Round Rock Walks Off With Split

ROUND ROCK, Texas -- Chris McGuiness singled home Robinson Chirinos with the game-winning run in the bottom of the ninth as the Round Rock Express salvaged a split in a four-game series against the Albuquerque Isotopes, winning 4-3 on Sunday afternoon at Dell Diamond.

Topes reliever Geison Aguasviva (1-2) walked Chirinos to start the winning rally. Aaron Cunningham advanced him to second on a sacrifice bunt. After the count was 3-1, Yangervis Solaris was intentionally walked. With the infield in, McGuiness pulled a ball that went just off the glove of second baseman Elian Herrera, who wouldn't have a had to throw out the runner at home anyway.

Matt Palmer was activated from the disabled list and started the game, his 2013 debut. Jurickson Profar tripled home Engel Beltre for a 1-0 lead in the first inning.

Brian Barden gave the Topes took a 2-1 lead in the second inning with his first home run of the season. 

The Express tied the game in the fourth on a double by Joey Butler and a sacrifice fly by Solarte. Palmer went four innings, allowed two runs on five hits, no walks and struck out two.

The Topes took the lead back in the fifth with three singles by Rusty Ryal, Tony Gwynn, Jr. and Jesus Flores delivered the RBI off Express starting pitcher Brad Mills.

Butler doubled again in the sixth, this time off reliever Anthony Ortega, and Chirinos singled him home to tie the game at 3-3. 

The Topes return home to begin an eight-game home stand on Monday evening, starting with four games against Memphis. First pitch will be at 6:35 pm MDT for all four games against Memphis.