PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

'Topes Triple-Play Not Enough in 2-0 Loss to Zephyrs

Published on June 1, 2012 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


Not even the fourth triple-play in team history was enough to propel the Albuquerque Isotopes (31-25), whose bats were stymied for the second straight night by the New Orleans Zephyrs (28-27) in a 2-0 loss Friday night at Zephyr Field. Albuquerque closes out its series in the Big Easy having dropped three of four and two in a row, falling 1.5 games behind the Oklahoma City RedHawks in the Pacific Coast League's American Southern Division.

New Orleans jumped out to a quick 1-0 lead in the first on an RBI double by former "˜Tope Nick Green and looked poised for a big inning in the second when Albuquerque turned the defensive gem. Another former Isotope, Chase Lambin, led off the inning with a single and advanced to second on a walk to Jose Duarte, putting two on with none out. Pitcher J.D. Martin then roped a liner in the direction of shortstop Luis Cruz, who snagged the line drive, stepped on second, and fired to Josh Fields at first base, completing the 6-3 triple-play. It was the fourth triple-play in Isotopes history and the first since shortstop Chin-lung Hu and first baseman Hector Luna completed a similar feat in a playoff game vs. Memphis on September 9, 2009.

Despite the brilliant defensive play, the game belonged to Zephyrs starter Martin (3-4), who was superb, holding the "˜Topes to just five hits in 7.0 scoreless innings while walking none and striking out five to earn his third victory of the season.

Albuquerque starter Michael Antonini (1-3) was nearly just as good but wound up taking a tough-luck loss. The left-hander worked 5.0 innings, allowing the one run on four hits while walking three and striking out four in his third straight defeat.

Clinging to a 1-0 lead, the Z's tacked on what proved to be a huge run of insurance in the eighth. With runners on first and second and one down, Duarte dropped a single into shallow right, loading the bases. Isotopes reliever Wil Ledezma coaxed pinch-hitter Gil Velazquez into a foul pop-out to first and looked poised to get out of the inning until unleashing a wild pitch to Kevin Mattison, allowing Luke Montz to score and double the advantage to 2-0.

A two run cushion proved to be plenty for the PCL's best closer Sandy Rosario (16), who breezed through the "˜Topes in the ninth to hand Albuquerque its second consecutive shutout defeat.

The Isotopes will now look for better luck in Texas against division-rival Round Rock in a four-game set beginning Saturday night. Right-hander Fernando Nieve (2-2, 9.53) will get the ball for the "˜Topes against Major League veteran righty Roy Oswalt (No Record) in a 5:05 PM MT start from The Dell Diamond.

After four games against Round Rock, Triple-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers, the "˜Topes are back home next Thursday, June 7 for a homestand that includes 50-Cent Hot Dog Night, a Skateboard deck giveaway, and fireworks. 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.abqisotopes.com or www.ticketmaster.com .

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Pacific Coast League Stories from June 1, 2012


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