Round Rock Drops Ugly One To Aces 6-1

ROUND ROCK, Texas - The Round Rock Express (62-63) tied a season-high with four errors Thursday as they dropped an ugly 6-1 decision to the Reno Aces (68-58) at Dell Diamond.

LHP Derek Holland (0-1, 9.64 ERA) took the loss in his second rehab start with Round Rock. However, the outcome wasn't indicative of how the Texas Rangers' hurler pitched. In 3.2 innings, the left-hander allowed three runs (one earned) on three hits, while striking out four and walking two.

The highlight of Round Rock's night came in the bottom of the first inning as leadoff man CF Ryan Strausborger went deep to kickoff the E-Train's offensive effort. Unfortunately, it was all downhill following Strausborger's solo blast, which was his fourth of the season.

Reno got back-to-back doubles from C Bobby Wilson and SS Nick Ahmed to square the game in the third. The Aces then took advantage of poor E-Train defense in the fourth to pull in front for good. With the bases loaded and two outs, CF Blake Tekotte grounded a ball up the middle. Express SS Luis Sardinas fielded the ball moving to his left and threw across his body to first. The throw arrived just in time, but 1B Jason Donald was unable to find the bag after receiving the throw, allowing the runner from third to score. In disbelief of the umpire's ruling, the first baseman momentarily lost his concentration following the play, which permitted the runner from second to score without a throw.

The Aces added two more runs in the sixth and another in the seventh to stretch their advantage out to five at 6-1. With runners on second and third in the sixth, former Round Rock LF Aaron Cunningham and Wilson came up with consecutive run-scoring base hits for Reno. In the seventh, 3B Andy Marte, DH Mike Jacobs and Weber began the inning with three-straight singles to tack on another run.

Aces reliever RHP Jess Todd (6-2, 3.36 ERA) earned the win after throwing three scoreless innings in relief of starter LHP Keith Hessler. Hessler, who was making his Triple-A debut after being promoted from Class-A Advanced Visalia, gave up one run on four hits over three frames.

The Express will conclude their series with the Aces Friday at Dell Diamond. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m., while another Bud Light Friday Fireworks show will fill the Central Texas sky following the game.

For more information on the Express, visit www.RoundRockExpress.com or call (512) 255-2255. Keep up with the Express on Facebook and Twitter!