PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

Isotopes And Royals Split Double Dip

Published on May 18, 2008 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


The Albuquerque Isotopes (22-20) extended their hot offensive streak at home, splitting a doubleheader with the Omaha Royals (19-22) 11-2 and 4-10 Sunday afternoon at Isotopes Park. Outfielder George Lombard paced the Isotopes to the game one victory with four hits, including a grand slam, to go along with six RBI.

The O-Royals took an early advantage in the top of the second in the opening game when second baseman Angel Berroa smashed a one out, solo blast over the left field fence for a 1-0 lead.

Omaha's lead would not last long as the Isotopes struck back in the bottom half of the second as first baseman Jason Wood set the tone for the 'Topes with a leadoff single past shortstop Mike Aviles. Dallas McPherson advanced Wood to third with his fourth double of the season down the left field line. With runners in scoring position, catcher Paul Hoover delivered a striking blow with a three-run homer to left field giving the lead to the Isotopes, 3-1.

After Omaha answered with a solo homer in the top of the third, Hoover began the fourth inning by legging out a routine single into a double and setting up Lombard, who roped a run scoring single to plate Hoover and help the Isotopes regain their three-run advantage, 4-2.

John Gall continued his torrid offensive streak at The Lab by leading off the fifth inning with a single to left before Wood drove him home with a double of his own to increase the lead to 5-2. Following a McPherson walk, Hoover continued the inning by smashing a single past the shortstop to load the bases for Lombard, who with one crack of the bat, put the game out of reach with an opposite field grand slam over the right field fence to give the 'Topes a 9-2 lead. The grand slam was Albuquerque's second of the season and the first home run by Lombard in an Isotopes uniform.

With the bases loaded in the sixth, Lombard had an opportunity to become the first Isotope to hit two grand slams in a game but instead roped a single to right, knocking in two more runs for the 11-2 advantage. Lombard's six RBI on the day set a new season record for the Isotopes

Bobby Keppel (6-2, 6.15) earned his PCL-leading sixth win of the game after he completed five innings of work, his only blemishes of the day where two solo home runs to go with his two strikeouts.

Game two brought the return of former Isotope Jeff Fulchino (2-1, 4.60) who shut down the Isotopes during his five innings of work to help secure a lop-sided 10-4 the victory for the Omaha Royals. The former 'Tope struck out nine while walking none en route to the win over his former mates. Isotopes starter Dallas Trahern (0-4, 12.00) could not complete the second inning after allowing seven runs on seven hits and two homers. One of the few offensive highlights for the Isotopes was provided by Gall, who belted a first-inning home run, his sixth of the season, that at the time cut the Royals' lead to 2-1.

The Albuquerque Isotopes will continue their eight game homestand by welcoming division rival the Round Rock Express, Triple A affiliate of the Houston Astros, tomorrow to Isotope Park. Right-hander Gaby Hernandez (1-3, 7.71) will take the ball for the 'Topes against Express righty Joshua Miller (3-0, 4.42). Tickets can be purchased at Isotopes Park or any Ticketmaster outlet, www.ticketmaster.com, or Ticketmaster by phone 505-883-7800. For more information on individual game tickets, season tickets, or mini-plans, visit www.albuquerquebaseball.com or call 505-924-2255.

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Pacific Coast League Stories from May 18, 2008


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