PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

Albuquerque Weathers Storm in Win

June 20, 2013 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


PAPILLION, Neb. -- John Baker singled through a drawn-in infield and Matt Wallach added a bases loaded walk in the eighth inning as the Albuquerque Isotopes rallied for a 6-4 victory over the Omaha Storm Chasers at Werner Park.

The Isotopes (42-33) have won nine of 11 games, and remain in a first-place tie with Round Rock in the PCL's American Southern division.

Anthony Ortega (4-3) retired all seven batters he faced to get the win, aided by two sensational plays by shortstop Justin Sellers. One was a leaping catch. The other was a diving stop in the hole and a throw to first base.

It was a drama-filled ninth inning, before Steve Ames converted his seventh save.

The first two batters singled. Xavier Nady hit a line drive to first base that Rusty Ryal caught, then tagged out the runner for a double play. Ames walked Max Ramirez, who then stole second base to put the tying run in scoring position. Adam Moore bounced to second baseman Elevys Gonzalez, whose throw was wide, but Ryal somehow kept his foot on first base, while falling down for the final out.

Chili Buss doubled home a run in the first inning on a ground-rule double, and Brian Barden followed with a two-run double. Barden extended his hitting streak to 16 games. Baker singled home a run in the fourth inning for a 4-1 lead.

Topes starting pitcher Rob Rasmussen stranded seven runners in the first four innings, allowing just an RBI double to Paulo Orlando. Rasmussen's luck ran out in the fifth, as he walked Nady, hit Ramirez with a 1-2 curveball in the foot, then Adam Moore hit a tape-measure three-run home run to tie the score at 4-4.

Jose Dominguez pitched a clean ninth inning, striking out one. Dominguez hit 100 mph or higher five times in the inning.

The finale of the five-game series is Friday night. Blake Johnson (6-3, 3.10) starts for the Isotopes and right-hander Yorando Ventura (1-1, 4.30) goes for the Storm Chasers. First pitch is at 6:05 pm Mountain time, and all the action can be heard on 610 "The Sports Animal" with Josh Suchon on the call.

Tickets are on sale now at the Isotopes Park Box Office, at Ticketmaster outlets, through Ticketmaster by phone at (800) 745-3000, or online at www.abqisotopes.com or www.ticketmaster.com. For information, please call (505) 924-2255.

Check out the Albuquerque Isotopes Statistics



Pacific Coast League Stories from June 20, 2013


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