PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

Isotopes rally past Royals 12-11

Published on August 18, 2006 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


The Albuquerque Isotopes (62-63) overcame an eight-run sixth inning, more runs than they've allowed in a single frame all season, to rally past the Omaha Royals (46-81) in an unbelievable 12-11 victory Friday night at Rosenblatt Stadium. Led by Jason Wood, who had three runs, three hits, and three RBI in the contest, not to mention a game saving play at third in the ninth, the ‘Topes scored nine runs in the last three frames to complete the improbable rally.

What looked like an Omaha blowout, with the Royals holding a 9-3 lead, turned in top of the seventh, when Eric Reed led off with a double, advanced to third on a single by Robert Andino, and scored on a double to left by Chris Aguila. Wood then roped a single scoring both Andino and Aguila to cut the O-Royals lead to 9-6. Edgar Gonzalez capped the frame's scoring with a double that plated Wood and brought the Isotopes to within two at 9-7.

Albuquerque completed the amazing comeback in the eighth, with a little help from some Omaha miscues. After Reed and Andino each drew walks to start the inning, Aguila hit a single to shortstop Jeff Keppinger to load the bases. With the bases full and no out, the team RBI leader Wood came through again, lifting a sacrifice fly to center that scored Reed and cut the deficit to just a single run. That brought up Tom Wilson, who hit a bouncer to third baseman Mike Aviles, whose attempt to throw out Andino streaking from third bounced out of the glove of catcher Paul Phillips, allowing the base-runner to score the tying run and knot the game at 9-9. Albuquerque was not finished, however, as Omaha reliever Joselo Diaz bounced a wild pitch to Matt Cepicky in the dirt that eluded Philips and rolled back to the screen, sending Aguila home from third with the go-ahead run, 10-9.

Andino would add an emphatic exclamation point in the top of the ninth, taking a pitch from Leo Nunez to the opposite field for a big solo home run that extended the ‘Topes' lead to 11-9. Wilson added another RBI single plating Aguila to extend the advantage even further to 12-9. The insurance proved invaluable as the Royals scored two in the ninth and had the bases loaded with two out before Shane Costa drove a hot grounder to Wood at third, who made a diving stop, got up, and threw out the batter at first to seal the wild, come-from-behind victory.

It was a victory that looked extremely dubious in the bottom of the sixth, when, with the Isotopes holding a 3-1 lead, the O-Royals erupted for eight runs, the most scored in one inning on Albuquerque pitching all season. Omaha loaded the bases twice, only to have them cleared each time with three-run doubles, the first by Rick Bell, the second by Justin Huber. The doubles served as bookends to a bases loaded walk and an RBI single that propelled the Royals to a commanding 9-3 lead.

‘Topes reliever J.B. Miadich (3-2) got the win after two perfect innings, while the loss was pinned on Royals relief man Diaz (0-3). The white-knuckle save went to Brad Clontz (19), who nailed down his 19th save in 20 chances.

The Isotopes will take the momentum from their series win in Omaha to Nashville where they will begin a four-game series with the Sounds. Left-hander Chris George (3-5, 5.68) will start the first game against righty Justin Lehr (3-6, 4.18) in a tilt slated to begin at 5:00 PM.

Albuquerque returns home for its final homestand on August 28 in an eight-game stretch that includes two fireworks shows and two Fan Appreciation celebrations. Tickets can be purchased at the Isotopes Park Box Office, www.albuquerquebaseball.com, Ticketmaster outlets, or at www.ticketmaster.com. For more information, please call (505) 924-2255.

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Pacific Coast League Stories from August 18, 2006


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