PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

Isotopes take 51's 7-3

Published on April 28, 2008 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


Shortstop Chris Barnwell belted a grand slam to help lead the Albuquerque Isotopes (14-9) to an exciting 7-3 win over the Las Vegas 51s (12-12) in the first of a four-game series between the two teams Monday evening at Isotopes Park. Kenny Baugh also dazzled on the mound, notching his first victory of the season after six strong frames of work.

Down 3-1 in the sixth, the Isotopes erupted for five runs all with two outs. Dallas McPherson started things with a walk and John Baker followed with a trip to first via a hit by a pitch. Chase Lambin then singled to right to score McPherson, bring Baker to third and Albuquerque to within one run at 3-2. After another walk, this one to Grant Psomas, loaded the bases Las Vegas made a pitching change, replacing Eric Stults with Yhency Brazoban. The moved proved costly as Barnwell crushed the first pitch he saw over the right-field fence, giving the ‘Topes their first lead of the game at 6-3. The slam was the first for the Isotopes since Scott Seabol belted one the second game of a doubleheader on August 21 of last season.

Despite the later-inning fireworks, the game got off to slow start for both teams, but the 51's got a two-run lead early in the third. Pitcher Stults doubled to right-center field, Luis Maza took first on a walk, and Terry Tiffee singled to right field to load the bases for Kevin Howard, who singled to center, scoring Stults and Maza. The ‘Topes escaped further damage when John-Ford Griffin grounded into a double play, ending the inning with the 51s up 2-0.

In the bottom of the fifth, Albuquerque answered with a run to close in on the lead. Infielder Psomas, made his first career Triple-A hit a memorable one, socking a solo home run to left-center field to making the score 2-1.

Las Vegas fired back in the top of the sixth with another run to keep their two-run lead. Danny Ardoin belted a homer of his own to left field that upped their score 3-2.

After the explosive sixth, Albuquerque came back for one last run in the eighth on their third home run of the season, this one off the bat of McPherson, who crushed the first pitch he saw over the fence in left-center to pad the Isotopes lead to 7-3.

Kenny Baugh (1-0) pitched a total of six innings for the win allowing only eight hits and three runs while walking one and striking out a season-high seven. Following Baugh's strong starting performance, a trio of relievers secured the victory for the ‘Topes, as Marc Gwyn (H,5), Randy Williams (H,6), and Brandon Villafuerte each pitched an inning, scattering only four hits and not allowing any runs.

The Isotopes will be back tomorrow night, for the second game their set against the Las Vegas 51s, Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Starting for the Isotopes is right-hander Dallas Trahern (0-0), who will battle 51's right-hander Justin Orenduff (1-0, 4.00). 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 April 28, 2008


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