PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

'Birds fly away with win, 7-2

Published on June 3, 2008 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


Jaime Garcia led the Memphis Redbirds (30-30) in shutting down the Albuquerque Isotopes (28-30) offense for a 7-2 triumph Tuesday afternoon at Isotopes Park. Dallas McPherson gave the lone exciting offensive spark for the ‘Topes as he extended his PCL-lead in home runs to 19 with a towering solo blast to center field in the fourth inning.

Albuquerque struck first in the bottom of the opening frame as leadoff hitter Robert Andino reached on a walk, stole second, and then dashed to third on a sacrifice bunt executed by Chris Barnwell. John Gall continued to torment his former team, driving in Andino on a line-drive single to left-center field for the game's first run, 1-0.

Redbirds right fielder Nick Stavinoha began the second inning by reaching on a fielding error by McPherson before advancing to second on a one-out walk earned by D'Angelo Jimenez. Catcher Bryan Anderson then slashed a single to left-center field that plated Stavinoha to tie up the game at one while Jimenez sprinted to third. Garcia helped his own cause by laying down a sacrifice bunt that plated Jimenez and gave the ‘Birds the 2-1 advantage.

Memphis added to its lead in the third when Chris Duncan earned a one-out walk and immediately scored on a double by Josh Phelps to extend the Redbirds lead to 3-1. Phelps would advance to third on the play after Gall's throw from the outfield skittered past John Baker at home for an error charged to the catcher. David Freese then scored Phelps with a single to left field to give the Redbirds a three-run lead, 4-1.

Albuquerque narrowed the lead in the fourth when McPherson slugged a solo deep fly over the center field fence to trim the advantage to 4-2, but at the conclusion of the fourth, the Isotopes had centerfielder Andrew Beattie and manager Dean Treanor ejected from the game for arguing with the umpires.

The ‘Birds broke the game wide open in the seventh when Isotopes reliever Scott Nestor issued a lead-off walk to Jarrett Hoffpauir, setting up Colby Rasmus, who would then slam a two-run homer to right-center field elongating the Redbirds lead to four, 6-2. Nestor then struck out the next two Memphis batters before giving up another solo home run to Stavinoha that extended the Redbirds lead to a commanding 7-2 margin.

The only pitcher to throw a perfect game against the Isotopes, John Wasdin, came in for Memphis and pitched a perfect two innings of relief to secure the 7-2 victory for the Redbirds.

Albuquerque will enjoy an off day tomorrow and then travel to the Music City for a four-game series against the Nashville Sounds, Triple-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. Taking the hill Wednesday for the Isotopes will be flame-throwing ace Frankie De La Cruz (6-2, 4.53), who will battle Sounds left-hander Lindsay Gulin (1-3, 6.00). First pitch is set for 6:00 PM at Herschel Greer Stadium.

Following a quick trip to the Music City the Isotopes return on Monday, June 9 to begin the first half of their eight-game homestand against the Round Rock Express, Triple-A affiliate of the Houston Astros, with the highly anticipated 50-Cent Hot Dog Night opening the series Monday night. Tickets can be purchased at Isotopes Park or any Ticketmaster outlet, www.ticketmaster.com, or Ticketmaster by phone 505-883-7800. For more information on individual game tickets, season tickets, or mini-plans, visit www.albuquerquebaseball.com or call 505-924-2255.

Check out the Albuquerque Isotopes Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Pacific Coast League Stories from June 3, 2008


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central