PCL1 Round Rock Express

Round Rock Express Take Opener at Memphis 6-2

Published on July 14, 2011 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Round Rock Express News Release


MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Brad Nelson and Matt Kata each had two RBI in a five-run sixth inning that propelled the Round Rock Express to a 6-2 victory over the Memphis Redbirds in Thursday night's Pacific Coast League series opener at AutoZone Park. The Express (53-38) evened the season series against the Redbirds (48-43) at four games apiece.

Round Rock snagged a 1-0 lead on the strength of Nelson's first-inning, two-out RBI single. The Express sent 10 batters to the plate in the decisive sixth. Nelson's bases-loaded, two-run single started the sixth-inning scoring spree. After a double play and a walk, Kata drilled a two-run double to left-center and scored on a Guilder Rodriguez single.

Memphis rallied for a pair of runs in the bottom of the eighth on Mark Hamilton's RBI single and a run-scoring wild pitch. However, Beau Jones stopped the rally in the eighth, and Pedro Strop made use of a double play to work around a leadoff walk and an error for a scoreless ninth.

Express starter Eric Hurley (3-0) earned the victory, tossing six scoreless innings. He scattered four hits and three walks with five strikeouts.

Memphis starter Maikel Cleto (1-1) took the loss after surrendering four runs on five hits and three walks over 5.0 innings with four strikeouts. He exited after facing four batters without recording an out in the sixth.

Nelson was 3-for-5 with three RBI. Chris Davis and Leonys Martin both had two-hit nights; Davis scored twice. Chad Tracy was 1-for-3 and walked twice.

Aaron Luna had the lone multiple-hit game for the Redbirds, going 2-for-4.

Round Rock and Memphis continue the series Friday with a doubleheader at 5:05 p.m. CDT. The first game is a makeup of the June 1 game at AutoZone Park that was postponed due to inclement weather. Friday's radio broadcast will begin on 1530 AM in the Austin area and jump to 104.9 FM The Horn ESPN Austin at 6:50 p.m.

Right-hander Neil Ramirez (4-3, 3.77 ERA) will start the first game for the Express, while right-hander Ryan Tucker (1-1, 4.45 ERA) is scheduled to make his first start of the season in the nightcap. Right-hander Brian Broderick (2-2, 5.26 ERA) is slated to start the opener for the Redbirds, who have not announced a starter for Friday's second game.

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Pacific Coast League Stories from July 14, 2011


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