Albuquerque snaps four-game skid
June 30, 2007 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release
Roy Corcoran entered the eighth inning of a one-run game with the bases loaded and promptly retired the side, then tossed a spotless ninth to solidify the save and an 8-6 Isotopes (40-42) victory over the Iowa Cubs (45-36) in the series opener Saturday night at Isotopes Park.
The âTopes overcame bouts with adversity all night, recovering from an early 4-0 deficit and also managing to survive after the scheduled starting pitcher was injured in pre-game warm-ups. The win snaps a four-game losing skid and marks the first victory for the âTopes on this seven-game homestand.
Albuquerque's scheduled starter, righty Jeff Fulchino, was injured in the bullpen during pre-game warm-ups. He was replaced by spot starter Kenny Baugh, who, under arduous circumstances, performed well enough to keep the Isotopes in the ballgame. Baugh (3-4) earned the victory, allowing four runs on seven hits over five innings. Baugh walked two and struck out two. The âTopes bullpen kept the I-Cubs in check over the final four innings. After Harvey Garcia allowed two runs in 1.1 frames, Erasmo Ramirez, Ross Wolf and Corcoran combined to shutout Iowa on four hits through the last 2.1 innings.
After falling behind 4-0 early, the âTopes began to chip away in the bottom-half of the third. John Gall smacked a run-scoring single, and Valentino Pascucci hit an RBI double to bring the Isotopes to within two runs. Albuquerque added another tally in the fourth when Baugh helped his own cause, hitting a sacrifice fly to drive home Andrew Beattie.
The Isotopes took the lead for good in the fifth. Scott Seabol and Beattie hit back-to-back RBI singles, and both later came around to score when a pitch skipped past Iowa catcher Tony Richie.
The I-Cubs answered with two runs in the sixth, but they'd get no closer as the Isotopes bullpen provided a solid effort. The Cubs produced their biggest scoring threat in the eighth, loading the bases with two outs and third-hitter Micah Hoffpauir at the dish. Corcoran induced an inning-ending ground out, though, to thwart the effort.
The loss was pinned on Iowa starter John Webb (2-6), who allowed five runs on five hits before being ejected in the fifth inning.
On Sunday, the Isotopes and I-Cubs will resume a game that was suspended on April 12 before playing the regularly-scheduled contest. Gates will open at 3:30 PM, with the game beginning at 4:30 PM. The suspended game currently stands in the bottom of the sixth inning, with the Isotopes ahead 5-4. There will be a 30-minute break between the completion of the suspended game and first pitch of the regularly-scheduled game, which will last nine innings. In the nightcap, the Isotopes send left-hander Paul Mildren (4-6, 5.81) to the bump. He'll battle Iowa southpaw Ryan O'Malley (3-7, 7.61).
Cowbells go the first 3,000 fans on Sunday. Beginning at 3:30, âTopes infielder Josh Labandeira and pitcher Daniel Barone will be on the concourse signing autographs.
Still to come on this seven-game homestand is a special pre-Independence Day celebration on July 2 and July 3-featuring a Red, White & Blue Jersey Auction and a pair of fireworks shows. 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.
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