Hairy Men top Generals in Home Opener

Baseball returned to Dell Diamond, but not in the way we were accustomed. 

The cancellation of the Minor League Baseball season forced the Round Rock Express to turn to other forms of excitement.  The Express front office pondered ways to entertain baseball fans during the COVID-19 impacted season.  Thus, was borne the Round Rock Hairy Men of the Texas Collegiate League (TCL). 

The legend of the Hairy Man has its roots with the early settlers venturing west.   Legend has it that a young boy became separated from his family while passing through Round Rock.  The young boy grew up to become an unkept hermit that tormented travelers along the banks of Brushy Creek.  Hence legend of the Hairy Man. 

Ten teams make up the TCL, playing a 30-game season.  Tuesday was the first of 15 home games hosted in Dell Diamond.  Players are from the college ranks with one years’ experience and one year of remaining eligibility. 

College baseball is known for its lack of predictability, and the excitement that brings.  Tuesday’s game was a classic in that regard. 

The Hairy Men defeated the Victoria Generals in a game that should have been played on July 4th, for all of its fireworks.  The Hairy Men put up 19 runs to 3 runs by the Generals.  The first two innings took nearly 90 minutes to complete, which might be some kind of record.  Another record could be the six Round Rock batters hit by Victoria pitchers. 

The Round Rock offensive effort was led by Ryan Hernandez with 4 RBIs on 3 hits, including a home run, in 5 at-bats. Ethan Ruiz also notched 4 RBIs on 2 hits in 3 at-bats.  Catcher Cody Vannoy tallied 3 RBIs on 3 hits in 5 at-bats. 

Zach Heaton earned the victory for the Hairy Men, allowing 1 run on 3 hits in 3 innings.  Alex Cruz suffered the loss for the Generals, giving up 5 runs on 2 hits in 1 inning.