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Albuquerque Isotopes

Isotopes Bested By Bees, 10-7

August 10, 2011 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


The Albuquerque Isotopes (60-59) got home runs from John Lindsey and Jerry Sands, but it wasn't enough as the Salt Lake Bees (55-64) countered with three, two-run homers, the last of which was of the inside-the-park variety to cruise to a 10-7 series-ending triumph Wednesday night at Isotopes Park. Salt Lake, by taking three of four from the ‘Topes in the series, hand Albuquerque just its second series loss at home this season.

For the third time in the series, Salt Lake jumped out to a lead first, as Gil Valazquez roped a two-out single in the top of the third, stole second, and was promptly cashed in by an RBI single from Alexi Amarista to give the visitors a 1-0 lead. Amarista scampered into second on the throw home and quickly stole third, moving 90-feet from the plate for Hang Conger, who slapped a single to left-center, easily plating Amarista and doubling the lead to 2-0.

The Bees stung again in the fourth when, with runners on second and third with two out, Rian Kiniry laced a double to right field, scoring both runners and increasing the lead to 4-0 Salt Lake.

Albuquerque finally responded in the bottom of the fourth when Sands and Jamie Hoffmann hit back-to-back singles in front of Lindsey, who demolished a pitch over the wall in center to bring the ‘Topes back to within 4-3. The big-fly was Lindsey's third in his last four games.

Salt Lake augmented its advantage in the sixth, thanks to a pair of long balls. Jeremy Moore delivered a two-run homer to give the Bees a 6-3 edge before four batters later, and again with two out, Velazquez added a two-run shot of his own to make the score 8-3.

Sands trimmed the deficit to four runs in the sixth with his team-leading 22nd home run of the season, a towering solo shot to right that cut the Bees' lead to 8-4, but Moore struck again in the top of the seventh, helping to increase the visitor's lead with yet another home run. With Jeff Baisley on first and once again two down, Moore hit a deep fly ball to center that landed and stuck in the padding of the fence atop Isotopes hill after a diving attempt to catch the ball by the centerfielder Hoffmann. As Hoffmann gathered himself and collected the ball, Moore cruised around the bases, sliding home in front of the throw for a two-run, inside-the-park home run that made the score 10-4. Of the Bees' 10 runs on the night, eight were scored with two out in the inning.

Albuquerque responded in the bottom of the seventh to make the game competitive. After Tim Federowicz drew a lead-off walk, Damaso Espino singled and Joe Becker drew another walk, loading the bases for Ivan De Jesus Jr., who lifted a sacrifice fly to right, scoring Federowicz and cutting the Salt Lake lead to 10-5. Jay Gibbons then roped a double down the line in right, scoring Espino and Becker to cut the lead to 10-7 Bees.

That's as close as the ‘Topes would get, however, as Salt Lake relievers Horacio Ramirez and Michael Kohn shut down Albuquerque in the eighth and ninth to secure a 10-7 win and a series triumph.

The Isotopes will take a much-needed day off on Thursday before hitting the road for a four-game series in Fresno to take on the Grizzlies, Triple-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants. Slated to pitch the first game is right-hander Francisco Felix (3-2, 6.89), who will take the ball for the ‘Topes against Fresno right-hander Felix Romero (0-4, 5.06).

Albuquerque returns home on Saturday, August 20 for a big, nine-game homestand that includes Cowbell Night, a Birdzerk! Appearance, 50-Cent Hot Dog Night, and ends with back-to-back Fan Appreciations fireworks nights! 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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