PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

Isotopes Clip Cubs 10-8 in Series Opener

Published on June 14, 2012 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


The Albuquerque Isotopes (38-30) built a late five run lead and held for dear life, fending off the Iowa Cubs (29-39) for a 10-8 series-opening win Thursday night at Principal Park. Starting pitcher Will Savage guided the "˜Topes through 6.0 innings while also adding a 2-run double for his PCL-leading ninth win while Alex Castellanos and Josh Fields each went deep for Albuquerque in the winning effort

Iowa jumped on top with two in the first on a two-run triple by Brett Jackson but the "˜Topes started chipping away immediately in top of the second when Luis Cruz roped a one-out double to center and promptly scored on a single to left by Jerry Sands to trim the lead to 2-1 Cubs.

Albuquerque tied the contest one inning later courtesy of a two-out solo blast to right-center by Castellanos before seizing its first lead in the fourth. With the bases loaded and nobody out, Tim Federowicz laced a double to center the cleared the bags, giving the "˜Topes a 5-2 lead.

The I-Cubs kept hanging around, however, scoring two in the bottom of the fourth to make it 5-4 before the Isotopes erupted for four runs in sixth. With Sands at third and Brian Cavazos-Galvez at first, Savage hammered a one-out double to left, scoring both runners and extending the visitor's lead to 7-4. Trent Oeltjen then added a triple that easily plated Savage before trotting home on a sacrifice fly by Castellanos to give the "˜Topes a 9-4 cushion.

A five run lead proved to be the perfect amount, as the Cubs responded with four runs of their own in the bottom of the sixth. Ty Wright ignited the uprising with an RBI single in front of a monstrous two-run homer by Blake Lalli that brought Iowa within 9-7. Dave Sappelt capped the rally with an RBI single of his own, helping the Cubs claw to within a single run at 9-8.

Savage (9-3) battled through 6.0 innings, allowing a season-high eight runs on a season-high 11 hits, but still managed to earn his ninth win of the season and his second triumph in as many starts. The right-hander is now tied with Fresno's Eric Hacker for the most victories in the PCL this season.

Clinging to a one-run lead, the "˜Topes added some valuable insurance in the ninth when Fields smashed a solo homer deep over the centerfield fence, giving Albuquerque to a 10-8 lead that was more than enough for Isotopes closer Josh Wall. The closer retired the Cubs in order in the bottom of the ninth to seal the victory and secure his 14th save.

Albuquerque will look to make it two in a row in Des Moines on Friday behind right-hander Stephen Fife (5-4, 4.89), who will take the mound for the Isotopes against former "˜Tope righty Eugenio De La Cruz (1-1, 2.66) in a 6:05 PM MT start from Principal Park.

After a quick trip to Iowa, the Isotopes are back home next Tuesday for an action-packed eight-game homestand that includes a rally towel giveaway, free camo hats, and a Saturday fireworks extravaganza. 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 June 14, 2012


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