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Round Rock Express

Express Drop Series Opener to Sky Sox 5-3

May 16, 2013 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Round Rock Express News Release


ROUND ROCK, Texas - An eight-game homestand did not start the way the Round Rock Express (20-20) needed it to as the Colorado Springs Sky Sox (24-14) handed Round Rock a 5-3 loss Thursday night at Dell Diamond, extending the E-Train's losing streak to a season-high five games.

For the second consecutive game, an Express starter struggled his way through the second inning as Martin Perez saw eight batters step to the plate in the frame, four coming around to score.

Perez dug his own hole to start the inning, walking designated hitter Matt McBride before plunking third baseman Ryan Wheeler. The Sky Sox strung together two straight hits as Colorado Springs took a 1-0 lead and loaded the bases. A diving grab by shortstop Jurickson Profar saved at least one run as he retired catcher Lars Anderson for the first out. A double off the bat of former Express infielder Tommy Manzella cleared the bases as the lead reached 4-0 before the inning came to a close.

The E-Train offense found its stride in the bottom of the fourth as a two-out rally cut Colorado Springs lead in half. Right fielder Joey Butler singled and was followed by a double off the bat of designated hitter Aaron Cunningham that put runners on second and third with two gone. Left fielder Yangervis Solarte cashed in, plating both runners with a RBI single as the Express climbed back into the game at 4-2.

Round Rock had its chances to take the lead on Colorado Springs, but was unable to get timely hitting from the offense. After loading the bases in the bottom of the sixth, third baseman Alex Buchholz stepped to the plate, but grounded into an inning-ending double play, thwarting a chance to do any damage to the two-run Sky Sox lead.

The Colorado Springs bullpen held Round Rock in check until the bottom of the eighth when the E-Train caught fire. With two on and two out, second baseman Greg Miclat singled up the middle to bring Butler home from second. Sky Sox reliever Nick Schmidt issued a walk to Buchholz as the Express was able to load the bases again, now within one run. Round Rock relied on catcher Eli Whiteside to come through in the clutch, but Colorado Springs reliever Logan Kensing entered the game and retired the backstop on strikes to end the threat.

The Sky Sox tacked on an insurance run in the top of the ninth after catcher Lars Davis took a 1-1 offering from Lisalverto Bonilla and deposited it into the visitor's bullpen for a solo shot, making the score 5-3.

Perez suffered the loss, dropping to 0-1 after his first start with the Express. Sky Sox starter Drew Pomeranz earned the victory, improving to 6-0 after allowing two runs on five hits and striking out seven over 5.0 innings. The loss drops the Express to 20-20 on the season, the first time Round Rock has hit .500 since the start of 2013.

The Express continues its homestand with game two of four against the Sky Sox Friday night at 7:05p.m. The E-Train will send right-hander Ross Wolf (0-1, 1.67 ERA) to the mound in search of his first win to be opposed by Colorado Springs starter Jeff Manship (1-1, 7.01 ERA). Following Friday's game, the Central Texas sky will light up with Budweiser Friday Fireworks. 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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