Express Explode for 12-3 Victory Behind Trio of Long Balls

The Round Rock Express (32-34) showcased an explosive offense last night, defeating the El Paso Chihuahuas (34-32) with a commanding 12-3 performance, fueled by a barrage of home runs from Blaine Crim, Michael Helman, and Cody Freeman. The Express bats combined for a 10-hit attack, ensuring a decisive win at home.

The Express wasted no time asserting their dominance, plating four runs in the bottom of the first inning. With two outs, Blaine Crim launched his 12th home run of the season, a solo shot that ignited the scoring. Following a single by Kellen Strahm and a walk to Trevor Hauver, Michael Helman stepped up and crushed a three-run homer, giving Round Rock an early 4-0 lead. Crim’s blast marked his 54th career round-tripper with the Express, tying him for fifth in club history alongside Sam Huff and Davis Wendzel. He also became just the fourth player in the Pacific Coast League (PCL) this season to reach 50 RBIs.

El Paso briefly threatened in the fifth, cutting the deficit to one run after Clay Dungan’s three-run double made it 4-3. However, the Express quickly extinguished any hopes of a comeback. In the bottom of the sixth, Round Rock pushed across three more runs, with Tucker Barnhart drawing a bases-loaded hit-by-pitch and Alan Trejo singling up the middle to drive in two more, extending the lead to 7-3.

The night’s crescendo came in the eighth inning. After Trevor Hauver doubled and scored on a wild pitch, the Express loaded the bases. Cody Freeman then delivered the ultimate blow, blasting the club’s first grand slam of the year, sealing the 12-3 victory in spectacular fashion. Freeman’s grand slam also extended his impressive hitting streak to 13 consecutive games, the second-longest active streak in Triple-A, and he now boasts a 16-game on-base streak.

On the mound, Express starting pitcher Gerson Garabito threw three scoreless innings, yielding two hits and striking out three, though he received a no-decision. Relief pitcher Peyton Grey earned the win, pitching two hitless, scoreless innings. El Paso’s starting pitcher was tagged with the loss, surrendering four runs on three hits over five innings.