PCL1 Round Rock Express

Express Rocks Iowa in Series Opener 13-5

Published on April 8, 2013 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Round Rock Express News Release


ROUND ROCK, Texas - It was a grand night for Round Rock Express first baseman Chris McGuiness as he powered a six-run first inning with a grand slam and later slugged a two-run shot that propelled the Express to a 13-5 victory over Iowa Monday night.

The E-Train offense started fast when leadoff hitter Engel Beltre doubled on a ball that hit the first base bag and bounced over former Rangers farmhand Brad Nelson's head into shallow right field. After a Jurickson Profar strikeout and Jim Adduci fly out, designated hitter Aaron Cunningham walked to put runners on first and second with two outs for second baseman Yangervis Solarte. Solarte ripped a 2-1 pitch into the right-center gap to plate both Beltre and Cunningham. Cubs starter and former Frisco RoughRider Barret Loux walked left fielder Joey Butler and third baseman Mike Olt to load the bases for McGuiness. The first baseman deposited the 1-1 offering just over the left field wall for a grand slam and a 6-0 Round Rock lead.

Round Rock chased Loux from the game after just one inning as the Cubs called to the bullpen to begin the second frame. Reliever Jaye Chapman did not fare well against the Express offense either. After forcing a fly out by Beltre, Profar worked his seventh walk of the young season and was followed by a triple off the bat of Adduci, making the score 7-0.

The I-Cubs got on the board in the fourth with a solo shot by second baseman Logan Watkins off Express starter Collin Balester.

With the score 7-1 in the fourth, Solarte added to his big day with a two-run homer to give the E-Train an eight-run cushion. The Cubs would score two more in the top of the fifth, but McGuiness left the yard for a second time, a two-run blast, in the bottom of the seventh to extend the Round Rock advantage to 11-3.

Round Rock tacked on two more runs in the seventh inning when Profar doubled down the right field line to score Beltre and catcher Eli Whiteside, but was thrown out at third attempting to leg out a triple.

Express starter Balester logged 5.0 innings, allowing three runs on six hits with three strikeouts to earn the win in his first start since May 2, 2010. The E-Train bullpen held Iowa to two runs over 4.0 innings, securing Round Rock's fourth victory of 2013.

McGuiness finished the night 3-for-4 with two homers, six RBI and two runs scored while Solarte knocked in four runs as a part of his 2-for-5 game.

Loux was tagged with the loss, tying the shortest start of his professional career with his final start as a member of the Frisco RoughRiders on September 1, 2012 (1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1K).

The Express will take the field for a 7:05 p.m. first pitch against the I-Cubs tomorrow night for game two of the four-game set. Tuesday night will also be "Turn Back Tuesday," presented by Cedar Park Premier Dentistry which will include half-price tickets and the Express donning 1959 Austin Senators jerseys. George Shell, the business manager for the 1959 squad will be on hand to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. For tickets and more information, 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 April 8, 2013


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