PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

Isotopes topped in pitcher's duel, 2-1

Published on June 11, 2006 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


‘Topes starter Jeff Fulchino clashed with Memphis ace Anthony Reyes in a pitcher's duel Sunday night, but it was Reyes and the visiting Redbirds (23-39) that found themselves on top in the end, taking a 2-1 decision over Albuquerque (37-27) in the series finale at Isotopes Park.

Fulchino (2-4) dealt seven strong innings for the ‘Topes, allowing two runs on just three hits with seven strikeouts. Unfortunately for Albuquerque, Reyes (3-1) was tougher, as he scattered three hits as well but allowed just a run with nine Ks over 6.2 innings. Andy Cavazos tossed 1.1 innings of scoreless baseball to earn a hold, and Josh Kinney cleaned things up with a spotless ninth to earn the save.

Memphis tapped Fulchino for two in the first and that was all the ‘Birds would need. Albuquerque used a two-out, RBI double to center in the seventh inning off the bat of James Shanks to pull to within a run, but the ‘Topes couldn't get a runner past first base for the rest of the evening.

Shanks was one of four ‘Topes to get a hit on Sunday, as Mike Kinkade tripled in the fourth, Mike Colangelo doubled in the seventh and Chris Aguila hit an RBI single in the eighth. Memphis' offense was just as quiet, though. The first four hitters in the Redbirds lineup collected one hit and Reyes helped himself out with a single in the third.

Early on it appeared Memphis would have its way with Fulchino, as the Redbirds put two on the board before the Isotopes ever got a chance to hit. After a lead-off single, Derek Wathan tripled home the first Memphis run. One hitter later, Wathan was chased home on a John Nelson sacrifice fly to left, putting the ‘Birds ahead 2-0.

The Isotopes threatened in the fourth, but the effort was to no avail. Kinkade led off the inning with a triple to right-center, bringing Scott Seabol to the plate. Seabol flew out to left, with Kinkade tagging from third. The throw from Memphis left fielder John Gall reached the plate just in time, as catcher Mike Rose tagged Kinkade and completed the double play, quieting the threat.

It wasn't until the seventh that the ‘Topes would get any closer. With two outs already recorded, Colangelo and Shanks hit back-to-back doubles to erase the shutout and bring Albuquerque to within a run. The Isotopes would not, however, get any closer as Memphis salvaged the series split.

Sunday's Breast Cancer Awareness Night featured a silent auction of the pink Isotopes jerseys. A total of $2,600 was raised from the auction for the Susan G. Komen Cancer Foundation of Central New Mexico. Popular Albuquerque infielder Jason Wood's jersey received a bid of $510, the highest of the evening.

The ‘Topes kick-off a new four-game set on Monday when they welcome division rival Round Rock to The Lab. First pitch for all four games is set for 7:05 p.m. MT. On Friday, the Isotopes will send southpaw Chris George (1-0, 7.43) to the hill, and Round Rock will counter with righty Joe Valentine (1-2, 5.32).

Tickets can be purchased at the Isotopes Park Box Office, www.albuquerquebaseball.com, Ticketmaster outlets, or at www.ticketmaster.com. For more information, please call (505) 924-2255.

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Pacific Coast League Stories from June 11, 2006


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