PCL1 Round Rock Express

Express Falls on Walk-Off to Isotopes 6-5

Published on June 25, 2013 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Round Rock Express News Release


ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - After retaking the lead in the top of the ninth, the Round Rock Express (45-35) lost to the Albuquerque Isotopes (44-36) on a walk-off for the second straight game Tuesday afternoon 6-5.

Leading 5-4 with two outs and runners on second and third in the bottom of the ninth, reliever Johan Yan looked to force Albuquerque catcher Damaso Espino to a game-ending fly out to right field but Joey Butler was unable to come up with the catch, allowing both runners to score for the walk-off win.

Express starter Ryan Feierabend was sensational, racking up a season-high 10 strikeouts through 6.2 innings as the southpaw allowed just one run on the afternoon.

The offense backed Feierabend's outing, giving the starter three runs of support over his six-plus innings of work.

A RBI double off the bat of shortstop Yangervis Solarte got the E-Train scoring underway in the third inning. Left fielder Aaron Cunningham attempted to follow second baseman Greg Miclat across the plate but was thrown out by Isotopes left fielder Tony Gwynn Jr., keeping the score at 1-0.

Round Rock added to its lead in the fourth when designated hitter Mike Bianucci doubled with one out to put himself in scoring position. First baseman Jim Adduci then laced a ground rule double that allowed Bianucci to score, pushing the E-Train lead to two.

The combination of Bianucci and Adduci was at it again in the sixth when the designated hitter doubled for the second time on the afternoon before Adduci brought him home again with a RBI single.

Feierabend made just one mistake throughout his outing, allowing a solo home run to third baseman Brain Barden to lead off the seventh inning.

Leading 3-1, Feierabend was lifted for right-hander Lisalverto Bonilla with two outs in the seventh. Bonilla finished off the frame without any issues but ran into trouble in the eighth.

After putting the first two batters on base, Albuquerque played small ball by bunting the base runners into scoring position. Barden delivered once again with a two-run single to tie the game at three. Southpaw Joseph Ortiz entered the game and loaded the bases with two outs after an intentional walk but was able to work his way out of the jam.

Round Rock battled back in the ninth, rallying for two runs on a RBI single by third baseman Mike Olt and RBI double off the bat of Butler, giving the Express bullpen a two-run cushion entering the bottom of the frame.

Once again the E-Train relievers unraveled, allowing the first two batters to reach base. After a fielder's choice left runners on first and third with one out, center fielder Matt Angle ripped a RBI single to cut the Express lead down to just one. Yan would take over for Ortiz, forcing a ground out that left runners on second and third before giving up the walk-off single to Espino that dropped the E-Train for the second straight game.

Ortiz (1-1) suffered the loss after allowing three runs on two hits in 1.0 inning of relief while Kelvin De La Cruz (1-1) picked up the win.

After an off day on Wednesday, the Express returns home to open a four-game homestand with the New Orleans Zephyrs. The series opener is set for 7:05 p.m. on June 27 as the Original Thirsty Thursday, presented by Firetrol Protection Systems returns to Dell Diamond featuring $1.00 sodas and discounted draft beer. 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 June 25, 2013


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