PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

Isotopes Steamrolled by Express 9-2

Published on June 13, 2012 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


The Albuquerque Isotopes (37-29) gave up nine runs in the first four innings as the Round Rock Express (28-38) cruised to a 9-2 win on Tuesday night at Isotopes Park. The loss snaps the 'Topes' four-game winning streak, however, Albuquerque can still capture a series victory over the Express with a win tomorrow night.

Round Rock grabbed an early 2-0 lead in the first and never looked back. The Express began the contest with a double from Luis Hernandez and single from Leonys Martin. One out later Bard Nelson ripped a two-run single to left, giving the visitors a 2-0 edge.

The Isotopes looked poised to respond in their half of the frame as Trent Oeltjen led off with a solo shot to right to narrow the deficit to 2-1. However, Albuquerque's offense was halted in its tracks as the Express allowed only hit through the next two innings.

Round Rock picked up in the second right where it left off, adding a quick run on a solo homer from Tommy Mendonca to extend the lead 3-1. Luis Martinez followed with a single to third and Julio Borbon knocked a ground rule double down the left field line to put runners in scoring position with no outs. Hernandez then grounded out to catcher Tim Federowicz, allowing Martinez to score from third and put the Express up 4-1. Ryan Spilborghs then hit a grounder to short that was booted by Aaron Miles allowing Borbon to score and make it 5-1 Round Rock.

Michael Bianucci kept things rolling for Round Rock in the third, poking a leadoff single and taking third on a double from Martinez. Borbon followed with a two-run double to right that widened the lead 7-1. Following a 'Topes pitching change, Martin slapped an RBI single to give the Express an 8-1 advantage.

Round Rock padded its lead in the fourth, adding a run off a solo blast from Bianucci that gave the visitors a 9-1 cushion. Eight of nine Express batters finished the contest with a hit, and seven of nine had two or more knocks on the evening.

The 'Topes finally found the scoreboard once more in the fourth off back-to-back doubles from Scott Van Slyke and Fields to bring the Isotopes within 9-2. The single tally in the fourth proved to be the final run the home team could muster and marks the second time in four games Albuquerque has scored two runs or less.

Albuquerque reliever Angel Guzman, who was making his first pitching appearance with the 'Topes, tossed 2.0 scoreless innings in his season debut, proving to be one of the lone highlights for Isotopes pitchers on the night.

The Isotopes face the Express in the final game of the series tomorrow night. 'Topes right-hander Fernando Nieve (3-3, 7.19) will battle Round Rock's righty Greg Reynolds (4-5, 6.76) in a 7:05 PM start from The Lab.

Albuquerque wraps up its homestand tomorrow night with baseball card sets to the first 3,000 fans. After a short four-game road trip against the Iowa Cubs, the 'Topes will return Tuesday for an eight-game homestand against the New Orleans Zephyrs, Triple-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins, and Nashville Sounds, Triple-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. The upcoming home series features a rally towel giveaway, camo hat giveaway, fireworks and a live performance by Rally. 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 .

Check out the Albuquerque Isotopes Statistics

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Pacific Coast League Stories from June 13, 2012


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