PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

Isotopes Stifled in 11-2 Loss

Published on May 4, 2008 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


The Albuquerque Isotopes (15-14) nearly fell victim to a no-hitter Sunday afternoon at Isotopes Park as the Tucson Sidewinders (10-21) handed them a fourth straight loss in an 11-2 defeat. First baseman Jason Wood and third baseman Dallas McPherson provided back-to-back singles in the bottom of the eighth to prevent the no-no.

Tucson starter Billy Buckner (1-3), who cruised through seven hit-less innings, was backed up with plenty of offense as the Sidewinders continued to shred Isotopes pitching. Tucson used three long balls to lead 8-0 going into the fifth. Starting in the first, Alex Romero and Trot Nixon slammed back-to-back home runs, with Romero's being a two-runner, to give the Sidewinders another first inning lead, 3-0.

The slugfest for Tucson didn't end there, however, as Donnie Kelly added a solo shot in the fourth, before the Sidewinders would add four more in the fifth to five them the 8-0 advantage. With one out, Romero, who finished a perfect 4-for-4, laced a double down the right field line. After two singles off the bats of Josh Whitesell and Jesus Merchan, with Whitesell's plating Romero, Kelly launched his second blast of the game.

Tucson would cap its scoring for the day with yet another home run in the eighth, this one a three-runner from Whitesell. Kelly and Whitesell led the Sidewinders, providing eight of the 11 total runs batted in.

Down 11-0, the 'Topes entered the home frame of the eighth still hitless. Wood, who had been the only Isotopes base runner with a walk in the second, quickly ended that, stroking a 1-1 offering into right field to snap Buckner's no-hitter. With no outs, McPherson followed suit, singling through the hole at second base to give the 'Topes runners on first and second. Albuquerque failed to capitalize, though, as Buckner coaxed a double play from Paul Hoover and a groundout via Dante Brinkley.

With runners on second and third, the Isotopes finally cracked the scoreboard in the bottom of the ninth. Chase Lambin provided a pinch-hit single to lead things off and was followed by a double to right center from Andrew Beattie, giving John Gall runners on second and third with two outs. Gall proceeded to slash a double to bring in the only Albuquerque runs of the game, giving Tucson an 11-2 victory.

Buckner, who had yet to earn a win in six games for the Sidewinders came close to handing the 'Topes its first no-hitter since 2003 when John Wasdin of Nashville tossed a perfect game.

In his second appearance of the season, Dallas Trahern (0-2) surrendered eight runs on 11 hits over five innings of work. Despite the five home runs allowed, the 'Topes pitching staff combined to strike out seven and walk only one.

The 'Topes look to avoid a sweep with the series finale set for tomorrow, Monday, May 5, at 12:05 PM. Big righty Frankie DeLaCruz (3-1, 9.00) will duel with Juan Guiterrez (1-4, 4.01). The 'Topes will celebrate Cinco De Mayo in style with a School Day Matinee and free tortillas to the first 3,000 fans courtesy New Mexico Foods. Tickets can be purchased at Isotopes Park or any Ticketmaster outlet, www.ticketmaster.com, or Ticketmaster by phone 505-883-7800. For more information on individual game tickets, season tickets, or mini-plans, visit www.albuquerquebaseball.com or call 505-924-2255.

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Pacific Coast League Stories from May 4, 2008


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