Dodgers Win Series Opener Over Express, 2-1

After holding the Round Rock hitless through five innings, the Oklahoma City Dodgers tallied two early runs as they beat the Express 2-1 on Tuesday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. 

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The Dodgers (38-32) scored two runs in the first inning and held the Express to just one run in the seventh inning to take the first of a four-game series between the teams.

Logan Bawcom made a spot start for the Dodgers and pitched four scoreless and hitless innings to propel Oklahoma City’s pitching staff in front of a crowd of 3,138. He issued three walks and recorded one strikeout.

Grant Dayton (2-2) pitched a 1-2-3 fifth inning for the Dodgers before allowing Round Rock’s first hit of the night in the sixth inning. He struck out four in the win. Oklahoma City relievers Luis Avilan and Sam LeCure combined to allow one run and four hits over 2.0 innings. Matt West closed out the game and pitched a scoreless ninth inning for his third save of the season.

Tuesday’s win marked Oklahoma City’s eighth in nine meetings against the Express this season.

The Dodgers got on the scoreboard early.

Charlie Culberson and Austin Barnes hit back-to-back doubles to lead off the bottom of the first inning for the Dodgers and take a 1-0 lead. Rob Segedin and Zach Walters then drew back-to-back walks to load the bases with none out for O’Koyea Dickson. Dickson grounded into a double play allowing Barnes to score and put the Dodgers ahead, 2-0.

The Dodgers pitching staff held the Express without a hit through five innings before Patrick Cantwell led off the top of the sixth inning with a double into right field.

The Express (38-33) then cut into the Dodgers lead in the seventh inning.

Joey Gallo led off with a bunt single. Jared Hoying followed with a sharp liner to first base that deflected off Rob Segedin and into the Express dugout for a ground-rule double, putting runners at second and third base. Later with one out, Drew Robinson’s RBI groundout brought home Gallo and cut the Dodgers’ lead in half, 2-1.

Round Rock threatened to add to its run total in the eighth inning, loading the bases for Gallo with one out. Gallo hit a liner to Dodgers first baseman Segedin, who then jogged to first base to double off Brett Nicholas and turn an unassisted double play to preserve the Dodgers’ lead.

Round Rock starting pitcher Michael Roth (6-3) was charged with the loss. He allowed two runs and seven hits over 6.2 innings with three walks and four strikeouts.

The Dodgers continue their four-game series against the Round Rock Express at 7:05 p.m. Wednesday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

Tickets are available through the box office on S. Mickey Mantle Drive, by calling (405) 218-1000, or by ordering through okcdodgers.com.

Live coverage begins 15 minutes before the scheduled first pitch on AM 1340 "The Game," 1340thegame.com, or through the free iHeartRadio mobile app.