PCL1 Round Rock Express

Iowa Sweeps Round Rock in Doubleheader 5-4

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


DES MOINES, Iowa - After falling behind early, the Round Rock Express (35-28) was unable to complete its late-inning rally as the Iowa Cubs (27-34) finished off a doubleheader sweep of the E-Train Saturday night at Principal Park with a 5-4 game two victory.

The I-Cubs started fast, putting two runs on the board before Express starter Lisalverto Bonilla could record an out. After second baseman Logan Watkins singled to start the bottom half of the first inning, left fielder Brent Lillibridge homered on the first pitch he saw from Bonilla putting Iowa ahead 2-0.

One inning later, the I-Cubs added to their lead when third baseman Junior Lake doubled to begin the frame and came around to score on a one-out RBI single by right fielder Darnell McDonald.

Trailing 3-0, Round Rock rallied, putting runs on the board in the third and fourth inning to cut Iowa's lead to just one. After doubling to start the third, designated hitter Mike Bianucci scored on a RBI ground out off the bat of center fielder Engel Beltre for the first Express run. Another leadoff double helped the E-Train to its second run as left fielder Aaron Cunningham scored on right fielder Joey Butler's RBI two-bagger to pull Round Rock within one at 3-2.

Iowa countered in the bottom of the fourth, plating two more runs off Bonilla before chasing the right-hander from the game. Three straight singles brought home the first run before the I-Cubs loaded the bases with one out, forcing reliever Yoshinori Tateyama into the game. The side-winding right-hander limited the damage, allowing just one run to score before the inning came to a close.

The Express mounted a comeback in the sixth, loading the bases with two outs but could only push across one run when first baseman Jim Adduci worked a walk to force Cunningham home before catcher Eli Whiteside struck out to end the inning.

The Express rallied several times in the late innings, none more exciting than the ninth. With two on and two outs, Olt hit a ground ball to third but Lake's throw was off target. The error allowed Cunningham to score, Butler to move to third, Olt to advance to second and made the score 5-4. Bianucci had a chance to tie the game or put the Express in the lead but was unable to pick up his fourth hit of the game, grounding out to end the comeback attempt.

Though the bullpen worked 4.2 scoreless innings, the offense was never able to erupt as the I-Cubs finished off the doubleheader sweep of the Express. Bonilla (4-4) suffered the loss while Jeffry Antigua (1-1) picked up the win in relief.

The Express and I-Cubs will conclude the five-game set Sunday afternoon at 1:05 p.m. Right-hander Scott Richmond (1-0, 3.68 ERA) will take the mound to face Iowa southpaw Brooks Raley (4-4, 4.27 ERA). Round Rock will return to Dell Diamond on June 10 to open a four-game set against the Albuquerque Isotopes at 7:05 p.m. 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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Pacific Coast League Stories from June 8, 2013


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