Express Skid Continues in 5-4 Loss to Sky Sox

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado - For the second night in a row, the Round Rock Express (49-53) found themselves in a position to defeat the Colorado Springs Sky Sox (47-51), however for the second night in a row, it wasn't meant to be as the home team collected a 5-4 victory on Sunday evening at Security Service Field.

Sky Sox RHP Damien Magnifico (5-6, 3.80) collected the victory after holding the Express scoreless on two hits in two innings of work. The struggles of E-Train RHP Juan Grullon (0-1, 5.71) continued as the righty suffered his second defeat in as many days. Grullon emerged from the bullpen in the eighth inning, only to allow the go-ahead run on one hit and one walk.

Express starter LHP Jack Snodgrass dodged a trio of base hits in the first two innings but the Sky Sox broke through in the third. 3B Brandon Macias singled to lead off the frame before LF Kyle Wren worked a four-pitch walk. 2B Nate Orf then sacrificed himself for the betterment of the team, bunting both of his teammates 90 feet closer to home. An ensuing Orlando Arcia double cleared the bases and gave the home side a 2-0 advantage. C Josmil Pinto then added to the lead with a single that scored Arcia from second.

The Sky Sox tacked on another in the fourth inning as RF Eric Young, Jr. doubled before promptly stealing third base. Wren then singled to score Young and bump his team's advantage to 4-0.

After a flurry of opportunities in the first six innings, Round Rock finally managed to push a run across in the seventh. In the leadoff spot, SS Doug Bernier picked up his second single of the contest. The infielder previously singled in the fourth inning to extend his hitting streak to 12 consecutive games, a new career high. Back to game action, a passed ball by Pinto moved Bernier to second before a Kyle Kubitza groundout pushed him 90 feet closer to home. C Brett Nicholas then stepped to the plate and dropped an RBI double into right field to open the scoring for the E-Train.

LF Carlos Arroyo began the eighth inning with a single before 2B Edwin Garcia followed up with a single of his own. In the very next at-bat, CF Drew Robinson stepped to the plate and blasted a game-tying, three-run homer over the wall in right field.

With still nobody out in the inning, Sky Sox manager Rick Sweet elected to bring on Magnifico. The hard-throwing righty struck out Bernier, but a wild pitch allowed the infielder to reach first base safely. Nicholas then singled to put runners on the corners with just one out. However, 1B Joey Gallo popped out then DH Justin Ruggiano struck out to put any thought of a continued rally to rest.

The team's inability to drive home any additional runners proved costly as Colorado Springs snatched the lead right back in the bottom of the inning. 1B Garin Cecchini kicked things off with a leadoff double then moved to third on a Manny Pina groundout. Young was able to drive home Cecchini with a long sacrifice fly to center field.

Arroyo notched his third base hit of the game in the ninth inning but the Express couldn't put together another late rally as the Sky Sox held on to win 5-4.

Round Rock will play its final game of the regular season at Security Service Field on Monday afternoon. E-Train RHP Austin Bibens-Dirkx (0-1, 3.40) is scheduled to toe the rubber opposite Sky Sox RHP Drew Gagnon (1-1, 7.15). First pitch in the matinee contest is set for 1:35 p.m. The Express will return to Dell Diamond on Tuesday, July 26 to face the Omaha StormChasers at 7:05 p.m.

Single game tickets are available along with season ticket packages and group discounts. For more information on the Express, visit www.RoundRockExpress.com or call (512) 255-2255. Keep up with the Express on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter!