Express Earn Split in Series with 3-0 Win

Oklahoma City - The Oklahoma City RedHawks suffered their second shutout loss of the season Thursday, as the Round Rock Express won the series finale between the teams, 3-0, in front of 3,861 at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

The Express (15-12) earned a split in the four-game series with the win.

Oklahoma City (15-13) was last shutout 5-0 in the second game of the season April 4 in Round Rock.

Thursday also ended an eight-game homestand for Oklahoma City, as the RedHawks finished the stretch with a 3-5 record.

The first four hits for Round Rock were extra-base hits, as the Express took a 2-0 lead in the second inning.

Center fielder Jared Hoying homered to right field for the first run of the night. Catcher Chris Gimenez followed with a double, then scored on a double by left fielder Ryan Strausborger two batters later for a 2-0 lead.

Outfielder Robbie Grossman doubled on a line drive to left field with two outs in the bottom of the fifth. Outfielder Andy Simunic, who walked earlier in the inning, was out at home on the throw to preserve the two-run Round Rock lead.

The RedHawks loaded the bases with two outs in the bottom of the sixth inning, but Strausborger snagged a line drive by infielder Kiké Hernandez to end the inning.

In the bottom of the ninth inning, catcher Max Stassi hit into a fielder's choice and designated hitter Erik Castro singled to get runners on first and second for the RedHawks, but Simunic struck out to end the game.

The RedHawks pitching staff combined to strike out 12 Round Rock batters. RedHawks pitcher Nick Tropeano (1-2) was charged with the loss, allowing two runs on four hits, walking two and striking out four.

Round Rock starter Nick Tepesch (5-1) struck out six, walked two and allowed three hits over 5.0 innings in the win.

The RedHawks next travel to Omaha to open a four-game road series against the Storm Chasers at 7:05 p.m. Friday at Werner Park. Live coverage begins at 6:35 p.m. on AM 1340 "The Game," 1340thegame.com, or through the free iHeartRadio mobile app.