ROUND ROCK, Texas - The Round Rock Express (67-45) rode a strong start by RHP Rogelio Armenteros (5-6, 5.54) to a 7-3 win over the Sacramento River Cats (61-52) on Sunday night at Dell Diamond. The righty held the opposition to three runs, only two of which were earned, on
ROUND ROCK, Texas - The Round Rock Express (67-45) rode a strong start by RHP Rogelio Armenteros (5-6, 5.54) to a 7-3 win over the Sacramento River Cats (61-52) on Sunday night at Dell Diamond. The righty held the opposition to three runs, only two of which were earned, on six hits while striking out four in 6.0 innings of work.
On the losing end, Sacramento RHP Yoanys Quiala (6-7, 6.43) allowed four runs, three of which were earned, on six hits in 5.0 innings. The righty tallied eight strikeouts and four walks in the loss.
Round Rock pounced for a pair of runs in the bottom of the first inning to grab an early lead. SS Myles Straw led off the contest with a single, then DH Abraham Toro worked a walk. Two batters later, 1B Kyle Tucker lined a single to SS Mauricio Dubón , who threw the ball wide of first base, resulting in a throwing error that allowed Straw to sprint home while Toro raced to third. An ensuing Taylor Jones sacrifice fly doubled the gap to 2-0.
Both teams then traded solo home runs in the second as Sacramento RF Jaylin Davis went yard prior to a solo shot from Round Rock CF Chas McCormick .
The River Cats briefly tied the game with a two-run third inning. LF Joey Rickard , SS Mauricio Dubon and CF Mike Gerber recorded three straight singles to plate a run. An RBI groundout by Davis left just enough time for Dubon to run home with the game-tying run.
The tie proved to be short-lived as Round Rock grabbed the lead right back in the bottom of the frame. Toro worked a walk to begin the inning, then 2B Jack Mayfield lined a shot to deep left field. On the play, Rickard misplayed the line drive, ultimately committing a fielding error that allowed Toro to score the go-ahead run.
The Express later sparked an impressive two-out rally to take a commanding 7-3 lead in the sixth. After two quick outs, McCormick, C Lorenzo Quintana and LF Alex De Goti singled in consecutive order, plating another run in the process. Straw then cleared the bases with a double that upped the gap to 7-3.
The E-Train reliever duo of RHP Humberto Castellanos and RHP Felipe Paulino teamed up to throw 3.0 shutout innings to preserve the 7-3 game three victory.
Round Rock and Sacramento close out their four-game series on Monday evening. Express LHP Framber Valdez (2-2, 2.22) is slated to take the mound opposite River Cats RHP Casey Meisner (2-0, 4.09). First pitch in the series finale at Dell Diamond is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.
For more information on the Express, visit RRExpress.com or call (512) 255-2255. Keep up with the Express on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, and join the conversation during our historic 20th season using #20STROng.
