PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

Isotopes use five-run eighth to take series opener, 9-3, over Round Rock

Published on June 12, 2006 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


Mike Kinkade had four hits and scored one of five Isotopes runs in the eighth inning, a frame that sealed up a series-opening 9-3 win for Albuquerque (38-27) over the Round Rock Express (35-28) Monday at Isotopes Park.

The ‘Topes used a two-run double by Matt Cepicky in the sixth to erase a one-run deficit, and Albuquerque turned away any remaining doubt with a five-spot in the eighth. The win pushes Albuquerque's lead over the Express in the division to two games, while New Orleans moves ahead of Round Rock, 1.5 games back.

Albuquerque starter Chris George authored his most effective outing of the season, allowing just a run on four hits with four Ks through five innings. George didn't earn the decision, though, as reliever Matt Blank (2-1) was around to see a 2-1 lead disappear, then a 3-2 lead materialize all within the confines of the sixth inning. Blank tossed just one inning, allowing two runs on a hit and two walks, but earned the victory. Ross Wolf and Joe Horgan each tossed a scoreless inning to earn a hold, and Wes Wilkerson finished it out with a 1-2-3 ninth.

Like George, Round Rock starter Joe Valentine was effective as well, allowing just a run on six hits through four innings. He too did not figure into the decision, as the loss was pinned on Aaron Williams, who allowed three runs on three hits in one-plus inning of work.

After three scoreless innings on both sides, the ‘Topes finally broke through with a 1-0 lead in the fourth. Robert Andino led off the frame with a double, went to third on a Chris Aguila single, and came around to score on a Kinkade single to right-center. The Express tied the score in the top of the fifth with a Mike Rodriguez RBI single, but the Isotopes answered back with an RBI groundout by Reed, to regain the advantage at 2-1. After George's exit, the Express tapped Blank for two runs in the sixth, but Cepicky's two-run double in the bottom half put the ‘Topes back in the lead. That 4-3 edge stood until the eighth, when the Albuquerque offense exploded. Scott Seabol hit an RBI single, Chris Ashby walked with the bases loaded, Eric Reed hit a sacrifice fly and Andino notched a two-run double to account for a five-run eighth inning.

Kinkade recorded his second four-hit night of the season, while Aguila remained on a tear, going 3-for-5.Cepicky, Reed and Andino each chipped in two RBIs.

The ‘Topes and Express will get back after it on Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. MT at the Lab. Jason Vargas (2-1, 4.70) takes the hill for Albuquerque, while Jason Hirsh (6-2, 2.83) gets the ball for Round Rock.

Check out the Albuquerque Isotopes Statistics

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Pacific Coast League Stories from June 12, 2006


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