Express Drops Series Opener to Redbirds
July 26, 2013 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Round Rock Express News Release
ROUND ROCK, Texas - The Round Rock Express (59-48) fell for the third straight game to the Memphis Redbirds (52-55) after a three-run eighth inning created the final difference in a 7-4 outcome.
Express starter Evan Meek saw his three-game winning streak come to an end as the right-hander dropped to 6-4 on the season and 5-2 as a starter after allowing four runs on eight hits over 5.2 innings of work.
Meek cruised through the first two innings, allowing only a harmless single in the second that was later erased on a line drive double play. As the Express offense continued to scuffle, the Redbirds were first to the scoreboard, tagging Meek for four runs in the third inning. Three of the four scores came on second baseman Kolton Wong's three-run shot, while right fielder Adron Chambers tacked on the fourth run with a RBI single as Memphis jumped out on top.
Right fielder Joey Butler cut the Memphis lead in half in the bottom of the fourth, belting a two-run shot over the right-center wall following a one-out single by third baseman Robinson Chirinos, pulling Round Rock within two at 4-2. After a fly out by center fielder Jared Hoying, left fielder Aaron Cunningham started a two-out rally with a knock to left. With a runner on first and two outs, designated hitter Chris McGuiness double to left-center which allowed Cunningham to cross the plate as the Memphis lead shrank to one.
Meek settled in and kept the Express within striking distance as the right-hander worked two outs into the sixth before being lifted in favor of southpaw Nate Robertson out of the bullpen. Robertson plunked the first batter he faced but worked his way out of a two-on, two-out jam with the help of a diving stop at the hot corner by Chirinos.
With the bullpen holding the Redbirds in check, Round Rock's offense came to life in the seventh. Catcher Jose Felix reached on an error with one out to give the E-Train a base runner. After a line out by shortstop Leury Garcia, first baseman Jim Adduci singled to put runners on first and second. Right-hander Victor Marte entered the game out of the Redbirds bullpen and issued a walk to second baseman Yangervis Solarte which loaded the bases for Chirinos. Already with a single and run scored on the night, Chirinos had a chance to tie the game or put the Express in front but was forced to ground into a fielder's choice which ended the threat.
The Redbirds gave their pitching staff breathing room in the eighth, plating three runs off Round Rock reliever Johan Yan to take a 7-3 lead.
With six outs of offense left, Butler led off the eighth with a single and moved to third after two outs. McGuiness stepped to the plate and delivered a RBI single to pull Round Rock back within three at 7-4.
Trailing by three, the Express went quietly in the ninth as Memphis wrapped up a 7-4 victory in the first of four games at Dell Diamond. Redbirds starter Nick Additon picked up the win, improving his record to 7-6 after holding the E-Train to three runs through 5.1 innings.
The Express continues a four-game set with the Redbirds Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. Southpaw Ryan Feierabend (4-3, 3.97 ERA) will toe the rubber for the E-Train while the Redbirds send Boone Whiting (4-4, 4.61 ERA) to the bump. Together, with Susan G. Komen̨̉ Austin and the Shannon Schmitz Group, the Express will host its fifth annual Pink in the Park Night Saturday, featuring a silent auction, diamond dig, raffle and much more to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer services and research. For more information on the Express, visit www.RoundRockExpress.com or call (512) 255-2255. Keep up with the Express on Facebook and Twitter!
• Discuss this story on the Pacific Coast League message board...
Pacific Coast League Stories from July 26, 2013
- Dwyer Shuts Down Sounds in Series Opener - Omaha Storm Chasers
- Isotopes and New Orleans Suspended Due to Rain; Game to be Resumed - Albuquerque Isotopes
- RedHawks Roll to 10-6 Win Against Iowa - Oklahoma City Comets
- Redbirds Rock the Express, 7-4 - Memphis Redbirds
- Express Drops Series Opener to Redbirds - Round Rock Express
- Dwyer Shuts Down Sounds in Series Opener - Omaha Storm Chasers
- Sounds Lose Series Opener in Omaha, 6-1 - Nashville Sounds
- Friday's Tucson Padres Game Postponed - Tucson Padres
- RedHawks vs. Cubs - Game Notes - July 26, 2013 - Oklahoma City Comets
- RedHawks, Devon Energy Present Hometown Heroes Celebration Night - Oklahoma City Comets
- Texas Rangers to Hold Open Tryout at Dell Diamond - Round Rock Express
- Tacoma gets past Tucson - Tucson Padres
- Cats Sweep Sox with 3-2 Walk-Off Win - Sacramento River Cats
- Rainiers Blast Past Padres In Extras, 6-5 - Tacoma Rainiers
- Aces drop series finale - Reno Aces
- Chasers Notch Third Walk-Off Win in as Many Days - Omaha Storm Chasers
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
