Bonifacio's Blasts Not Enough, Express Top Chasers 8-7

Storm Chasers right fielder Jorge Bonifacio blasted two of Omaha's four home runs, however Round Rock left fielder Kyle Tucker and designated hitter Yordan Alvarez each mashed three hits as the Express halted a late charge for an 8-7 win on Friday night at Werner Park.

There were early fireworks, with the two teams combining for nine runs through the first two innings, including Omaha DH Cheslor Cuthbert 's three-run homer in the opening frame. Bonifacio's first big fly, a solo shot in the third, tied the game at 5-5 prior to Tucker and 1B AJ Reed mashing back-to-back homers in the fifth to propel the Express ahead 7-5.
After Round Rock added what turned out to be a crucial insurance run in the eighth, Bonifacio bashed a titanic two-run shot to left in the bottom of the ninth to narrow the margin to one. Round Rock reliever Cy Sneed (5.1 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K), however, was able to hold off the Storm Chasers and earn the victory, firing the final 5.1 frames. Omaha reliever Zach Lovvorn (5.0 IP, 9 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 3 K) suffered the defeat.
In addition to Tucker and Alvarez, SS Myles Straw (2-2, 3 R, 3 BB), RF Drew Ferguson (2-3, R) and C Garrett Stubbs (2-2, 2B, RBI) adding multi-hit efforts for the Express. Bonifacio (3-4, 3 R, 2 HR, 3 RBI, BB) paced all Storm Chasers batters with his three knocks, with SS Nicky Lopez (2-4, 2 R, 2 2B, BB) and C Nick Dini (2-3, R, HR, RBI, BB) collected two hits apiece as well.
Omaha heads to Iowa to begin a nine-game road trip starting with the I-Cubs on Saturday evening. First pitch is scheduled for 7:08pm CT. LHP Foster Griffin (2-1, 3.62) is anticipated to get the nod for the Storm Chasers, while Iowa is slated to send RHP Colin Rea (3-0, 2.97) to the hill.
Following their road swing, Omaha returns to Werner Park on Tuesday, May 21 to begin a nine-game homestand. First pitch of the series opener versus the Iowa Cubs that evening is set for 6:35pm CT.
Tickets for that game and all remaining Storm Chasers home contests can be purchased online at www.omahastormchasers.com, or by calling the Werner Park Ticket Office from noon until 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday at (402) 738-5100.