Aviators Top Express in Five Run Eighth Inning

The Las Vegas Aviators capitalized on a five-run eighth inning to defeat the Round Rock Express by a score of 6-to-5.  The two teams are now tied for first place in the Pacific Coast League second-half standings. 

Round Rock starting pitcher Zak Kent looked stellar in five innings of work, allowing one run on one hit while striking out six batters.  However, Express relief pitcher Chase Lee could not build upon that work and was tagged for the loss.  Lee allowed five runs on four hits without retiring a batter in the 8th inning. 

Las Vegas starter Hogan Harris seemed headed for a loss until the eighth inning.  Harris went 3.2 inning, allowing four runs on eight hits, including three home runs.  Chase Cohen earned the win for the visitors, going two innings, allowing one run on one hit. 

The Express’ offense was powered entirely on home runs.  J.P. Martinez opened the scoring in the 1st inning with a solo shot to right center field.  Davis Wendzel knocked a two-run homer to left center later in the inning. 

Martinez tallied his second homer in the 3rd inning, again with a solo shot to right center field, to give the Express a 4-to-0 advantage. 

The Aviators showed life in the 4th inning with Jonah Bride’s solo home run. 

Las Vegas’ bats came alive in the 8th inning.  The Aviators loaded the bases on singles to Darell Hernaiz and Conner Capel, and Greg Deichman’s hit by pitch.  Tyler Wade’s single scored Hernaiz, and Jonah Bride’s single brought home Capel.  Buddy Kennedy’s sacrifice fly plated Deichmann.  And a single by former Express catcher, Yohel Pozo, scored Wade and Bride.  Las Vegas led 6-to-4. 

The Express tried to close the gap with Blaine Crim’s solo home run in the 8th inning, but the home team could not muster any additional offense.