PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

Isotopes Split Doubleheader, Series with Redbirds

Published on July 20, 2012 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


The Albuquerque Isotopes (56-42) drew a split in the doubleheader against the Memphis Redbirds (37-61), taking a 4-3 win in the first game and dropping a 3-2 loss in the second contest on Thursday night at Isotopes Park. With the series split, Albuquerque has won or tied each of its last four home series dating back to June 19.

In the first game of the twin-bill, the 'Topes snagged a quick 3-0 lead in the opening frame with a leadoff, solo shot from Matt Angle that made it 1-0. Ivan De Jesus Jr. then poked a single and took second on a base knock from Josh Fields, who extended his season-high hitting streak to 14 games. Two batters later, Tim Federowicz slapped an RBI single to left that scored De Jesus Jr. and extended the advantage 2-0. With a runner on second and two outs, Brian Cavazos-Galvez put the 'Topes up 3-0 with an RBI single to right.

Albuquerque starter Derrick Loop (9-2) pitched a gem, limiting the Redbirds to just one run, a solo homer in the fifth that made it 3-1, on three hits through 6.0 innings of work. The southpaw gave up only one free pass while racking up four punchouts en route to his fourth consecutive win in as many starts.

The 'Topes added what proved to be a vital insurance run in the sixth when Jerry Sands doubled to left, took third on a deep flyout to center and scored on an RBI single from Ozzie Martinez to give Albuquerque a 4-1 edge.

The small lead was just enough for reliever Scott Rice (7), who yielded a bases-loaded, two-run double to Matt Chambers. As Matt Adams rumbled home with the tying run, Cavazos-Galvez delivered a perfect throw to Martinez, who in turn gunned down the runner at the plate from short to preserve the 4-3 win.

In the second game of the evening, the 'Topes and 'Birds entered the seventh inning knotted at 1-1. Albuquerque reliever Michael Antonini (2-7) took over in the top half of the frame and quickly coaxed back-to-back flyouts to reduce Memphis to its final out of the game. The 'Topes southpaw then gave up a walk to Eugenio Valez that set the stage for Adron Chambers, who blasted a monstrous two-out, two-run shot to left that gave Memphis a 3-1 lead.

Albuquerque showed signs of a comeback in the bottom half of the inning when Matt Angle drew a one-out walk and dashed to second on a groundout from Josh Bard. Pinch hitter Alex Castellanos then drew a walk of his own to put two runners on for Trent Oeltjen, who ripped a two-out RBI single up the middle to bring the 'Topes within 3-2. In his last chance to break the franchise record for consecutive games with a hit, Elian Herrera grounded out to second to halt the Isotopes rally and seal a 3-2 Memphis win. Herrera's streak, which began before the infielder spent two months with the Dodgers, ended at 19 games.

Albuquerque and Iowa begin a four-game set tomorrow night at Isotopes Park. 'Topes righty Will Savage (10-3, 5.22) will get the ball against I-Cub lefty Chris Rusin (7-6, 4.55) in a 7:05 PM start.

The Isotopes eight-game homestand rolls on with a replica jersey giveaway tomorrow, Dukes Retro Night on Saturday and a hat giveaway on Sunday! 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 online at www.abqisotopes.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

Check out the Albuquerque Isotopes Statistics

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Pacific Coast League Stories from July 20, 2012


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