PCL1 Round Rock Express

Las Vegas Walks off against Round Rock, 3-2

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


LAS VEGAS, Nev. - In a pitcher's duel from beginning to end, the Las Vegas 51's (15-15) used a strikeout to knock off the Round Rock Express (18-14) 3-2 in the bottom of the ninth on Tuesday night at Cashman Field.

Express starter Jake Brigham allowed just one run over 4.1 innings of work in his first Triple-A start and first start since August 7, 2012 as a member of the Tennessee Smokies (Chicago Cubs Double-A affiliate). The right-hander entered boasting a 14.2 innings scoreless streak in 2013 as a reliever and gave the 51's all they could handle on Tuesday night but was countered by an equally dominant outing from Las Vegas starter Collin McHugh.

Brigham's lone blemish came in the first frame when first baseman Josh Satin launched his fifth home run of the season, a solo shot over the right field wall to give the 51's a 1-0 advantage. After that, the Express starter settled down and cruised, holding Las Vegas hitless over the next 3.2 innings after exiting with one out in the fifth.

On the offensive end, the Express bats were stagnant, registering just five hits over 7.0 scoreless innings. McHugh quieted a Round Rock offense that scored five or more runs in each of the four games in its previous series against Nashville.

Left-hander Neal Cotts took over for Brigham and continued the pitching clinic, holding Las Vegas hitless over 2.2 innings. Cotts' scoreless streak hit 14.2 innings after his Tuesday night performance while his two strikeouts increased his punch out total to 33 which leads all Express bullpen arms.

The E-Train put the tying run in scoring position in the third and fifth but were unable to take advantage of the opportunity. In the eighth, designated hitter Jose Felix cashed in, singling to right field which scored left fielder Aaron Cunningham to knot the game at one apiece. Cunningham singled to begin the inning and moved into scoring position on a sacrifice by shortstop Greg Miclat. McHugh was lifted before the start of the inning as the Express took advantage of Las Vegas reliever Gonzalez German who was charged with the run.

The defense unraveled for the Express in the bottom half of the eighth when left fielder Eric Campbell worked a walk from Round Rock reliever Evan Meek. With the last batter in the order, catcher Juan Centeno, at the plate, Campbell made a break for second. Catcher Robinson Chirinos' throw sailed into center field, allowing Campbell to scamper to third as the go ahead run. Centeno grounded the sixth pitch of his at bat off the first base bag and into right field, plating Campbell as the 51's took a 2-1 lead.

In the top of the ninth, Las Vegas turned to reliever Greg Burke to record the final three outs, but first baseman Chris McGuiness had other plans, belting a one-out double to put himself in scoring position. Chirinos stepped to the plate with a chance to redeem his throwing error in the bottom of the eighth and delivered, singling to right field to tie the game at two as McGuiness crossed the plate.

With a chance to send the game into extra innings, Meek remained on the mound for the Express to start the bottom of the ninth. Second baseman Ryan Havens led off with a single and moved to second on a ground out by Satin. In an attempt to bolster the speed on the base paths, Brian Bixler entered as a pinch runner. Meek was able to get third baseman Zach Lutz to chase a 2-2 pitch for strike three, but the ball bounced away from Chirinos all the way to the backstop. Chirinos fired to first for the second out, but Bixler never slowed up, scoring from second on the punch out to give Las Vegas the victory.

Meek suffered the loss, dropping to 0-1 on the season while Burke picked up the win after blowing the save in the ninth.

The Express will continue its road trip with game two of four against the 51's in Las Vegas tomorrow night at 9:05 p.m. CST. Southpaw Ryan Feierabend (0-0, 5.40 ERA) will take the ball for Round Rock. The 51's will send right-hander Carlos Torres (1-2, 5.25 ERA) to the mound. After four games in Tucson (May 11-14) to conclude the trip, the Express will return home for eight games beginning with Colorado Springs on May 16. For tickets and more information, 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 May 8, 2013


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