Late rally can’t overcome early deficit

Despite scoring five runs in the final three innings, the Round Rock Express fell for the second straight game against the Fresno Grizzlies, losing 8-7 in California on Saturday night. The Express (45-55)

two runs in the ninth to pull within a run, but

straight strikeouts by Jordan Jankowski ended the Pacific Coast League game. It was Jankowski’s eighth save of the season.

Jacob Dorris (1-0) earned the win, allowing one run on two hits in two innings of relief. He struck out three and walked one.

James Dykstra (1-4) took the loss, allowing six runs on nine hits through 3⅔ innings. He struck out four and walked three.

Will Middlebrooks had a good game at the plate for Round Rock, going 2 for 3 with two home runs, three RBIs and three runs. He also walked twice.

Derek Fisher and A.J. Reed each had three RBIs for the Grizzlies (58-42). Fisher was 3 for 5, and Reed had just one hit, though it was a three-run homer in the bottom of the first.

Tyler White doubled and homered for Fresno as he went 3 for 5 with two runs and an RBI.

Tony Kemp scored twice, and Teoscar Hernandez had an RBI double for the Grizzlies.

Trailing 8-2, Round Rock got back in the game in the seventh inning when Middlebrooks homered and Ronald Guzman hit an RBI single. That cut the lead to 8-4.

After Jurickson Profar made it 8-5 with a groundout in the eighth, Middlebrooks connected on his second home run in the ninth.