Round Rock Drops Fourth Straight to Memphis, 4-1
April 8, 2018 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Round Rock Express News Release
ROUND ROCK, Texas - The Round Rock Express (0-4) temporarily changed their identity to the Round Rock Chupacabras as part of Minor League Baseball's Copa de la Diversión campaign on Sunday, but the results remained the same. The Memphis Redbirds (4-0) collected their fourth straight win over Round Rock, this time by a final of 4-1.
Chupacabras starter RHP Austin Bibens-Dirkx (0-1, 8.31) took the loss after allowing four runs on seven hits and two walks in 4.1 innings. On the winning side, Memphis RHP Jack Flahery (1-0, 1.29) was masterful, allowing just one run on five hits while striking out 11 Round Rock hitters.
For the second night in a row, the Chupacabras grabbed the first lead of the game. This time it was RF Michael O'Neill and 1B Hanser Alberto teaming up for back-to-back doubles in the bottom of the second inning, giving Round Rock an early 1-0 lead.
However, the Redbirds responded nearly immediately, plating a pair of runs in the top of the third. RF Randy Arozarena worked a two-out walk then promptly stole second base. CF Oscar Mercado followed up with an RBI single, then LF Tyler O'Neill continued his hot start to the season with an RBI single of his own, giving his team a 2-1 advantage.
Two innings later, O'Neill blasted this fourth two-run homer in the last three games. The shot to deep left-center field scored Mercado, who had singled in the previous at-bat.
RHP Connor Sadzeck, RHP Steve Delabar and RHP Jose Leclerc combined to throw 4.2 scoreless innings out of the Chupacabras bullpen, but the team's bats remained silent as Memphis went on to record the 4-1 victory.
The Round Rock Express return on Monday night to close out their five-game opening series against the Memphis Redbirds. Express RHP Tyler Wagner (0-0, 22.50) is scheduled to start against Redbirds RHP Daniel Poncedeleon (0-0, 0.00). First pitch at Dell Diamond is set for 7:05 p.m.
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