Express Earn Series Split with 3-2 Victory

ROUND ROCK, Texas - The Round Rock Express (36-29) salvaged a series split against the New Orleans Zephyrs (32-33) thanks to a 3-2 victory Thursday night at Dell Diamond. LHP Michael Roth (6-2, 3.02) earned the win after another dominant performance.

The lefty held New Orleans to just one run on three hits in seven impressive innings on the mound. Roth struck out three and walked three in the victorious effort. On the other side of the ledger, Zephyrs RHP Dylan Axelrod (4-3, 3.84) took the loss after allowing all three Express runs on a total of six hits in seven innings of work. The righty collected four strikeouts.

As has been the theme recently, New Orleans seized the first lead of the game. This time, it came in the fourth inning as 2B Austin Nola recorded a leadoff single before coming around to score on a double courtesy of LF Destin Hood. Following the two-bagger, Roth recovered to face just one over the minimum over the next four innings on the mound.

After recording just one base hit in the first five innings, the Round Rock offense showed signs of life in the sixth. LF James Jones sparked the rally with a one-out double before SS Hanser Alberto followed suit with a double of his own, sending Jones home in the process. A single off the bat of CF Jared Hoying allowed Alberto to scoot home, giving the Express their first advantage of the night at 2-1. DH Brett Nicholas was tasked with keeping the rally going as a pinch hitter for Joey Gallo, however Nicholas grounded into a unique 3-6-1 double play to end the frame.

Round Rock padded its lead in the very next inning as 1B Drew Robinson lined a red-hot triple into the deepest part of left field. An RBI double from 3B Pedro Ciriaco brought Robinson home, pushing the Express lead to 3-1. However, New Orleans would cut into the deficit in their first opportunity to do so as SS Robert Andino blasted a 1-0 offering from reliever RHP Francisco Mendoza onto the left field berm to narrow his team's deficit to 3-2.

RHP Anthony Carter then entered in the ninth, allowing a one-out single and a walk before a ground ball double play off the bat of C Adrian Nieto ended the contest for good.

The Express now hit the road for an eight-day, nine-game road trip that begins with a critical Southern Division clash against the Nashville Sounds. RHP Chris Smith (4-5, 4.36) is set to start for the Sounds in Friday's series opener while the Express starter has yet to be announced. Round Rock will return home on Saturday, June 25 to face the Colorado Springs Sky Sox.

Single game tickets are available along with season ticket packages and group discounts. For more information on the Express, visit www.RoundRockExpress.com or call (512) 255-2255. Keep up with the Express on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter!