PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

Albuquerque Walked-off In 2-1 10-inning Z's Win

Published on July 30, 2011 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


The Albuquerque Isotopes (56-52) were unable to hold on to a late lead as the New Orleans Zephyrs (53-55) scored once in the eighth and another in the 10th on a walk-off bunt to take a 2-1 series-opening 10-inning win Saturday night at Zephyr Field.

With the ‘Topes clinging to a 1-0 lead, the Zephyrs mounted a two-out rally when Jorge Padilla roped a double to right with a man on first, putting the tying and go-ahead runs in scoring position. An intentional walk to Joe Thurston loaded the bases for Jose Lopez, who bounced a grounder to third. Russ Mitchell made a diving stop, popped to his feet and threw to first, but Jerry Sands couldn't keep his foot on the bag and Lopez reached safely while Brad Davis scored on the RBI infield single that knotted the game at 1-1.

Albuquerque escaped further damage in the eighth and held off New Orleans in the ninth before the Zephyrs broke through again in the 10th. Mike Cervenak led off the 10th with a double off reliever Joe Newby, bringing up Padilla, who dropped down a perfect sacrifice bunt. Newby leaped off the mound and picked up the ball, but his throw to first sailed up the right field line, allowing Cervenak to come home and deal the Isotopes a frustrating 2-1 extra-inning loss.

The ‘Topes got their only run courtesy of a big fly from Sands, who broke a scoreless tie in the fifth with a solo homer to left center, his 17th of the year, that gave the visitors a 1-0 lead.

That one-run edge was held intact thanks to a stellar starting pitching performance from Tim Sexton. After suffering a franchise-record 16 earned runs in his last start, also against the Zephyrs, Sexton rebounded beautifully, holding the Z's to just two hits (one an infield knock) in six strong innings while walking two and striking out three. The right-hander ended his night retiring the last 10 batters he faced and 12 of his last 13 in what ended up being a tough no-decision.

New Orleans reliever Jose Ceda (3-1) earned the win after tossing a scoreless ninth and 10th, striking out four of the seven batters he faced, while Newby (1-5) took the loss.

The ‘Topes will look to snap a three-game losing streak to the Zephyrs on Sunday evening behind veteran lefty Randy Keisler (6-4, 3.86) who will take the mound for Albuquerque against New Orleans south-paw Sean West (4-7, 6.04). First pitch from Zephyr Field is 5:00 M MT.

Albuquerque will return to Isotopes Park next Wednesday to start another eight-game homestand against the Tacoma Rainiers and Salt Lake Bees which includes a slew of great giveaways like Orbit Banks and Isotopes Hats as well as a fireworks extravaganza. Tickets for any Isotopes game may be purchased at the Isotopes Park Box Office, at Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 1-800-745-3000, or on-line at www.albuquerquebaseball.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

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Pacific Coast League Stories from July 30, 2011


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