Round Rock Splits Series with Albuquerque after 8-3 Win

ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico - Ike Davis launched a three-run home run in the second inning, setting the tone for today's 8-3 Round Rock Express (20-18) victory over the Albuquerque Isotopes (20-20) at Isotopes Park. The newly acquired RHP Kyle Lohse (1-0, 5.06) collected the victory in his first game with the Express. The former Minnesota Twins, St. Louis Cardinals and Milwaukee Brewers ace allowed three runs on six hits in 5.1 innings on the hill.

Isotopes starter RHP Shane Carle (3-4, 6.64) took the loss after surrendering four runs, three of which were earned, on seven hits in six innings of work. Carle struck out four and walked two in the outing. 

Just like the first three games of this series, the Express jumped out to an early lead. To open the second inning, CF Jared Hoying collected the first of his two base hits on the day, a fly ball to right field that dropped for a single. 1B Patrick Kivlehan followed suit, singling to left to put two men on for Davis. The designated hitter delivered, smashing a 2-1 pitch over the wall in the deepest part of Isotopes Park to give the visitors a 3-0 advantage.

Two innings later, Albuquerque tied the game with one swing of the bat. DH Stephen Cardullo collected a leadoff single to begin the fourth inning. With one down, RF Jordan Patterson drew a walk. Both baserunners advanced 90 feet thanks to a perfectly executed double steal, setting up a significant jam for Lohse. With two runners in scoring position and just one out, C Ryan Casteel struck out on four pitches. Lohse wouldn't be as lucky with 3B Tim Smalling, as the Isotopes infielder connected on a 1-2 pitch for a game-tying three-run homer.

The two teams were deadlocked for just minutes as Round Rock regained the advantage in the very next inning. 3B Pedro Ciriaco notched a leadoff single before taking second on a groundout from C Patrick Cantwell. LF Delino DeShields pushed a grounder through the infield for a RBI single in the next at-bat, giving the Express a 4-3 advantage.

From there, Round Rock continued to pounce. SS Doug Bernier blasted his third home run of the year in the seventh inning, a solo shot to left field that increased the lead to 5-3.

The Express sealed the victory thanks to a big three-run ninth inning. With LHP Sam Moll on to pitch, Cantwell and DeShields collected back-to-back one-out singles. RF Shin Soo-Choo then doubled on a ground ball that was scorched to right field. Cantwell scored on the play while DeShields moved to third. In the very next at-bat, 2B Jurickson Profar blew the game open with a two-run single.

The E-Train bullpen was dominant in today's 8-3 victory. After suffering the loss on Sunday, RHP Carlos Fisher relieved Lohse with one out in the sixth. The righty allowed a walk before the Round Rock bullpen combined to face the minimum over the final 3.1 innings of play. Following Fisher's 1-2-3 seventh, RHP Jimmy Reyes issued a leadoff walk before striking out 1B Ben Paulsen. In the very next play, RF Jordan Patterson roped a liner to first that Kivlehan speared out of the air before stepping on the bag to record the unassisted double play.

RHP Anthony Carter came on in the ninth, retiring the side on just 11 total pitches to seal the deal. With the win, Round Rock salvaged a series split with the Isotopes and improved to 20-18 on the year.

Following a league-wide off day on Wednesday, the Express will continue their Pacific Conference tour with a four-game set against their in-state rivals, the El Paso Chihuahuas. RHP Chi Chi Gonzalez (1-4, 6.63) looks to rebound from the toughest start of his professional career for the E-Train while RHP Fabio Castillo (0-0, 0.00)  is set to make his second start of the year for the Chihuahuas.

Single game tickets are available along with season ticket packages and group discounts. For more information on the Express, visit www.RoundRockExpress.com or call (512) 255-2255. Keep up with the Express on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter!