Isotopes fall to Stingers, 5-2
July 28, 2005 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release
Casey Kotchman hit a pair of solo home runs and Joe Saunders twirled eight masterful innings to lead the Salt Lake Stingers (60-45) to a 5-2 victory over the Albuquerque Isotopes (58-48) Thursday night at Isotopes Park. Josh Wilson continued to produce for the âTopes with an RBI double in the eighth inning.
Saunders (2-1) allowed just three hits through the first seven frames and allowed two runs - though only one was earned - and six hits in his third Triple-A start. Kotchman's first homer keyed a three-run eighth and his second round-tripper capped off the scoring for the game in the ninth. Dusty Bergman pitched around a fielding error in the ninth to earn his sixth save of the season.
For the second straight night, the Isotopes received a strong performance by their starting pitcher, yet had nothing to show for it. Travis Smith (3-5) allowed just three runs - two earned - through seven innings as the two teams played to a scoreless tie after five frames.
The Stingers scored an unearned run in the sixth inning before plating three in the eighth - on Kotchman's blast and a two-run single by Ryan Budde - to build a 4-0 lead. But the âTopes didn't go down without a fight as they finally broke through on Saunders with two runs in the home half. Ryan Jorgensen began the rally with a one-out single and came around to score on a double by Wilson. Joe Dillon followed with a single to make it 4-2 but that's as close as the Isotopes would get in their second straight defeat.
The Isotopes will continue their eight-game homestand Friday night with the finale of a four game-set against the Salt Lake Stingers. Right-handed pitcher Ariel Prieto (6-4, 4.71) is scheduled to take the mound for Albuquerque against Stingers right Chris Bootcheck (4-3, 4.72). The first 2,500 kids (ages 14 and under) through the gate will receive a Louisville Slugger replica bat while the first 2,500 adults will take home an Isotopes hat, courtesy of Wells Fargo and Comcast.
Saturday night's game will mark the return of the hilarious Myron Noodleman - and this time he's bringing his own bobbleheads to the first 2,500 fans, courtesy of ABC Seamless. The promotional schedule for the homestand wraps up Sunday when the first 2,500 fans in the park will receive Isotopes hats, courtesy of Jackalope and Comcast as well as a special Albuquerque Journal Autograph Session where fans will be able to get photo cards signed by two members of your Isotopes! Tickets are available at the Isotopes Park Box Office, at local Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster.com, and Ticketmaster by phone at 883-7800.
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