PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

I-Cubs Club Isotopes 14-7

Published on April 15, 2009 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


The Albuquerque Isotopes (2-4) fell behind early and, despite an early rally, could never quite get over the hump, as the Iowa Cubs (4-2) collected 20 hits in a 14-7 win over the 'Topes Tuesday night at Isotopes Park.

Iowa wasted little time jumping on 'Topes starter Miguel Pinango, who came into the game with a 1.80 ERA but left with a 12.46 mark after allowing the Cubs 11 earned runs on 12 hits in 3.2 innings.

Jake Fox got the scoring started for the I-Cubs, mashing a three-run homer in the first to give Iowa a quick 3-0 lead.

After the Isotopes plated a run in the bottom of the first on a sacrifice fly by Valentino Pascucci, the Cubs plated three more in the second, two on a triple by Sam Fuld, who was immediately knocked in by So Taguchi to put the I-Cubs up 6-1.

To its credit, Albuquerque roared back in the bottom half of the second frame. Luis Maza ignited a two-out rally with an RBI double before Xavier Paul hammered a bases-loaded triple that cleared the bases and brought the Isotopes all the way back to within one run at 6-5.

Both teams traded runs in the third, Iowa scoring theirs on a solo homer by Fox, his second long-ball in as many at-bats, while Albuquerque answered with a sacrifice fly by A.J. Ellis, scoring newest Isotope Blake DeWitt and making the score 7-6 Iowa.

Iowa would put the game away in the fourth, sending four runs across to seize a commanding 11-6 advantage. Cubs reliever Greg Reinhard (1-0) earned the win after a pair of scoreless innings in relief of starter Mitch Atkins, while Pinango (1-1) suffered his first set-back of the season.

The 'Topes would attempt one last comeback in the bottom of the fourth, scoring a run on an RBI single by DeWitt, but Iowa would add a pair of runs in the seventh and another in the ninth to cruise to a 14-7 triumph.

Fuld came a home run away from the cycle, going 3-for-5 with a singe, double, triple, three runs scored, and four RBI, while Fox added a double and a single to his two homer-night, finishing 4-for-5 with three runs scored and five RBI.

Once again Jason Repko provided a positive note for Albuquerque, collecting a double in the sixth that extended his early-season hitting streak to six games, a hit in every contest the 'Topes have played this year.

Albuquerque will look to take the lead in the series when they face Iowa Cubs in the third of the four-game set. Right-hander Giancarlo Alvarado (0-1, 9.64 ERA) takes the mound for the Isotopes against Jose Ascanio (0-0, 0.00 ERA) in a 6:35 PM start from Isotopes Park tomorrow.

More great promotions continue in the second series of the season as the Isotopes play their third game against the I-Cubs. Tomorrow is the 62nd anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier for the Brooklyn Dodgers and in tribute to him and all the players who toiled in anonymity in the Negro Leagues, the 'Topes are holding a special night of recognition. Pacific Coast League President Branch Rickey, whose grandfather was the man who signed Robinson, will give some pre-game remarks before the teams take the field in throwback Negro Leagues uniforms. Robinson's number 42 will also be permanently added to the outfield wall at Isotopes Park. 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.

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Pacific Coast League Stories from April 15, 2009


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