Storm Chasers Best Express in Rubber Match

The Omaha Storm Chasers (48-56) bested the Round Rock Express (59-43) by a score of 2-1 in the tightly fought contest. 

The Storm Chasers took a 1-0 lead in the third inning.   A single by Erick Mejia after a leadoff double by Samir Duenez produced the games first run. 

Omaha added to their lead in the next inning when a wild pitch by LaRue moved Jorge Bonifacio to second base, who then scored on a single by Kelvin Gutierrez single. 

Round Rock’s only offense came in the eighth inning, compliments of a line drive solo home run by Derek Fisher over the center field wall. 

Storm Chaser relief pitcher Arnaldo Hernandez earned the win, pitching 5 innings of shut-out ball, allowing just 1 hit.  Hernandez entered the game after the first inning, after Heath Fillmyer encountered some difficultly. 

Express starting pitcher Carson LaRue borne the loss, allowing 2 runs on 5 hits, striking out and walking 2 batters in six and one-third innings. 

The Express had their share of chances, missing scoring opportunities in the first, second, fifth and eighth innings.  Round Rock left 10 runners on base and went 0-7 with runners in scoring position. 

The only shortcoming for Omaha was at catcher, allowing stolen bases to Derek Fisher, Chas McCormick and Kyle Tucker, with one throwing error. 

The Express travel to Des Moines, Iowa where they will face a three games series against the Iowa Cubs.