Late rally falls short in Round Rock

The New Orleans Zephyrs rallied to score five runs in the ninth inning, but it was not enough as the Round Rock Express grabbed the opener of the four-game series on Saturday night, 8-7 at the Dell Diamond.

Robinson Chirinos slugged a three-run homer in Round Rock's four-run first inning to jump out to a quick lead. The Express added to the lead in the fourth with an Aaron Cunningham RBI single.

Yangervis Solarte had three hits, including an RBI single in the fifth and a home run in the seventh as the Express carried an 8-2 lead into the ninth inning.

New Orleans sent 10 batters to the plate, scoring all five runs with two outs. Wilson Valdez drew a bases-loaded walk, and Kevin Mattison followed with a triple and Bryan Petersen singled to right to get the Zephyrs within a run, but Ben Lasater, whose ground out had led off the inning, popped out to end the rally.

The Z's outhit the Express 13-9, but stranded a season-high 15 baserunners. Mattison led the Z's with three hits and four RBI.

Josh Lindblom (2-0) allowed one run and four hits in five innings to earn the victory. He struck out seven and walked two.

Brad Hand (2-1), who entered the game without an earned run allowed through his first three starts, was charged with six runs in 4 2/3 innings and took the loss.

The Zephyrs and Express resume the series on Sunday at 1:05 p.m.