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MLB

Round Rock Express Can't Solve Omaha Storm Chasers in First Defeat of Season

Omaha RHP Brooks Pounders Deals, Round Rock Falls 5-2
By Andrew Felts
April 11, 2016

OMAHA, Nebraska - The Omaha Storm Chasers (3-2) quieted a red-hot Round Rock Express (4-1) offense tonight, handing the E-Train their first loss of the season in a 5-2 decision. Storm Chasers RHP Brooks Pounders dealt from his perch atop the mound, striking out eight batters in 5.1 innings of shutout baseball, collecting the win.

Express RHP Chi Chi Gonzalez took the loss after allowing three earned runs on six hits while walking one and striking out two.

For the first time this season, the Express leadoff hitter failed to reach base as SS James Jones struck out to begin the game, setting off a 1-2-3 first inning for Pounders. A second inning single from 1B Patrick Kivlehan represented the only Round Rock baserunner in the first four frames of the contest.

Omaha took a page right out of the Round Rock playbook, scoring in the first inning to grab an early lead. CF Brett Eibner drew a one-out walk before advancing to second on a groundout off the bat of 3B Chelsor Cuthbert. Eibner then took third after a pickoff attempt at second base went awry. A single by LF Jose Martinez scored Eibner, putting the Storm Chasers up 1-0.

The home team would add to its lead in the second inning thanks to three straight base hits to open the frame. RF Jorge Bonifacio tripled before singles from DH Travis Snider and C Tony Cruz increased the Omaha advantage to 3-0.

The Express threatened in the fifth, loading the bases thanks to back-to-back singles from DH Pedro Ciriaco and C Patrick Cantwell before RF Ryan Strausborger was hit with a pitch. However strikeouts from 2B Drew Robinson and Jones promptly ended the threat.

CF Jared Hoying put the Express on the board in the sixth inning with a solo home run to center. 3B Joey Gallo then drew a one-out walk, but a 6-4-3 double play cut the rally short. Omaha added to their lead in the next frame with a two-run home run off the bat of 2B Whit Merrifield. RHP Jesus Pirela was tagged with an earned run in the frame. He finished the game allowing two runs on one hit with a pair of strikeouts in two innings of work. RHP Francisco Mendoza pitched a scoreless eighth inning, allowing just one hit while striking out Martinez.

The E-Train continue their series with the Storm Chasers tomorrow morning at 11:05 a.m. with Round Rock RHP Nick Martinez set to take the mound against Omaha's RHP Miguel Almonte. Following the four-game set, the Express will return to Dell Diamond for Opening Day festivities. The home opener on Friday, April 15 will include a ceremonial first pitch from Texas Governor Greg Abbott, a schedule magnet giveaway, postgame Bud Light Friday Fireworks and much more.

Single game tickets are on sale now. For more information on the Express, visit www.RoundRockExpress.com or call (512) 255-2255. Keep up with the Express on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!