Hurlbut Bakes 'Cakes as Express Claim Series Victory

Lefty Blanks New Orleans on Two Hits as Round Rock Wins 3-1

(Andy Nietupski)

By Andrew Felts

May 20, 2018

METAIRIE, Louisiana - Round Rock Express (18-26) LHP David Hurlbut (1-3, 4.91) posted the most impressive start to date for any E-Train pitcher, blanking the New Orleans Baby Cakes (22-21) on just two hits in 7.0 strong innings as Round Rock picked up the series victory with a 3-1 win

METAIRIE, Louisiana - Round Rock Express (18-26) LHP David Hurlbut (1-3, 4.91) posted the most impressive start to date for any E-Train pitcher, blanking the New Orleans Baby Cakes (22-21) on just two hits in 7.0 strong innings as Round Rock picked up the series victory with a 3-1 win in Sunday's finale.
Hurlbut earned his first win of the season after scattering just two hits and two walks across seven shutout innings. On the losing side, New Orleans RHP Trevor Richards (2-1, 2.05) surrendered all three Round Rock runs, only two of which were earned, on seven hits while striking out four in 6.0 frames.
Round Rock wasted little time jumping on the scoreboard as RF Scott Heineman tallied a leadoff single in the top of the first inning. After LF Willie Calhoun jumped aboard via a fielding error by 3B Cristhian Adames , C Juan Centeno singled to score Heineman, putting the E-Train up 1-0 early.
The Express extended their lead to 3-0 as DH Tommy Joseph blasted a solo home run in the fifth before 1B Destin Hood collected a solo shot of his own in the sixth.
After allowing a leadoff single in the first, Hurlbut went on to face the minimum over his seven innings of work. The lefty was aided by a season-high three double plays turned by the E-Train defense.
After RHP Ricky Rodriguez tossed a scoreless eighth inning, RHP R.J. Alvarez emerged for the ninth. The righty picked up two quick outs before walking SS J.T. Riddle. Following a wild pitch that moved Riddle to third, C Tomás Telis singled home Riddle to avoid the shutout. Alvarez recovered to pick up his Pacific Coast League-leading eighth save of the season.
The Express now return home for a quick four-game series against the Iowa Cubs. Round Rock LHP Yohander Méndez (0-3, 5.65) is scheduled to face Iowa RHP Alec Mills (1-4, 4.35). First pitch in Monday night's series opener at Dell Diamond is scheduled for 7:05 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!