Express Dominate OKC with Home Run Derby

The sky was ablaze with fireworks, both during the Round Rock Express’ season opening game and the post-game pyro technique celebration.  The Express (2-0) amassed 13 hits, including fire home runs, to trounce the Oklahoma City Dodgers (0-2) by a score of 15-6. 

The Express’ offensive exhibition began in the first inning.  A pair of walks to Yonny Hernandez and Anderson Tejeda, followed by two stolen bases and dual thrown errors plated the first run.  Singles by Elier Hernandez and Jason Martin added two additional runs.  And a Curtis Terry home run to left field gave the Express a 5-0 lead. 

OKC added a pair of runs in the third, starting with a walk to Andy Burns followed by a Omar Estevez home run to left-center field.  An Express four-bagger by Jason Martin in the bottom of the same frame brought the score to 6-3. 

Round Rock’s lead grew in the next inning, starting with Yohel Pozo first career hit.  Pozo scored on Tejeda’s massive blast over the left-center field berm. 

Express starting pitcher Jason Bahr found trouble in the fifth inning, loading the bases on a single, a walk and a hit batter.  DJ Peters’ single scored the first run of the inning for the Dodgers.  A walk to Rangel Ravelo added a second run.  Joe Barlow replaced Bahr on the mound and retired the side. 

In the bottom of the inning, a walk and  wild pitch put the Express’ Elier Hernandez into scoring position.  Hernandez scored on a Carl Chester line drive to left field. 

The home run bonanza continued in the Express isixth inning.  Elier Hernandez blast to left field brought home three runs.  Curtis Terry’s double added another run, and Carl Chester homer run gave Round Rock a 15 to 6 lead. 

The Dodgers showed life in the final frame, producing two runs on a Luke Raley homer and sacrifice fly by Rangel Ravelo. 

Oklahoma City starting pitcher Yefry Ramirez (0-1) endured the loss, allowing 8 runs on 7 hits in 4 innings.  He struck out 5 and walked 2. 

Round Rock’s Jharel Cotton (1-0) was awarded the win, pitching 2 innings of scoreless baseball, allowing 1 hit and striking out 3.