Howell not a factor in Express loss
June 5, 2006 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Round Rock Express News Release
ROUND ROCK - Homecoming wasn't so sweet for former University of Texas standout J.P. Howell on Monday.
The 2004 Big 12 Pitcher of the Year lasted just 2 2/3 innings in his first start for Omaha (Kansas City) since going on the disabled list April 30 with an injured left shoulder, the same day he took a 7-3 loss against Round Rock in Omaha.
The Express went on to drop the third of a four-game series with the Royals, 4-3. Ten of Round Rock's last 12 games have been decided by a single run.
Howell, selected by the Royals with the 31st overall pick of the 2004 draft, exited the mound at The Dell Diamond after allowing two runs on four hits, a walk and a strikeout over 2 2/3 innings.
Omaha, which had managed just two runs over the first two games of the series, scratched out a pair of runs against Express starter Jared Gothreaux in the third inning. A pair of singles by Andres Blanco and Chip Ambres and a fielding error by Gothreaux left the bases loaded with no outs for Paul Phillips, who walked for the first run.
Chad Allen's force later in the inning pushed across the second run before Round Rock evened the score in the bottom of the frame.
Charlton Jimerson, homerless since driving three out of the ballpark in Albuquerque on May 28, posited his 11th blast of the season over the centerfield wall to trim the lead to 2-1. Mike Rodriguez singled with one out and Joe McEwing doubled him in. Howell left the game an out later, turning the ball over to Luke Hudson.
Cody Ransom doubled and scored in the fifth inning to put the Express ahead 3-2 before reliever Joe Valentine hit a batter, issued three singles, a walk and a passed ball to let Omaha go ahead 4-3 in the seventh inning.
The two meet Tuesday for the final game of the series at 7:05 p.m. at The Dell Diamond. Right-hander Ezequiel Astacio (1-1, 3.74) will go against right-hander Kyle Snyder (0-4, 3.88).
Pacific Coast League Stories from June 5, 2006
- Carter launches three in 11-0 Tucson rout - Tucson Sidewinders
- River Cats lose third straight - Sacramento River Cats
- Beavers drop third straight at Tucson - Portland Beavers
- Seven-run ninth propels Isotopes past Sounds - Nashville Sounds
- New Orleans clips 'Birds 4-2 - Memphis Redbirds
- âTopes erupt for seven in the 9th, win 8-1 - Albuquerque Isotopes
- Z's top RedBirds 4-2 - New Orleans Baby Cakes
- Howell not a factor in Express loss - Round Rock Express
- RedHawks comeback for 3-2 win over Iowa - Oklahoma City Comets
- Astacio allows two runs for Z's - New Orleans Baby Cakes
- Tony Gwynn Named Brewers' Minor League Player-of-the-Month For May - Nashville Sounds
- Oklahoma RedHawks Game Notes - Oklahoma City Comets
- Pacific Coast League names players of the week - PCL1
- Royals game notes - Omaha Storm Chasers
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