Patton steps in as closer
Eight-run seventh helps Express erase two-run deficit.
Pitching coach Brad Holman had to shuffle bullpen duties before the Round Rock Express’ 8-6 win against the El Paso Chihuahuas on Wednesday.
The Texas Rangers expanded their bullpen to eight pitchers and recalled Express closer Jon Edwards on Wednesday morning.
Edwards has converted on 13 of 14 save opportunities this season, good for second in the Pacific Coast League among relievers when it comes to ending games.
“He’s a tireless worker,” Express pitching coach Brad Holman said. “He works on his deficiencies, he’s strict with himself about what he needs to do better.”
For Edwards, his most recent improvement was control of his fastball. In his first call-up with the Rangers he walked both batters he faced against the Houston Astros on April 11.
Edwards was reassigned to Round Rock after that performance.
Since that game Edwards walked just four and struck out 19 in 16 appearances with Round Rock, earning a second shot with Texas.
Spencer Patton took over the closer role Wednesday and improved to a perfect 4-for4 in save situations.
“As the closer you’ve just got to go out and attack,” Patton said. “It’s your game to close or lose, so you have to embrace that.”
He entered the game with runners on first and second with one out in the ninth inning.
Patton induced a fly out from El Paso’s Rico Noel, and he then walked Alex Dickerson and Rymer Liriano before striking out Brett Wallace with the bases loaded.
“I did it a lot last year, so I think Brad has confidence in me to step in and take over,” Patton said.
Patton had 18 combined saves with the Omaha Storm Chasers and Express in 2014. In addition to his four saves, Patton leads the Express with five holds in 2015 and has a minuscule 0.64 earned run average.
Round Rock scored all eight runs in the seventh inning, erasing a 2-0 El Paso lead in front of an announced 7,093 fans Wednesday.
El Paso should have escaped the rally tied at 2-2.
With two outs, Jared Hoying’s ground ball was booted into center field by El Paso first baseman Tommy Medica, allowing round Rock to continue its one-inning onslaught.
Helping hand: In a partnership with the United Way of Williamson County the Express will be collecting donations at Dell Diamond before Thursday’s game.
Some of the desired donations include bottled water, cleaning supplies, diapers and baby wipes.
Fans who donate an item will receive two general admission tickets to the game.
If fans already have tickets for today’s game they will receive two tickets to a future Express game.