PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

Bozied's Three-Run Homer in Seventh Climaxes Comeback

Published on August 9, 2008 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


Despite the rain and losing an early lead, the Albuquerque Isotopes (51-68) rallied to score three runs in the seventh for a 5-4 comeback victory over the Oklahoma RedHawks (65-55) Friday night at Isotopes Park. Tagg Bozied supplied the offensive clout for the 'Topes when he hit the go ahead, three-run homer in the seventh that gave the Isotopes the win. After an hour and thirty-six minute rain delay that tested the patience of the loyal Isotopes fans, the Isotopes have decided to put the rain check policy in effect. Any ticket to tonight's contest may be exchanged for a ticket of equal or lesser value, based on seating availability, for any of the final twelve regular season dates. Exchanges are accepted exclusively at the Isotopes Park Box Office.

Down 4-2 in the seventh, Brett Hayes lined a one-out single past the shortstop in the seventh moved to second when Andino added a single through the hole at second that put two runners on bases with two outs. With one swing of the bat, Bozied tattooed a deep fly over the Isotopes bullpen in left for a three-run homer and reclaimed the lead for the Isotopes, 5-4.

A trio of Taylor Tankersley (1-1), Brandon Villafuerte (H, 6), and Logan Kensing (S, 3) made sure the lead stuck, each throwing an inning of shutout relief, combining for three strike outs to secure the 5-4 come-from-behind Albuquerque triumph.

Albuquerque jumped out on top of the RedHawks early. In the bottom of the first, Bozied drew a two-out walk and sprinted to third after a Dallas McPherson single to right field. With runners on the corners, Michael Ryan slapped a single up the middle that drove in Bozied for the game's initial run, 1-0.

The 'Topes continued to put pressure on Oklahoma in the second when Chase Lambin cracked a one-out single to right and proceeded to second after Hayes was hit by a pitch. Tommy Murphy laced a double to left-center field that plated Lambin as Albuquerque doubled its lead to two, 2-0.

Nate Gold led-off the fourth inning off with a double to left as Oklahoma began to battle back. Ryan Roberts, then added a single to left-center that advanced Gold to third. John Mayberry stepped up to the plate with runners on the corners, only to drove in Gold on a ground out that cut the 'Topes lead in half, 2-1.

Only one inning later, the RedHawks would tie the game up at two when Joaquin Arias slugged a solo homer over the left field fence, 2-2.

Gold led the sixth inning off for the 'Hawks by hammering a solo blast over the left-center field wall for Oklahoma's first lead, 3-2. Roberts followed with a single then Mayberry hit a groundball to Robert Andino, who mishandled the ball for an error that allowed both runners to reach safely. The RedHawks would capitalize on the miscue when the next batter, Ben Harrison, singled left-center that scored Roberts from second for a 4-2 advantage, a lead that would be erased by Bozied's blast.

The 'Topes continue their weekend series with the Oklahoma RedHawks with game two tomorrow, right-hander Frankie De La Cruz (10-7, 4.70) will take the ball for Albuquerque against RedHawk righty Brian Gordon (3-3, 4.50) at Isotopes Park. First pitch is set for 7:05 PM.

Albuquerque's weekend series with Oklahoma carries on with the annual cowbell giveaway Saturday night. To round out the series, there will be a rally towel giveaway and Albuquerque Journal's final autograph session featuring Isotopes outfielder Jai Miller and third inning sensation Sophie. Then on Monday there will be a comic book giveaway at The Lab. Tickets can be purchased at Isotopes Park or any Ticketmaster outlet, www.ticketmaster.com, or by calling Ticketmaster at 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 9, 2008


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