PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

Historic Night by Sands Sends 'Topes to Doubleheader Sweep

Published on July 29, 2012 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


After driving in the game-winning runs in the first contest, Jerry Sands erupted for a Pacific Coast League record-tying two grand slams in the night-cap to lead the Albuquerque Isotopes (64-45) to a doubleheader sweep of the Nashville Sounds (48-61), 4-2 (8 innings) and 11-0, Sunday night at Greer Stadium. Sands' record outburst in the second game also tied a franchise record with eight RBI and between the two contests, the outfielder knocked in a total of 10 runs.

Sands' assault on the record books started early in the second game, as the slugger crushed his first grand slam of the season in the bottom of the first to give Albuquerque a quick 4-0 lead.

That proved to be just a warm-up, as the "˜Topes, again thanks to Sands, blew the game open with a six-run fourth. With the bases loaded and one out, Scott Van Slyke drew a walk that gave Albuquerque a 5-0 cushion. That set up Sands, who then hammered his second slam of the game, extending the Isotopes' lead to a commanding 9-0. In addition to becoming the first player in "˜Topes history to collect two grand slams in a game, Sands' eight RBI tied a franchise record set by Gerald Williams almost exactly 10 years ago, on July 28, 2003. After a groundout, Tyler Henson capped the big inning with a solo shot of his own, extending the visitors' lead to 10-0.

For good measure, Albuquerque added a run in the fifth on a triple by Trent Oeltjen and a sacrifice fly by Ivan De Jesus Jr. to coast to the 11-0 game-two triumph.

Sands' superb second game was set up by the outfielder playing hero in the first contest as well. With the game knotted at 2-2 in the top of the eighth inning, Oeltjen and Elian Herrera led off the frame by each getting hit by a pitch. Van Slyke drew a walk that loaded the bases, familiar territory for Sands, who ripped a double down the right-field line, scoring two and giving the "˜Topes a 4-2 lead.

Albuquerque closer Josh Wall would make things interesting in the bottom of the eighth, as Jeff Bianchi reached on a throwing error by the pitcher himself, before Wall issued back-to-back walks to load the bases with no outs. The "˜Topes closer was up to the challenge, however, coaxing a pop-out before striking out the next two batters to secure a 4-2 extra-inning game one triumph.

The Isotopes will look to make it five in a row in the Music City on Monday behind righty Fernando Nieve (5-6, 5.68) who takes the mound for the "˜Topes against Sounds right-hander Claudio Vargas (4-1, 4.29) in a 6:05 PM MT start from Greer Stadium.

Albuquerque returns home this Wednesday for an eight-game homestand that is full of some of the team's most popular promotions, including cowbell night, a live appearance by Birdzerk!, a Dodger Stadium replica giveaway, and a spectacular fireworks show. 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.abqisotopes.com or www.ticketmaster.com .

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Pacific Coast League Stories from July 29, 2012


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