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PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

Isotopes Fall On Another Chilly Night

April 13, 2008 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


On another chilly night, fans bundled up only to see the Albuquerque Isotopes (3-5) fall for the second straight night to the Oklahoma RedHawks (8-2) in a close 5-4 game Saturday night at Isotopes Park. The 'Topes put up a strong effort, rallying to within a run and putting the tying run in scoring position in the ninth, but a fifth inning balk that handed the 'Hawks their game-winning run proved too much to overcome.

With two outs in the top of the first, starter Gaby Hernandez was cruising until Nelson Cruz belted a home run deep into center, giving Oklahoma a 1-0 edge. The 'Hawks upped their lead to 2-0 when Ryan Roberts scored on Jason Ellison's single in the top of the third.

The 'Topes answered with a strong bottom of the third when Andrew Beattie drove in Paul Hoover with an RBI single for the Isotopes' first run. With runners on the corners, Chase Lambin laid down a bunt that was fielded by the pitcher, catching Jai Miller in a run-down from third. Miller was able to stay alive just long enough for Beattie to cruise into third and Lambin into second, setting up John Gall, who had led the game with two RBI after scoring both Beattie and Lambin with a double to the right-center field gap, giving the 'Topes a 3-2 lead.

In the top of the sixth, the 'Topes lost control when, with two outs, Brandon Boggs hit a triple deep into center for the Hawks. Ryan Roberts then immediately picked him up with a single to tie score at 3-3. The 'Topes took out Hernandez after one hundred pitches and replaced him with reliever Marc Gwyn. Ellison grounded a ball to shortstop Lambin, who had the ball deflect off his glove, allowing Roberts to score and Benjamin to advance to third. Gwyn then was called for a balk that sent Benjamin home, pushing the RedHawks' advantage to 5-3.

Albuquerque trimmed the two run advantage to a run in the bottom of the seventh when Miller hit the first triple for the 'Topes' on the 2008 season, driving in John Baker from first and narrowing the Hawks' lead to 5-4.

Down to their final out, the Isotopes mounted one last comeback. Baker hit a single and was followed by another single from Miller, putting the tying run in scoring position. Unfortunately, neither made it home as Oklahoma reliever Bill White struck out Beattie who made a mad dash to first when the catcher dropped the ball, only to be cut down a step away from the bag to end the game, sealing the 'Hawks' second straight victory at The Lab.

Oklahoma starter Elizardo Ramirez (2-1) earned the win while Hernandez (0-2) took a tough loss after going 5.2 innings in which he allowed five runs, three earned, on eight hits while walking two and striking out seven. White (1) earned the save.

Albuquerque will face Oklahoma again tomorrow for the third of a four game Home Opening set. The first 3,000 fans will get Schedule Magnets courtesy of Comcast as well as be treated to Public Safety Day, where the 'Topes annually pay tribute to those agencies throughout the state that keep us safe. Police and fire agencies will have trucks parked around the stadium grounds and the game will feature a very special first pitch from Jim McGrane, father of Deputy James McGrane, who was killed in the line of duty on March 22, 2006. Tickets can be purchased at Isotopes Park or any Ticketmaster outlet, www.ticketmaster.com, or Ticketmaster by phone 505-883-7800. For more information on individual game tickets, season tickets, or mini-plans, visit www.albuquerquebaseball.com or call 505-924-2255.

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Pacific Coast League Stories from April 13, 2008


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