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Round Rock Express

Express Drops Series Finale to Zephyrs

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


METAIRIE, LA - Despite 11 hits and five scoreless innings from starter Brad Mills, the Round Rock Express (30-25) was unable to finish off its first sweep as a late run gave the New Orleans Zephyrs (25-29) a 2-1 victory in the final game of a four-game set at Zephyr Field.

Pitching set the tone over the first five innings Friday night as Mills held the Zephyr offense in check, allowing just two hits over his 5.0 innings of work. With his five scoreless innings on the evening, Mills has now allowed just one run over his last 11.0 innings on the mound.

New Orleans starter Doug Mathis matched Mills in each frame, blanking the E-Train through the first 5.0 innings as well, despite allowing eight hits.

Round Rock's offense was finally able to break through in the top half of the sixth when catcher Robinson Chirinos blasted his third home run, a one-out solo shot that gave the Express a 1-0 lead. Chirinos entered the game 4-for-21 (.190) with just one extra-base hit and RBI since rejoining the club after his recall to the Rangers.

New Orleans countered in the bottom half of the sixth with a solo shot of its own when left fielder Jake Smolinski connected on a 3-2 pitch off E-Train reliever Kyle McClellan to even the score at one.

The Express offense failed to take advantage of its opportunities as the E-Train pounded out 10 hits over seven innings but plated just the lone run while leaving eight on base.

The Zephyrs took the lead in the bottom of the seventh off right-hander Johan Yan after a leadoff walk came around to score. Yan issued the free pass to New Orleans first baseman Ben Lasater while the Zephyrs moved the base runner into scoring position on a sacrifice bunt. One out later, Lasater scored from third on a two-out single off the bat of right fielder Bryan Petersen as New Orleans grabbed a 2-1 lead.

Round Rock ended up on the wrong side of a dramatic ninth as the Express put runners on first and second with just one out against New Orleans closer Chris Hatcher. The right-hander regrouped and finished the next two batters with a strikeout and fly out, snapping Round Rock's five-game winning streak.

Yan suffered the loss, dropping to 1-1 while Zach Phillips (2-0) picked up the win after a scoreless seventh inning. Hatcher held the E-Train scoreless for the final 2.0 innings, earning his league-leading 16th save.

The Express returns to Dell Diamond Saturday night to open a four-game series against the Nashville Sounds at 6:05 p.m. Following the game, the second of two St. David's Summer Concert Series performances, presented by Dell will begin as The Caboose takes the stage in centerfield. 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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