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 Round Rock Express

E-Train Sweeps Zephyrs in Doubleheader

May 31, 2013 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Round Rock Express News Release


METAIRIE, La. - Strong pitching in game one and a five-run third in game two helped the Round Rock Express (30-24) to a pair of wins over the New Orleans Zephyrs (24-29) Thursday night at Zephyr Field.

Infielder Yangervis Solarte went a combined 3-for-6 with two homers and four RBI, providing much of the Express offense on the night.

Pitching dominated game one as Express starter Ryan Feierabend carried a no-hitter through five innings, eventually surrendering a one-out single in the sixth, the only hit the Zephyrs would muster against the stingy left-hander. The southpaw was dealing, walking just two while striking out five, but New Orleans right-hander Jacob Turner matched him, blanking the E-Train through the first five innings of the opening game.

The Zephyrs called on the bullpen to start the sixth and three batters in it scuffled as Solarte capitalized on the lone mistake either pitching staff would make. The switch hitter took a 2-1 pitch from reliever James Leverton over the left field wall for a two-out, solo shot that gave the Express a 1-0 lead.

Feierabend finished his night after 6.0 innings of work, allowing just one hit while striking out five. Round Rock turned the game over to closer Cory Burns to start the seventh but the right-hander had a rough time finishing the game.

After three straight singles, Burns found himself in a bases-loaded jam with no outs and the tying run just 90 feet away. The right-handed reliever buckled down, striking out catcher Koyie Hill before forcing designated hitter Ben Lasater into an inning-ending double play to pick up his team-leading 11th save. Feierabend (2-1) earned the victory, his second of the season while Leverton (0-1) suffered his first loss.

Round Rock wasted little time getting on the board in game two. With shortstop Greg Miclat on second, first baseman Chris McGuiness ripped a one-out double into right field, plating Miclat and giving the Express a 1-0 lead before starter Jake Brigham stepped on the mound.

Brigham had allowed just one earned run over his last 7.2 innings but the Zephyrs got to the right-hander early. A leadoff walk eventually hurt Brigham as designated hitter Kevin Kouzmanoff knocked in two runs with a one-out double to left-center, giving New Orleans a one-run lead.

The E-Train opened the game up in the top of the third after McGuiness knocked in two more with a two-run single. Round Rock was not done as Solarte capped the big inning with a three-run homer to give Round Rock a 6-2 lead.

New Orleans cut into the four-run lead with three in the bottom of the fourth off Brigham. The Zephyrs put the first two runners on and used a RBI double and single to plate two and pull within 6-4. The E-Train called on its bullpen with runners on first and third and one out, bringing right-hander Lisalverto Bonilla into the game. Bonilla allowed a sacrifice fly but worked his way out of the inning preserving a one-run lead.

The Zephyrs put runners in scoring position in the fifth and sixth but the Express bullpen held strong to close out the doubleheader sweep. Bonilla (4-3) picked up the win in game two and right-hander Evan Meek earned his fourth save after forcing a game-ending double play.

The Express concludes an eight-game road trip Friday night in Metairie, La. against the New Orleans Zephyrs scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. Round Rock will send southpaw Brad Mills (5-0, 3.44 ERA) to the mound while New Orleans will counter with right-hander Doug Mathis (2-4, 3.11 ERA). For more information on the Express, visit www.RoundRockExpress.com or call (512) 255-2255. Keep up with the Express on Facebook and Twitter!


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