PCL1 Round Rock Express

Whiteside Blasts Express to 4-3 Win Over

Published on April 26, 2013 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Round Rock Express News Release


ROUND ROCK, Texas - Catcher Eli Whiteside launched his third home run of the season as the Round Rock Express (12-10) snapped a three-game losing streak with a 4-3 win against the Albuquerque Isotopes (11-10) Friday night at Dell Diamond.

A little two-out magic helped the Express get on the scoreboard in the third inning. Albuquerque starter Javy Guerra cruised through the first two innings, but after registering the first two outs of the third, surrendered a double to shortstop Jurickson Profar. Guerra looked to be out of trouble when he forced right fielder Jim Adduci to pull a grounder, but Alfredo Amezaga was unable to handle the ground ball, allowing Adduci to reach base and Profar to move to third. Third baseman Yangervis Solarte kept the inning alive on an opposite field double into the left field corner, plating Profar and moving Adduci to third. First baseman Robinson Chirinos would not be denied a chance to extend his hitting streak to six games, singling into the right-center gap which scored Adduci, but Solarte was gunned down at the dish on a strike from right-fielder Chili Buss for the inning's final out.

Catcher Eli Whiteside added to the two-out scoring in the third when he belted his second home run in as many days and third on the year, on the first pitch he saw from Guerra.

Express starter Josh Lindblom coasted through 5.0 scoreless innings on the mound before his shutout was ruined when shortstop Dee Gordon scored on a RBI groundout by Amezaga following a triple down the right field line by the speedy middle infielder.

Trailing 4-1 entering the final third of the ball game, the "˜Topes worked their way back via the long ball. After registering the first out of the seventh, Lindblom hit designated hitter Rusty Ryal on a 0-1 pitch with what seemed like a harmless mistake. Center fielder Matt Angle made the right-hander pay for the blemish, following with his second home run of the season, a two-run shot to pull the Isotopes within one at 4-3. Lindblom was lifted from the game two batters later, leaving a man on first with two outs for left-hander Neal Cotts.

The southpaw tossed 1.1 innings of scoreless relief, setting the stage for right-hander Cory Burns in the ninth. Burns did not disappoint collecting his fifth save of the season as the E-Train capped the night by catching pinch runner Tony Gwynn Jr. attempting to steal second base.

Lindblom earned his third winning, improving his record to 3-0 while Guerra suffered his second loss (0-2).

After a 2-for-4 night, center fielder Engel Beltre extended his hitting streak to a season-high nine games.

The Express continues its eight-game homestand with game three of four against the Isotopes Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. The Express will send RHP Ross Wolf (0-1, 1.62 ERA) to the hill to face off against Albuquerque right-hander Matt Magill (0-0, 2.84 ERA). The first 2,500 fans will also receive reusable grocery bags, presented by H-E-B. For tickets and more information, visit www.RoundRockExpress.com or call (512) 255-2255. Keep up with the Express on Facebook and Twitter!

Check out the Round Rock Express Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Pacific Coast League Stories from April 26, 2013


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central