PCL1 Round Rock Express

Pena, Germano Lift E-Train over RedHawks

Published on July 24, 2014 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Round Rock Express News Release


OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. - Round Rock Express (52-51) RHP Justin Germano turned in his third complete game of the season Thursday and DH Carlos Pena made it stand up with a tie-breaking, solo home run in the ninth to down the Oklahoma City RedHawks (53-54) 2-1 at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

With two outs and the score knotted at one in the ninth, Pena came to the dish having already recorded one of Round Rock's three hits in the contest. After spoiling a 2-2 offering from RHP Asher Wojciechowski (0-3, 6.56 ERA), the designated hitter went deep the other way to left for his second homer in as many days to give the Express a one-run lead.

Germano (4-10, 4.25 ERA) didn't need much run support in this one as he kept Oklahoma City guessing all night. The right-hander surrendered just one run on three hits, striking out two and walking two, needing just 100 pitches to finish the game. Germano's three complete games this season leads the Pacific Coast League, however, Thursday's gem was the first one he has actually won.

With the win, Round Rock took the series in Oklahoma City 3-1 and has now won four of their last five games.

The only scoring that took place prior to Pena's homer came in the third when the two teams traded runs to square the game at 1-1. Round Rock CF Ryan Strausborger led off the inning with a single to right. After two quick outs, the speedy center fielder swiped second to put himself into scoring position. SS Luis Sardinas, who collected four hits Wednesday, then came through with a base hit to left, momentarily giving the E-Train a one-run lead.

Oklahoma City played small ball in the bottom of the third to pull even with the Express. DH Max Stassi drew a four-pitch walk to begin the inning, was sacrificed to second by 3B Jiovanni Mier, then scored when 2B Joe Sclafani grounded a single through the left side.

The game remained tied until Pena's yard work in the ninth.

The Express will head to Colorado Springs Friday to begin a series with the Sky Sox at Security Service Field. RHP Phil Irwin (4-1, 2.52 ERA) is scheduled to take the mound for Round Rock against Colorado Springs RHP Brett Tomko (6-5, 4.41 ERA). Game time is set for 8:05 p.m. CDT.

Listen to the game live on 104.9 FM The Horn or online at hornfm.com . 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 July 24, 2014


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