Round Rock Express outfielder Dustin Harris found himself in a familiar spot from just two weeks ago. The hero of the Express’ last come-from-behind victory went up to bat in the 10th inning, hoping to extend or win the game outright.
Already with a runner on third, Harris needed just the right pitch — a pitch right down the gut — and it was exactly what he got. Firing the ball deep into centerfield, Harris locked in on the outfield as he started to trot to first base.
But the hit did not have enough carry, dropping into Albuquerque Isotopes centerfielder Sam Hilliard’s glove for the game’s final out. Albuquerque sealed its 3-2 victory, taking a 2-1 series lead over the Express Thursday night at Dell Diamond.
Express outfielder Kellen Straham sent in the only run-in for Round Rock, hitting an RBI single in the second inning and sending infielder Justin Fosuce home. The Express’ second and final run came on a delayed double steal.
“(The Isotopes) decided to throw through, which I don’t disagree with, but Cooper (Johnson) saw it well and took off,” Express bench coach Chase Lambin said. “That’s a fun play when those work out like that.”
Those two runs were the only problem Isotopes starting pitcher Tanner Gordon faced in his six-inning performance. Staying calm after letting two in, Gordon locked down the mound, setting a season high of 10 strikeouts.
Gordon set a tone after he was pulled in the bottom of the seventh inning. With his deep start, Albuquerque had enough fresh arms to keep the Express struggling offensively.
“(Gordon) mixed it well … nothing super overpowering, but he stayed off the barrel,” Lambin said. “We have some established Major League hitters, so to do what he did, it’s difficult.”
The Express were forced to dive into their bullpen early after starting pitcher Ty Blach came out in the third inning with a shoulder injury. Facing his former team, Blach was rolling, striking out three out of the seven Isotopes batters faced.
“Blach’s shoulder got a little tight,” Lambin said. “It’s been something he’s been able to manage for the last couple of months, but today, it was just a little more discomfort than normal.”
Servicable innings by the Express bullpen kept Albuquerque’s bats cold before falling in the final inning as Round Rock pitcher Robby Ahlstrom allowed a double, putting a runner in scoring position.
A sac fly by Isotope outfielder Sterlin Thompson sent fellow outfielder Sam Hilliard, the man on second, home for the game-tying score.
“You’re trying to be smart and not set up the double play, so you’re a little rough around the edges, and just got into a jam,” Lambin said about Ahlstrom’s philosophy on the double. “Tip your cap to their hitter for putting a good swing on a good slider for a lefty and putting it in the gap.”
