PCL1 Round Rock Express

Sounds scored three in the first inning and never looked back

Published on May 26, 2012 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Round Rock Express News Release


Nashville, Tenn. - Brooks Conrad and Jordan Brown hit back-to-back homers off Greg Reynolds in the first inning for Nashville and Round Rock never recovered as the Sounds took down the Express 7-3 in Saturday night's Pacific Coast League action at Hershel Greer Stadium. Nashville (20-28) leads the series 2-0. Round Rock (21-29) left nine runners on base, including two in the top of the ninth inning.

Nashville began their barrage off Reynolds with one out in the bottom of the first inning as Jeff Bianchi singled to right field. Conrad, an Express infielder for parts of four seasons from 2004 through 2007, followed with a two-run homer into the left field stands. Brown followed with a solo shot to right field to put the Sounds ahead 3-0.

The Express got on the board with a run in the top of the fourth on a solo home run by Ryan Spilborghs, his second in as many days. However, Nashville answered in the bottom of the fifth as Conrad grounded into a fielder's choice with the bases loaded to extend the Sounds' lead to 4-1.

Round Rock notched their second run in the top of the sixth with their second solo home run of the night, this time off the bat of Brad Nelson. Then for the second time, Nashville answered. Cory Patterson led off the bottom of the sixth and was hit by a Reynolds fastball. Two batters later, Caleb Gindl and Eric Farris singled back-to-back to load the bases with one out. Martin Maldonado then knocked a single to left field to drive in Patterson. Newly acquired left-hander John Gaub relieved Reynolds and stuck out Logan Schafer for the second out. Then with Bianchi batting, Gaub threw one in the dirt and it got past Dusty Brown to allow Gindl to score to make it 6-2. Gaub then stuck out Bianchi to end the threat.

Nashville added an insurance run in the bottom of the eighth as Gindl scampered home while the E-Train rolled up a Schafer double play grounder with the bases loaded. Round Rock added another in the ninth as well. Tommy Mendonca singled home Michael Bianucci but Sounds reliever Brian Baker retired the top of the Express order to shut it down.

Mark Rogers (1-2) earned the win for the Sounds. He allowed two runs on six hits in six innings with five walks and three strikeouts.

Reynolds (3-4) got the loss for the E-Train. He allowed six runs on eight hits in five and one-third innings with two walks and five strikeouts. John Gaub made his Round Rock debut tonight after being claimed off waivers from Tampa Bay on Thursday. He pitched one and one-third shutout innings with a walk and three strikeouts.

Conrad paced the Sounds with three RBI. Bianchi, Gindl and Farris each notched a pair of hits as well.

Spilborghs led the way for Round Rock with his home run and an outfield assist in the seventh inning. Julio Borbon added three hits to extend his hitting streak to 14 games.

Round Rock continues its four-game series Sunday at Nashville. First pitch is scheduled for 2:05 p.m. CDT. Left-hander Michael Kirkman (3-1, 6.25 ERA) is scheduled to start for the Express opposite Sounds right-hander Wily Peralta (1-5, 5.63 ERA).

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Pacific Coast League Stories from May 26, 2012


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