PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

Isotopes Salvage Split with 6-4 Win Over 'Birds

Published on June 29, 2010 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


In his fourth start of the season, Alberto Bastardo pushed the Albuquerque Isotopes (39-38) back over the .500 mark with a stellar pitching performance that propelled the 'Topes to a 6-4 win over the Memphis Redbirds (42-37) Tuesday afternoon at Isotopes Park. The triumph, Albuquerque's second in a row over the 'Birds, helps the Isotopes salvage a four-game series split against Memphis.

Over a season-high 7.1 innings, Bastardo (3-0) gave up eight hits and allowed only two unearned runs while walking one and striking out one en route to his third straight win. Not only was the left-hander effective, he was efficient, tossing a total of 83 pitches, 56 of which went for strikes.

The starter received some aid early from shortstop Justin Sellers, who, after a one-out triple by red-hot Lucas May and a walk to J.D. Closser, belted a three-run home run in the bottom of the second inning to put the 'Topes up 3-0.

Right fielder Jay Gibbons would do some more damage in the third inning. After Chin-lung Hu collected his second double in as many at-bats, Gibbons rapped a single to left, easily scoring the runner and extending the lead to 4-0 Albuquerque. Russell Mitchell would then be hit by a pitch from the Redbirds starting pitcher, David Kopp, which was followed by a Jamie Hoffmann walk to load the bases. With one down and the bases juiced, Closser bounced a ball back to Kopp who threw home to retire Gibbons, but catcher Matt Pagnozzi's toss to first to try and complete the double-play deflected off the runner Closser, allowing Mitchell to trot home and make it a 5-0 Isotopes lead.

After Memphis got on the board with a pair of runs in the top of the fifth, Mitchell and Closser would set up another scoring display in the bottom of the frame. Mitchell would hit a leadoff double and Closser would drive him home with a single two batters later for a 6-2 'Topes advantage.

The 'Birds would not go quietly, however, scoring two in the ninth to draw within 6-4. With runners on second and third and two down, newest Albuquerque reliever Jack Taschner (1) coaxed Jim Rapoport into a ground ball to third what was smothered by a diving Mitchell, who threw from his knees to first, where Closser made an excellent scoop to preserve the 6-4 triumph and Taschner's first save as an Isotope.

The Isotopes will take a day off Wednesday before resuming their homestand on Thursday with a pivotal three-game set against division-leading Oklahoma City. Right-hander James McDonald (4-1, 5.05) will make the start for Albuquerque, fresh off a month on the DL while recovering from a strained hamstring, against RedHawks righty Doug Mathis (3-3, 4.70). First pitch is slated for 7:05 PM from The Lab.

After the 'Topes' much-deserved day off on Wednesday, they will resume their homestand with three games over Independence Day weekend with the Oklahoma City RedHawks, highlighted by back-to-back fireworks shows on July 2 and July 3. 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 June 29, 2010


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