PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

Isotopes Trounced By Sidewinders, 17-6

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


The Albuquerque Isotopes' (15-13) offense failed to keep up with the Tucson Sidewinders (9-21), dropping the second game of the series, 17-6, Saturday night at Isotopes Park. Grant Psomas continued to swing a hot bat, collecting two hits, including a homer, while Paul Hoover belted a solo shot for his first dinger of the season.

Tucson scored early and often plating its first three batters to start the game and take a 3-0 lead. After adding a tally in the second, the Sidewinders would bat around in the third to pad the lead at 9-0. Josh Whitesell crushed a two-run shot to left center with one out to start the scoring. After a single from Jamie D'Antona and a free pass to Donnie Kelly, shortstop Jesus Merchan stroked a double to left to bring home the both base runners. Merchan, who finished with four hits and five RBIs, scored the final run of the frame via an Esmerling Vasquez single.

The nine runs were pegged to starter Daniel Barone (0-2), who went only 2.2 innings in his first start since coming off the DL due to a back strain.

The 'Topes started clawing back in the bottom of the third. John Gall and Psomas provided run-scoring singles, plating Jai Miller and Chase Lambin, who started the inning with back-to-back walks. Albuquerque would leave the bases loaded to end the inning and stranded a total of 11 on base for the night. The two teams then traded single tallies in the fifth to make it a 10-7 advantage, Sidewinders. Hoover belted his first long ball of the season to lead off the inning.

After Tucson tacked on three more, Psomas blasted his second home run in as many days in the home half of the seventh, a two-run shot that would make the score 13-5. The 'Topes would strike once more with a sacrifice fly courtesy of Gall in the eighth, but the Sidewinders pushed across four in the ninth to put any chance of a comeback far out of reach.

Kenny Baugh and Marcus Carvajel would combine to pitch 6.1 innings of work after Barone's exit, but didn't fare much better, surrendering 15 hits and eight runs. The 24 total hits surrendered by the 'Topes pitching corps is the most allowed by an opponent this season.

Tucson starter Esmerling Vasquez gave way to Abe Woody after allowing two runs in three innings. Woody (1-0), who earned the win, and relievers Emiliano Fruto and Connor Robertson, each contributed two innings of work, holding the 'Topes to fours runs over the final six innings.

The 'Topes look to rebound as the series continues tomorrow, Sunday, May 4 at 1:35 PM, with pennants to the first 3,000 fans courtesy Coca-Cola. Dallas Trahern (0-1, 7.50) will make his second start of the season, facing off with fellow righty Billy Buckner (0-3, 7.94). 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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