Huge Crowd Turns Out for Express
Published on July 5, 2002 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Round Rock Express News Release
BIG CROWD: The largest crowd to ever see a game at Dell Diamond saw a good one.
The 12,260 fans witnessed a spectacular postgame fireworks display, but they didn't see an Express victory as the Midland RockHounds protected an early lead to take a 5-3 win.
If you missed the game or the fireworks, don't worry, Round Rock and Midland play the final game of a four-game series tonight complete with another Fireworks show following the game.
EXPRESS ALUM RESCUES CARDS: Pitching with runners on base doesn't faze St. Louis rookie Travis Smith.
Jim Edmonds and Albert Pujols hit solo home runs, and Smith worked out of trouble to win for the first time since May 1 as the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 3-2 Thursday. "Every outing I've had since I've been here, I've had men on base," said Smith, who won 15 games with a Texas League-leading 3.06 ERA for the Round Rock Express last year. "It seems like every inning I'm working out a jam. I have guys on base and I have to make big pitches. That's what I pride myself on this year. I made big pitches when I need to. That's my mentality. I fight them until I can't do it anymore."
Making his second start since being recalled from the minors June 27 following the death of Darryl Kile, Smith (2-0) pitched into the seventh inning. Facing the Dodgers for the first time, the right-hander allowed a run on seven hits.
The 29-year-old Smith opened the season with Triple-A Memphis before being called up in April and optioned back on May 13.
"He's got terrific grit," Cardinals Manager Tony La Russa said.
ASTROS ALL STARS: The Houston Astros have a bright future, judging by the number of all-stars their minor le! ague system has produced this year.
They had 24 players in all-star games from the Class A to the Class AAA level.
Pacific Coast League Stories from July 5, 2002
- Trapper Bats Pound Cats - Edmonton Trappers
- Beavers Rally Not Enough as Memphis Gets 4-2 Win - Portland Beavers
- Hubbard's Contract Purchased by San Diego - Portland Beavers
- PCL July 4th Attendance Sky Rockets - PCL1
- Huge Crowd Turns Out for Express - Round Rock Express
- Trappers and Cats Battle Long Into the Night - Edmonton Trappers
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