El Paso Claims Series Opener Over Round Rock in Extras

ROUND ROCK, Texas – The Round Rock Express (42-48) and El Paso Chihuahuas (37-52) played into the 10th inning on Thursday night with the visitors claiming a 7-5 victory at Dell Diamond. The contest marked just the third time this season, and second at home, that the E-Train has played past the ninth frame.

Round Rock RHP Ryder Ryan (1-5, 6.92) was tagged with the loss after allowing the game-winning runs to score in the 10th inning. Despite seeing the tying runs cross home, El Paso RHP Shaun Anderson (1-0, 3.86) earned the win while striking out three batters in 2.0 innings of relief.

El Paso gained an early 3-0 lead in the second inning. After LF Patrick Kivlehan reached base on a force out, a double from 3B Nick Tanielu put both runners in scoring position. DH Pedro Florim**ó**n sent his teammates home with a double of his own. Florimón found home plate himself as 2B Ivan Castillo flew out and SS Matthew Batten knocked an RBI single.

The Express’ first run of the night came in the bottom of the frame when 3B Sherten Apostel found first on a force out then scored as SS Ryan Dorow doubled to right-center field, trimming the Chihuahuas’ lead to 3-1.

The visitors increased their advantage to 5-1 in the third as RF Taylor Kohlwey hit a leadoff single before moving to second on an error then scoring as CF Jose Azocar singled. Kivlehan then sent a solo homer into left field.

Round Rock plated one run in both the third and fourth innings as CF Leody Taveras scored in the third after hitting a double, moving to third as 2B Nick Solak singled and scoring on a John Hicks sacrifice fly. Apostel came home in the fourth, making his way around the bases thanks to two singles, a walk and a groundout to cut the deficit to 5-3.

Express 1B Charles Leblanc tied the contest at five in the bottom of the eighth with a two-run shot to the right-field berm. The dinger scored Apostel, who had knocked a leadoff single, and eventually sent the game into extras.

El Paso started the top of the 10th with Florimón on second base. The designated hitter moved to third as Castillo flew out then scored on a passed ball. Batten then secured the win for the Chihuahuas with a solo home run.

Chihuahuas RHP Parker Markel retired the Express in order in the bottom of the 10th, earning the save and 7-5 win.

Round Rock and El Paso play for game two on Friday night at Dell Diamond. Express RHP A.J. Alexy (0-0, 2.79) is set to start up against Chihuahuas RHP Jesse Scholtens (3-7, 5.34). First pitch is slated for 7:05 p.m.

For more information about the Express, visit RRExpress.com or call (512) 255-2255. Subscribe to the E-Train email newsletter and keep up with the Express on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!