Isotopes Outlast Zephyrs in Home Opener, 14-8
April 12, 2010 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release
Starter Josh Towers benefitted from a healthy supply of hitting, picking up the win in a 14-8 Isotopes victory over the New Orleans Zephyrs (3-2) Monday night in the Albuquerque Isotopes' (3-2) eighth home opener in front of 7,660. Towers allowed just two earned runs over six innings while Xavier Paul reached base in each at-bat, going 4-for-5 and missing the cycle by just a triple as Albuquerque improved to 13-4 over the Z's dating back to last season.
New Orleans touched Towers (1-0) for three immediate first-inning runs, but the Isotopes offense responded with four in the bottom half of the frame, including a two-run triple by Russ Mitchell to go up 4-3. While the Z's would tie it up at 4-4 with a run in the second, Towers set in, retiring 10 of 11 Zephyrs hitters from that point on, allowing just one base runner over the next 3.1 innings.
Just as Towers established his groove, the Isotopes broke out for six runs in the bottom of the fourth, sending 10 batters to the plate to extend their lead from 5-4 to 11-4. Towers started the scoring surge with a first-pitch double down the left field line to open the frame. Ivan DeJesus Jr. plated the pitcher with a single up the middle and would score one batter later on a bloop double by Paul that fell between all three Zephyrs outfielders as they converged behind second base. A Prentice Redman RBI single and Jamie Hoffmann sac fly added two more, while Towers wrapped up the scoring with a single to left.
The âTopes would add another run in the fifth to go up 12-4 courtesy a Paul solo shot to left field. The center fielder, Redman and Mitchell would each finish with three RBI while every âTope in the starting lineup collected a hit by the end of the fourth inning.
Isotopes batters ripped apart Zephyrs pitching all around, tagging the trio of New Orleans hurlers for at least two runs each. For good measure, Albuquerque tagged reliever Jay Buente with two runs in the eighth inning, viable insurance as New Orleans came within four runs at 12-8 entering the inning. The Isotopes cashed in on the third fielding error by the Zephyrs as Chin-lung Hu ground ball to first base was misplayed by Logan Morrison, sending home Nick Green and J.D. Closser to cap the âTopes' scoring at 14.
Making sure the Z's would threaten no more, Luis Ayala pitched a 1-2-3 ninth inning and extend their win-streak over New Orleans to five games dating back to last season.
Albuquerque continues its eight-game season-opening homestand tomorrow as right-hander James McDonald (0-0, 1.80) squares off with Z's righty Ryan Tucker (0-0, 0.00) at 6:35 PM at The Lab. The first 3,000 fans receive a 2010 schedule magnet.
The âTopes continue their home opening series against the New Orleans Zephyrs, Triple-A affiliate of the Florida Marlins with schedule magnets. Also on tap for the opening homestand are Isotopes T-Shirts, and 50-Cent Hot Dog Night. 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.albuquerquebaseball.com or www.ticketmaster.com.
Pacific Coast League Stories from April 12, 2010
- Isotopes Outlast Zephyrs in Home Opener, 14-8 - Albuquerque Isotopes
- Liz Leads 1-0 Blanking of Sky Sox - Portland Beavers
- Benson Pitches Reno Past Salt Lake, 7-2 - Reno Aces
- Z's Drop Road Opener - New Orleans Baby Cakes
- Ramirez Leads Round Rock Express Past Oklahoma City, 6-5 - Round Rock Express
- Cubs Earn First Victory in 2010 - Iowa Cubs
- Sounds Rally Late Against Royals, Improve To 5-0 - Nashville Sounds
- Adam Russell Recalled By San Diego; Alexis Lara Added To Active - Portland Beavers
- Reckless Kelly Softball Jam Returns April 25 - Round Rock Express
- RedHawks Game Notes - Oklahoma City Comets
- Opening Homestand Packed With Fun, Value - Fresno Grizzlies
- Sky Sox Opening Weekend Packed With Exciting Promotions - Colorado Springs Sky Sox
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
