PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

Isotopes Hammer Memphis, 9-4

Published on May 7, 2007 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


John Gall collected four hits against his former club and helped the Isotopes (16-15) to a seven-run fourth inning that sparked a 9-4 Albuquerque victory over Memphis (16-16) in the series finale Monday night at AutoZone Park.

The 'Topes turned a 2-2 deadlock through three innings into a comfortable advantage in the fourth thanks to an inning that saw 10 men come to the plate and seven runners score, as Albuquerque jumped out to a 9-2 lead and held on for the win.

The Isotopes finish up a lengthy 12-game road trip at 8-4 and climbed a game above the .500 mark. The road swing included a five-game winning streak and ended with Albuquerque taking three-of-four from the Redbirds.

While the Albuquerque offense took center stage on Monday night, the 'Topes received a quality outing from starter Jeff Fulchino (2-0). The big right-hander scattered three runs-two earned-on seven hits over seven innings to earn the win. Fulchino punched out nine hitters and walked just two. Ben Julianel and Nate Field each worked an inning of relief in the victory.

Memphis starter Troy Cate (1-2) took the loss, surrendering five runs on six hits through 3.1 frames.

Albuquerque scored in the first, taking a quick 1-0 lead on a Gall single up the middle. The lead didn't last long, though, as Memphis answered with two runs of its own in the home half of the first. The 'Topes would tie the score at 2-2 in the second, this time using a run-scoring single by Josh Labandeira that chased home Chris Ashby.

After a quiet third for both clubs, the Albuquerque bats exploded in the fourth. Labandeira hit an RBI double and scored two batters later on a Robert Andino single. Chad Hermansen added a two-run single to center, and Scott Seabol finished things off with a three-run home run to left-centerfield-his fifth of the season.

Memphis would score once in the sixth, then add another in the eighth, but the effort fell well short.

Gall, who spent all or part of the last four seasons in Memphis and the first seven years of his career in the St. Louis Cardinals organization, finished 4-for-5 with a run scored and one driven in. Labandeira kicked in three hits, two RBI and a run scored. Seven-of-eight position players in the 'Topes starting lineup collected at least one hit in a 13-hit effort for Albuquerque.

The 'Birds were led at the dish by Tagg Bozied, who picked up two hits, a run scored and two driven in, including a solo home run in the eighth inning.

After spending 12 games away from home, the 'Topes return to Isotopes Park on Tuesday to kick-off an eight-game homestand. In the opener, Albuquerque takes on the Portland Beavers at 6:35 PM. Righty Ricardo Rodriguez (1-2, 7.36) will get the start for Albuquerque, while the Beavers send left-hander Ryan Ketchner (0-2, 3.90).

Tuesday's series opener marks the beginning of a jam-packed homestand that includes Orbit's Birthday Bash, a visit by National Baseball Hall-of-Famer Johnny Bench and Isotopes Cookbook as well as a one-carat Diamond Giveaway on Mother's Day. Tickets can be purchased at Isotopes Park or any Ticketmaster outlet, www.ticketmaster.com, or Ticketmaster by phone 505-883-7800. For more information, visit www.albuquerquebaseball.com or call 505-924-2255.

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Pacific Coast League Stories from May 7, 2007


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