PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

Express steam past 'Topes 8-4

Published on May 20, 2008 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


Reggie Abercrombie's homecoming helped the Round Rock Express (18-26) roll past the Albuquerque Isotopes (23-21) for an 8-4 victory Tuesday night at Isotopes Park. An Albuquerque fan favorite a year ago, Abercrombie went four-for-four including a two-run homer and drove in three RBI. Meanwhile, the Isotopes continued to ride the sizzling hot streak of John Gall, who smacked his seventh homer of the season.

After a quick first inning, Round Rock jumped out to an early lead in the top of the second when first baseman J.R. House cracked a double to right-center field, setting up Abercrombie, who hit his sixth homer of the season over the visiting bullpen to give the Express a 2-0 advantage.

The Express welcomed Isotopes' newcomer, Jesus Delgado with a barrage of hits in the third with Round Rock starter Runelvys Hernandez beginning the inning with a swinging bunt infield single. Johnny Ash then hit into a fielder's choice that would force out Hernandez at second. With Edwin Maysonet at the plate, Delgado threw a wild pitch to advance Ash to second only to then walk Maysonet. With two men on, Mark Saccomanno slashed a single to right field, plating Ash for the Express' third run and advancing Maysonet to third. David Newhan drove in Maysonet on another fielder's choice to second forcing out Saccomanno before House belted a single to left-center field to move Newhan to second. Abercrombie then struck again, spanking a single to left center field to score Newhan for a 5-0 Express advantage. Catcher Humberto Quintero capped the scoring by blasting a three run homer into left field to give Round Rock a substantial 8-0 lead.

Albuquerque dented the scoreboard, almost literally, in the bottom of the fourth inning with a towering solo blast hit by Gall that landed in the trees deep over the 428 feet sign in left center field that put the ‘Topes on the board 8-1.

Alberto Concepcion slashed a single to right field to start the sixth inning for Chris Barnwell, who would advance Concepcion to second with a walk. After both runners advanced 90-feet on a groundout by Andrew Beattie, Express starter Hernandez unleashed a wild pitch that allowed Concepcion to trot home and Barnwell coast into third. Gall then earned the second walk of the inning for a Dallas McPherson deep sacrifice fly to score Barnwell and narrow the lead to 8-3. On the relay home, however, Gall would be doubled off trying to advance to second on the play and end the inning.

The Isotopes made one last stand in the ninth when McPherson led off the frame with a scorching double to left-center field. Following a strikeout, John Baker earned a walk to set up Chase Lambin who drove in McPherson on a liner up the middle for the Isotopes final run, 8-4. Reliever Chad Paronto would settle down and secure the final two outs for the Express victory.

The Isotopes will look to bounce back against its division rival behind flame throwing right hander Frankie De La Cruz (5-2, 5.27) who will battle Express left-hander Josh Muecke (3-2, 3.06) in a 6:35 PM start at Isotopes Park.

The ‘Topes eight game homestand rolls on with two more games against division rival Round Rock, Triple A affiliate of the Houston Astros. On Thursday, the team will be giving away special Isotopes playing cards to the first 3,000 fans courtesy of INX. 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.

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Pacific Coast League Stories from May 20, 2008


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