PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

Isotopes drop third straight, 11-2, to Express

Published on June 15, 2006 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


Eric Reed had two hits and made one of the most impressive defensive plays of the season, but for the third-straight night, the Round Rock Express (38-28) defeated the Albuquerque Isotopes (38-30), taking an 11-2 decision in the series finale Thursday night at Isotopes Park.

Reed tripled and scored one batter later on a Robert Andino groundout in the first inning, bringing the ‘Topes back to within two after a three-run Express first. Round Rock scored the game's next six runs and added two more in the ninth to take the game, the series and the lead in the Pacific Coast League's American Southern Division.

The Express tapped Albuquerque starter Nic Ungs (6-6) for nine runs on nine hits through 5.2 innings. Ungs walked four and struck out six. Three ‘Topes relievers kept Round Rock quiet over the next 2.1 frames, but Franklyn German allowed two runs on three hits in the ninth-despite striking out the side.

Round Rock's Jared Gothreaux (3-4) earned the win, allowing two runs on eight hits through 5.1 frames. David Lee, Brandon Puffer and Roberto Giron tossed the final 3.2 innings, each allowing a hit and zero runs.

After Andino's RBI groundout made the score 3-1 after one, the Express threatened again in the second. With one on and two out, Joe McEwing crushed an Ungs offering deep to centerfield. Looking to be a sure RBI extra-base hit, Reed climbed the terrace in center and made an over-the-shoulder catch up against the wall to end the inning and the threat.

Though the ‘Topes averted a scoring opportunity in the second, Round Rock exploded for four in the third on one swing of the bat. With two on and one out, Ungs intentionally walked Brian Gordon to load the bases for Hector Gimenez. The move didn't pay off, as Gimenez sent an Ungs offering deep over the wall in right for a grand slam and a 7-1 Express lead.

Round Rock added two more in the fifth, before Albuquerque shot back with a run in the sixth. Following a lead-off double by Mike Colangelo, Drew Niles hit an RBI single to left to push the score to 9-2 Express. The ‘Topes didn't manage to hit the scoreboard again, but the Express were able to add two more runs in a ninth inning that included three ejections and both benches clearing. After the dust settled, Albuquerque had two men on with none out, but was not able to cash in and the game was over.

Despite the loss, Thursday was a special night at Isotopes Park, as the club welcomed its 2-millionth fan through the gates. Alicia Flores-Gallegos of Albuquerque was lucky No. 2-Mil, and she was treated to a slew of prizes and recognition in an on-field ceremony during the game.

The ‘Topes now hit the road for eight-straight, beginning with a 6:05 p.m. MT affair on Friday in Iowa. Jeff Fulchino (2-4, 4.03) gets the nod for Albuquerque, while the I-Cubs are set to send Ryan O'Malley (3-3, 4.28) to the bump.

Albuquerque returns home on June 26 for an eight-game homestand against Omaha and Memphis. Tickets can be purchased at the Isotopes Park Box Office, www.albuquerquebaseball.com, Ticketmaster outlets, or at www.ticketmaster.com.

Check out the Albuquerque Isotopes Statistics

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Pacific Coast League Stories from June 15, 2006


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