PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

Grizz Edge Out Isotopes, 5-3

Published on July 27, 2008 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


On consecutive nights the Albuquerque Isotopes (46-61) mounted a ninth inning rally, bringing the tying run up to the plate, only to fall short to the Fresno Grizzlies (52-55) in the series opener 5-3 Saturday night at Isotopes Park. Tommy Murphy set the table for the 'Topes offense by collecting three hits while batting leadoff in addition to scoring a run and driving in an RBI.

In the third, Manny Mayorson dropped a one out double into right field only to sprint to third when Grizzlies starter Steve Hammond threw a wild pitch in the dirt. Then, Tagg Bozied hit a sacrifice fly to center that plated Mayorson for the early 1-0 'Topes advantage.

Fresno responded in the fourth when Nate Schierholtz led the inning off with a solo blast to center, then Brian Horwitz followed suit, cracking a solo homer over the left field fence to give the Grizzlies a one run lead, 2-1.

'Topes starter Daniel Barone did not help his cause in the fifth when he hit Hammond to lead off the inning. Hammond immediately stole second only to scamper around the bases to score following a Jake Wald single up the middle as Fresno increased their lead to two, 3-1. Wald dashed to third when Daniel Ortmeier lined a single into left field. With runners on the corners, Schierholtz continued driving in runs with a sacrifice fly to center that plated Wald for the Grizzlies fourth run, making the score 4-2.

Reliever Scott Nestor walked Horwitz and Travis Denker to begin the eighth, but things could have been worse when Eliezer Alfonzo was granted first on a possible hit by pitch. Following a brief discussion, the umpires concluded that Alfonzo was not hit by a pitch and Nestor promptly fanned Alfonzo for the first out of the inning. That would be the final out Nestor would record as pinch hitter Brent Harper laced a single up the middle that drove in Horwitz for the three-run lead, 5-2. Brandon Villafuerte came in to spell Nestor and retired the next two batters to get out of the inning.

Pinch hitter Michael Ryan collected his first hit as an Isotope when he led off the ninth by smacking a two-out standup triple off the right-center field wall. Murphy would then plate Ryan when he slapped a perfect swinging bunt that rolled up the third base line only and hit the bag for a fair ball and bring the 'Topes within two, 5-3. Fresno reliever Kevin Gryboski settled down and retired the final batter to seal the 5-3 Grizzlies victory.

The Isotopes look to return to their winning ways in game two of their series against the Fresno Grizzlies as right hander Dallas Trahern (4-8, 6.42) will take the mound for the 'Topes against Grizzlies lefty Pat Misch (5-3, 5.30) a 6:05 PM first pitch is set Sunday night at Isotopes Park.

Albuquerque's first homestand after the All-Star Break continues with an Isotopes Tote Bag giveaway and Albuquerque Journal Autograph Session featuring Isotopes infielder Chase Lambin and Orbit on Sunday along with an Isotopes License Plate Frame giveaway on Tuesday. Tickets can be purchased at Isotopes Park or any Ticketmaster outlet, www.ticketmaster.com, or Ticketmaster by phone 505-883-7800. For more information, visit www.albuquerquebaseball.com or call 505-924-2255.

Check out the Albuquerque Isotopes Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Pacific Coast League Stories from July 27, 2008


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central