Haeger leads 'Topes to 6-2 win over Express
Published on April 30, 2009 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release
Albuquerque Isotopes (10-10) starter Charlie Haeger tossed a complete game, the first for the Isotopes this season, and the âTopes extended their winning streak to four games with a 6-2 series-opening victory over the Round Rock Express (7-14) Thursday night at Isotopes Park. Haeger allowed just two runs, one earned, on six hits while fanning five improve to 2-2. The complete game marks the first for the Isotopes since Daniel Barone went the distance on July 31, 2008 and the first at home since Chris Seddon tossed one on June 1 of the same season.
The right-handed knuckleballer held the Express scoreless through four, pitched out of a bases-loaded jam in the top of the second, and retired eight straight batters over 2.1 innings. Haeger's (2-2) only real blemish was a solo home run to his counterpart, Round Rock starter Yorman Bazardo, in the fifth en route to his second victory of the season and his first at Isotopes Park.
The Isotopes offense backed Haeger with plenty of thump, establishing a 5-0 lead before Bazardo's shot. Albuquerque produced its first run in the bottom of the second without even getting a hit. Valentino Pascucci led the inning off with a walk, advanced to second on a walk to Mitch Jones and went to third on a fly out by Hector Luna. Pascucci would score off a Chin-lung Hu fielder's choice for the early 1-0 advantage.
Albuquerque used four hits to add four runs in the bottom of the third. With one out, Jason Repko smashed his fifth homer of the season, a solo shot to left, making it 2-0. After Luis Maza reached on a walk, Pascucci replicated Repko, sending a two-run shot to left to up the Isotopes' lead 4-0. After Jones roped a single, the Isotopes capped the inning's scoring with a Hu RBI single to increase the advantage to 5-0.
The two teams exchanged runs in the sixth as Round Rock used two âTopes errors to make it 6-1. The Isotopes manufactured a run in their share of the frame. Danny Ardoin singled to left, advanced on a sacrifice bunt from Haeger, moved to third on a wild pitch, and scored courtesy of a Repko fly out to right.
Bazardo (2-2) took the loss for the Express, allowing five runs on five hits over five innings.
Pascucci reached base in all four of his at-bats and has now collected a hit in each of his last six games.
The Albuquerque Isotopes continue their four-game homestand against Round Rock on Friday, May 1. Lefty Eric Milton (2-2, 5.76) will take the ball for the âTopes with Jose Capellan (0-4) countering for the Express.
Albuquerque's homestand may be short, but it's packed with great promotions including Isotopes Hat Night tomorrow, May 1. The first 3,000 fans 21 and older will get a free âTopes hat courtesy of Miller Lite. On Saturday, the âTopes will host the first fireworks extravaganza of the season in conjunction with Little League Night. Tickets for any Isotopes game may be purchased at the Isotopes Park Box Office, at Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 1-800-745-3000, or on-line at www.albuquerquebaseball.com or www.ticketmaster.com.
Pacific Coast League Stories from April 30, 2009
- Barnette and trio of relievers limit Beaver bats to six singles - Portland Beavers
- Z's lose in extras - New Orleans Baby Cakes
- Sky Sox Route the River Cats 14-4 - Colorado Springs Sky Sox
- Haeger leads 'Topes to 6-2 win over Express - Albuquerque Isotopes
- Memphis holds off Iowa - Memphis Redbirds
- Sounds Drop Series Opener To Royals, 8-2 - Nashville Sounds
- Jepsen to Make Rehab Appearance with Bees - Salt Lake Bees
- RedHawks Game Notes - Oklahoma City Comets
- Figueroa Placed on DL, Patchett Returns to Salt Lake - Salt Lake Bees
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.
