PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

Isotopes Rally From Early Deficit to Claim 10-9 Win Over Oklahoma

Published on September 1, 2006 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


Edgar Gonzalez smacked a two-run single to left-center in the eighth to highlight a five-run inning for Albuquerque that pushed the Isotopes (68-71) to a come-from-behind, 10-9 victory over the Oklahoma RedHawks (73-68) in the series opener Friday night at Isotopes Park.

The ‘Topes allowed eight runs over the game's first three innings and trailed for much of the evening, but another superb effort from the Albuquerque bullpen, coupled with seven runs in their final two at-bats, carried the Isotopes to victory in game one of the four-game set. The final three outs were recorded by Brad Clontz, who picked up his 22nd save and became the all-time single season saves leader in Isotopes franchise history.

Albuquerque entered the seventh inning trailing 8-3, but the ‘Topes made up ground quickly. In the seventh, a Tony Schrager groundout and a Gonzalez RBI single cut the deficit to three at 8-5. In the eighth, it took two bases loaded walks, Gonzalez's two-run single and a Jason Wood sacrifice fly to turn the early deficit into a two-run lead.

Clontz surrendered an unearned run on a throwing error by Gonzalez in the ninth, but the closer settled in from there, retiring the side and completing the comeback effort.

After falling behind by a run early, the ‘Topes answered quickly with a two-run home run off the bat of Chris Aguila to take their first lead at 2-1.

That advantage wouldn't last long, though. Oklahoma scored four times in the second and added three more in the third off Albuquerque starter Josh Stewart to take a commanding lead. Stewart made his exit after four innings and the ‘Topes bullpen would begin a dominant effort. Matt Yourkin, promoted today from Double-A Carolina, tossed three scoreless innings of relief before giving way to Ross Wolf, who held Oklahoma scoreless in the eighth before handing things over to Clontz.

Stewart, making a spot start, allowed eight earned runs on 11 hits over four innings. He walked a batter and didn't issue a free pass. Wolf (4-1) picked up the victory in his lone inning of work.

Oklahoma starter John Koronka allowed five runs on 10 hits over 6.2 frames. Koronka walked five and struck out one. The loss was pinned on Kameron Loe (1-2), who surrendered five earned runs on four hits in 0.2 innings. He recorded the final out in the seventh, but could get just one out in the eighth before being replaced.

The Isotopes and RedHawks hook up again on Saturday at Isotopes Park. Game two of the series pits Albuquerque's Jason Vargas (2-6, 7.21) against John Danks (4-4, 4.32) for Oklahoma. First pitch is set for 12:05 p.m. MT.

Saturday's matinee at The Lab marks the first of two Fan Appreciation games, with special ‘Topes grab bags going to the first 3,000 fans. Fireworks, a visit from Rockin' Ray and the Amazing Skyy Dogs and more are still to come on this homestand. Tickets can be purchased at the Isotopes Park Box Office, www.albuquerquebaseball.com, Ticketmaster outlets, or at www.ticketmaster.com. For more information, please call (505) 924-2255.

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Pacific Coast League Stories from September 1, 2006


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