Latz Go! Bubba Thompson hit 1st Express HR in 2022

Baseball is officially back and officially counting now with the start of the Triple-A season. Fans were excited to welcome back their favorite team as 8,476 fans were in attendance for the Round Rock Express’ season opener. Left-hander Jake Latz started for the Express against right-hander Jesse Scholtens and the El Paso Chihuahuas, the Padres Triple-A affiliate.

We hate to be the bearer of bad news but the Express will not go 150-0 with their 13-1 loss tonight. You could say the Express hitters and relievers just didn’t have it tonight.

Latz, who made his MLB debut last season, might be one of the first call-ups if things go south with the pitching staff in Arlington. He pitched four innings giving up two earned runs on 5 hits, 1 walk and 5 strikeouts. Jake threw 66 pitches with 42 of those being strikes. With the gametime temperature being 92 degrees, he threw 20 pitches in the 1st inning alone just giving up 1 run. That probably took a early toll on him going into the rest of the night.

Jason Bahr was the first up out of the pen for the Express and didn’t have his best stuff. He went 1/3 of a inning giving up 6 runs, 5 earned on 3 hits and 3 walks. Yerry Rodriguez went 2/3 of a inning giving up 3 earned runs on 3 hits, 1 walk and 2 strikeouts.

In total, the Express used 7 pitchers and gave up 13 runs on 16 hits. They also issued 6 free passes.

At the plate

The lone run for the Express was from the bat of Bubba Thompson with his solo shot that traveled 408 feet. At this moment, he’s on track to hit 150 home runs.

Bubba Thompson, Josh Smith and Daniel Robert each made their Triple-A debuts this game.

Jake Latz (0-1, 4.50) took the loss. Scholtens (1-0, 0.00) earned the win.

What’s next?

Game 2 tomorrow: first pitch 7:05 PM Central.

Kohei Arihara is scheduled to take the mound for the Express. LHP Aaron Leasher for the Chihuahuas.

AJ Alexy is set to take the mound on Thursday.

With the loss the Express are 0-1 with 149 more games to go.