Nine-Game Winning Streak Snapped After Six-Run Ninth
Nashville, TN – The Nashville Sounds furiously rallied for six runs in the bottom of the ninth to tie the game, but ultimately dropped a 15-9 decision to the Round Rock Express in front of 4,781 fans Wednesday afternoon at First Tennessee Park.
The loss snapped a season-long nine game winning streak and trimmed the American South Division lead to 2.5 games over second place Round Rock.
Trailing 8-2 going into the bottom of the ninth, Josh Rodriguez sparked a rally with a base hit up the middle off reliever Chad Smith. He retired Jaycob Brugman for the first out of the inning before Chad Pinder walked.
Ryon Healy kept it going with a solid single up the middle. Andrew Lambo popped out for out number two, but the inning continued when Express third baseman Joey Gallo threw away a grounder allowing Healy to score and Matt McBride to reach safely.
Three pitches later, Matt Olson tied the game with a two-out, two-run homer to right field. The inning ended after six runs came across and with the game even at 8-8.
The good vibes didn’t last long as Round Rock answered back with a seven-run top of the 10th inning. The big hit came off the bat of Brett Nicholas who belted a grand slam off Ryan Brasier to give the Express a 14-8 lead.
It’s only the second loss for the Sounds since May 14th – a dominant 16-2 stretch.
Nashville (32-21) out-hit Round Rock (29-23), 15-12, led by Jaycob Brugman’s 4-for-6 game. He started with a pair of singles, tripled in the seventh and doubled in the 10th.
Lambo extended his hitting streak to 13 games with a base hit up the middle in the fourth. Pinder extended his hitting streak to 10 games with a 2-for-5 day at the dish.
Brasier was tagged with the loss to drop his record to 3-2 and Smith was credited with the win despite allowing the six runs in the ninth.
Game three of the four-game series is scheduled for Thursday night at First Tennessee Park. Right-hander Zach Neal (5-1, 2.53) starts for the Sounds against right-hander Kyle Lohse (2-0, 4.08) for the Express. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05pm.
The 2016 season is the Sounds’ 19th year in the Pacific Coast League and their second as the Oakland Athletics’ top affiliate. Tickets are available now by calling 615.690.4487 or by visiting www.nashvillesounds.com
