Round Rock Scores Four Straight To Beat RedHawks

The Round Rock Express scored four unanswered runs in a 4-1 win against the RedHawks Tuesday in front of a crowd of 4,245 at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

The RedHawks entered the game averaging close to seven runs per game since the All-Star Break. They scored first Tuesday, but were held to just one run for the first time since a 10-1 loss against New Orleans July 7.

The Express (51-50) took a 2-0 lead in the series as Oklahoma City’s record (52-53) fell below .500 for the third time this season.

Pitcher Collin McHugh started the game for the RedHawks, making a rehab appearance after being placed on the Houston Astros Disabled List July 12 (retroactive to July 7) with a right middle fingernail avulsion.

McHugh allowed a lead-off single in the first inning, then went on to retire the next 13 batters he faced.

He pitched five innings, allowing one run on three hits. He walked one, struck out five and threw 80 pitches, including 49 strikes. McHugh started the season with the RedHawks before his promotion to the Astros and played in his first game Tuesday since July 6.

Matt Duffy broke a scoreless tie in the bottom of the fourth inning. He hit a RBI single on a line drive to center field to bring home Preston Tucker, who singled earlier in the inning, for a 1-0 RedHawks advantage.

Jared Hoying walked with one out in the top of the fifth, then stole second base. He scored on a line drive single to center field by Brett Nicholas to tie the game, 1-1.

Hoying hit a solo homer in the top of the seventh inning on a fly ball to center field to break the tie and give the Express a 2-1 edge.

Michael Choice later brought home two runs in the top of the eighth inning with a double to give Round Rock a 4-1 advantage.

Nicholas led the Express with a game-high three hits, while Choice recorded two hits and two RBI.

Round Rock starting pitcher Robbie Ross Jr. (2-3) earned the win, holding the RedHawks to one run on eight hits, walking two and striking out six over six innings.

Ronny Torreyes and Duffy led the RedHawks with two hits apiece. Reliever Paul Clemens (5-2) was charged with the loss, allowing one run and three hits over two innings.

The teams combined for 25 strikeouts, as the RedHawks tied a season high for a nine-inning game by striking out 12 times.

The RedHawks and Express meet for the third time in their series at 7:05 p.m. Wednesday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.