Omaha Blanks Round Rock 4-0 in Series Opener

ROUND ROCK, Texas - The Omaha Storm Chasers (58-78) blanked the Round Rock Express (82-55) 4-0 in their series opener on Friday night at Werner Park. Omaha starter LHP Jake Kalish (8-8, 5.16) held off the E-Train for 7.0 innings to fuel the shutout.
In the convincing win, Kalish tossed four hitless innings and surrendered only three hits in the following three frames. Round Rock RHP Rogelio Armenteros (6-7, 4.80) suffered the loss after allowing four runs on seven hits and two walks in a 6.0-inning start.
After a scoreless first inning, the Storm Chaser struck as DH Jecksson Flores singled in RF Jorge Bonifacio, who had worked a leadoff walk and advanced to second on an LF Elier Hernandez single.
Omaha later doubled their lead as 2B Erik Mejia accomplished a rare steal of home. Mejia led off the fourth inning with a single and advanced when Bonifacio was hit by a pitch. The runner quickly swiped third base and eventually home plate when 1B Erich Weiss struck out.
The next frame, rehabbing Kansas City Royals SS Adalberto Mondesi burned the E-Train with a two-run homer, scoring a leadoff single courtesy 3B Jimmy Govern to extend the Storm Chasers lead to 4-0.
In the final two innings, the Storm Chasers bullpen held down the fort to ensure Round Rock's shutout defeat.
Round Rock hopes to bounce back in tomorrow afternoon's game two. Express RHP Cristian Javier (0-0, 0.00) is slated to start while the Storm Chasers plan to counter with RHP Arnaldo Hernandez (4-8, 6.26). First pitch at Werner Park is scheduled for 2:05 p.m.
For more information on the Express, visit RRExpress.com or call (512) 255-2255. Keep up with the Express on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, and join the conversation during our historic 20th season using #20STROng.
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Round Rock Express Baseball, owned and operated by Ryan Sanders Baseball, LP, is the proud Triple-A Affiliate of the Houston Astros and a member of the Pacific Coast League