DES MOINES, Iowa - The Round Rock Express (16-24) plated a pair of runs in the top of the ninth inning to claim a series-clinching 4-2 victory over the Iowa Cubs (12-25) on Tuesday afternoon at Principal Park. Express SS Nick Noonan led the way with a pair of RBI, including
DES MOINES, Iowa - The Round Rock Express (16-24) plated a pair of runs in the top of the ninth inning to claim a series-clinching 4-2 victory over the Iowa Cubs (12-25) on Tuesday afternoon at Principal Park. Express SS Nick Noonan led the way with a pair of RBI, including the go-ahead run in the ninth.
Round Rock RHP Matt Bush (1-1, 2.25) collected his first victory of the season thanks to a shutout eighth inning of relief. Iowa RHP Dillon Maples (0-1, 6.17) suffered the loss after giving up two runs on three hits in the ninth.
The E-Train grabbed the first lead of the game in the second inning as 1B Tommy Joseph collected a leadoff single prior to a clutch two-out RBI single off the bat of RF Destin Hood . However, Iowa responded with a pair of runs in the bottom of the frame. Following singles by SS Mike Freeman and DH Tyler Pearson , 2B Chesny Young singled to right field. Hood misplayed the offering, allowing a pair of unearned runs to score.
Express LHP Yohander Méndez recovered to retire 10 of his next 11 hitters faced to cap off a solid afternoon. The lefty finished having allowed just the two unearned runs on a total of five hits while striking out seven in 4.1 innings of work.
Round Rock picked up their starter by leveling the game in the seventh. 2B Andy Ibáñez continued his hot roadtrip with a single off Iowa LHP Kyle Ryan . Noonan then followed up with an RBI double that reset the score at 2-2.
The Express rallied for a pair of ninth inning runs to claim the series. CF Jose Cardona and Hood put runners on the corners with back-to-back base hits. Noonan played the role of hero with a groundout that allowed Cardona to race home with the go-ahead run. DH Scott Heineman added an insurance run with a two-out RBI single.
Round Rock RHP R.J. Alvarez sealed the 4-2 victory with a scoreless ninth inning of relief, picking up his team-leading seventh save of the season.
After a league-wide off-day on Wednesday, the Express open a four-game series against the New Orleans Baby Cakes on Thursday. Round Rock RHP Yovani Gallardo (0-1, 4.71) is slated to start against New Orleans RHP Sandy Alcantara (1-1, 3.79). First pitch at the Shrine on Airline in Metairie, Louisiana is set for 7:00 p.m.
For more information on the Express, visit RoundRockExpress.com or call (512) 255-2255. Keep up with the Express on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter!
