NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, CFL stats



 Albuquerque Isotopes

Isotopes Eliminated After 8-1 Loss

August 23, 2011 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


The dream of reaching the Pacific Coast League post-season has officially come to an end, as the Albuquerque Isotopes (65-66) were defeated by the Memphis Redbirds (69-61) by the score of 8-1 Tuesday evening at Isotopes Park. The Albuquerque defeat, coupled with a win by Round Rock over New Orleans, means the Express have clinched a PCL playoff berth by winning the league's American Southern Division.

For the second straight contest, the Redbirds raced out to a big early lead, from which the ‘Topes couldn't recover. Shane Robinson got things going for the ‘Birds in the first inning, hitting a one-out single, advancing to second on a wild pitch from Albuquerque starter John Ely, and scoring on a base hit from Mark Hamilton to give the visitors a quick 1-0 lead.

The lead would be increased to 2-0 with a solo homer by Bryan Anderson in the second, but the Isotopes responded in the bottom of the frame with a monstrous solo blast to left-center by Russ Mitchell that cut the lead to 2-1.

Memphis would make sure that's as close as the ‘Topes would get, erupting for three runs in the third to take control of the contest. With runners on first and second with two outs, Anderson roped a single to right, scoring Hamilton to increase the lead to 3-1. Pete Kozma then smashed a double to left, plating two runs and giving the Redbirds a commanding 5-1 advantage.

The ‘Birds would tack on two more in the fourth on a two-run homer by Nick Stavinoha before adding one more run in the eighth to cruise to an 8-1 win.

Seven runs was plenty of cushion for Redbirds starter Brandon Dickson (8-9), who sailed through seven innings, allowing one run on six hits while walking none and striking out eight to claim his eighth victory of the season. Ely (7-6) suffered the loss after lasting just three innings in which he allowed five runs on eight hits while walking one and striking out four. Albuquerque has now dropped six of its last eight games and has a losing record at 65-66 for the first time all season.

The ‘Topes will now welcome the Round Rock Express, Triple-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers, to Isotopes Park for a five-game series beginning on Wednesday. Lefty Dana Eveland (12-7, 3.96) will makes the start for the Isotopes against Express righty Eric Hurley (8-1, 4.24) in a 6:35 PM start from Isotopes Park.

Albuquerque continues its homestand Wednesday with the first of five straight games against the Round Rock Express. This weekend, the homestand will wrap up with back-to-back Fan Appreciation fireworks nights that also include special Isotopes grab bags to the first 3,000 fans on both 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.albuquerquebaseball.com or www.ticketmaster.com.


• Discuss this story on the Pacific Coast League message board...

Pacific Coast League Stories from August 23, 2011


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Albuquerque Isotopes Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central