PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

Isotopes Clip River Cats, 2-1

Published on August 19, 2011 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


The Albuquerque Isotopes (64-62) got some stellar starting pitching from John Ely and the benefit of a costly eighth-inning error to edge the Sacramento River Cats (73-53) 2-1, Thursday night at Raley Field. The thrilling win breaks a two-game ‚¬ËœTopes losing streak and is Albuquerque's first victory in Sacramento since May 14, 2009.

Sacramento surged to a quick lead in the first inning when Josh Donaldson laced a single to center and immediately came all the way around to score on a double by Kevin Kouzmanoff to put the home team on top 1-0.

That first inning tally was all that Ely would yield, as the right-hander tossed 6.2 innings, allowing just the one run on six hits while walking two and striking out seven.

River Cats starter Travis Banwart was up to Ely's challenge, authoring five scoreless frames of his own until the ‚¬ËœTopes broke through in the sixth. With one out and nobody on, Jerry Sands hammered a monstrous solo home run to center, immediately knotting the game at 1-1.

Albuquerque would break the deadlock in the eighth in an inspired two-out rally. With two down and the bases empty, Tim Federowicz laced a double to left to ignite the Isotopes uprising. After a walk to A.J. Ellis, Sacramento reliever Mike Benacka unleashed a wild pitch that allowed both runners to move up 90 feet. Cats catcher Donaldson then made an ill-advised throw to third in an attempt to get Federowicz that sailed into left field, allowing the Isotopes catcher to trot home with the go-ahead run, giving the ‚¬ËœTopes a 2-1 edge.

The Isotopes' bullpen would make sure the one run advantage stood, as Roman Colon (2-1) tossed a perfect inning and a third in relief of Ely to get the victory before turning the game over to Travis Schlichting (4), who delivered a one-two-three ninth, getting two outs via strikeout, to seal the exciting 2-1 win and his fourth save of the season.

The Isotopes will finish off their four-game series with the River Cats looking for a split on Friday with ‚¬ËœTopes ace Dana Eveland (12-6, 3.84) taking the mound against Sacramento lefty Carlos Hernandez (6-6, 5.38) in an 8:05 PM MT start from Raley Field.

Albuquerque returns home this Saturday 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.

Check out the Albuquerque Isotopes Statistics

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Pacific Coast League Stories from August 19, 2011


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