PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

Gall Keeps Driving In Wins

Published on June 17, 2008 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


Fireworks exploded on the field at Isotopes Park when John Gall's sacrifice fly in the bottom of the ninth capped the dramatic 9-8 Albuquerque Isotopes (34-36) comeback victory over the Omaha Royals (33-36) Monday night. The triumph gave Albuquerque its first three game winning streak since May 1 and its first series victory since mid-April.

Albuquerque came into the bottom of the ninth down a run to the O-Royals as Andrew Beattie earned a leadoff walk to set up Paul Hoover, who laced a single to right-center field that allowed Beattie to gallop into third. With two-men on and one-out, Gall stepped into the batter's box and then cracked a sacrifice fly to right that was deep enough to allow Hoover to tag and slide home, beating out the throw by Shane Costa to give the Isotopes their third walk-off win of the season. It was the second time in four days Gall delivered a walk-off triumph for the ‘Topes.

The Isotopes continued their hot beginnings by scoring runs in the first. Leadoff hitter Lorenzo Scott stung a single up the middle for Chris Barnwell, who drew a walk to advance Scott to second. With two men on, the red-hot Gall continued to drive in runs by blooping a single to right plating Scott for the game's initial run while Barnwell raced for third. After a double-play plated Barnwell, Tagg Bozied continued his dominance against left-handed pitching by ripping a double to extend the inning. A Dallas McPherson walk put two-men on the bases for Beattie, who singled to center driving in Bozied for the Isotopes third run of the inning, 3-0.

Omaha battled back in the top of the second when shortstop Jason Smith slugged solo blast over the center field wall to put the O-Royals on the board, 3-1.

The ‘Topes responded in the second when Jai Miller led off the inning by singling up the middle only to advance to third when a pick-off attempt by Omaha starter Tyler Lumsden's sailed into right field. With Barnwell up to the plate, Miller began barreling down the third base line and scored when Barnwell laid down a perfect suicide squeeze to give the Isotopes the 4-1 lead.

Again, the O-Royals would respond, plating three in the third to tie the game on a three run blast by Ryan Shealy that knotted the contest at 4-4.

After Omaha plated another run in the top of the fourth to take a 5-4 lead, the ‘Topes bounced back in the bottom of the frame when Beattie lead off the inning with walk before cruising into second on a single by Hoover. Miller then cracked a single to left that plated Beattie and tied the game fives.

The see-saw battle continued in the fifth when Omaha reclaimed the lead on a solo homer by Gookie Dawkins, giving the Royals a 6-5 lead.

The advantage would again prove to be short-lived as Bozied led off the ‘Topes half of the fifth by drawing a walk only to sprint to third after McPherson slapped a line-drive double to left. With two-on and two-out, Miller hit a groundball to the shortstop that was picked up by Jason Smith, whose throw to first pulled Shealy off the bag, allowing both runners, who were running the play, to score and give Albuquerque a 7-6 lead. .

Maier singled past the hole in short to set up Shealy, who slugged a two-out double to right field that drove in Maier to tie the game back up at seven. With Shealy in scoring position, Smith cracked a single past the hole at second, driving in Shealy and giving Omaha the 8-7 lead. It was to be the final run of the game for the Royals before the dramatic ninth inning.

Tomorrow, Albuquerque begins a four-game series against the Memphis Redbirds as ‘Topes left-hander Chris Seddon (5-4, 3.97) will square off against Memphis righty Mike Parisi (3-1, 3.98) at AutoZone Park with first pitch set for 6:05 PM.

Following a quick four-game series in Memphis the Isotopes return to Isotopes Park for a weekend series against the Iowa Cubs, Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. The four-game series will have a plethora of entertainment including appearances by Birdzerk! and Myron Noodleman in addition Isotopes Magnet Schedule and Bead giveaways. 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

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Pacific Coast League Stories from June 17, 2008


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