PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

Albuquerque keeps hold on first place

Published on August 24, 2007 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


Joe Borchard drove in five runs and Chris George tossed five shutout innings as the Albuquerque Isotopes (68-63) cruised past the Memphis Redbirds (53-80) 10-0 in a game that lasted 7 ½ innings and was twice-halted by rain Thursday night at Isotopes Park.

The Isotopes scored five times in the third, then added five more in the seventh inning to roll to the easy victory. Between scoring outbursts was a two-hour and four-minute rain delay in the fifth inning. After play finally resumed, the game was stopped again, this time for good, in the eighth.

The win went to Isotopes starter Chris George (7-10). George was outstanding through five innings of work, only to have his outing stalled by heavy rains that delayed the game for more than two hours. The left-hander scattered just three hits and three walks, not allowing a run to cross.

After the rain subsided temporarily, two 'Topes hurlers combined to shutout Memphis over the next three innings. Logan Kensing allowed just a hit over two scoreless frames, before giving way to Mauro Zarate who worked a scoreless eighth.

After both teams went quietly through the first two innings, the Isotopes offense exploded for five runs in the third inning. George put things in motion, helping his own cause with a lead-off double to right field. Eric Reed walked and Reggie Abercrombie singled, loading the bases with one away in the inning. Borchard promptly doubled to left, clearing the bases and putting Albuquerque ahead 3-0.

Still, the 'Topes were not finished in the third. Valentino Pascucci crushed two-run home run, deep over the wall in left to push the Albuquerque lead to 5-0.

In the seventh, the Isotopes bats came to life again after the lengthy rain delay. Two runs scored on an Abercrombie fielder's choice, then Borchard knocked home two with a single up the middle. Finally, Paul Hoover collected a sacrifice fly to center, chasing home Borchard to give Albuquerque a 10-0 advantage.

Memphis starter Chris Lambert (1-4) worked four innings in the losing effort, allowing five runs on seven hits. Lambert walked one and punched out six. Andy Cavazos tossed two scoreless innings before Mike Venafro came on and surrendered five runs on four hits in the seventh inning for the Redbirds.

Thursday's victory for Albuquerque and a loss by Oklahoma puts the 'Topes ahead by one full game in the Pacific Coast League American Southern Division standings with 11 games to play.

The series continues on Friday night at Isotopes Park. Ricky Nolasco (0-0, 10.38) gets the nod for the 'Topes, while Memphis is set counter with Mike Parisi (7-11, 5.31). First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM. The first 3,000 fans through the turnstiles will receive an Isotopes Seat Cushion, courtesy of Eclipse Aviation.

Still to come this homestand are fireworks, a Breast Cancer Awareness Weekend Pink Jersey Auction and several giveaways. Tickets can be purchased at Isotopes Park or any Ticketmaster outlet, www.ticketmaster.com, or Ticketmaster by phone 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 24, 2007


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