PCL1 Round Rock Express

Profar Slams Express Past Zephyrs, 7-1

April 21, 2013 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Round Rock Express News Release


ROUND ROCK, Texas - Shortstop Jurickson Profar unloaded for a grand slam as a part of a five-run seventh inning that pushed the Round Rock Express (11-7) past the New Orleans Zephyrs (7-9) Sunday afternoon, 7-1.

Neither team was able to muster much offense through the first three innings as the Z's and E-Train combined for just one hit. Express starter Ross Wolf was on his game, racking up four punch outs over the first three frames. New Orleans right-hander Doug Mathis was also dealing, tossing 3.1 hitless innings to begin the ballgame, allowing just two base runners (both via walk) over that span.

The Zephyrs struck first in the top of the fourth when shortstop Ed Lucas picked on a 0-1 offering from Wolf and deposited it onto the left field berm, giving New Orleans a 1-0 lead.

In the bottom half of the frame, Joey Butler and the Express answered as the left fielder blasted a one-out, 2-2 pitch from Mathis over the center field wall, knotting the game at one apiece. Butler's solo shot was his second of the season and also the first Express hit of the game.

Mathis exited the game after five innings, allowing just one run on one hit as New Orleans called upon the bullpen to begin the sixth. After two quick outs, left-hander Zach Phillips walked right fielder Jim Adduci. Adduci continued to tear up the base paths, stealing second with Butler at the plate. It was his third consecutive game with a stolen base (seventh on the season) and the first Express base runner to reach scoring position on the day. Following a Butler walk, second baseman Yangervis Solarte stepped to the plate but was unable to deliver, popping out to shortstop and ending the scoring opportunity.

Wolf allowed a leadoff single in the seventh, but forced a sharp ground ball off the bat of designated hitter Matt Diaz. Third baseman Mike Olt gloved the grounder and started a crisp double play around the horn. That would be all for Wolf as the right-hander was lifted and replaced by southpaw Neal Cotts after permitting just one run on five hits over 6.2 innings, his second straight quality start.

After Cotts retired first baseman Jordan Brown on strikes to end the top of the seventh, the E-Train bats awoke in the bottom of the inning. Designated hitter Robinson Chirinos led off with a line-drive single into left off Zephyrs reliever Jordan Smith. Olt followed with a double into the right-center gap to put runners on second and third with no outs for first baseman Chris McGuiness. After working the count full, McGuiness walked to load the bases without an out on the board. With the infield drawn in, catcher Eli Whiteside lofted a fly ball deep enough into center field to score Chirinos from third on a sacrifice fly, giving the Express a 2-1 advantage.

Center fielder Engel Beltre kept the inning alive with a one-out single into left that loaded the bases as Profar stepped to the plate. In the midst of a 0-for-13 slump, Profar broke out in grand fashion as the shortstop cleared the bases on the first pitch he saw from Smith with a shot onto the roof of the center field shed. It was the first grand slam for Profar since July 17, 2011 with Hickory (A).

Round Rock tacked on another run in the bottom of the eighth when New Orleans reliever Dan Jennings walked the bases loaded. Beltre grounded into a fielder's choice, but Chirinos crossed the plate to extend the lead to 7-1.

The six-run advantage would be all the E-Train bullpen would need as Cotts racked up four strikeouts over his 1.1 innings, continuing to lead the relievers in punch outs with 18 on the season. Right-hander Evan Meek closed out the game with a scoreless ninth, rebounding from his tough outing on April 18 at Oklahoma City where he allowed three runs in just 0.1 inning.

Cotts earned the victory, his second on the season as the left-hander improved to 2-1. Smith suffered the loss after being tagged for five runs in his lone inning of work, dropping to 1-1.

With the seven runs on the afternoon, the Express activated the "No. 7 Express" Papa John's promotion for the second day in-a-row. Fans will now be able to use the promo code Express7 to receive half-price pizza tomorrow at PapaJohns.com (valid from San Marcos to Waco).

The E-Train continues its homestand with the third game of a four-game set against the Zephyrs tomorrow night at 7:05 p.m. Round Rock southpaw Brad Mills (2-0, 0.69 ERA) will toe the rubber to face New Orleans right-hander Jacob Turner (0-2, 8.74 ERA). Also tomorrow, Dell Diamond will feature $1.00 hot dogs and sodas all night long, courtesy of Mrs Bairds. 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 April 21, 2013


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