PCL1 Round Rock Express

Long Ball Crushes Express in Loss 8-5

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


DES MOINES, Iowa - The Round Rock Express (35-27) couldn't overcome the offensive powerhouse of Iowa Cubs' (26-34) first baseman Ian Stewart in game one of their split-game doubleheader, as he accounted for all eight Iowa runs in the E-Train's 8-5 loss.

The Express got things started in the first inning on a solo shot off the bat of catcher Robinson Chirinos, his fourth of the year.

Express starter Jake Brigham started a little shaky in the second inning, issuing a lead-off walk and then plunking third baseman Junior Lake to put two men on with no outs. Two batters later, first baseman Ian Stewart launched a three-run shot to right center, giving the I-Cubs a 3-1 lead.

Iowa added some insurance runs in the fourth when Brigham again led off the inning with a walk. A wild pitch by Brigham allowed the runner to advance to second, setting the stage again for Stewart. The first baseman worked a 3-1 count and sailed that fifth pitch over the outfield wall for his second home run of the game, giving the Cubs a steady 5-1 lead.

Express reliever Evan Meek replaced Brigham in the fifth, retiring the side in order. Brigham went 4.0 innings on the day, giving up five runs on three hits. He walked four batters, tying his season high, and struck out five, a new season high for the righty.

Round Rock's offense picked up in the seventh. Third baseman Mike Olt drew a lead-off walk and advanced to second on a two-out single by designated hitter Jose Felix. Engel Beltre followed up with a RBI single to score Olt and put Felix on third. Mike Bianucci came in to pinch run for Felix as Cubs reliever Alex Burnett came on to replace starter Nick Struck. With Chirinos at the plate, Bianucci scored on an interference error by the I-Cubs' third baseman. Chirinos singled to score Beltre, bringing the Express within one. With the tying run on second, left fielder Aaron Cunningham grounds out to end the inning.

The Express got another chance to tie the game in the top of the eighth. Jim Adduci hit a one-out single and stole second two batters later. Right fielder Jared Hoying picked up his first Triple-A RBI on a single to score Adduci and knot it up at five apiece.

Meek came back out for his fourth inning of work, having allowed just one Iowa base runner. He retired the first batter via a ground out, but issued a four-pitch walk to catcher Steve Clevenger. One out later, left fielder Dave Sappelt singled to left-center, putting two men on with two outs to again set it up for Express-crusher Stewart. Manager Bobby Jones went to the bullpen, brining in the newest addition to the Round Rock roster left-hander Joseph Ortiz. Ortiz worked a full-count to Stewart, but was unable to get him out as the first baseman crushed his third home run of the game, and second three-run shot, to put the I-Cubs ahead 8-5.

Iowa reliever Casey Coleman worked the ninth inning, giving up a one-out bunt single to Beltre before Chirnios grounded into a double play to end the game.

Meek suffered the loss, his third of the season, while Burnett picked up his first win.

The Express and I-Cubs play again tonight at 7:05 p.m. Express right-hander Josh Lindblom (6-0, 2.04 ERA) will toe the rubber against former Rangers farmhand Barret Loux (3-2, 6.29 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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