Express Continues Homestand with Four-Game Set against Albuquerque
April 24, 2013 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Round Rock Express News Release
ROUND ROCK, Texas - After splitting the first series of an eight-game homestand with New Orleans, the Round Rock Express (11-9) will hope to break a two-game skid when it welcomes the Albuquerque Isotopes (10-9) to Dell Diamond Thursday night.
The E-Train and "ÃËTopes are set to begin a four-game series to conclude Round Rock's nine-day homestand on Thursday, April 25 at 7:05 p.m. Albuquerque trails the Express by 0.5 game in the American Southern Division standings, setting up this weekend's series as an April first place showdown.
The series opener, April 25, will be Round Rock's second annual Bark in the Park night that will include sliders and slobber as fans are encouraged to bring their dogs with them to the ball park (advanced registration required). Also during the series, the Express will feature multiple giveaways include reusable grocery bags, presented by H-E-B The Isotopes will bring in four of the Dodgers' top 20 prospects (MLB.com) as RHP Matt Magill (#7), catcher Tim Federowicz (#9), RHP Chris Withrow (#10) and outfielder Alex Castellanos (#18) will all be present in the visitor's dugout. Along with Rangers' top prospects Jurickson Profar, Mike Olt, Engel Beltre and more, the field promises to be filled with tomorrow's stars today.
The Express will hold a tribute to the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing tragedy prior to and during Friday's home game against the Albuquerque Isotopes. Katie Carmona, a local Austinite, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Carmona was at the Boston Marathon, cheering on her husband Paul, when the first bomb went off, sending metal shrapnel into her shin.
In the middle of the seventh inning, a time normally reserved for fans to stand up and stretch, David Garza, Maria Groten and Matt Harmatuk, who ran in this year's Boston Marathon, will enter Dell Diamond through the center field gate and run towards the pitchers' mound to symbolically finish the race so many were unable to due to the tragic outcome. First responders will hold up the finish line tape as a tribute to the true heroes in each and every community across our great nation. Following "The Finish Line," Carmona will lead the crowd in a rendition of "God Bless America."
Also during the four-game series, the E-Train will hold a silent auction and raffle Saturday night, hosted by the Express player's wives on the home plate concourse. The silent auction will include signed memorabilia (baseballs, bats, etc.) from the Express and the Texas Rangers as well as three one-hour private baseball lessons from former major leaguer and Express player Matt Kata as proceeds will benefit the victims of the West, Texas tragedy. The Express and player's wives will also host a raffle for an Express themed basket. Tickets will be $1.00 for the raffle and the basket will include various signed items from the 2013 Express as well as several baseball related experiences. The silent auction and raffle will begin at 5:30 p.m. when the gates open and will run through the fifth inning. Winners will be announced during the game and be able to take their prizes home that night.
Express games are broadcast on The Horn 104.9 FM ESPN Austin and steamed live online at www.espnaustin.com . Friday's game can be heard on 1260 AM.
Below are highlights and promotions for each game in the four-game series.
Thursday, April 25 | 7:05 p.m. | Express vs. Albuquerque Isotopes (Los Angeles Dodgers)
media partners: 103.5 BOB FM (Emmis Austin Radio)
- "Bark in the Park" Night - presented by Premier Animal Hospital
o Bring your dog out to Dell Diamond tonight to take in a game on the berm! Tickets are just $10 and include admission for an adult and their dog! Advance registration is required (deadline is Monday, April 22).
- The Original Thirsty Thursday - presented by Firetrol Protection Systems
o Enjoy discounted draft beer and $1 sodas!
Chasco Community Partner: Blue Dog Rescue
Friday, April 26 | 7:05 p.m. | Express vs. Albuquerque Isotopes (Los Angeles Dodgers)
media partners: 96.7 KISS FM (Clear Channel Radio)
- Budweiser Friday Fireworks - presented by Budweiser
o Stick around after the game for an exciting post-game fireworks show!
Chasco Community Partner: Round Rock Sertoma
Saturday, April 27 | 7:05 p.m. | Express vs. Albuquerque Isotopes (Los Angeles Dodgers)
media partners: 104.9 The Horn (ESPN Austin) | KXAN
- Reusable Grocery Bag giveaway (first 2,500 fans) - presented by H-E-B
Chasco Community Partner: BookSpring
Sunday, April 28 | 1:05 p.m. | Express vs. Albuquerque Isotopes (Los Angeles Dodgers)
media partner: Spirit 105.9 FM (Crista Communications)
- H-E-B Kids Day
- Ballplayer Necklace giveaway (all kids 12 and under) - presented by Sanders Morris Harris
Chasco Community Partner: Greyhound Pets of America
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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Pacific Coast League Stories from April 24, 2013
- Thunderstick and Toros T-Shirt Giveaways Highlight Second Homestand - Tucson Padres
- Express Continues Homestand with Four-Game Set against Albuquerque - Round Rock Express
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- Pill, Jurica Each Drive in a Pair of Runs to Help the Grizzlies End Skid - Fresno Grizzlies
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