Express Pitching Shuts Down River Cats in 1-0 Victory

The Round Rock Express pitching staff delivered a solid performance in efficiency Wednesday night, securing a 1-0 victory over the Sacramento River Cats to even the series at one game apiece. The win marked the Express’s fourth shutout of the season and their first since May 31, extending their scoreless streak to 16 innings against the River Cats.

Round Rock starter Ben Anderson was strong, earning the win after five innings of work. He allowed just three hits, struck out three, and walked one, silencing the Sacramento bats. Closer Craig Kimbrel finished the job in the ninth, retiring all three batters he faced to notch the save.

The lone run of the low-scoring affair came in the bottom of the fourth inning. After a single from Michael Helman and another from Trevor Hauver, Richie Martin hit a clutch single up the middle, allowing Hauver to race home for the 1-0 lead.

While the Express offense managed to put 14 runners on base with 11 hits, a series of costly baserunning mistakes prevented a bigger night. Michael Helman and Cody Freeman were both caught stealing second, and Freeman was also picked off at third base. Helman was later caught in a rundown between third and home.

Despite the baserunning miscues, infielder Cody Freeman had another impressive night at the plate, going 3-for-3 with a walk. This marked his sixth consecutive game with multiple hits and tied a club record for most three-hit games in a season. Freeman continues to lead the Pacific Coast League with a .338 batting average.