Dustin Harris, an outfielder with the Round Rock Express, was in a place he had been in just two weeks prior. In an attempt to prolong or win the game, the hero of the Express’s most recent comeback triumph batted in the tenth inning.
Harris wanted a pitch that was straight down the gut because he already had a runner on third, and he got it. Harris began to trot to first base and locked in on the outfield, firing the ball deep into centerfield.
However, the hit lacked sufficient carry and fell into the glove of Sam Hilliard, the centerfielder for the Albuquerque Isotopes, for the game’s last out. At Dell Diamond on Thursday night, Albuquerque secured their 3-2 victory and took a 2-1 series lead over the Express.
Round Rock’s lone run-in came from Express outfielder Kellen Straham, who knocked an RBI single in the second inning that drove infielder Justin Fosuce home. On a delayed double steal, the Express scored their second and last run.
Express bench coach Chase Lambin stated, “I don’t disagree with (The Isotopes) deciding to throw through, but Cooper (Johnson) saw it well and took off.” When those work out that way, it’s a fun play.
Tanner Gordon, the opening pitcher for the Isotopes, pitched six innings and only allowed just two runs. Gordon set a season-high 10 strikeouts while remaining composed after allowing two to get in.
After being lifted in the bottom of the seventh inning, Gordon set the tone. Albuquerque’s deep start gave him enough new arms to keep the Express’s offensive struggles going.
According to Lambin, Gordon mixed it well—nothing particularly overpowering—but he remained away from the barrel. It’s challenging to achieve what he did because we have some well-established Major League batters.
Starting pitcher Ty Blach left the game in the third inning due to a shoulder issue, forcing the Express to use their bullpen early. Blach was dominating against his old team, hitting three of the seven Isotopes batters he faced.
According to Lambin, Blach’s shoulder became a touch tense. He has been able to cope with it for the past few months, but today he felt a bit more discomfort than usual.
Albuquerque’s hitters were kept chilly by the Express bullpen’s serviceable innings until they fell in the last inning when Robby Ahlstrom of Round Rock gave up a double, which put a runner in scoring position.
The game-tying goal was scored by fellow outfielder Sam Hilliard, who was on second, after Isotope outfielder Sterlin Thompson made a sac fly.
Regarding Ahlstrom’s double-strike mentality, Lambin stated, “You’re a little rough around the edges and just got into a jam because you’re trying to be smart and not set up the double play.” Give their batter a pat on the back for hitting a nice slider for a lefty and putting it in the gap.
