Topes Take out Iowa on Opening Night
April 5, 2013 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release
The Isotopes (1-0) exploded to score a seven spot in the bottom of the seventh inning to go up on Iowa (0-1) for good, taking the 2013 season opener 10-3 at Isotopes Park Thursday night. RF Rusty Ryal (3-for-4) led the charge for the Topes with two RBI and a run scored. CF Elian Herrera (2-for-4) had the go-ahead single in an inning that included seven hits. The first game of the season was played in front of 9,369 fans at Isotopes Park and lasted three hours and 12 minutes.
The Isotopes bullpen combined to pitch 5.0 innings of one run ball in relief of starter Stephen Fife. Geison Aguasviva (1-0) threw 1.2 perfect innings with two strikeouts to earn the win and Josh Wall finished the game for Albuquerque pitching a perfect ninth striking out two batters.
Albuquerque wasted little time getting on the scoreboard, pushing three runs across in the home half of the first inning. Dee Gordon led-off the frame with a walk and promptly stole second base. Herrera singled to right field sending Gordon to the plate for the first run of the game. Later in the inning, Ryal added two more runs to the tally, scoring Alex Castellanos and Scott Van Slyke on single to right giving Albuquerque a 3-0 lead.
Iowa cut the lead to one in the top of the third inning scoring two runs in the frame. Brian Bogusevic (3-for-4) drove Logan Watkins and Brett Jackson home following back-to-back singles by the pair. Jackson, the Cubs fifth-ranked prospect according to Baseball America, went 1-for-4 on the evening and scored a run.
Ty Wright (1-for3) drew Iowa even with the Isotopes at three with an RBI single in the top of the fifth driving Bogusevic home. The I-Cubs threatened to score another in the frame on an Edwin Maysonet single to left sending Brad Nelson around third base. Jesus Flores took Ryal's throw and tagged Brad Nelson out at home plate hanging onto the ball after the collision.
Albuquerque loaded the bases in the home side of the seventh inning in front on Elian Herrera. Herrera singled to center field scoring Jesus Flores and Matt Angle on the play. Alex Castellanos followed with a triple driving Dee Gordon and Herrera home. Flores added an RBI double bringing home Barden and Ryal, capping the seven run frame giving the Isotopes a 10-3 lead.
The Topes were flawless in the field defensively, but Iowa committed three errors on the night leading to three unearned runs.
Starting pitcher Stephen Fife exited the contest after four innings and did not factor into the decision. Fife allowed two earned runs on six hits. He also walked a hitter and struck out two.
The Isotopes host the Iowa Cubs in game two of the four game series at Isotopes Park with the first pitch scheduled at 2:05 PM. Albuquerque right-handed pitcher Matt Magill is slated to take the ball in his first start at the Triple-A level against righty Drew Carpenter of the Iowa Cubs. Magill went 11-8 for Chattanooga with a 3.75 ERA in 26 starts in 2012. Catch all of the game action with Josh Suchon on 1050 AM.
• Discuss this story on the Pacific Coast League message board...
Pacific Coast League Stories from April 5, 2013
- RedHawks Split Opening Doubleheader - Oklahoma City Baseball Club
- Round Rock Express Takes Down Storm Chasers 3-1 - Round Rock Express
- Sounds Blanked by New Orleans, 12-0 - Nashville Sounds
- Aces Fall to Sky Sox, 6-2 - Reno Aces
- Z's Silence Sounds 12-0 - New Orleans Baby Cakes
- Topes Make It Two Straight vs. Iowa - Albuquerque Isotopes
- Nelson's Big Day Not Enough to Beat Isotopes - Iowa Cubs
- RedHawks Game Notes - Oklahoma City Baseball Club
- Round Rock Express to Wear Throwback Austin Senators Jerseys on Tuesdays - Round Rock Express
- University of Nevada Head Football Coach Brian Polian to Throw out Ceremonial First Pitch Opening Da - Reno Aces
- Green Homers, River Cats Lose Opener To 51s, 10-5 - Sacramento River Cats
- Big Innings Sink Cubs in Opener - Iowa Cubs
- Zunino, Hultzen Rocket Rainiers To 9-1 Win Over Fresno - Tacoma Rainiers
- Topes Take out Iowa on Opening Night - Albuquerque Isotopes
- Tucson Drops Season Opener - Tucson Padres
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.
