Express Hits 50 Wins with Shutout Victory, 6-0
July 8, 2015 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Round Rock Express News Release
ROUND ROCK, Texas - The Round Rock Express (50-35) shutout the New Orleans Zephyrs (40-46) in the series opener at Dell Diamond Wednesday night, 6-0. Express starter Chi Chi Gonzalez threw 5.0 innings and received a strong effort from the bullpen to give Round Rock its eighth shutout victory of the year.
The E-Train pounced on Zephyrs starter Andre Rienzo in the bottom of the third with the help of lead-off single from DH Brett Nicholas. 2B Edwin Garcia plugged a grounder to Zephyrs 3B Juan Diaz that eliminated Nicholas on the fielder's choice, leaving Garcia on first with one out. A balk from Rienzo advanced Garcia to second and SS Hanser Alberto's eighth double of the season two pitches later brought in Garcia for the 1-0 Round Rock lead. CF Jared Hoying flew out on the third pitch he saw from Rienzo, beckoning 3B Joey Gallo to the plate. Gallo then drove a RBI single to right, scoring Alberto and giving Round Rock a 2-0 advantage. LF Michael Choice claimed his stake in the inning with a single that moved a fast-paced Gallo all the way to third. RF Tommy Field was nailed with a pitch from Rienzo that allowed 1B Ed Lucas to step in the box with the bases juiced. Rienzo only needed two pitches to get Lucas to fly out and end the third.
Gonzalez (4-5, 3.72) tossed 5.0 shutout innings and held the Zephyrs offense to three hits while issuing two walks and striking out two. The performance marked his second shutout effort of this year with his last coming on 5/9 at Nashville. RHP Phil Klein took over for Gonzalez in the top of the sixth and retired the side in order.
Round Rock padded its lead in the bottom of the seventh as Gallo left Dell Diamond for the first time with a two-run shot that extended the Express lead to 6-0, giving him his second of the year. The E-Train was unable to add to its lead as Rienzo (2-5, 2.88) polished off his night with a ground out. The Zephyrs starter went 7.0 innings with eight hits, four runs (four earned), one walk and three Ks.
LHP Travis Blackley took over for Rienzo in the eighth and walked Field to start the inning with Lucas coming to bat. Lucas did not need any time to pour on the damage as he launched the first pitch he saw from Blackley to left field, giving him his third of the season and second in three games to put Round Rock up 6-0.
Klein and LHP Will Lamb were the only relievers needed in the shutout effort, giving Round Rock its 50th win of the season and eighth shutout of the campaign.
The Express and Zephyrs continue the series starting tomorrow night at 7:05 p.m. New Orleans RHP Jarrod Cosart (0-0, 4.91) will take on a Round Rock starter still to be announced.
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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