Express Topple Chasers 9-7

Storm Chasers center fielder Bubba Starling and second baseman Nicky Lopez combined to collect seven hits while driving in six runs, including a homer from Lopez, while Express shortstop Alex De Goti tallied three knocks in Round Rock's 9-7 win over Omaha on Wednesday evening at Werner Park.

Starling (4-5, 3 RBI) raised his team-best batting average to .371 with a four-hit effort, which including a trio of RBI singles, and has recorded at least one hit in 12 of his last 16 games. Lopez, meanwhile, reached base in all five plate appearances and drove in three runs, including a two-run home run in the first inning as part of a three-run first frame. In addition to Starling and Lopez, DH Humberto Arteaga (2-4, R) also posted a multi-hit effort with two knocks.
Lopez has also fared well over his last 11 contests, accumulating a .472 average (17-36), adding eight runs, one double, one triple, one homer and four RBI. He has recorded at least one hit in nine of those 11 matchups, totaling 11 walks compared to just one strikeout, as well as six steals.
De Goti (4-5, 2 R, 2 2B, RBI, BB) good Lopez in reaching base five times, which including a pair of two-baggers. Four other Express hitters tallied multi-hit efforts, including CF Derek Fisher (2-4, R, 3 RBI, BB) and LF Yordan Alvarez (2-5, R, HR, 2 RBI). It was Alvarez who capped Round Rock's four-run sixth inning with a two-run blast to help the Express move ahead for good.
Round Rock reliever Dean Deetz (3.0 IP, 2 H, R, ER, BB, 4 K) earned the victory, with Raymin Guduan (2.0 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, BB, K) adding a hold and Kent Emanuel (2.0 IP, 2 H, BB, K) notching a two-inning save. Omaha starter Scott Blewett (5.1 IP, 11 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 3 BB, K) suffered the loss.
The two teams are set to continue their four-game set on Thursday evening, with first pitch scheduled for 6:35pm CT. RHP Josh Staumont (0-1, 3.00) is anticipated to get the nod for the Storm Chasers, while RHP Brady Rodgers (3-0, 2.75) is slated to toe the rubber for the Express.
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.