Chihuahuas Rally Derailed as Express Win 7-6 in Extra Innings
Former El Paso Chihuahua and San Diego Padre Will Middlebrooks hit a game-ending, two-run double with two outs in the bottom of the 11th inning Monday night, as the Round Rock Express beat El Paso 7-6.
The Express have won the first three games of the series, while the Chihuahuas have lost a season-high five consecutive games.
Tony Cruz hit a solo home run in the top of the 11th to put the Chihuahuas ahead 6-5. Christian Bethancourt retired the first two batters in the bottom of the 11th before Drew Stubbs singled, Ronald Guzman walked and Middlebrooks lined the double to left-center field. El Paso is now 5-5 in extra-inning games this season, while Round Rock is 7-1 in extra frames.
The Chihuahuas played four extra-inning games in July.
The Chihuahuas trailed 5-1 in the sixth inning Monday before coming back to tie the game. The tying run scored in the ninth with one out on Travis Jankowski’s RBI double to bring home Ryan Schimpf.
Cory Mazzoni pitched two scoreless relief innings and has thrown three scoreless outings since returning from the DL. Chase d’Arnaud hit a solo home run in the sixth inning, his first with El Paso since being outrighted from San Diego.
Nick Buss went 3-for-5, bringing his league-leading batting average to .375.
Next Game: Tuesday, 6:05 pm at Dell Diamond. El Paso RHP Bryan Rodriguez (4-7, 5.36) vs. Round Rock RHP James Dykstra (1-5, 7.86). The game will air on 600 ESPN El Paso and www.epchihuahuas.com.
Box Score | Team Records: El Paso (52-57), Round Rock (50-59)
Round Rock 7 El Paso 6 – Monday – 11 Innings
WP: Rodriguez (2-0)
LP: Bethancourt (2-2)
S: None
Time: 4:10
Attn: 10,411
