Controversial Call Results in Three Ejections

Thursday’s game between the Round Rock Express (29-24) and the El Paso Chihuahuas (21-33) may have set a new milestone: three ejections on a single play.  The argumentative game ended in a 6-to-3 win for the Express. 

Controversy came in the bottom of the third inning when Round Rock’s Jose Barrero drew a walk and then attempted to steal second base.  Barrero looked to have escaped second baseman’s Nate Mondou tag, but over-slid the base while the tag was still applied.  Umpire Kelvis Velez ruled the runner safe.  Mondou and El Paso manager Pete Zamora challenged the call, in a restrained manner. 

The restrains were off on the next play when the Express’ Jonathan Ornelas singled, scoring Barrero.  The quick succession of plays triggered a rapid escalation, resulting in the ejection catcher Kevin Plawecki, Mondou and Zamora. 

The Chihuahuas responded defensively by bringing in reserve catcher Chandler Seagle, moving right fielder Graham Pauley to second base, and adding Cal Mitchell to right field. 

The Express, already leading by two runs, added three additional runs in the inning on base-loaded walks against Sean Reynolds, a clearly flustered relief pitcher. 

Round Rock added their sixth and final run in the fourth inning, beginning with Johnathan Ornelas’ triple and ending with Sandro Fabian’s sacrifice fly. 

El Paso mounted a ninth inning rally that fizzled, adding two runs on Eguy Rosario’s double.  Rosario later scored on fielder’s choice double play. 

The Express Johnny Cueto took home the win, scattering three hits over six scoreless innings while striking out five. 

El Paso’s Adam Mazur suffered the loss, allowing four runs on three hits, striking out three batters and walking two.