Express Snag Third Straight Win, 2-0, over Sounds
Published on August 21, 2018 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Round Rock Express News Release
ROUND ROCK, Texas - The Round Rock Express (58-69) pitched their first shutout win of 2018 on Tuesday night at Dell Diamond as they opened their final homestand of the season with a 2-0 victory over the Nashville Sounds (67-60). Round Rock has now claimed a victory in three straight contests after taking the latter two games of a three-game set in Memphis. With the win, the Express also clinched a series victory over the arch-rival Sounds.
Although he didn't finish with a decision, Express starter RHP Chris Rowley was lights out through 6.0 frames, holding Nashville scoreless while striking out seven and walking just one as he cruised to a third straight quality start. Reliever RHP Connor Sadzeck (5-3, 4.19) was awarded the win after he tossed a scoreless sixth prior to Round Rock grabbing a late lead. Tonight's losing pitcher, RHP Chris Bassitt (5-5, 4.35), threw 4.0 innings and surrendered the only two runs of the night in the bottom of the sixth.
After enduring a six-inning pitcher's duel, the E-Train offense finally broke through in the bottom of the seventh to take a 2-0 lead. DH Andy Ibanez led off the side with a single and advanced to third when the next batter, C Tony Sanchez, bounced a base hit to right. With two outs and runners on second and third, CF Nick Torres ended the stalemate with a groundball single up the middle that brought both runners home.
With the two-run lead in hand, Round Rock's bullpen slammed the door shut in the final two frames. LHP Zac Curtis retired the Sounds in order in the eighth with a punchout and two groundouts. The southpaw has yet to allow a run over 5.1 innings pitched since joining the Express on August 9. The ninth inning was handled by RHP R.J. Alvarez, who sent the Sounds down 1-2-3 to secure his PCL-leading 23rd save of the year.
The series continues with game two on Wednesday night at Dell Diamond. Round Rock RHP Adrian Sampson (5-4, 4.02) is set to do battle with a Sounds hurler yet to be announced. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. CDT.
For more information on the Express, visit RoundRockExpress.com or call (512) 255-2255. Keep up with the Express on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter!
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