PCL1 Round Rock Express

Express Gloves 5-2 Victory over I-Cubs

Published on July 20, 2013 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Round Rock Express News Release


ROUND ROCK, Texas - With the aid of a stellar defensive night that included a triple play, the Round Rock Express (56-45) knocked off the Iowa Cubs (49-52) 5-2 for its PCL-leading 34th home win of the season.

In a night highlighted by a prolific display of defensive stops, the Express took game three from the I-Cubs behind starter Jake Brigham's quality start.

Shortstop Leury Garcia got the Express offense started in the first, singling to begin the frame before swiping second base for his 11th steal of the season. Two batters later, second baseman Yangervis Solarte knocked Garcia in with a one-out single to left which put the E-Train up 1-0.

Brigham got some help from his defense in the top of the second, working out of a two-on, no-out jam by forcing a 5-4-3 triple play to retire the side. The Express went around the horn for the first triple play in the Triple-A history of the franchise.

After starting the triple play a half inning earlier, third baseman Mike Olt played long ball in the bottom of the frame, cranking a three-run shot to open up a four-run lead on the I-Cubs.

Iowa put one run back on the board in the third when Brigham gave up a two-out RBI single off the bat of second baseman Logan Watkins to cut the score to 4-1.

Brigham received more help from his defense in the top of the fourth as left fielder Joey Butler brought back what would have been a solo home run by Josh Vitters with a leaping grab at the wall to rob the designated hitter of his fifth home run. The right-hander went on to allow just two runs over 6.1 innings, allowing a RBI single in the seventh before his night came to a close.

The Express put an insurance run on the board in the bottom of the sixth when center fielder Jim Adduci worked a two-out walk and crossed the plate after right fielder Jared Hoying tripled off the center field wall.

Right-hander Wilmer Font entered in relief of Brigham with the bases loaded and one out in the seventh, forcing shortstop Donnie Murphy to ground into an inning-ending double play to preserve the three-run lead.

Font, in his first action since being optioned back to Triple-A, loaded the bases in the eighth but again worked his way out of trouble, stranding the three runners.

Leading by three entering the ninth, knuckling-scraping side-winder Ben Rowen retired the side in order to give the Express its second straight win over the Cubs. Brigham (4-1) picked up his fourth win as a starter while Iowa starter Jake Arrieta (0-2) suffered the loss.

The Express and I-Cubs conclude a four-game set with Sunday's series finale at 7:05 p.m. Right-hander Evan Meek (4-4, 4.13 ERA) will take the hill to be opposed by Iowa starter Barret Loux (4-4, 4.52 ERA). Sunday will be H-E-B Kid's Day at Dell Diamond, featuring kiddie train rides, interactive inflatable games, a post-game run of the bases and much more! Sunday will also be Hispanic Heritage night, presented by State Farm. 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 July 20, 2013


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