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PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

\'Topes erupt for seven in the 9th, win 8-1

June 5, 2006 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


The Albuquerque Isotopes (34-25) exploded for seven runs in the ninth inning to salvage a dazzling pitching performance by Jeff Fulchino and take an 8-1 decision over Nashville (33-25) Monday night at Greer Stadium, snapping a season-long six-game skid.

The ‘Topes took a 1-0 lead into the seventh inning, but after the Sounds tied the game up in the bottom half of the frame, Albuquerque pushed across seven runs in the top of the ninth inning to secure the victory.

Fulchino allowed just two hits over six-plus innings. He left with two men on in the seventh, surrendering just a run with four walks and five strikeouts. Fulchino's counterpart, Nashville knuckleballer Jared Fernandez, was just as good. He allowed only a run on three hits over seven innings of work. Fernandez struck out five and didn't issue a free pass.

Facing a 1-1 tie in the top half of the ninth inning, the first three batters for the Isotopes reached, loading the bases for Scott Seabol. The Isotopes third baseman quickly responded, lining a single to left field to score the go-ahead run from third, putting Albuquerque ahead 2-1. But the ‘Topes didn't stop there. Tom Wilson chased two home on a ground-rule double, Chris Ashby scored two more with a single to right, and James Shanks hit a two-run homer to bring across runs six and seven of the inning.

Joe Horgan (3-0) replaced Fulchino in the seventh and stalled a potential big inning. He'd earn the victory out of the pen, tossing two scoreless innings with a strikeout. Jason Kershner (3-2) took the loss for Nashville, surrendering four runs without recording an out in the ninth.

Ashby finished with two hits and three RBIs, while Wilson had two hits and two runs batted in. Robert Andino had two hits and a run scored.

After both teams went quiet in the first, the ‘Topes lit up the scoreboard for the first time thanks to some clutch hitting in the second frame. Wilson hit a one-out double deep to right center for Albuquerque's first hit. It proved to big one, as two hitters later Ashby smacked a two-out double to left, scoring Wilson and putting the Isotopes on top 1-0.

The game remained just that way until late, as both starting pitchers were outstanding. It was not until the bottom half of the seventh inning that the Sounds would finally break through. Fulchino reached the end of his string, walking the first two batters of the inning before being replaced by Horgan. The Sounds utilized a double steal to put two runners in scoring position with nobody out for Horgan. The ‘Topes reliever immediately surrendered a run-scoring base hit to left by Chris Barnwell to put Nashville on the board and tie the score, 1-1. Horgan, sporting an ERA below 1.00, went on to put out the fire from there, retiring the next three batters to quell the Nashville threat and keep the game tied as it rolled on to the eighth.

Horgan's effort allowed for a seven-run ninth inning for Albuquerque, sealing the 8-1 win.

Albuquerque and Nashville will finish up the series on Tuesday with another 6 p.m. MT first pitch. The Isotopes will send left-hander Chris George (1-0, 7.65) to the mound, and Nashville will give the baseball to Justin Lehr (0-1, 5.73).

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