PCL1 Round Rock Express

Express Loses in 14 Innings

Published on July 16, 2009 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Round Rock Express News Release


ROUND ROCK - Tommy Manzella kicked off a big weekend for the Express with a bang Thursday night at Dell Diamond, but Oklahoma City's Kevin Richardson stole the hero crown in extra innings, propelling the RedHawks to a 7-5 win over Round Rock.

Richardson hit the go-ahead solo home run in to the home bullpen in the top of the 14th inning off of Express pitcher Jeremy Johnson, who to that point had pitched three perfect innings of relief. Oklahoma City doubled the one-run lead when a Justin Smoak double brought home Chris Davis.

The comeback win for the away team overshadowed Manzella's seventh-inning grand slam - the first of the season for Round Rock.

The RedHawks struck first in the four-plus hour battle, putting together their biggest inning in the top of the third when Jose Vallejo singled through the hole at shortstop, and Richardson followed that up with with his first home run of the game, this one to left field on a 0-0 pitch from Express left-hander Mark McLemore. One out later, Joaquin Arias single to left-center field, and Davis brought him home with a double to right-center field to make it 3-0 in favor of the RedHawks.

Oklahoma City added another run in the sixth inning when Smoak singled to right-center field with one out, Greg Golson singled to left-center field with two outs, and with runners at first and second, Casey Benjamin singled through the hole at second base to make it 4-0.

Round Rock got on the board in the bottom of the seventh inning when Reggie Abercrombie was hit by a pitch and Chris Johnson hit a single to left field. With runners at first and second, Jason Smith hit a single to center field, scoring Matt Kata, who entered the game for Abercrombie. After Lou Santangelo flew out to shallow center field, Yordany Ramirez singled through the hole at shortstop to load the bases. Brian Bogusevic struck out, putting the pressure on Manzella, who connected with a 1-2 pitch from Warner Madrigal, launching the grand slam to make it 5-4.

Oklahoma City tied the game up in the top of the eighth when a double by Vallejo off of Express reliever Casey Daigle brought home Royce Huffman.

Round Rock threatened in the bottom of the 14th inning, loading the bases with one out, but failing to finish the job.

Express starter Mark McLemore exited the game after six innings, allowing four runs on eight hits with four strikeouts.

Oklahoma City right-hander Elizardo Ramirez went five strong, allowing no runs on four hits with four strikeouts.

Bogusevic, Gall and Manzella led the Express with two hits each.

The grand slam was a good start to the Express' tribute weekend for the 1959 Austin Senators, despite the loss. The Senators will be presented with the championship rings they never received for winning the Texas League championship in 1959 during Saturday night's game.

The two teams meet again Friday night at 7:05 p.m. with right-hander Felipe Paulino taking the mound for Round Rock against the RedHawks and right-hander Kris Benson.

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Pacific Coast League Stories from July 16, 2009


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