The Express took advantage of favorable wind conditions at Southwest University Park, launching four home runs to power their way to an 8-4 victory over the El Paso Chihuahuas on Tuesday night.
Left fielder Dustin Harris led the offensive charge with a pair of homers, one in the top of the first inning and another in the top of the fifth. Designated hitter Andrew Knapp and catcher Sam Huff also added solo home runs for the Express.
Harris got the Express off to a quick start with a two-run blast in the top of the first inning. His second blast came in the top of the 5th to make it 4-2. The Chihuahuas clawed their way back to tie the game at 4-4 in the bottom of the 5th, but the Express bats came alive again.
In the top of the sixth, Knapp launched his first home run, putting them ahead 5-4. Sam Huff followed suit in the top of the seventh with his first homer of the season, extending the lead to 6-4. Jax Biggers singled to score Blaine Crim and the Express led 7-4.
Andrew Knapp capped off the scoring with a sacrifice fly in the top of the ninth, plating the game’s final run.
Express starter Tim Brennan pitched into the fifth inning, allowing three runs on six hits and three walks. The bullpen took over from there, shutting down the Chihuahuas offense. Chasen Shreve (1-0) earned the win, tossing 2/3 of an inning and allowing one run on one hit. Jonathan Hernandez, Austin Pruitt, and Marc Church combined for four scoreless innings of relief, allowing just two hits and striking out three.
The Express will look to take a 2-0 series lead when they take on the Chihuahuas again tonight at 7:35 PM.
