Round Rock Express

Photo courtesy of Ron Byrd

The switch of affiliation from the Houston Astros to the Texas Rangers has garnered a jump into first place in the PCL's American South division and a higher quality of players on the roster for Express fans. One of those players is Chris Davis (pictured), who hit two home runs in the Express' 12-9 defeat of the Oklahoma RedHawks (the Astros' new AAA affiliate) last Tuesday. Despite having only played 33 of Round Rock's 79 games (as of press time) Davis leads the team in homers with 19 and has an amazing 1.299 OPS (on-base percentage plus slugging). Central Texas rock fans are in for a treat Saturday as Lou Gramm rolls into town to perform immediately after the conclusion of the game. As the lead singer of Foreigner, Gramm sold more than 70 million records and recorded hits such as "Cold as Ice," "Hot Blooded," and "Double Vision." Get your tickets now. [Update: Gramm had to cancel due to illness and Austin's own Bob Schneider will be taking the stage following Saturday's game in replacement of the former Foreigner frontman. Maybe he'll be kind enough to play a cover of "Juke Box Hero."] Vs. Nashville: Thu.-Fri., June 30-July 1, 7:05pm; Sat., July 2, 6:05pm; Sun., July 3, 7:05pm. Dell Diamond, 3400 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock, 512/255-2255. $6-30. www.roundrockexpress.com.