E-Train Thumped by Grizzlies in Series Opener, 7-0
Published on August 20, 2015 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Round Rock Express News Release
FRESNO, California - The West Coast struggles continued for the Round Rock Express (68-57) as the Fresno Grizzlies (76-48) dominated the series opener at Chukchansi Park Wednesday night, 7-0. The defeat extended the E-Train's losing streak to a season-long seven games dating back to August 13.
Express RHP Anthony Ranaudo began his 18th start of the season with a four-pitch walk to Fresno 2B Tony Kemp, but received defensive help thanks to a sharp throw from C Brett Nicholas that foiled Kemp's attempt at stealing second for the first out. Ranaudo then issued another walk and gave up the first Fresno hit of the series to place runners on first and second. Fresno persisted with its aggressive base running tactics as RF L.J. Hoes and 3B Matt Duffy pulled a double steal that put Grizzlies on second and third. The runs finally came on a two-RBI single from Fresno DH Tyler White that sent the score to 2-0. White was tagged out attempting to reach second and Ranaudo struck out 1B Jon Singleton to end the first.
Fresno starter Asher Wojciechowski crafted a 1-2-3 fifth inning to keep the E-Train off the board and saw his run support pile on in the home half of the inning. Ranaudo conceded back-to-back singles to start the bottom of the fifth and saw the runners move to second and third on a sacrifice bunt. The Round Rock righty then hit Hoes with a pitch to juice the bases for Duffy. A mound visit did little for Ranaudo as he went on to allow a two-RBI single that made it a 4-0 game. Fresno went on to execute another double steal and manufactured two more runs on the fourth single of the inning, putting the Express in a 6-0 hole. Ranaudo was able to halt the production on an inning-ending double play. The fifth signaled the end of Ranaudo's (7-4, 4.02) outing after 5.0 innings pitched with seven hits, six runs (six earned), four walks and four Ks.
Wojciechowski (8-2, 5.15) completed his night with 6.0 innings pitched, five hits, one walk and five punch outs as he let the Fresno bullpen take over his shutout bid in the top of the seventh.
Both clubs went silent until the Grizzlies added another run in the bottom of the eighth off Express southpaw Alex Claudio that lengthened the Fresno lead to 7-0.
Grizzlies closer James Hoyt only needed nine pitches to retire the side and confirm the game one victory.
Round Rock and Fresno continue the series tomorrow night at Chukchansi Park with a 9:05 p.m. first pitch. Express RHP Ross Wolf (11-6, 5.06) takes the hill against Grizzlies LHP Brett Oberholtzer (6-3, 4.41).
For tickets and more information on the Express, visit www.RoundRockExpress.com or call (512) 255-2255. Follow the Express on Facebook and Twitter!
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