PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

'Topes Routed by RedHawks, 11-0

Published on August 29, 2012 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. - For the second straight night, the Albuquerque Isotopes (77-62) saw a close contest get out of hand with five-run frame, as the Oklahoma City RedHawks (74-64) plated five in the sixth and five more in the eighth to cruise to a 11-0 blowout win Wednesday night at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. With the defeat, Albuquerque's lead over the 'Hawks in the PCL's American Southern Division is 2.5 with five games to play, which adds up to a Magic Number of three. With New Orleans' defeat at Round Rock, the Z's are now on the cusp of elimination, 4.0 games out with five to play.

Both teams traded zeroes until the 'Hawks grabbed a slim advantage in the bottom of fourth thanks to a monstrous, leadoff, solo bomb to left by PCL home run king Mike Hessman that put the home team on top 1-0.

The real damage, however, came in the sixth, when the RedHawks erupted for a five-spot that put the game out of reach. Matt Downs started the inning with a walk and advanced to third on a double by Hessman off Albuquerque starter Derrick Loop. Reliever Cole St. Clair then entered the game and immediately surrendered a two-run double to J.D. Martinez, giving the 'Hawks a 3-0 edge. Matt Dominguez added a soft single to center, which put a pair of runners on for Angel Sanchez, who smashed a three-run shot to left, putting the home team ahead 6-0.

While Oklahoma City had no trouble scoring runs, the 'Topes were largely stymied by a trio of RedHawks pitchers, starting with Edgar Gonzalez (4-3), who held Albuquerque to just four hits in 7.0 shutout innings while striking out six to secure his fourth win of the season. Gonzalez gave way to Enerio Del Rosario and Garrett Mock, who each authored a scoreless frame to finish off the shutout, just the sixth administered to the Isotopes this season.

The 'Hawks offense was far from finished, however, scoring five more times in the bottom of the eighth, two of which came on bases loaded double by Carlos Corporan, to sail to an easy 11-0 win.

Albuquerque will hope to avoid a four-game series sweep to the 'Hawks on Thursday behind right-hander Fernando Nieve (7-8, 6.17), who will make the start for the 'Topes against Oklahoma City lefty Brett Oberholtzer (5-7, 4.81). First pitch from Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark is 6:05 PM MT.

After one final game in Oklahoma City, the first-place Isotopes are back home this Friday for the last four game series of the 2012 regular season. In addition to a pivotal series against the Omaha Storm Chasers, the series includes Fan Appreciation Weekend, featuring three straight fireworks extravaganzas. As if that weren't enough, the 'Topes will also be giving away grab bags full of awesome Isotopes giveaways on Saturday and Sunday! 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 August 29, 2012


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