PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

Colangelo reaches new heights as 'Topes take fifth straight

Published on August 30, 2005 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


Mike Colangelo continued his unprecedented homer streak as the Albuquerque Isotopes (75-73) rallied to defeat the Round Rock Express (73-65) 6-4 Tuesday night at Isotopes Park. Colangelo sparked the rally for the ‘Topes, who trailed 4-1 in the sixth inning, with a two-run homer - his seventh round-tripper in five games - to become the first Isotopes player to homer in five consecutive contests. The win keeps the Isotopes just a half game behind front-running Oklahoma, which defeated New Orleans 5-3, in the American Southern Division.

Eric Reed capped off a four-run sixth inning with a single to center field that snapped a 4-all tie and lifted Albuquerque to its fifth straight victory and eighth win in nine games. Reed has been as equally impressive as Colangelo during the Isotopes' recent hot streak. The centerfielder, who finished with three hits Tuesday night, has recorded 13 hits in his last 18 at-bats for a gaudy .720 average.

Ben Howard (6-2) picked up the win in relief of Albuquerque starter Donovan Osborne, who allowed four runs - three earned - in 5.1 innings. Jimmy Anderson (2-1) was charged with five runs on 11 hits through five innings. Valerio De Los Santos pitched the final 1.1 innings to earn his first save of the season.

Round Rock took a 1-0 lead in the first inning on a bases-loaded ground out by Royce Huffman. Charles Gipson doubled home a run in the fourth inning to make it 2-0 before Albuquerque got on the board in the fifth. Matt Erickson led off with a double, moved to third on a sacrifice bunt by Osborne and crossed the plate on a base hit by Reed.

The Express extended their lead to 4-1 in the sixth inning after a fielding error by Jason Wood allowed one run to score and a sacrifice fly by Carlos Rivera brought home another. But the ‘Topes responded in a pivotal home half when they sent eight batters to the plate.

Jason Wood started the rally with a lead-off double and came home on Colangelo's homer that pulled the ‘Topes to within one run, 4-3. Josh Willingham followed with a walk and checked in at third on a single by Mark Little. Erickson tied the game with a single to left field and pinch-hitter Joe Dillon followed with another base hit to left, but Little was thrown out at the plate by Express left fielder Barry Wesson. Not to be outdone, however, Reed completed the rally with a base hit that gave the ‘Topes a 5-4 advantage.

Todd Sears homered for the second straight night with a solo blast in the seventh that closed out the scoring for the game.

The ‘Topes will continue their final homestand of the regular season with the third game of a four-game series against the Round Rock Express Wednesday night at 6:05. Right-handed pitcher Jeff Fulchino (9-7, 5.25) is scheduled to start for Albuquerque against Express righty Fernando Nieve (4-4, 4.83).

Tickets are available at the Isotopes Park Box Office, at local Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster.com, and Ticketmaster by phone at 883-7800.

Check out the Albuquerque Isotopes Statistics

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Pacific Coast League Stories from August 30, 2005


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