I-Cubs Blanked by Express, 5-0
Derek Hankins (4-1, 4.94) picked the victory in his start for Round Rock. Hankins threw five innings in the game, allowing only two hits while walking one and striking out three. The Express bullpen picked up where Hankins left off, as Yhency Brazoban and Mark Lowe each contributed two innings of shutout baseball.
The Express offense was sparked by two home runs, each off of Iowa starter Robert Coello, in the top of the fourth inning. After Coello retired Chad Tracy to lead of the fourth, Brad Nelson homered to deep right-center to put Round Rock on the board with a 1-0 lead. Luis Cruz followed with a double and Craig Gentry walked before Joey Butler hit the second long ball of the inning to give the visitors a 4-0 lead.
Esteban German would add a RBI-double in the sixth inning to put the Express ahead at 5-0.
Colleo (2-3, 9.00) took the loss for Iowa, lasting five innings and giving up four runs on six hits. He struck out three and walked three.
The I-Cub bullpen continued to limit runs as Polin Trinidad and Jeff Stevens, in his first appearance since returning from Chicago, limited Round Rock to three hits and one run scored.
Game two of this four-game series is set for Tuesday afternoon at Principal Park. LH Michael Kirkman (0-2, 9.87) will oppose I-Cub LH J.R. Mathes (1-1, 5.85). First pitch is set for 12:05 p.m.