Sports stats

PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

\'Topes fall victim to ninth inning Memphis rally, drop finale 5-3

July 3, 2006 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


Chris Aguila drove in two of Albuquerque's three runs-including the tying run in the bottom of the seventh-but that tie was erased by a two-run homer by John Gall in ninth inning as Memphis (36-47) rallied past the Isotopes (45-40), 5-3, in front of a single-game record crowd of 15,020 Monday night at Isotopes Park.

Aguila gave the ‘Topes an early lead with a run-scoring double in the first, then facing a 3-2 deficit in the seventh he hit a sacrifice fly to left, chasing home Drew Niles and tying the ballgame. After a quiet eighth, ‘Topes reliever Joe Horgan issued a one-out walk to John Nelson, and that was followed by a two-run blast over the wall in left by Gall, giving the ‘Birds a lead they could hold onto. Albuquerque put two runners aboard in the ninth, but a 5-4-3 double play by Robert Andino ended the threat and the ballgame.

In a spot start, Albuquerque's Matt Blank did a stellar job, allowing just a run on four hits over five innings. Blank walked six and struck out three. Recently promoted Chris Young surrendered two runs on three hits over 1.1 innings, while Ross Wolf tossed 1.2 scoreless frames. Horgan (4-4) entered in the ninth and was met by Gall's decisive homer, giving him the loss.

Memphis starter John Webb held the Isotopes in check, though he did not figure in the decision. Webb scattered two runs on seven hits through six innings, recording four Ks and three walks. Matt Perisho (2-1) worked two scoreless innings to pick up the win, while Andy Cavazos tossed a shutout ninth to earn the save, his second.

Aguila's double in the first put the ‘Topes ahead early and that lead stood until the fourth when Memphis used a run-scoring single by Jason Conti to tie the score. The Redbirds took their first lead of the evening with a two-spot in the seventh, but the Isotopes promptly answered with two of their own in the home half of the frame thanks to an RBI single for Andino and Aguila's sacrifice fly. The ballgame remained tied until the ninth, when Gall finished things up with one swing of the bat.

Aguila finished the day 2-for-3 with two runs driven in, and Andino recorded a 3-for-5 effort with one RBI. Eric Reed went 2-for-5 and scored a run.

To cap off an Independence Day Weekend at Isotopes Park, Albuquerque's red, white and blue jerseys were auctioned off Monday to benefit the United Way of Central New Mexico. All totaled, $5,960 was raised in the silent auction. Mike Colangelo's jersey sold for $800, pitching coach Tom Brown's jersey went for $400 and Mark Little's jersey was purchased for $380.

The ‘Topes now hit the road for six straight, beginning with an Independence Day match-up with the Round Rock Express at Dell Diamond. Nic Ungs (7-6, 3.79) is scheduled to take the ball for Albuquerque, while Round Rock counters with right-hander Brandon Backe (0-1, 15.00). First pitch is set for 6:05 p.m. MT.

After the six-game road swing, the Isotopes and the rest of the Pacific Coast League will go on a three-day hiatus for the All-Star Break. Beginning July 13, Albuquerque opens up a new eight-game homestand against the Iowa Cubs and New Orleans Zephyrs. Tickets can be purchased at the Isotopes Park Box Office, www.albuquerquebaseball.com, Ticketmaster outlets, or at www.ticketmaster.com. For more information, please call (505) 924-2255.

Check out the Albuquerque Isotopes Statistics



Pacific Coast League Stories from July 3, 2006


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