Express Tops 'Topes 8-5
August 27, 2013 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Round Rock Express News Release
ALBUQUERQUE, NM - The Round Rock Express (72-66) took an early lead over the Albuquerque Isotopes (72-66) that they never relinquished in the 8-5 victory Tuesday night at Isotopes Park.
The Express offense wasted no time, putting up two runs in the first inning. With one out, center fielder Engel Beltre, right fielder Joey Butler and third baseman Alex Buchholz each hit a single to plate a run. With two men on, designated hitter Chris McGuiness ground out to score Butler and give the E-Train a 2-0 lead.
Round Rock starter Scott Richmond held the Isotopes offense to just two hits through the first four innings, allowing just one baserunner to reach scoring position.
Left fielder Aaron Cunningham led off the fourth inning with his 30th double of the season. Catcher Robinson Chirinos hit a sacrifice bunt to move Cunningham to third while shortstop Brendan Harris singled to score Cunningham.
The offense didn't stop in the fifth for Round Rock. With one out, Beltre hit his second single of the game. Butler and Buchholz drew back-to-back walks to load the bases. One out later, Cunningham ripped a single to center field to score two more runs and give the Express a 5-0 lead.
Albuquerque finally got on board in the bottom of the fifth. With one out, center fielder Matt Angle hit a triple and scored one batter later. Richmond got the next two Isotopes batters to ground out and strike out, ending the inning and keeping Round Rock's lead at four runs.
The Isotopes went to the bullpen to start the seventh inning, calling upon RHP Anthony Ortega to relieve starter Matt Magill. First baseman Jim Adduci drew a leadoff walk and advanced to second a single by Beltre. Butler drew his second walk of the game to again load the bases with no outs. Buchholz grounded out to score Adduci. McGuiness roped a double to plate two more runs and give the Express an 8-1 lead.
Albuquerque gained some ground in the bottom of the seventh with a leadoff double by Nick Buss who came around to score on a single two batters later. After Justin Sellers flew out for the first out of the inning, Express manager Bobby Jones went to the bullpen to call on left hander Joseph Ortiz. Ortiz gave up a single to the first batter he faced, scoring another Isotopes run. With runners on first and third, Dee Gordon singled up the middle to put another Albuquerque run on the board, making it 8-4 Round Rock. Ortiz got the next batter to ground out to end the inning.
The Express offense stayed quite in the eighth and ninth, drawing three walks but not being able to add to their lead.
Ortiz came back out for the eighth and gave up a leadoff walk to Scott Van Slyke. A wild pitch by Ortiz put Van Slyke in scoring position. One out later, Van Slyke swiped third and scored on a sacrifice fly in the next at-bat. Ortiz forced another ground out to end the inning.
Closer Cory Burns came in to pitch the ninth and retired the side in order for his 20th win of the season. Richmond picked up the win to improve to 6-6 while Magill was tagged with his second loss of the season.
The Express and Isotopes continue the four-game series tomorrow night at 7:35 p.m. RHP Josh Lindblom (8-3, 2.85 ERA) will take the ball for the Express, opposing Albuquerque's RHP Red Patterson (7-4, 3.15 ERA). 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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