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Round Rock Express

Zephyrs Clip Express 3-1 Behind Strong

April 12, 2013 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Round Rock Express News Release


ROUND ROCK, Texas - The New Orleans Zephyrs plated three runs off Round Rock Express starter Randy Wells in the first inning, propelling the Z's to a 3-1 victory Friday night.

Wells' outing began with a rocky start as the right-hander allowed three runs on four hits during the home half of the first frame. New Orleans shortstop Ed Lucas singled with one out and was able to trot home after first baseman Ben Lasater blasted a two-run homer two batters later. Zephyrs third baseman Nick Green followed with a single and a steal of second base, advancing into scoring position with two outs. Designated hitter Matt Diaz delivered, bringing Green home on a RBI single and giving New Orleans an early 3-0 lead.

Left fielder Joey Butler began an Express rally, leading off the second frame with a single up the middle. Three batters later, first baseman Chris McGuiness bounced a two-out, two-strike breaking ball past a diving Lasater at first and into right field, scoring Butler from second base. After McGuiness legged out the double, he advanced to third on the second wild pitch of the night by New Orleans starter Jacob Turner. Round Rock was unable to take advantage of Turner's mistake as shortstop Greg Miclat grounded out to end the inning.

In the top of the third, the Express put the pressure on Turner once more as centerfielder Engel Beltre singled to begin the frame and stole second. Designated hitter Aaron Cunningham followed with a single, allowing Beltre to advance to third and putting runners on the corners with no outs. Right fielder Jim Adduci's grounder was fielded by Lasater and fired to the plate to catch Beltre attempting to score.

After the play, Turner was visited at the mound by the training staff and exited the game with what was later determined as precautionary purposes after suffering a lower leg contusion earlier in the game. Saturday night's scheduled starter Doug Mathis replaced Turner on the mound and coasted through the next 3.2 innings, holding the E-Train offense to just one hit and striking out three.

Wells settled in after his rough first inning and held the Zephyrs scoreless over the next four frames before handing the ball to the bullpen to begin the sixth.

Neither team was able to mount an offensive attack after the second inning as the New Orleans bullpen combined for 6.2 scoreless innings, allowing just four hits. The Round Rock bullpen was equally as effective, holding the Zephyrs to one hit over the final three innings.

Wells suffered the loss, his second of the season, after giving up three runs on eight hits. Mathis picked up the victory while Chris Hatcher earned the save with a scoreless ninth.

The Express will take the field for game two of the four-game set with New Orleans tomorrow night at 6:00 p.m. Round Rock will send right-hander Collin Balester (1-0, 4.50 ERA) to the hill. The New Orleans starter has yet to be determined after Mathis was forced into action tonight. The next set of home games for the Express will include the New Orleans Zephyrs (April 20-23) and the Albuquerque Isotopes (April 25-28). For tickets and more information, visit www.RoundRockExpress.com or call (512) 255-2255. Keep up with the Express on Facebook and Twitter!

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