PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

Isotopes Drop Finale in Omaha

June 21, 2013 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


PAPILLION, Neb. -- Anthony Seratelli hit a two-run home run in the fifth inning that stood up as the difference in a 7-6 victory Friday night for the Omaha Storm Chasers over the Albuquerque Isotopes at Werner Park.

The Isotopes (42-34) fell one game behind Round Rock in the PCL's American Southern division. They open a four-game series against Round Rock at home on Saturday, and they'll get some impressive reinforcements for the series.

Dodgers center fielder Matt Kemp is scheduled to start a rehab assignment on Saturday night. Outfielder Alex Castellanos and relief pitcher Chris Withrow are expected to rejoin the Topes, after they were optioned to the minors in recent days, and Scott Van Slyke could also potentially be joining the Topes on a rehab assignment.

Albuquerque scored two runs in the first as Justin Sellers, Tony Gwynn, Jr. and Rusty Ryal all singled in a row. Chili Buss' sacrifice fly scored the second run.

Topes starting pitcher Blake Johnson (6-4) made his first start in 10 days, and wasn't as sharp, giving up seven runs in 4 2/3 innings. Christian Colon tripled home a run and Johnny Giavotella singled home a run in the first inning, tying the score at 2-2.

In the second, the Topes took the lead back when John Baker and Matt Wallach singled, then Baker scored when Elevys Gonzalez hit into a double play.

Omaha answered in the third with three runs. Xavier Nady doubled home a run, on a bad hop grounder that rolled up the arm of third baseman Brian Barden. Later in the inning, Brett Hayes struck out on a ball in the dirt, and when the catcher Baker threw to first base, Giavotella sprinted home from third base for a steal of home. Max Ramirez singled home a run and it was 5-3 Omaha.

The Topes didn't wait long for their answer. After a couple walks by starting pitcher Yorando Ventura, Gonzalez doubled home a run to make it 5-4. Justin Sellers then turned around a 101 mph Ventura fastball and doubled down the left-field line to score two runs and make it 6-5 Topes.

The lead didn't last long. In the fifth, Nady singled to left and Anthony Seratelli hit a two-run home run through the wind for a 7-6 lead that would hold up.

Louis Coleman pitched three scoreless innings of relief. In the ninth, Will Smith recorded his first career save, with some help from his defense. Sellers' fourth hit of the night was a liner down the right-field line, but he was thrown out trying to stretch a double into a triple.

In the 12 games this year between Omaha and Albuquerque, 11 were decided by three runs or less.

The first game of the four-game series against Round Rock is Saturday night at 7:05 pm Mountain Time, with Red Patterson starting for the Topes. The Express are undecided on their starter. Listen to all the action on 610 "The Sports Animal" with Josh Suchon on the call.

Tickets are on sale now at the Isotopes Park Box Office, at Ticketmaster outlets, through Ticketmaster by phone at (800) 745-3000, or online at www.abqisotopes.com or www.ticketmaster.com. For information, please call (505) 924-2255.

Check out the Albuquerque Isotopes Statistics



Pacific Coast League Stories from June 21, 2013


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