Comets Erase Early Deficit, Soar Past Express in Series Opener

The Oklahoma City Comets displayed resilience Tuesday night at Dell Diamond, rallying from a three-run deficit to claim an 8-5 victory over the Round Rock Express in the first game of their series. A decisive six-run outburst in the top of the third inning propelled the Comets to the win.

The Express jumped out to an early lead in the bottom of the second. Catcher Cooper Johnson celebrated his Dell Diamond debut in style, launching his first Triple-A home run after right fielder Kellen Strahm drew a leadoff walk. Shortstop Jonathan Ornelas then doubled, and third baseman Alex De Goti followed with a single to left field, extending Round Rock’s advantage to 3-0.

However, the Comets responded emphatically in the very next frame. A leadoff walk and a double set the stage for designated hitter Dalton Rushing, who blasted a three-run homer to tie the score. The momentum continued as right fielder Ryan Ward followed with a solo shot to centerfield, giving Oklahoma City their first lead. First baseman Michael Chavis singled, and catcher Hunter Feduccia doubled, allowing center fielder Esteury Ruiz to drive in both with a double, pushing the Comets ahead 6-3.

Round Rock designated hitter Justin Foscue answered in the bottom of the third with his sixth home run of the season, narrowing the gap to 6-4. But the Comets added insurance runs in the fourth. After loading the bases, left fielder Nick Senzel singled to right, scoring Rushing. Third baseman Kody Hoese then grounded into a force out, allowing Ward to cross the plate and extend the Comets’ lead to 8-4.

In the bottom of the ninth, Express first baseman Blaine Crim hit his 50th career home run with the team, but it was too little, too late. Oklahoma City reliever Ryan Sublette earned the win, while Round Rock starter Gerson Garabito was tagged with the loss. The Express offense struggled after the second inning, managing just three hits over the final six frames.