Express Drop Second Straight, Fall 8-2 to Isotopes

Express Drop Second Straight, Fall 8-2 to Isotopes

ROUND ROCK, Texas (TXAN 24) — The Round Rock Express managed just five hits Friday night as the Albuquerque Isotopes evened the six-game series with an 8-2 victory at Dell Diamond.

Albuquerque jumped out early on Brenton Doyle’s first-inning solo home run before adding three more runs in the second inning on a trio of RBI doubles. The Isotopes stretched the lead to 6-0 in the eighth, highlighted by Jordan Beck’s solo homer.

The Express broke through in the bottom of the eighth when Aaron Zavala lined a two-run double to center field, scoring Jarred Kelenic and Santiago Espinal, who made his Round Rock debut after signing with the Texas Rangers organization Thursday.

Round Rock starter Nolan Kingham allowed four earned runs over 4.2 innings while throwing a season-high 98 pitches for an Express pitcher. Reliever Michel Otañez struck out three over 1.1 scoreless innings and reached 101.1 mph with his fastball.

The loss marks the Express’ second straight defeat after winning the first two games of the series. Round Rock also saw its 13-game home run streak come to an end.

The Express (37-48) and Isotopes continue their six-game series Saturday night at Dell Diamond, with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m. CT.