Isotopes Drop Series Opener In Round Rock, 5-3
Published on April 26, 2007 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release
John Baker crushed a two-run, opposite field home run in the fourth, but the Round Rock Express (11-10) managed to hang on for the 5-3 victory over the Albuquerque Isotopes (8-12) in the series opener Thursday night at Dell Diamond.
The 'Topes managed just three hits on the evening. Two of those hits, though, were home runs, keeping Albuquerque within striking distance until the final out. With the game tied through 4 ½, the Express posted a run in the fifth and sixth innings to take a lead they would not let slip away.
Isotopes starter Chris George (1-2) gave Albuquerque 5.2 innings, allowing five runs on 11 hits in the losing effort. The southpaw walked a batter and struck out one. Ross Wolf recorded the final out in the sixth inning before giving way to Nic Ungs, who worked a scoreless seventh with two Ks. Newly acquired reliever Justin Miller worked a 1-2-3 eighth inning in his Isotopes debut.
Round Rock starter Jared Gothreaux (1-0) picked up the victory, scattering three runs on two hits. Gothreaux struck out six and did not issue a free pass. Mark McLemore worked a spotless 1.1, while Jose Rodriguez kept the 'Topes off the board over the final 1.2 frames to pick up the save.
Round Rock plated three runs in the first, using a bloop RBI-double by Eric Munson and a two-run single for Eric Bruntlett to take a quick 3-0 lead. Albuquerque would finally break through in the middle innings via the long ball. Baker mashed a two-run blast down the left-field line in the fourth inning, then Paul Hoover smacked a solo shot to tie the score at 3-3 in the fifth.
The Express would soon regain the lead, though. Cody Ransom hit an RBI single in the bottom of the fifth, and Brooks Conrad followed with a run-scoring single an inning later to put the home team on top 5-3.
Albuquerque brought the tying run to the plate in the ninth inning, but the effort was to no avail, as Round Rock escaped with the series opener.
Baker, Hoover and Chad Hermansen each picked up one hit for the Isotopes.
Round Rock banged out 13 hits on Thursday, receiving a two-hit effort from six different starters.
The series rolls on with game two on Friday night. Righty Jeff Fulchino (1-0, 5.12) gets the nod for Albuquerque, while Round Rock counters with Fernando Nieve (1-2, 4.76). The 'Topes and Express are slated for a 6:05 PM first pitch at Dell Diamond.
The Isotopes return home on May 8 to take on Portland and Tacoma. Several giveaways, Orbit's Birthday Bash, a visit by Hall-of-Famer Johnny Bench and much more are slated for the eight-day homestand. 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.
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