Express Close Season with Masterful Pitching

The Round Rock Express (66-72) said goodbye to disappointing year with a 6-1 victory over the Oklahoma City Dodgers (72-69) on Labor Day.  Express starting pitcher Adrian Sampson (1-0, 0.90) was brilliant in the win, pitching just three balls in five innings and allowing just one run. 

The Express seemed hard-press to field a team with the many call-ups by the Texas Rangers.  Catcher Brett Hayes played third base and outfielder Ryan Rua was on second base.  The Express put three newcomers on the field: Jose Cardona in center, Kevin Torres at catcher, and Xavier Paul, a pitcher, was the designated hitter. 

The Express jumped to a 3 – 0 lead in the bottom of the first inning.  Jurickson Profar reached on an error by pitcher Justin Marks.  A single by Willie Calhoun advanced Jurickson Profar to second base.  Profar and Calhoun scored on a double by Ryan Rua.  Rua then scored on a single to center field by Ronald Guzman. 

The Express added two additional runs in the third inning.  Willie Calhoun singled to center fielder, and later advanced to second base on a walk to Ronald Guzman.  Brett Hayes’ double scored Calhoun and Guzman.  Brett Hayes advanced to third base on a throwing error by the shortstop, where he was left stranded. 

The Express added a final run in the eighth inning.  Brett Hayes singled a line drive to center
fielder.  Hayes advanced to second based on a Preston Beck single to right field.  Xavier Paul reached first base on a throwing error by first baseman Edwin Rios, which loaded the bases.  Kevin Torres grounded into a double play that scored Hayes.  

 Andy Nietupski (anietupski@ttlsports.com)