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PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

Isotopes fall in Oklahoma, 6-4

June 1, 2006 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


Chris Ashby hit a run-scoring double to spark an eighth-inning Isotopes rally, but the effort fell just short and Albuquerque (33-22) was dealt a 6-4 loss to Oklahoma (24-30) Thursday night at AT&T Bricktown Ballpark.

The RedHawks took a five-run lead through the game's first three innings, but the ‘Topes began to carve into the lead and pulled to within two runs after eight. Albuquerque would get no closer, though, and the Isotopes lost their third-straight game.

‘Topes starter Matt Blank (0-1) lasted six innings and took the loss. He surrendered six runs on 12 hits, striking out two. Reliever Wes Wilkerson didn't allow hit and struck out three over the final two innings. Oklahoma starter Nick Masset (1-2) earned the win, allowing two runs on six hits with seven Ks through six innings. Four RedHawk relievers limited Albuquerque to two runs on four hits. Bryan Corey finished things off with a scoreless ninth inning to earn the save, his fifth.

The RedHawks jumped out in front early, posting a run in the second and four in the third to take a 5-0 lead on Albuquerque. In the second, Adam Hyzdu doubled to lead off the inning and two batters later he was chased home on a single by Will Smith, putting Oklahoma ahead 1-0. An inning later, the RedHawks took a commanding lead, as Hyzdu hit a two-run double and Laynce Nix and Smith each chipped in RBI singles, pushing the RedHawk lead to 5-0.

Finally in the fourth, Albuquerque broke through. Matt Cepicky led off the inning with a walk, and three batters later he'd score the first Isotope run on a Mark Little groundout. Oklahoma, though, answered with a run of its own in the bottom half of the fourth, thanks to an RBI single up the middle off the bat of Drew Meyer, making the score 6-1.

From there the ‘Topes began to chip away. In the fifth inning, Chris Aguila doubled to lead off the frame, advanced to second on a groundout and then came around to score on an RBI groundout by Cepicky. Both teams remained quiet in the sixth and seventh innings, but the ‘Topes struck again in the eighth. Once again the Isotopes played small ball, manufacturing two runs to pull to within two at 6-4. Scott Seabol walked to lead off the inning and moved to third on a Paul Hoover base hit. Seabol would come around to cross home plate when Ashby doubled to right field. That run provoked an Oklahoma pitching change, but immediately Drew Niles greeted Kelvin Jimenez with a sacrifice fly to center field, scoring Hoover for the fourth ‘Topes run of the night.

Cepicky hit a two-out single in the top half of the ninth to bring up Seabol, the league's hottest hitter, to represent the game-tying run. Seabol hit the ball hard, but it was run down by Nix in right-center, ending the threat and the ballgame.

Ashby and Niles both contributed two hits and an RBI. Hoover had a 2-for-3 day with a run and a walk.

The RedHawks and Isotopes will finish up the four-game series on Friday night, with a first pitch slated for 6:05 p.m. MT. Albuquerque will send Jason Vargas (1-0, 6.89) to the slab, and Oklahoma will go with fellow left-hander Derek Lee (0-2, 4.50). The ‘Topes return home on June 8. Tickets are available at the Isotopes Park Box Office, Ticketmaster outlets and on-line at www.albuquerquebaseball.com. For more information, please call (505) 924-2255.

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Pacific Coast League Stories from June 1, 2006


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