PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

Isotopes roll Round Rock 12-6

Published on May 19, 2008 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


Third baseman Dallas McPherson belted three home runs to help lead the Albuquerque Isotopes (23-20) to an emphatic 12-6 win over the Round Rock Express (17-26) Monday night at Isotopes Park. McPherson's home run trifecta tied an Isotopes record, increasing his PCL homer lead on the season to 15 while also giving him four RBI on the game.

The slugging infielder wasted little time getting a jump on his big night, blasting a solo home run to left in his first at-bat of the game in the bottom of the second that put the Isotopes on the board 1-0.

Albuquerque added to the lead in the third when Andrew Beattie skied a sacrifice fly to center, plating pitcher Gaby Hernandez to increase the advantage to 2-0. John Gall then added to the lead with an RBI single that scored Chris Barnwell to open up a 3-0 advantage.

Round Rock got on the board in the fourth on a solo homer by Edwin Maysonet, but the ‘Topes offense erupted in the bottom of the frame, scoring six runs to blow the game wide open. After singles by Jason Wood and Paul Hoover, Chase Lambin drew a walk to load the bases for Dante Brinkley, who drew another walk from Express starter Josh Miller to walk in a run and ignite the Albuquerque rally. That brought up Hernandez, who proved he could swing the bat by roping a two run single up the middle that gave the ‘Topes a 6-1 lead. Beattie then chipped in an RBI single before Gall capped the big inning with a two-run double to give Albuquerque a commanding 9-1 lead after four innings.

Round Rock struck again with a run in the fifth, but McPherson answered by unloading a monstrous solo blast to left that gave the Isotopes a 10-2 lead.

In the bottom of the seventh, after the Express scored two in the top of the sixth, McPherson answered again, this time with a two-run blast to right to open up a comfortable 12-4 lead that would easily withstand runs by Round Rock in the eighth and ninth to seal the 12-6 win.

Starter Hernandez (2-3), making his first start after spending a month on the Disabled List with a strained oblique, was excellent, allowing just two runs on four hits in five strong innings while striking out a pair and walking none. Express starter Miller (3-1) took the loss after going just 3.1 innings in which he yielded eight runs on seven hits while walking two and striking out two.

Albuquerque will look to make it two in a row against its division rival behind reliever Brandon Villafuerte (2-0, 3.98), who will be making his first start in eight years because of injuries on the Isotopes pitching staff. The Express will throw right-hander Runelvys Hernandez (2-2, 4.91) in a 6:35 PM start at Isotopes Park.

The ‘Topes eight game homestand rolls one with three more games with division rival the Round Rock Express, Triple A affiliate of the Houston Astros. On Thursday, the team will be giving away special Isotopes playing cards to the first 3,000 fans courtesy of INX. Tickets can be purchased at Isotopes Park or any Ticketmaster outlet, www.ticketmaster.com, or Ticketmaster by phone 505-883-7800. For more information on individual game tickets, season tickets, or mini-plans, visit www.albuquerquebaseball.com or call 505-924-2255.

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Pacific Coast League Stories from May 19, 2008


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