Big Inning Powers Express Past Chihuahuas

ROUND ROCK, Texas - BOX SCORE

HOW IT HAPPENED:

After four scoreless innings to start the night, El Paso C Rodolfo Durán knocked a leadoff single and was joined on base as CF Forest Wall was hit by a pitch in the top of the fifth. The pair moved into scoring position thanks to a sacrifice bunt from 2B Clay Dungan. Durán scored on a Yonathan Perlaza groundout and Wall found home as 1B Nate Mondou singled for a 2-0 lead.

Round Rock cut the lead in half in the bottom of the frame as 2B Alan Trejo worked a leadoff walk, moved to second on a Cooper Johnson groundout then scored on a single off the bat of DH Konner Piotto.

The Express jumped out to a 6-2 lead after dropping a five-spot in the eighth inning. SS Michael Helman singled, CF Alejandro Osuna walked and 3B Cody Freeman singled to load the bases. 1B Justin Foscue was hit by a pitch to send Helman home and tie the score at 2-2. LF Trevor Hauver then knocked a two-RBI single to put Round Rock ahead. Trejo and Piotto both recorded RBI singles to close out the frame.

The Chihuahuas worked at a comeback in the top of the ninth as DH Luis Campusano scored both Durán and Wall on a single with two out. The attempt fell short as the final out was recorded to secure the 6-4 win.

E-TRAIN EXCERPTS:

LATE-INNING MAGIC: Thursday night saw Round Rock win just its fourth game this season, and third at home, when the team trailed after seven innings. The E-Train is now 4-38 when trailing after seven and 34-6 when leading after eight.

BLANKS ON THE BUMP: RHP Ryan Garcia, RHP Joe Barlow and RHP Josh Sborz all posted shutout outings on the bump. In his 3.0-inning start, Garcia allowed three hits and one walk with three strikeouts. Through 1.1 relief innings, Barlow punched out four with just one hit allowed. Sborz recorded his fifth Major League rehab outing with the Express and allowed one hit.

GOOD FOR TWO: Round Rock SS Michael Helman and DH Konner Piotto both finished 2-for-4 at the plate on Thursday night. Piotto added to his line with two RBI and was joined by LF Trevor Hauver, who also sent two runs in.

NEXT GAME: Friday, July 31 vs El Paso FIRST PITCH: 7:15 p.m. CT BALLPARK: Dell Diamond

For more information about the Express, visit RRExpress.com or call (512) 255-2255. Subscribe to the E-Train email newsletter and keep up with the Express on Facebook, Instagram and X!