Express Top Rainiers

The Round Rock Express (33-31) jumped to an early lead and held on to defeat the Tacoma Rainiers (35-30) by a final score of 3-to-2. 

Express starting pitcher Jack Leiter (2-3) earned the win, allowing two runs (one earned) on three hits in 5.1 innings.  He struck out seven and walked four batters.  Antoine Kelly, Daniel Robert, and Cole Winn combined to pitched 3.2 innings of scoreless baseball. 

Casey Lawrence took home the loss for the Rainers.  Lawrence allowed three runs on nine hits in 4.2 innings of work.  He struck out five and walked one batter. 

Round Rock scored in the opening frame on Sam Huff’s sharp ground ball to left field, bringing home Andrew Knapp.  Knapp reached base on a double. 

The Express doubled their lead in the second inning on Dustin Harris’ single to center field, scoring Jose Barrero.  Barrero singled and stole second base. 

Tacoma put up runs in the third and fourth inning to tie the game.  Cade Marlowe’s single to right field deflected off second baseman Jax Bigger, allowing Jonata Clase to score. Luis Urias scored on Samad Taylor’s ground out.  

Round Rock took the lead and scored the final run of the game in the fifth inning.  Trevor Hauver’s line drive single plated Blaine Crim from third base.  Crim reached base on a triple to right field. 

Sam Huff led the Express offensively with two hits in four appearances with a run batted in.