Dodgers Knock Express Off the Tracks
Round Rock, Texas - The Oklahoma City Dodgers built a five-run lead behind a key home run by Max Muncy and a strong start by Eddie Gamboa before having to hold off a late rally by the Round Rock Express in a 6-5 win Friday night at Dell Diamond. The Express (63-72)
Round Rock, Texas - The Oklahoma City Dodgers built a five-run lead behind a key home run by
The Express (63-72) opened the scoring in the bottom of the second inning. With runners at first and second base and one out,
Muncy put the Dodgers in front in the fourth inning. With two runners on and facing a 0-2 count, he hit an opposite field home run out to left field, and his three-run shot gave OKC a 3-1 advantage. His 11th home run of the season also extended his current hitting streak to a career-best 13 games.
The Dodgers (72-66) added to the lead in the sixth inning, but not before there was some controversy. With runners at second and third base,
Manager Bill Haselman protested the call and was subsequently ejected.
The Dodgers did end up scoring a run later in the sixth.
In the seventh,
The Dodgers were seemingly in command of the game in the eighth inning, still leading by five. But the Express rallied and plated four runs. Each of the first five batters reached base on two hits and three walks, including a two-run double by former OKC Dodger
With the bases loaded and none out, reliever
Torres came up next and lined a single to center field.
There wasn't nearly as much drama in the ninth inning, as Floro remained the game and retired the side in order, picking up his second save of the season.
Gamboa delivered six strong innings to earn the win. He allowed only one unearned run and five hits, with no walks and four strikeouts. After giving up three hits through the first five batters he faced, Gamboa retired 15 of the final 17 batters he faced. He was efficient as well, using just 73 pitches over six frames.
Round Rock starting pitcher
Farmer and
Rios added two hits and reached base four times. Muncy drew two walks in addition to his home run.
With the win, the Dodgers improved to 4-1 at Dell Diamond this season and 11-2 in Round Rock over the past two seasons.
The Dodgers continue their series against the Express at 7:05 p.m. Saturday at Dell Diamond. Live game coverage begins at 6:50 p.m. on AM 1340 "The Game," 1340thegame.com, or through the free iHeartRadio mobile app.