn't fare much better against the Storm Chasers offense as he was tagged for four runs in the fifth. Third baseman Johnny Giavotella drove in two in the inning, while designated hitter Brian Fletcher delivered a two-run triple.

Center fielder Brett Eibner doubled home another run off Express reliever Lisalverto Bonilla in the sixth and the Storm Chasers added a final run in the eighth for good measure.

Omaha reliever Ramon Tronocoso (1-0, 1.93 ERA) tossed 2.2 hitless innings in relief of starting pitcher Sugar Ray Marimon to pick up his first win of the season.

Marimon permitted just one Round Rock run on five hits, while striking out seven and walking one, but failed to make it the five innings required to receive the decision.

Second baseman Kensuke Tanaka finished 2-4 for Round Rock in the loss, extending his hitting streak to seven games.

The Express will conclude its four-game series with the Storm Chasers Friday at Werner Park. RHP Justin Germano (0-1, 5.00 ERA) will take the ball for Round Rock against 41-year old RHP Brett Tomko (1-1, 3.27 ERA). First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. CDT. Listen to the game live on 104.9 The Horn or online at www.hornfm.com. For more information on the Express, visit www.RoundRockExpress.com or call (512) 255-2255. Keep up with the Express on Facebook and Twitter!