Isotopes Find the Angle to a 9-8 Walk-Off Win
Published on May 19, 2012 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release
Matt Angle delivered a two-out walk-off double in the bottom of the 10th inning, sending the Albuquerque Isotopes (25-17) to a 9-8 victory over the Sacramento River Cats (27-15) on Friday night at Isotopes Park. The win stops a three-game losing streak, and coupled with an Oklahoma City loss, gives the 'Topes a one and a half game lead in the PCL American Southern Division.
With the game knotted 8-8 in the 10th inning, Albuquerque began its rally with a one-out single from Kyle Russell. Two batter later, with the 'Topes down to their final out, Angle delivered a clutch blast to the center field wall, plating Russell from first and giving the Isotopes a thirlling 9-8 victory.
Albuquerque appeared to have previously secured the victory in the ninth inning, carrying a four-run lead with two outs. However, the River Cats clawed their way back into the game beginning with a two-out triple from Brandon Hicks. 'Topes killer Chris Carter followed with monstorous two-run homer to left, narrowing the deficit 8-6. Brandon Moss then hit a ground-rule double to center and Michael Taylor drew a walk, putting the tying run aboard. Isotopes closer Josh Wall seemingly slammed the door on Sacramento's comeback, striking out Derek Norris, but the ball eluded catcher Tim Federowicz and Norris bolted for first. The catcher pounced on the ball and fired to first, but a missed catch error by first baseman Josh Fields allowed Moss to score and bring the River Cats within one, 8-7. The 'Topes again had a chance to lock up the victory with a grounder to Jeff Baisley, but the third baseman mishandled the ball and Taylor scampered home, evening the score, 8-8.
The Isotopes initially gained the lead after a six-run sixth. Trailing by two, Fields led off the inning with a double to left-center, and scored one batter later on a two-run shot from Baisley that tied the score 4-4. Luis Cruz then drew a walk and Federowicz belted the second home run of the inning, giving the Isotopes their first lead of the game 6-4. Following a River Cats pitching change, Russell drew a one-out walk in front of Tyler Henson, who slapped a single through the hole at shortstop. Angle again helped Albuquerque's cause with an RBI single to right, plating Russell and advancing Henson to third. Ivan De Jesus Jr. capped the big inning with a sac-fly to center, scoring Henson and making the score 8-4, 'Topes.
Sacramento jumped to a quick 4-0 lead after the second inning thanks in part to a two-run homer by Carter in the first, but Isotopes relief pitcher Cole St. Clair came on in relief of the starter Fernando Nieve in the fifth and tossed three scoreless innings to keep Albuquerque in the game. 'Topes reliever Wil Ledezma (2-2) also helped stop the bleeding by collecting the final out in the ninth and retiring the side in order in the tenth, to close out a 9-8 Albuquerque win.
The 'Topes continue their series against Sacramento tomorrow night at 7:05 PM. Isotopes undefeated right-hander Will Savage (7-0, 3.40) will toe the rubber against River Cats righty A.J. Griffin (0-1, 4.50) in game three of the four-game set.
The Isotopes continue their 12-game homestand tomorrow with upcoming promotions including a Celebrity Softball Game, "Bark In the Park," and a special Military Appreciation Weekend with back-to-back fireworks shows. Tickets for any Isotopes game may be purchased at the Isotopes Park Box Office, at Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 1-800-745-3000, or on-line at www.abqisotopes.com or www.ticketmaster.com .
Pacific Coast League Stories from May 19, 2012
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- Isotopes Find the Angle to a 9-8 Walk-Off Win - Albuquerque Isotopes
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