Isotopes Cruise To 9-3 Win
Published on August 26, 2007 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release
Reggie Abercrombie hit a laser-shot home run in the first and later added two more hits to lead the Albuquerque Isotopes (69-64) to a 9-3 victory over the Memphis Redbirds (54-81) Saturday night at Isotopes Park.
Abercrombie hit a two-run, line-drive homer on the first pitch he saw in the first inning, pushing the 'Topes out to a quick 2-0 lead. Albuquerque added one more in the first, then three more in the next inning, taking a commanding advantage. Memphis got on the board in the fourth with two runs and pushed one across in the ninth, but the effort fell short.
Albuquerque entered the game in a tie with Oklahoma atop the Pacific Coast League's American Southern Division standings. Oklahoma split a doubleheader with Nashville Saturday, so the Isotopes now lead the division by one-half game with nine to play.
Saturday's winning decision was given to righty Kenny Baugh (7-8), who kept the 'Birds at bay through five strong innings. Baugh allowed two runs on six hits, walking three and striking out three. After Baugh's exit, the Isotopes bullpen was excellent in relief. Craig Molldrem worked two hitless frames and was followed by a hitless inning for Harvey Garcia. 'Topes closer Roy Corcoran allowed a run in the ninth, but managed to shut the door before the Redbirds made any threat at the lead.
The loss went to Memphis starter Mike Smith (10-13), who couldn't get out of the fourth inning. Smith lasted 3.1 frames, surrendering 13 hits and nine runs-eight earned. Smith walked two and punched out four Isotopes hitters. After Smith left the ballgame, four Memphis relievers silenced Albuquerque. Over the final 4.2 frames, the 'Topes managed no runs and just three hits.
After Abercrombie's homer made the score 2-0, Andrew Beattie hit an RBI triple with two outs to push the lead to 3-0. An inning later, Joe Borchard smashed a three-run bomb deep over the wall in right field, giving the Isotopes a 6-0 advantage.
In the fourth, the Redbirds finally broke through on Baugh. Skip Schumaker knocked in two runs with a single through the hole on the right side, chasing home two runs and bringing Memphis to within four at 6-2.
It wouldn't take long for Albuquerque to respond, though. In the home half of the inning, Brett Carroll collected a two-run single and later came around to score from third base on a throwing error by the pitcher on a pickoff attempt. That made the score 9-2, and the Isotopes never looked back.
Abercrombie and Beattie each finished with three hits and both were one piece shy of the cycle.
The 'Topes and 'Birds finish the five-game series on Sunday night at The Lab. Albuquerque sends righty Wes Obermueller (2-1, 4.13) to the bump, and Memphis counters with lefty Randy Keisler (8-9, 4.38). First pitch is set for 6:05 PM.
On Sunday, the club will continue its annual Breast Cancer Awareness Weekend. The 'Topes will don pink jerseys to be sold in a silent auction, with proceeds to benefit Susan G. Komen of Central New Mexico. Also on Sunday, the first 3,000 fans will receive a Pink Isotopes Tote Bag courtesy of High Resolution Imaging.
Tickets can be purchased at Isotopes Park or any Ticketmaster outlet, www.ticketmaster.com, or Ticketmaster by phone 505-883-7800. For more information, visit www.albuquerquebaseball.com or call 505-924-2255.
Pacific Coast League Stories from August 26, 2007
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- Sidewinders Drop Second Straight Extra Inning Game - Tucson Sidewinders
- Isotopes Cruise To 9-3 Win - Albuquerque Isotopes
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