PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

Isotopes Nipped by 'Birds, 3-1

Published on August 29, 2011 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


The Albuquerque Isotopes (68-69) found themselves embroiled in a pitcher's duel and were only able to muster three base hits, as the Memphis Redbirds (73-63) eked out a 3-1 series-opening win Monday night at AutoZone Park.

In a game where runs were at a premium, the ‚¬ËœTopes struck first, plating a tally in the top of the third. Ivan De Jesus Jr. led off the inning with a single and was in danger of being stranded there until Jerry Sands kept the rally going with a two-out walk. That put a runner in scoring position for Jamie Hoffmann, who dropped a single to right, scoring De Jesus and giving Albuquerque an early 1-0 edge. Tim Federowicz drew another walk to load the bases, but Memphis starter Adam Ottavino coaxed a groundout to avoid further damage.

Leaving the bases loaded proved costly for the ‚¬ËœTopes, as Memphis responded with a run in the bottom of the frame. Adron Chambers started the rally with a lead-off triple and immediately scored on a sacrifice fly by Shane Robinson, knotting the game at 1-1.

One run was all that the ‚¬ËœBirds would be able to get off Albuquerque spot-starter Francisco Felix, who was excellent, allowing just the one run on five hits in six innings while walking two and striking out six.

After Ottavino departed in the fifth inning, the Memphis bullpen was superb, as Pete Parise and Bryan Augenstein authored two scoreless innings apiece, before closer Victor Marte authored a perfect ninth, allowing one walk between them while striking out six. After a walk to Sands in the fifth, the trio of hurlers did not allow another ‚¬ËœTopes base-runner the rest of the game, retiring the last 13 Isotopes batters in a row.

Meanwhile, Memphis surged ahead in the seventh on Albuquerque reliever Ramon Troncoso. Robinson led off the inning with a single and was immediately sacrificed to second on a bunt, putting the go-ahead run in scoring position. A pick-off attempt by Troncoso at second sailed errant, allowing Robinson to coast into third, from where he scored on a Mark Hamilton single to give the home team a 2-1 lead.

The ‚¬ËœBirds tacked on one more run in the eighth, thanks in part to another ‚¬ËœTopes miscue. With one down, Pete Kozma reached on a fielding error by Albuquerque first baseman Russ Mitchell, and then swiped second base. Nick Stavinoha then roped a double to left, scoring Kozma and propelling Memphis to a 3-1 win.

Troncoso (2-4) suffered the loss after allowing two unearned runs on three hits in two innings of work while Augenstein (3-0) earned his third straight victory. Marte (29) got the save.

Albuquerque continues its series against the Redbirds with right-hander Mike Parisi (5-1, 5.53) making the start while taking right-hander Maikel Cleto (5-2, 3.74) in a 6:05 PM MT start from AutoZone Park.

The Isotopes' 2011 home regular season schedule is over, but that doesn't mean there won't be more baseball this year in the Duke City. The Triple-A Baseball National Championship Game comes to Albuquerque on Tuesday, September 20, pitting the winner of the Pacific Coast League playoffs against the playoff winner in the International League in a one-game, winner-take-all showdown. In addition to the game, there will also be a pre-game autograph session with Dodgers legends Steve Garvey, Ron Cey, and Bill Russell, a fleece blanket giveaway courtesy Sandia Resort, and a post-game fireworks extravaganza. Tickets may be purchased at the Isotopes Park Box Office, at Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 1-800-745-3000, or on-line at www.albuquerquebaseball.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

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Pacific Coast League Stories from August 29, 2011


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