Clutch Moment Eludes Express in El Paso Loss

The Round Rock Express fell victim to a late-game surge by the El Paso Chihuahuas, who overcame a four-run deficit to secure a 7-6 victory on Sunday. The Express loaded the bases in the bottom of the ninth, but a potential game-winning rally fizzled out, allowing the Chihuahuas to take the series.

The Express got off to a hot start, fueled by a three-run first inning that included a two-run homer from shortstop Alan Trejo, his tenth of the season. They extended their lead in the third when Trevor Hauver blasted a 414-foot home run to make it 6-2.

However, the Chihuahuas chipped away at the lead. A solo shot by Rodolfo Durán in the fourth set the stage for a three-run sixth inning, highlighted by a two-run homer from Luis Campusano, tying the game at six apiece.

The decisive blow came in the ninth, as El Paso shortstop Mason McCoy led off the inning with a go-ahead solo home run off Express reliever Joe Barlow, who was credited with the loss.

In the bottom of the ninth, the Express mounted one last effort. With the bases loaded and two outs, the weight of the game fell on the shoulders of second baseman Justin Foscue. But El Paso reliever Manuel Castro forced a flyout to secure the save, sealing the Chihuahuas’ dramatic win and leaving the Express to ponder what could have been.