PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

Albuquerque Blasts Five Homers in Win

Published on August 9, 2008 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


The Albuquerque Isotopes (52-68) erupted for six runs over the first two frames in addition to blasting five home runs en route to the 8-2 triumph over the Oklahoma RedHawks (65-56) Saturday night at Isotopes Park. Sitting on ten wins for the past three starts, Frankie De La Cruz (11-7) tied the franchise record for victories when he pitched seven innings, allowing just two runs, one of which was earned, while striking out six. Robert Andino set the tone for the ‘Topes offensively, batting in the leadoff spot and going three-for-four with a solo homer, two runs and two RBI.

Andino led the first inning off for the ‘Topes by lining a single to left field only to move 90-feet after Tommy Murphy's surprise bunt was beat out for an infield single. With two runners on, Tagg Bozied continued his white-hot power hitting, clearing the bases after destroying a three-run homer over the left field wall and giving the Isotopes an early three-run lead, 3-0. Not to be outdone, Michael Ryan launched a solo blast off the scoreboard for a towering opposite field homer, making the score 4-0.

Albuquerque was unrelenting in flexing its muscles in the second inning as Paul Hoover and Andino both cracked solo homers and the ‘Topes extended their edge to six, 6-0.

Leading off the fourth inning for the Isotopes, Jai Miller lined a single to right field and advanced to second after Hoover was hit by a pitch. Both runners moved 90 feet after a ground out to the right side that set up Andino, who lifted a sacrifice fly deep enough to left that allowed Miller to scamper home and extend the Isotope advantage to a commanding seven runs.

Ben Harrison laced a one-out double to center field that began the fifth for Oklahoma. Following a walk to Kevin Richardson, Craig Gentry hit a hotshot ground ball to short, but on the turn for the double play Chase Lambin's throw to first was in the dirt and could not be dug out by Bozied for an error that allowed Harrison to race home for the ‘Hawks first run, 7-1.

Nate Gold struck a two-out double in the fifth then raced home when Ryan Roberts cracked a double to straight away center field that allowed the RedHawks cut the deficit to five at 7-2.

Miller put the exclamation point on the night in the eighth, though, when he hammered a solo shot over the scoreboard in left center for the ‘Topes fifth home run on the night making the score 8-2.

For the second night the Isotopes received strong performances from their relievers as the duo of Steve Woodard and Scott Nestor completed the final two innings by pitching shutout relief to secure the 8-2 win.

The Isotopes look to continue their winning ways in game three of their weekend series against the Oklahoma RedHawks, manager Dean Treanor will give the ball to southpaw Chris Seddon (8-8, 4.87) for a showdown against RedHawk righty Doug Mathis (5-0, 3.55) at Isotopes Park. First pitch is set for 6:05 PM.

Albuquerque's weekend series with Oklahoma rolls on with a duo of promotions on Sunday that include a rally towel giveaway and Albuquerque Journal's final autograph session featuring Isotopes outfielder Jai Miller and third inning sensation Sophie. Then on Monday there will be a comic book giveaway at The Lab. Tickets can be purchased at Isotopes Park or any Ticketmaster outlet, www.ticketmaster.com, or by calling Ticketmaster at 505-883-7800. For more information, visit www.albuquerquebaseball.com or call 505-924-2255.

Check out the Albuquerque Isotopes Statistics

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Pacific Coast League Stories from August 9, 2008


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