Lopez Duo Sinks Round Rock in Game One of Doubleheader

PAPILLION, Nebraska - The Omaha Storm Chasers (44-54) opened Saturday's split doubleheader at Werner Park against the Round Rock Express (46-53) with a 4-1 victory. Omaha 2B Nicky Lopez and 3B Jack Lopez each hit a two-run homer to fuel the Storm Chasers win.
Both starting pitchers tallied complete games in the abbreviated seven-inning doubleheader contest. Omaha RHP Arnaldo Hernandez (1-0, 1.65) earned his first career Triple-A victory after holding Round Rock to a run on just two hits while striking out six in 7.0 strong innings. On the losing side, E-Train RHP Tyler Wagner (1-4, 4.78) allowed four runs on six hits and two walks while tallying a strikeout in 6.0 frames.
The Express took a brief lead in the top of the second inning as 3B Andy Ibáñez connected for a leadoff homer that opened the scoring on the afternoon.
Omaha responded an inning later as Nicky Lopez worked a two-out walk prior to a booming Jack Lopez home run that gave the Storm Chasers the lead at 2-1. In the fifth, CF Donnie Dewees tallied a one-out triple before Nicky Lopez stepped to the plate and hit a two-run homer of his own that extended the gap to 4-1.
A leadoff Juan Centeno single in the fifth inning represented Round Rock's only other baserunner of the afternoon.
The Express and Storm Chasers transform into the Chupacabras and Cazadores de Tormentas as part of Minor League Baseball's Copa de la Diversion campaign for the second game of today's doubleheader at Werner Park. Chupacabras RHP Deolis Guerra (2-2, 5.27) is scheduled to get the start against Cazadores de Tormentas RHP Michael Mariot (1-1, 4.05). First pitch in the nightcap is set for 7:05 p.m.
For more information on the Express, visit RoundRockExpress.com or call (512) 255-2255. Keep up with the Express on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter!