Barreto's Big Night Not Enough for Sounds

A four-run first inning helped the Round Rock Express top the Nashville Sounds, 7-4, Wednesday night at Dell Diamond. The Sounds have lost six of their last seven games since the 15-game winning streak.
The big inning for the Express came just after the Sounds started the game with a three-run top of the first. After Dustin Fowler reached on a two-out error, Anthony García started the scoring with an RBI double down the left-field line. Moments later, Franklin Barreto clubbed a two-run homer to give the Sounds an early 3-0 lead.
It didn't last, however, as Round Rock started the bottom of the first with five consecutive hits off Nashville starter Raúl Alcántara. A two-run double by Tommy Joseph brought the Express within a run and a two-run single by Andy Ibáñez gave them a 4-3 lead.
Relievers Carlos Ramirez and J.B. Wendelken combined to throw three scoreless innings to keep the Sounds within reach. In the bottom of the sixth, Round Rock's Willie Calhoun drilled a two-run homer off Dean Kiekhefer to give the Express a 6-3 lead.
Nashville got a run back in the following inning when the first three batters reached safely. Beau Taylor walked to start the inning, Sheldon Neuse singled and BJ Boyd singled to drive in Taylor to pull within 6-4. The rally stopped there as Round Rock pitching retired the next three hitters in order.
The only offense mustered the rest of the night was a double off the bat of Barreto in the eighth. The second baseman finished the night 3-for-4 with 2 RBI, 2 doubles and a home run.
Alcantara was charged with the loss after he allowed four runs on seven hits in two innings.
The series finale between the Sounds and Express is scheduled for Thursday night at Dell Diamond. Left-hander Eric Jokisch (4-10, 4.80) starts for Nashville against left-hander Yohander Méndez (0-6, 6.00) for Round Rock. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.
Post-Game Notes
- With tonight's 7-4 loss, the Sounds dropped to 67-61 on the season.
- Anthony Garcia's RBI double in the first inning was his 30th double of the season. He's the first Sounds player to have at least 30 doubles and 20 home runs since Taylor Green accomplished the feat in 2011.
- Third baseman Sheldon Neuse extended his hitting streak to eight games with a single in the seventh inning.  
- Franklin Barreto went 3-for-4 with a home run and two doubles. He's hitting .378 (17-for-45) in 13 games in the month of August.
The 2018 season is the Sounds' 41st in franchise history and fourth as the Oakland Athletics' top affiliate. Single-game tickets are available now by calling (615) 690-4487 or by visiting www.nashvillesounds.com.