PCL Albuquerque Isotopes

Isotopes Fall in Pitcher's Duel, 2-1

Published on August 11, 2023 under Pacific Coast League (PCL)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


Round Rock, TX - Despite multiple opportunities with runners in scoring position over the final two innings, the Albuquerque Isotopes were unable to convert and fell 2-1 to Round Rock on Friday evening at Dell Diamond. The Isotopes have now dropped six consecutive games, one away from tying a season-worst.

Trailing by one in the eighth, Albuquerque received two walks to start the frame but eventually came up empty when left-hander Jake Latz struck out Daniel Montaño to strand two. Willie MacIver doubled to left with two outs in the ninth before Connor Kaiser fanned to end the contest.

Wynton Bernard launched a solo homer for the Isotopes on the one-year anniversary of him receiving his first callup to the Major Leagues after spending 11 years in the minors. Phillips Valdez delivered a strong outing on the mound, working five innings of four-hit, two-run ball.

Topes Scope: - Albuquerque has lost six contests in a row to Round Rock, dating back to May 27. Their worst stretch against the Express came via a nine-game losing streak from June 13-Aug. 25, 2006.

- The Isotopes dropped to 10-15 in one-run games and have lost their last two after winning the previous six.

- Albuquerque has been held to zero runs or one run in 10 ballgames this season. It is the first time they have been held to that low of an output in back-to-back contests since falling 3-1 at Salt Lake on May 17, 2022 and being shut out the next day.

- The Isotopes lost when allowing two runs or fewer for the first time since Oct. 2, 2021 at Sacramento (2-1).

- Bernard tallied his 16th multi-hit performance in 32 games with Albuquerque this year, and also stole his 10th base with the squad. The long ball was his first since July 30 vs. Sacramento.

- Kaiser has gone five consecutive games without a hit for the second time this year (June 16-28). It was his fifth time fanning three times in a ballgame.

- Aaron Schunk finished 0-for-4 and is batting just .115 (3-for-26) in August. His season average dropped to .297, the first time he has been below .300 since April 30.

- This marked the 17th time an Isotopes starter has worked at least five innings while allowing two or fewer runs. Valdez has done it on five occasions (May 3 vs. SUG, May 9 at LV, July 2 vs. ELP, July 8 at OKC, tonight). Additionally, Albuquerque starters have allowed four or fewer hits while completing at least five frames on 10 instances, with Valdez accomplishing the feat four times.

- Albuquerque's pitching staff has allowed a home run in 16 consecutive games, their longest streak since 19 from July 23-Aug. 12, 2019.

- Round Rock has scored in the fourth inning in every game this series, plating a total of 20 runs.

- The Isotopes snapped a five-game winning streak in contests played on Aug. 11, dating back to 2016 (game on Aug. 11, 2017 vs. Fresno was rained out).

On Deck: The Isotopes and Express meet again Saturday at 5:05 pm MT (6:05 CT). Albuquerque's starter is undecided while Round Rock is scheduled to go with left-hander Cody Bradford (8-2, 2.74) who has statistically been the PCL's best pitcher this season.

Check out the Albuquerque Isotopes Statistics

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Pacific Coast League Stories from August 11, 2023


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