PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

Sands Sets Franchise Record in 'Topes Shutout Win

Published on August 19, 2012 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


Jerry Sands set a new team record with hits in 20 consecutive games, while three left-handed pitchers combined for a shutout as the Albuquerque Isotopes (74-55) claimed a 6-0 win over the New Orleans Zephyrs (70-59) Sunday afternoon at Isotopes Park. The victory marks the team's eighth shutout of the season, tying a franchise record, and gives the 'Topes a four-game cushion in the PCL's American Southern Division.

After a solo shot from Josh Fields in the bottom of the first that gave the 'Topes a 1-0 lead, Alex Castellanos drew a walk, setting up Sands, who didn't wait long to make history. The slugger ripped a line drive down the left field line, becoming the first player in franchise history with base hits in 20 straight games. Dating back to the start of his streak on July 27, Sands is batting a PCL-best .440 with two doubles, a triple, nine homers, 33 RBI and 20 runs scored. Following Sands' knock, Scott Van Slyke crushed a monstrous three-run shot to left that put the Isotopes ahead 4-0.

Albuquerque added a tally in the third when Sands and Van Slyke both drew walks, followed by a single from Ivan De Jesus Jr. that scored Sands from second and widened the advantage 5-0.

In the fourth, starter Derrick Loop broke his offensive slump, collecting his first base hit of the season and scoring on the next at-bat when Tony Gwynn Jr. launched a triple to right-center, making it 6-0 'Topes.

Loop (11-3) turned in a fantastic outing in which he tossed 6.2 scoreless innings, allowing just three hits while walking three and fanning four. The southpaw limited the Z's to no extra-base hits on the contest and faced only three batters over the minimum through his first 6.0 innings. He has now won six of his last seven decisions and delivered five quality starts out of his 10 appearances in the rotation.

Following Loop's departure, Albuquerque lefty relievers Scott Rice and Erick Threets authored 1.1 and 1.0 scoreless innings respectively, giving the Isotopes a 6-0 win and their franchise-record-tying eighth shutout of the season. The shutout total matches the 2006 and 2009 campaigns in which Albuquerque pitchers also delivered eight scoreless outings during each season.

The Isotopes and Zephyrs pick up their crucial four-game set tomorrow night at 6:35 PM. 'Topes righty Fernando Nieve (6-7, 5.87) will entertain New Orleans right-hander Elih Villanueva (9-7, 3.61) in game three at Isotopes Park.

The 'Topes continue their exciting homestand tomorrow with the last 50=A2 hot dog night on Monday and a rally hat giveaway on Tuesday! 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 online at www.abqisotopes.com or www.ticketmaster.com .

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Pacific Coast League Stories from August 19, 2012


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