PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

Five-Run First Catapults Isotopes to Fourth-Straight Win

Published on April 16, 2015 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


NEED TO KNOW: The Albuquerque Isotopes (5-2) used a five-run first inning, highlighted by a Brandon Barnes leadoff home run, to win their fourth-straight game with a 7-6 victory against the Tacoma Rainiers (2-5) Wednesday night. Catcher Ryan Casteel also tacked on three RBI.

DECIDING MOMENT: The Rainiers tied the game at six with a one-out, two-run double in the top of the eighth. After three walk-off wins in their first six games, the Isotopes have come much accustomed to the late inning dramatics. Leading off the home half of the eighth, Ben Paulsen was plunked on the elbow. An Angelys Nina single to center put runners on the corners for catcher Ryan Casteel. The 23-year-old backstop grounded into a fielder's choice, allowing Paulsen to score the go-ahead run.

CASTEEL'S DEAL: Catcher Ryan Casteel started his third game behind the dish for Albuquerque and turned in a vital 1-for-3 night with three RBI. In his three appearances this season, Casteel is batting .417 (5-for-12) with one run scored, one double and four RBI.

50 STRIKES OF GRAY: Colorado Rockies top-overall prospect Jon Gray stumbled out of the gates Wednesday night, walking three and giving up two singles in the first inning. He also allowed four runs to cross. From the second inning through the fifth, Gray only allowed two hits, no walks and no runs to score. He finished with 5.0 IP, four hits, four runs, four earned, four walks and four strikeouts. He finished with 87 pitches, 50 strikes.

OFFENSIVELY OFFENSIVE FIRST: Both teams came out of the gate firing on all cylinders offensively and scored a combined nine runs in the first inning alone. Albuquerque starter Jon Gray had trouble finding the strike zone early on, walking three of the first four batters he faced. He settled in to induce a ground out and fly out with a caught stealing in between. In the home half of the first, Brandon Barnes got the Topes attack rolling with a leadoff home run. After back-to-back singles from Cristhian Adames and Kyle Parker, Ben Paulsen was walked to load the bases. After a fielder's choice, Tim Wheeler doubled in a pair to tie the game before Ryan Casteel put the Isotopes ahead with a sacrifice fly.

ON DECK: The Isotopes will cap their eight-game homestand with the series finale against the Rainiers Thursday afternoon at 12:05 p.m. Left-hander John Lannan (0-0, 0.00) will take the hill for Albuquerque, while Tacoma will go with right Sam Gaviglio (1-0, 0.00).

IN THE HOLE: After wrapping up the season-opening eight game homestand on Thursday, the Isotopes will hit the road for a season-longest 12-game, 13-day road trip to Reno, Tacoma and Las Vegas.

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Pacific Coast League Stories from April 16, 2015


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