PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

Isotopes Overcome By RedHawks, 8-7

Published on July 18, 2011 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


The Albuquerque Isotopes (50-46) saw a four-run lead evaporate in the seventh inning as the Oklahoma City RedHawks (41-55) surged to an 8-7 series-opening win Monday night at Isotopes Park.

After the RedHawks scored in the top of the second, Albuquerque grabbed a quick lead in the bottom of the frame when Trayvon Robinson drew a one-out walk and was immediately cashed in on a two-run homer to left by Russ Mitchell that gave the Isotopes a sudden 2-1 edge. Mitchell led the Isotopes' offensive attack on the night, going 5-for-5 while coming a triple away from the cycle.

The home team extended its advantage in the very next frame thanks to the fleet feet of Dee Gordon. After reaching on a fielder's choice, Gordon swiped second, nabbed third, and scored on a wild pitch to put the Isotopes ahead 3-1. With A.J. Ellis aboard with a walk, Jerry Sands then hammered a two-run blast to give Albuquerque a 5-1 cushion.

The 'Hawks climbed to within 5-2 on a solo homer in the fourth by J.R. Towles before Albuquerque tacked on what seemed to be a crucial run of insurance in the sixth. Gordon ignited the rally with a one-out single and promptly stole second, moving into scoring position for Jay Gibbons, who poked an RBI single to right, easily scoring Gordon to make the score 6-2 'Topes.

Oklahoma City got up off the mat in the seventh, however, scoring four runs to erase the deficit in one fell swoop. With runners on second and third and nobody out, J.B. Shuck laced a two-run double to cut the Isotopes lead to 6-4. Drew Locke then roped a triple, scored on a sacrifice fly by Anderson Hernandez, and just like that, the game was knotted at 6-6.

The RedHawks then broke the stalemate in the eighth, when Koby Clemens led off the inning with a single and was picked up by a two-run shot by Tommy Manzella, giving Oklahoma City the 8-6 lead.

Albuquerque would mount one last rally in the ninth, as Robinson crushed his 24th home run of the season, a solo blast with two out to cut the lead to 8-7, but the 'Hawks quashed the rally there for an 8-7 win.

'Topes reliever Justin Miller (0-1) suffered the loss after giving up Manzella's homer, while Oklahoma City relief pitcher Sammy Gervacio (3-0) got the win and Mickey Storey (2) the save.

Albuquerque will face the RedHawks again on Tuesday with right-hander Tim Sexton (3-3, 5.06) getting the ball for the 'Topes against Oklahoma City lefty Andy Van Hekken (4-4, 2.97). First pitch from The Lab is scheduled for 7:05 PM MT.

The Isotopes' current eight-game homestand against division rivals Oklahoma City and New Orleans features an Orbit bobble giveaway on Thursday and the always-popular Dukes Retro Night this Saturday including the Albuquerque Professional Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony and post-game fireworks. 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.

Check out the Albuquerque Isotopes Statistics

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Pacific Coast League Stories from July 18, 2011


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