PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

Game Notes: April 21 vs. Reno

Published on April 21, 2017 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


TODAY'S GAME: The Isotopes conclude their four-game series against the Reno Aces tonight at Isotopes Park. Albuquerque leads the all-time series against the Aces, 41-34, and have a 20-19 record when playing at home. Today's contest will be broadcast live on KNML 610 AM, as well as over the internet at www.abqisotopes.com. Josh Suchon is on the call.

ABOUT YESTERDAY: The Isotopes offense came alive on Thursday night, recording 12 hits in their 8-3 victory over the Aces. The victory over Reno ended the Isotopes six-game losing streak, which dated back to last Friday. Albuquerque wasted no time getting to the Reno staff, jumping on the Aces for five runs in the bottom of the first inning. The Isotopes went deep twice on the evening, with second baseman Daniel Castro and third baseman Derrik Gibson each connecting on their first home runs of the season in the first inning. Isotopes starter German Marquez showed signs of dominance on the hill, at one point striking out six Aces hitters in a row. The 23-year-old right- hander left the game after 75 pitches, going 4.2 innings, striking out nine and allowing just two runs on five hits.

ROCKIES REHAB REPORT: Chad Qualls made his fourth rehab appearance with the Isotopes on Monday at Tacoma, striking out the only batter he faced in the sixth inning. Qualls is rehabbing from right forearm inflammation. Making his first appearance since October 3, 2015, Rockies reliever Jairo Diaz tossed a scoreless eighth inning out of the bullpen for the Isotopes last Saturday. Diaz is rehabbing from Tommy John Surgery.

HOT OFF THE GRILL: In what will surely be the hottest promotion in the history of the franchise, the Albuquerque Isotopes will embrace one of the most special things about being a New Mexican. With respect to one of the iconic culinary customs of New Mexico, on June 16, for one night only, the Albuquerque Isotopes will become the Albuquerque Green Chile Cheeseburgers. Isotopes Park will be decked out in a Green Chile Cheeseburger theme that night, with green chile cheeseburger sliders being served throughout the ballpark's concession stands. Green chiles will be roasted on the concourse, as "The Lab" will also be transformed into "The Grill." Food-related promotions have been popular throughout Minor League Baseball over the past few seasons, many celebrating a unique item in their community. The visiting Fresno Grizzlies will be in town for the matchup and will don their Fresno Tacos jerseys. The result will be the biggest food fight Minor League Baseball has ever seen as the Tacos will battle the Green Chile Cheeseburgers.

VETERAN PROWESS: Catcher Ryan Hanigan has started the season on an eight-game hitting streak, logging a .333 batting average (9-for-27) and ranks second on the team with three doubles. The 36-year-old is also 2-for-6 with two RBI this year with runners in scoring position and two outs.

PINCH ME: Isotopes pinch hitters are 1-for-9 early on in 2017. Mike Tauchman recorded the first pinch-hit of the season for Albuquerque with a single on April 12 at Reno. Meanwhile, Isotopes pitchers are 1-for-15 at the plate with Zach Jemiola picking up the first hit on Tuesday in the third inning with a single to center.

HOFFMAN ON THE HILL: Jeff Hoffman will get the start in the series finale vs. Reno tonight. The right-hander has recorded four quality starts in five career outings against the Aces, including his most recent on April 11 at Greater Nevada Field when he yielded three runs and three hits in six innings.

MI CASA ES SU CASA: Reliever Austin House has thrown 8.1 consecutive scoreless innings to start the season and has retired 24 of the 29 batters he has faced. The Albuquerque native pitched the final two innings of last night's victory while striking out two batters.

TRIPLETS: The Isotopes are leading the Triple-A level with nine triples this season, which is also one behind fellow Rockies affiliate, Double-A Hartford, for the most in Minor League Baseball. Jordan Patterson hit two three- baggers last night, tying the Isotopes single-game record that was previously accomplished by Raimel Tapia on Aug. 14, 2016 at Colorado Springs.

FIRST NOEL: Outfielder Noel Cuevas leads the team in hits (20), home runs (3), runs scored (11), total bases (31) and stolen bases (4). Cuevas has also recorded a .364 batting average (20-for-55) and has hit safely in 12 of 14 games. The 24-year-old has already matched his home run total from last season (2 with Hartford, 1 with Albuquerque) after hitting a solo home run on Monday at Tacoma. Cuevas is currently riding a seven-game hitting streak.

RUN SURGE: Before plating eight runs in last night's game, the Isotopes had not scored more than four runs during their six game losing streak which came to an end with yesterday.

RENO TIES: Reno coach Franklin Stubbs was a hitting coach for the Isotopes from 2013-14 ... Isotopes pitcher Chad Qualls pitched at the University of Nevada-Reno from 1999-2000. Qualls was selected to the Big West All- Conference Team in 2000 after compiling 11 wins, 3.88 ERA (57er/132.1ip), and 113 strikeouts his senior season with the Wolf Pack...Reno manager Jerry Narron (currently with Arizona), infielder Jack Reinheimer and Albuquerque pitcher Jeff Hoffman all attended East Carolina University. Narron was also Isotopes catcher Ryan Hanigan's manager his rookie season with Cincinnati in 2007 as well as Chris Denorfia's for his rookie year in 2005 with the Reds...

Isotopes outfielder Noel Cuevas and Aces outfielder Reymond Fuentes both hail from Manati, Puerto Rico...Aces third base coach Mike Lansing played for the Rockies from 1998-2000...The Aces Project Development Manager Chris Holland worked for the Isotopes in Promotions and Marketing from 2003-12.

TOPES TIDBITS: Manager Glenallen Hill is four wins away from the 300th victory of his managerial career ... Reliever Matt Carasiti leads the PCL with four saves ...

Jordan Patterson's three hit-by-pitches are tied for most in the PCL with Colorado Springs infielder and former Isotope Ivan De Jesus Jr. Patterson led the League with 13 hit-by-pitches in 2016 ... Rafael Ynoa is one of 16 players in the PCL, as well as the only Isotope, to play in all 15 games so far this season ... German Marquez's 18 strikeouts is tied for the fifth-most in the League ... The Isotopes are 1-2 in series finales so far this year.

Tomorrow Lego Play Ball Tour / Little League Night / Fireworks presented by Smith's / Early Gates (5:30 p.m.)

Check out the Albuquerque Isotopes Statistics

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Pacific Coast League Stories from April 21, 2017


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