Isotopes Nipped by Redbirds 3-2 in Series Opener
Published on June 27, 2012 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release
A stellar start from John Ely wasn't enough as the Albuquerque Isotopes (46-34) right-hander surrendered back-to-back solo homers to the Memphis Redbirds (29-51) in the seventh which proved to be the difference in a 3-2 "ËBirds win Wednesday night at AutoZone Park. In fact, all five runs in the contest were scored courtesy of the solo homer.
Memphis struck first in the first when former Isotope Eugenio Velez hammered a solo shot over the wall in center with one out to give the home team a quick 1-0 lead.
The "ËTopes had an answer in the top of the fourth thanks to a lead-off blast from Matt Angle, his second of the season, that knotted the contest up at 1-1.
Albuquerque grabbed its first lead of the game in the sixth, when Jerry Sands smashed a monstrous one-out, solo homer to left, giving the "ËTopes a 2-1 advantage. The blast is Sands' 11th on the season, moving into the team lead ahead of Scott Van Slyke's 10 homers on the year.
Ely, who had been magnificent, finally ran into trouble in the bottom of the seventh. After the right-hander retired nine a row, Mark Hamilton led off the seventh with a solo homer to center, tying the game at 2-2. One pitch later, Zack Cox connected on a solo blast to left, giving Memphis a sudden 3-2 advantage. The back-to-back blasts notwithstanding, Ely (8-5) turned in another superb outing, conceding the three runs on five hits in 7.0 innings while walking one and striking out nine to suffer the hard-luck loss, snapping a personal four-game winning streak.
The "ËBirds bullpen made sure the one-run advantage held up, as reliever Adam Reifer authored a perfect eighth before handing the baton to Maikel Cleto (1), who secured his first save of the season with a one-two-three ninth, sending Memphis to a 3-2 triumph.
Albuquerque will look to regroup behind lefty Derek Loop (6-2, 3.82), who makes his first start after moving into the rotation against Redbirds righty Scott Gorgen (0-1, 1.50) in a 6:05 PM MT start from AutoZone Park.
After a series in Memphis and another in Omaha, the Isotopes are back home Wednesday, July 4 for an Independence Day celebration in which fans will be able to watch the "ËTopes' annual Fourth of July fireworks spectacular from the field! The day also features a pre-game concert in the team's Captain's Corner by classic rock cover band Stratus Phear. In addition to the July 4th fireworks, the short, five-game homestand also features Saturday fireworks and an appearance by Myron Noodleman. 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 June 27, 2012
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