PCL1 Round Rock Express

Round Rock Express Recap: Round Rock Express Falls to Tucson Padres

Published on May 13, 2013 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Round Rock Express News Release


TUCSON, Ariz. - The Round Rock Express (20-17) took a 6-2 lead into the bottom of the ninth inning before the bullpen unraveled, giving Tucson (19-18) a 7-6 walk-off victory Sunday night at Keno Sports Complex.

Express starter Josh Lindblom was dominate on the mound tonight, giving up just three hits through six innings. The offense gave him plenty of run support, scoring all six runs with him in the game.

Bats stayed quiet on both sides early on, with both teams getting a combined four hits through the first three innings. In the fourth inning, designated hitter Aaron Cunningham scored on force out by shortstop Greg Miclat to give the E-Train a 1-0 lead.

The next inning, Round Rock tacked on three more runs. With two outs, first baseman Chris McGuiness singled to right-center field. Left fielder Joey Butler got on base thanks to a fielding error by center fielder Jaff Decker, scoring McGuiness. Cunningham worked an eight-pitch at-bat to draw a walk, putting runners on first and second. Third baseman Yangervis Solarte smacked his sixth double of the season to score both Butler and Cunningham, making it 4-0 Express.

In the seventh inning, the meat of Round Rock's order saw some more action, driving in two runs. McGuiness hit a double to lead off the inning and came around to score on a two-bagger off the bat of Butler. Two batters later right fielder Jim Adduci hit a line drive down the left field line to score Butler.

Tucson's offense woke up in the bottom half of the inning. Lindblom gave up back-to-back singles to start off the inning, Tucson's first multi-hit inning of the game. The next batter hit into a double play, but allowed one run to score. The Express starter gave up one more single before being replaced by reliever Nate Robertson with one man on. Robertson issued a walk to the first batter he faced and followed up with a single to Padres second baseman Dean Anna to score Tucson's second run of the game. A passed ball and a walk loaded the bases for Brandon Allen. Robertson got Allen to sit down on strikes, ending the inning.

Round Rock took their 6-2 lead into the bottom of the ninth inning with Jake Brigham on the mound. Brigham gave up a lead-off single to center fielder Jaff Decker followed by two consecutive walks to load the bases with no outs. Manager Bobby Jones went to the bullpen and called on his ace closer Cory Burns to stop the damage. Uncharacteristically for Burns, he issued a walk to the first batter he faced scoring a run for Tucson. That was only his third walk in 12.2 innings. With the winning run at the plate, Allen smacks a ground ball to right field to plate two more runs, leaving the tying run on third with no outs. With third baseman James Darnell at the plate, home plate umpire Mark Ripperger calls a balk on Burns, scoring another run to tie the game at 6-6. Darnell popped out for the first out of the inning. After giving up another single, Burns intentionally walked Gregorio Pettit to load the bases. The Express infield moved in in hopes of getting the double play ball and sending the game into extras. Two pitches later, Tucson's Rocky Gale singled to right field to score the winning run.

Burns was tagged with his first loss of the season and first blown save in nine attempts. It was also the first time he's given up a run all season. Tucson reliever Nick Vincent got the win, improving to 1-3.

The Express will continue its road trip with game three of four against the Padres tomorrow night at 9:05 p.m. CST. Southpaw Ryan Feierabend (0-0, 5.40 ERA) will make his third start for Round Rock this season. The Express will return to Dell Diamond 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 13, 2013


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