Late Lead Diminishes as Express Falls 8-6
Published on August 15, 2013 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Round Rock Express News Release
ROUND ROCK, Texas - Holding a three-run lead with six outs of defense remaining, a five-run eighth inning following a rain delay doomed the Round Rock Express (64-61) in an 8-6 loss to the Tacoma Rainiers (66-59) Wednesday night at Dell Diamond.
Twice the E-Train allowed a three-run lead to dwindle away as Round Rock dropped to 2-5 on the current homestand and suffered its second straight loss when leading after the seventh inning.
The Express offense sparked early, plating three runs over the game's first two innings to take the initial lead for the first time in five nights. With two on and one out in the first, third baseman Mike Bianucci delivered a two-run double into the left-center gap, giving Round Rock the early 2-0 advantage.
The E-Train built on its lead in the second when right fielder Jim Adduci doubled off the glove of a sliding Abraham Almonte in center field, allowing designated hitter Aaron Cunningham to score from third.
Leading 3-0, Kirkman surrendered a pair of singles to begin the third as Tacoma mounted its rally. A walk loaded the bases for the Rainiers before Kirkman uncorked his fourth wild pitch in two starts, allowing the first Tacoma run to cross the plate. Another free pass reloaded the bases as first baseman Rich Poythress followed with a two-run single to tie the game at three apiece.
Round Rock's offense jump started again in the fourth as the Express greeted Tacoma reliever Hector Noesi with two straight singles. After a ground out left runners on first and third, Round Rock pulled off a double steal as shortstop Guilder Rodriguez swiped second, while second baseman Alex Buchholz took home to put the E-Train back in front. Following the base theft, catcher Zach Zaneski and center fielder Jim Adduci slammed back-to-back doubles for the final two runs of the frame.
Kirkman finished off his evening after 5.0 innings on the hill, allowing just the three runs on four hits while racking up four strikeouts.
Right-hander Johan Yan took over out of the bullpen for Round Rock, firing a scoreless sixth inning before the Express and Rainiers entered a rain delay. It was the second stoppage due to weather in the homestand after a 51 minute delay Saturday night.
Wednesday night's rain delay lasted one hour and 14 minutes before play resumed in the bottom of the sixth.
Yan continued after the delay, pitching the seventh before exiting in favor of right-hander Justin Miller to begin the eighth. Miller surrendered a pair of runs and left the bases loaded as side-winder Ben Rowen entered to work for the second straight night. With a one-run lead and one out on the board, Rowen forced a ground ball, but the defense was only able to retire the runner at first, allowing the tying run to cross the plate. Rowen forced another ground ball on the next batter, but Bianucci's throw to first sailed high as two more runs scored to put Tacoma in front 8-6.
The Express loaded the bases in the bottom of the ninth with one out, but were unable to push across a run as the Rainiers retired the final two batters in order to preserve the victory. Miller (0-1) suffered the loss after allowing five runs (three earned), while Tacoma reliever Chance Ruffin (1-2) earned his first win.
The Express and Rainiers conclude a four-game set Thursday night at 7:05 p.m. The E-Train will send southpaw Ryan Feierabend (5-4, 3.70 ERA) to the hill to face Tacoma's Taijuan Walker (3-2, 3.73 ERA). The Original Thirsty Thursday, presented by Firetrol Protection Systems returns to Dell Diamond tomorrow night featuring discounted draft beers and $1.00 sodas. 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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