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PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

'Topes Edge Express, 5-4

May 2, 2010 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


Jamie Hoffmann increased his season-high hitting streak to 12 games with two hits, the second of which provided the Albuquerque Isotopes (13-9) with two pivotal runs as the ‘Topes nipped the Round Rock Express (7-16) 5-4 on a chilly Sunday afternoon at Isotopes Park.

With the score all knotted at 3-3, Hoffmann, who provided the ‘Topes with a walk-off single two nights ago, served up a two-out single in the bottom of the sixth. While the outfielder legged out an infield bunt single in the third to keep his streak alive, the base knock in the sixth provided the difference in the game, giving Albuquerque two go-ahead runs and a 5-3 advantage.

The bottom half of the ‘Topes lineup set up Hoffmann as J.D. Closser stoked a single up the middle and motored to third on a single to right from Chin-lung Hu to give the ‘Topes runners on the corners. Starter Josh Towers executed a sacrifice bunt to move Hu into scoring position as well, allowing both baserunners to cash in on Hoffmann's hit.

The runs also allowed Towers (2-2) to pick up the much-deserved win after pitching a season-high seven innings in which he surrendered seven hits and three runs, only two of which were earned.

The right-hander retired the first six batters he faced as well as the final six, sandwiching three innings in which he allowed one run in between to collect his first victory since his first start in the home opener on April 12.

The Isotopes took a 1-0 lead with a run-scoring double from Russ Mitchell in the second, but the Express quickly made it 1-1 by cashing in on an Albuquerque error. Albuquerque came back with two in the third on a two-out single from Michael Restovich to put the ‘Topes up 3-1. The base knock plated Hoffmann who extended his hit streak to 12 with an infield single to start the game as well as scored Prentice Redman, who walked and ended up reaching base in all four at-bats.

The Express tied it all up with solo home runs in the fourth and fifth and added another with one out in the eighth off reliever Travis Schlichting, who bounced back to get two outs and keep Albuquerque clinging to a 5-4 edge.

Closer Luis Ayala got two quick outs in the ninth, but Round Rock's Andrew Locke tripled to put the tying run on third. Ayala would have none of it, however, inducing Drew Meyer to ground out to short to pick up his fourth save and give Albuquerque the series win.

Albuquerque will now hit the road for four quick games in Memphis against the Redbirds, Triple-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals. Right-hander Tim Corcoran (1-1, 7.36) will get the start for Albuquerque against Memphis righty Brandon Dickson (1-1, 3.20) in a 6:05 PM MT start from AutoZone Park.

After four games in Memphis, the ‘Topes are back home this Thursday for a four-game series against the Nashville Sounds, Triple-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. The short homestand includes an Isotopes jersey giveaway and a special Mother's Day Celebration in which fans can enjoy an all-you-can-eat brunch Tickets for any Isotopes game may be purchased at the Isotopes Park Box Office, at Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 1-800-745-3000, or on-line at www.albuquerquebaseball.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

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Pacific Coast League Stories from May 2, 2010


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