Express Steals Walk-Off Win in Thrilling Home Opener

A fresh-faced Round Rock Express squad, featuring five new position players, delighted home fans last night with a dramatic 6-5 walk-off victory over the Reno Aces to kick off their six-game series. The revamped roster quickly gelled, providing a promising start to the homestand.

The Express drew first blood in the second inning when Richie Martin singled, advanced on a wild pitch, and then scored on an RBI single from Alex De Goti. However, the Aces quickly responded in the third, with Jorge Barrosa and Blaze Alexander scoring on a Tristan English double, giving Reno a 2-1 lead.

Round Rock exploded for four runs in the bottom of the third to regain control. Kellen Strahm singled home Marcus Smith, who had doubled. Strahm then scored on a Cooper Johnson home run, pushing the lead to 4-2. De Goti capped the scoring with an RBI single that brought in Billy McKinney, giving the Express a 5-2 advantage.

Reno clawed back, adding a run in the fourth on an Andy Weber score. The Aces then tied the game at five apiece in the eighth as Weber and Cristian Pache crossed the plate.

The stage was set for a dramatic finish, and Kellen Strahm delivered. In the bottom of the ninth, Strahm hit a walk-off single that scored Dustin Harris, who had led off with a walk and advanced to second on a Cody Freeman single, securing the 6-5 victory for Round Rock.

Express starting pitcher Ty Blach went five innings, allowing three runs (two earned) on seven hits, earning a no-decision. Relief pitcher Codi Heuer picked up the win, surrendering just one hit in 1.1 innings. For Reno, starter Cristian Mena lasted 4.2 innings, giving up five runs on eight hits, also receiving a no-decision. Kyle Backhus took the loss for the Aces.

Kellen Strahm was the offensive star of the night, going an impressive 4-for-5 with two RBIs and a run scored. Reno’s Tristan English also had a strong outing, going 4-for-5 with two RBIs.