Dodgers Complete First-Ever Sweep In Round Rock

The Oklahoma City Dodgers scored nine runs through the first three innings Friday on their way to an 11-7 win – and a series sweep – against the Round Rock Express at Dell Diamond.

The victory completed the first series sweep of the season for the Dodgers, 4-0, and gave Oklahoma City its first-ever series sweep at Dell Diamond since the Express joined the PCL in 2005.

The Dodgers’ offense got off to a quick start in the first inning as Oklahoma City scored first against an opponent for the 10th straight game.

Micah Johnson led off the game with a single, then scored when Austin Barnes followed with a RBI double. A Corey Brown triple brought home Barnes and Rob Segedin added a RBI single to push Oklahoma City ahead, 4-0, with no outs.

The Dodgers (20-13) scored six more runs in the third inning to build a 9-0 lead before the Express collected their first hit in the game.

Barnes led off the third inning with a single and later scored when James Ramsey lined a RBI single to left field. Jose Tabata added a two-run double, hitting a grounder to left field. Johnson later knocked a two-out bases-clearing double into left field to push the Dodgers ahead, 9-0.

Express starting pitcher Chi Chi Gonzalez (1-4) then exited the game and was eventually charged with the loss. He allowed nine runs on 10 hits over 2.2 innings. He walked one and recorded four strikeouts.

Dodgers starting pitcher Sam LeCure (2-1) retired the first six batters he faced in the game before Round Rock broke through in the bottom of the third inning.

Jurickson Profar grounded out with the bases loaded to bring home Drew Robinson for the first run of the night for the Express.

Round Rock (18-16) added a two runs in the fourth inning on one swing from Ike Davis, who hit his first home run of the season on a fly ball to left field and cut the Dodgers’ lead to 9-3.

The Express continued to chip away at the Dodgers’ lead in the fifth inning with a two-run homer from Profar, making the score, 9-5, as they strung together five straight runs.

But Oklahoma City quickly got those two Express runs back in the top of the sixth inning. With Brown batting and runners at first and second base, a throwing error on a pickoff attempt by Express catcher Brett Nicholas allowed Johnson to score and advanced Barnes to third base. Barnes then scored when Brown lined a single to right field to extend the Dodgers to an 11-5 advantage.

The Express once again cut into the Dodgers lead in the eighth inning.

Davis hit a sharp grounder to right field that was deflected by Dodgers first baseman Alex Hassan and allowed Jared Hoying to score. With a runner at third base, Robinson grounded out to bring home a run and cut Oklahoma City’s lead to four runs, 11-7.

Johnson and Barnes each went 3-for-5 for Oklahoma City. Johnson also collected three RBI and scored two runs. Barnes scored three runs and added a RBI.

LeCure allowed five runs on seven hits in his second win in as many starts. He walked one and had five strikeouts over six innings.

Oklahoma City finished the game with 14 hits – tying the team’s season high as they also matched their longest winning streak of the season at four games.

The Dodgers sent the Express to their first four-game sweep at Dell Diamond since losing four straight games to the Fresno Grizzlies May 17-20, 2012.

The Dodgers wrapped up their road trip with a 6-2 record and next return home to open a four-game series against the Las Vegas 51s at 7:05 p.m. Saturday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

The first 2,000 fans through the gates will receive an OKC Dodgers hat. Saturday is also Devon Energy Hometown Heroes Military Celebration Night, and the special night of events will recognize the service and sacrifices of local military men, women and their families.

Tickets for the four-game series 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 at 6:50 p.m. on AM 1340 "The Game," 1340thegame.com, or through the free iHeartRadio mobile app.