Express Even Series With 4-2 Win Over Sounds
Third baseman Andy Gonzalez belted a two-run homer to account for Nashville's lone runs on the night, while shortstop Jeff Bianchi went a team-best 2-for-4, his fifth multiple-hit effort in his last eight contests.
The loss dropped Nashville (32-49) to just 2-17 in games decided by two runs this season.
Catcher Dusty Brown gave the home team a 2-0 lead in the second inning when he slugged his fourth home run of the year, a two-run shot to left off Sounds starter Mark Rogers.
Nashville third baseman Andy Gonzalez knotted the contest at 2-2 in the top of the fourth with a longball of his own, a two-out, two-run jack against Derek Hankins. The blast, which also scored Caleb Gindl (single), was the infielder's eighth of the year, all of which have come during the month of June.
Round Rock pulled back in front, 3-2, in the bottom of the inning when Joey Butler ripped a double and later scored on a two-out RBI single to right off the bat of Yangervis Solarte (2-for-3).
The Express tacked on their final tally in the fifth against Rogers when Luis Hernandez drew a one-out walk and raced around to score when Ryan Spilborghs followed with a double to left.
After plating their lone runs in the fourth, the Sounds put runners on base in four of the final five innings but failed to score. Their best chance came in the fifth, when Nashville put runners on the corners with one out before Hankins coaxed an inning-ending double play from Corey Patterson to escape the jam.
Hankins (3-4) picked up the win for Round Rock after holding the Sounds to two runs on eight hits over five innings. Four Round Rock relievers each tossed a scoreless frame, capped off by veteran Aaron Heilman, who closed out the contest to earn his sixth save of the year.
Rogers (3-5) took the loss for the Sounds after surrendering four runs on six hits and fanning five batters in his six frames of action.
The teams conclude the three-game set with a 7:05 p.m. CT finale on Friday night. Right-hander Brian Baker (1-3, 6.00) will make the start for the Sounds. Round Rock will counter with former Nashville hurler Zach Jackson (3-8, 5.09).