\'Topes Return Home With 5-3 Win Over Las Vegas
May 18, 2006 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release
Mike Kinkade hit a three-run homer in the first, and Scott Seabol broke a 3-3 tie in the fifth with a two-run shot as the Albuquerque Isotopes (27-14) downed the Las Vegas 51s (25-14) Thursday, 5-3, in the series opener at Isotopes Park.
Kinkade's blast put the 'Topes on top early, and after the 51s rallied to tie the score after four innings, Seabol hit a two-run bomb to left to give Albuquerque a lead it would hold onto. Making his first start since coming down from Florida, starter Jason Vargas (1-0) earned the win, allowing three runs-one earned-on five hits in 6.2 innings. Vargas struck out four and didn't issue a free pass.
Kinkade finished the day 3-for-4, falling just a triple shy of the cycle. Seabol, Eric Reed and Mike Colangelo all kicked in two hits for the Isotopes. Jason Wood reached base three times, recording a hit and two walks with a run scored.
After Kinkade's long ball put the 'Topes on top early, Las Vegas fought back with a run in the third and two in the fourth. In the third Wilson Valdez singled home the first 51s run of the game, and an inning later Edwin Bellorin hit a two-run double to left, tying the score 3-3.
In the fifth, though, Seabol provided the decisive blow, hitting his team-leading 10th home run of the season and putting the Isotopes up for good, 5-3.
After Vargas' exit, Nate Bump came on to earn a hold, pitching a scoreless inning. Joe Horgan relieved Bump and got the last out in the eighth inning. Horgan walked the first two batters of the ninth, and after a sacrifice bunt, the 51s had two men in scoring position with one away. Horgan settled in from there, though, recording a strikeout and inducing a game-ending groundout for his third save of the season.
William Juarez took the loss for the 51s. He lasted six innings, allowing nine hits and five runs-four earned. Juarez walked four and struck out four.
Albuquerque has now won five-straight and improves to 13-4 at Isotopes Park. The 'Topes maintain their lead in the division, 1.5 games ahead of second-place Round Rock.
The 'Topes and 51s will go at it again on Friday at 7:05 p.m. MT at Isotopes Park. Albuquerque will give the ball to left-hander Jimmy Anderson (1-1, 4.05), and Las Vegas is set to counter with lefty Eric Stults (3-3, 4.95).
Upon exit on Friday, 5,000 fans will be treated to an Isotopes Team Poster, courtesy of Haight & LoPour Family Dentistry. Upcoming promotions include a visit from Reggy on Saturday and a hat giveaway on Sunday. Tickets are available at the Isotopes Park Box Office, Ticketmaster outlets and on-line at www.albuquerquebaseball.com. For more information, please call (505) 924-2255.
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