Round Rock Express Even Series with 6-4 Victory over Omaha Storm Chasers

OMAHA, Nebraska - The Round Rock Express (5-1) got back on the winning track Tuesday afternoon, defeating the Omaha Storm Chasers (3-3) by a final score of 6-4 to even the series between the two American Conference foes. E-Train RHP Nick Martinez (1-0) picked up his first win of the young season after allowing just two earned runs on six hits in six innings of work with two strikeouts.

Omaha's RHP Miguel Almonte (0-2) started strong but was the victim of a pair of errors that resulted in three unearned runs for the Express. He took the loss despite allowing just one hit and no earned runs in 4.2 innings of work. The 23-year-old racked up seven strikeouts to go against just two walks.

Much like last night's 5-2 defeat at the hands of the Storm Chasers, the Express struggled to put runners on board early. A first inning error by Omaha's Almonte that allowed DH Jurickson Profar to reach safely and a third inning single off the bat of LF James Jones represented the only baserunners for the E-Train through the first four frames.

For the second straight contest, Omaha grabbed an early lead, this time thanks to a second inning solo home run from 1B Jose Martinez. The Storm Chasers doubled their lead in the third after singles by C Parker Morin, SS Dusty Coleman and RF Jarrod Dyson. Martinez was then able to induce a pair of ground ball outs, eliminating the Omaha threat.

A bizarre turn of events in the fifth inning allowed the Express to score three runs, all unearned, on just one base hit. RF Ryan Strausborger drew a one-out walk. SS Doug Bernier was able to reach safely after a hard-hit ground ball escaped the glove of Coleman, who was charged with an error that allowed Strausborger to advance to third.

In the next at-bat, C Patrick Cantwell slapped a grounder to Omaha 3B Chelsor Cuthbert, who misplayed the ball, allowing Cantwell to reach safely. Strausborger scored and Bernier advanced to second on the play. Jones then worked a walk on a full count, loading the bases for Profar. The speedy designated hitter didn't see a single decent offering as Almonte walked Profar on four straight pitches, scoring a run for the visitors and tying the game at two.

A sacrifice fly from current Pacific Coast League RBI-leader CF Jared Hoying gave Round Rock their first lead of the series and chased Almonte from the game. Omaha LHP Brian Flynn got 3B Joey Gallo to fly out to center field, but the damage was done. As a team, Omaha finished with four errors on the day.

The Express picked up two key insurance runs in the sixth as 1B Patrick Kivlehan walked before scoring on a double from Strausborger. A Bernier double in the very next at-bat scored Strausborger, bumping the Express lead to 5-2.

Omaha attempted to rally in the seventh off E-Train RHP Luke Jackson, who allowed a long ball to leadoff hitter LF Jorge Bonifacio. A double off the bat of Morin and a sac bunt from Coleman resulted in a runner at third with one out, but Jackson turned on a dime, striking out Dyson and Merrifield to neutralize the threat.

The Storm Chasers again tried to rally in the eighth, again with a solo home run. After defensive replacement 3B Clint Barmes took RHP Chad Smith deep to cut his team's deficit to one, DH Balbino Fuenmayor and Bonifacio picked up two-out singles. However, Smith slammed the door on the comeback attempt with a big strikeout of Morin.

The Express added another insurance run in the ninth thanks to a Kivlehan double that scored Gallo. Both Kivlehan and Gallo finished the day 2-5 with a run scored. Jones was the only other Round Rock batter with multiple hits, as he finished the day 2-4 with a walk.

RHP Francisco Mendoza entered in the ninth inning, striking out the side to collect his second save of the season and put a bow on the 6-4 victory.

The E-Train will look to clinch at least a series split tomorrow evening at 6:35 p.m. with Round Rock LHP Cesar Ramos set to take the mound against Omaha's LHP John Lannan. 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!