Dodgers Edge Express 2-1 in Pitcher's Duel
Published on April 19, 2018 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Round Rock Express News Release
ROUND ROCK, Texas - The Oklahoma City Dodgers (11-2) squeaked past the Round Rock Express (4-11) by a final score of 2-1 on Thursday night at Dell Diamond. Both teams' starting pitchers shined with E-Train RHP Austin Bibens-Dirkx carrying a no-hitter into the fifth inning.
Despite the performance, Bibens-Dirkx suffered the loss after allowing two runs on three hits and a walk in 6.0 strong innings. The righty struck out five Dodgers along the way. Oklahoma City starter RHP Justin DeFratus (1-0, 1.59) issued just one run on six hits in 5.2 frames.
Following three scoreless innings, Round Rock LF Willie Calhoun blasted a solo home run into the pool area beyond the right field berm at Dell Diamond to give the Express an early 1-0 lead.
After allowing just a walk and a hit batter through the first 4.1 innings, Bibens-Dirkx surrendered a one-out single to Dodgers DH Travis Taijeron to end the no-hitter. 2B Breyvic Valera singled home Taijeron in the next at-bat to level the game at 1-1.
An inning later, OKC grabbed the lead for good as CF Tim Locastro lined a leadoff triple into the gap in right-center field. A two-out sacrifice fly courtesy of RF Alex Verdugo gave the Dodgers a 2-1 edge that held to be the final score.
Oklahoma City's pitching staff combined to face just one over the minimum over the final five innings of play to seal the win for the visitors. The E-Train bullpen was strong as well, as RHP Reed Garrett, LHP Brandon Mann and RHP Steve Delabar combined for three hitless innings of relief.
The two teams conclude their series on Friday night. Neither team has posted a starting pitcher as of yet. First pitch at Dell Diamond is set for 7:05 p.m.
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