The Round Rock Express defeated the Albuquerque Isotopes 6-5 on Friday night in walk-off fashion. Rafael Ortega hit a solo home run in the bottom of the 11th inning to give the Express the win.
The Express got out to an early lead, scoring two runs in the 2nd and adding one run in the 3rd and 4th. The Isotopes scored a run in the 3rd and put up three runs in the 7th to tie the game at 4-4 and send it to extras.
This win put the Express back into the win column after losing on Thursday. They improved to 16-8 on the season while the Isotopes fell to 12-13.
The Express’s walk-off victory was fueled by a strong performance from reliever Dominic Leone, who tossed two scoreless innings and struckout five (season-high).
Joe Barlow (2-0) earned the win for the Express.
Ortega finished the game with two hits, including the game-winning two-run home run. He also had two RBIs.
In addition to Ortega’s game-winning home run, the Express also got a strong performance from JP Martinez, who smashed his 3rd home run of the season. He finished the game going 2-for-4 with a HR and 2 RBI. JP Martinez extended his on-base streak to 20 games with this performance.
The Isotopes were led by Elehuris Montero and Nolan Jones, who each had three hits.
The Express will continue their series with the Isotopes on Saturday night. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM CT. Express RHP Cole Winn (1-2, 3.00) is slated to start against an Isotopes pitcher to be announced as of this writing.
