Round Rock, TX – (March 31, 2024) The Round Rock Express (2-1) secured a thrilling 8-6 victory over the Sugar Land Space Cowboys (1-2) in a nail-biting finish at Dell Diamond today. A nice starting performance and a fourth-inning offensive explosion propelled the Express to victory, despite a dramatic ninth-inning rally by the Space Cowboys.
Sampson Impresses
Adrian Sampson, making his first start of the 2024 campaign, turned in a stellar performance. He pitched five solid innings, allowing just three hits and two runs while walking one and striking out four. Sampson threw a total of 77 pitches, with 49 finding the strike zone, showcasing his efficiency and control.
Express Erupt in Fourth Inning
Leading 2-0 in the bottom of the fourth, the Express offense cashed in with a big rally. Back-to-back RBI doubles from Sandro Fabian and Elier Hernandez triggered the scoring. Sam Huff followed with a bases-clearing double, driving in three more runs and extending the lead to 8-2. Huff finished with a stellar performance, going 2-for-3 with a game-high 4 RBIs.
Bullpen holds on (mostly)
Following Sampson’s departure, the Express bullpen combined for three scoreless innings to preserve the lead. However, things got tense in the top of the ninth when Daniel Robert surrendered a walk, hit, wild pitch and another walk to load the bases. He was replaced by Jesus Tinoco.
Tinoco Escapes After Giving Up Grand Slam
Shay Whitcomb hit the second pitch Tinoco three for a grand slam making it 8-6.
Tinoco struck out the next batter and induced a game-ending groundout to secure the victory for the Express.
Looking Ahead
Just like the rangers series against the Cubs, the Express took two out of three games in the series. The Express now head on the road for a six-game series against the El Paso Chihuahuas starting on Tuesday. Then they’ll return to Dell Diamond for a six-game homestand against the Oklahoma City Dodgers.
