PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

Isotopes Drop 10th Straight In 4-1 Loss To Chasers

Published on July 2, 2011 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


For the second straight night, the Albuquerque Isotopes (42-40) offense could not solve the riddle of Omaha Storm Chasers (46-37) pitching, falling 4-1 Saturday night at Werner Park. The Isotopes have now lost 10 straight games, the longest losing streak in franchise history and the second longest skid in the history of Triple-A baseball in Albuquerque, trailing only a 12-game slide suffered by the Dukes in 1985.

The ‘Topes jumped out to the game's first lead in the second inning when Trayvon Robinson drew a lead-off walk and advanced to second on a groundout, setting up Jamie Hoffmann, who roped a single to right, easily plating the base runner and giving Albuquerque a quick 1-0 advantage.

It proved to be the first and only time the ‘Topes were able to put a man in scoring position, as Omaha's pitching took over from there. Starter Sean O'Sullivan (1-1) cruised through six strong innings, allowing the one run on four hits while walking two and striking out five to earn his first victory of the season.

The Chasers almost immediately retaliated to Albuquerque's run, grabbing a lead in the bottom of the third. Joaquin Arias led off the frame with a triple and was picked up two batters later when Johnny Giavotella smashed a two-run homer to left, putting the home team on top 2-1.

Omaha augmented its advantage in the fifth when Irving Falu drew a one-out walk and immediately swiped second base. Catcher J.D. Closser's throw to second sailed into centerfield, however, allowing the runner to trot into third, from where he scored on a sacrifice fly Giavotella to make the score 3-1, Chasers.

They didn't need it, but the Storm Chasers would tack on one more tally of insurance in the sixth, as Clint Robinson led off the inning with a single before scampering into third on a double to right by Lorenzo Cain. Kila Ka'aihue then laced a single to right, plating Robinson and giving Omaha a 4-1 cushion.

After O'Sullivan departed, the Chasers bullpen was again lights out, as Everett Teaford authored two scoreless frames before turning the game over to Jeremy Jeffress, who struck out the side in the ninth to secure the 4-1 Omaha victory.

‘Topes starter Randy Keisler (4-4) endured the defeat after allowing four runs, three of them earned, on eight hits in seven innings while walking three and striking out two. One bright spot offensively for Albuquerque was Ivan De Jesus Jr., who recorded three of the Isotopes' five hits on the night.

Albuquerque will wrap up its four-game series with Omaha on Sunday night with right-hander John Ely (3-4, 5.94) looking to break the Isotopes out of their 10-game slide against veteran Storm Chasers righty Jeff Suppan (7-4, 4.88) in a 5:35 PM MT start from Werner Park.

After their series in Omaha, the ‘Topes are back this Monday, July 4 for an seven-game homestand that kicks off with the biggest and best fireworks show of the season. 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 July 2, 2011


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