PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

Isotopes Roll, 9-3

Published on August 6, 2007 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


Nic Ungs allowed just two runs on the mound and picked up two hits of his own at the plate as the Albuquerque Isotopes (58-57) cruised to their third-straight victory, a 9-3 triumph over the Colorado Springs Sky Sox (58-58) Monday night at Isotopes Park.

Ungs held the Sky Sox at bay for six innings, and meanwhile the Albuquerque offense was taking care of business to the tune of nine runs over the game's first four innings. The ‘Topes led by a run after one, by two runs through two, then exploded with a six-run fourth to ease to the victory. Much of the offensive firepower was credited to leadoff hitter Robert Andino, who finished 4-for-5 with two runs scored and two driven in on the night. Andino's eighth home run of the season-a two-run blast-helped fuel the offensive explosion in the fourth inning.

Ungs (4-4) evened his record, scattering two runs on six hits through six innings of work. The right-hander walked three and struck out four. Out of the Isotopes bullpen, Craig Molldrem made his Triple-A debut one to remember, allowing just one hit over two shutout innings of work. Harvey Garcia entered in the ninth and allowed a run-a solo homer by Alvin Collina-but the effort was too little for the Sky Sox.

The loss fell on Sky Sox starter Mike Esposito (5-4) who allowed all nine runs on 14 hits over 3.1 frames. Esposito walked two and punched out one. Once the game was handed over to the Colorado Springs bullpen, the Albuquerque offense cooled considerably. The ‘Topes managed no runs and just one hit over the final 4.2 frames-spanning three Sky Sox relief pitchers.

After Colorado Springs picked up a quick run in the first, Albuquerque answered with two in the home half, taking a lead it would not see slip away. John Gall knocked home the first ‘Topes run with a single to center, then he'd come around to score the go-ahead tally on a Scott Seabol grounder.

In the next frame, the ‘Topes pushed one more across, thanks to an RBI single by Eric Reed, making the score 3-1.

In the fourth, the floodgates opened for Albuquerque. Andino knocked in two with his blast over the wall in left, Seabol hit an RBI double and Brett Carroll followed with a two run double to push the score to 8-1. Still not finished, Carroll eventually came around to score on a John Baker groundout, giving the ‘Topes an eight-run cushion.

The Sky Sox got a run back in the sixth, then pushed one more across in the ninth, but never seriously threatened the lead.

Eight of the nine Isotopes starters collected at least one hit, with five ‘Topes finishing with at least two.

For the Sky Sox, second baseman Omar Quintanilla picked up four of his team's nine hits for the night.

Monday was 50-Cent Hot Dog Night at Isotopes Park, and for the occasion 22,936 hot dogs were purchased.

The Isotopes and Sky Sox meet again on Tuesday night at Isotopes Park. Game three of the series pits Albuquerque lefty Chris George (5-8, 5.61) against Colorado Springs right-hander Tim Harikkala (0-0, 1.93). First pitch is slated for 7:05 PM.

Tickets can be purchased at Isotopes Park or any Ticketmaster outlet, www.ticketmaster.com, or Ticketmaster by phone 505-883-7800. For more information, visit www.albuquerquebaseball.com or call 505-924-2255.

Check out the Albuquerque Isotopes Statistics

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Pacific Coast League Stories from August 6, 2007


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