Isotopes Win Come-from-behind Thriller, 8-5
Published on July 21, 2007 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release
Albuquerque (52-48) took a five-run deficit into the eighth inning Saturday night, but left the frame with a three-run lead-an offensive explosion that resulted in an 8-5 victory over New Orleans (50-49), Albuquerque's second in as many tries in this crucial series at Isotopes Park. Reggie Abercrombie smacked a three-run triple to kick-off the scoring in the eight-run eighth.
The Isotopes, who entered the night one-half game ahead of the Zephyrs in the Pacific Coast League American Southern Division standings, were in the game all night, but couldn't manage to score on New Orleans starter Brian Lawrence. Through seven frames, Lawrence was cruising, holding a 5-0 lead. In the eighth, though, the tide turned considerably.
Chris Ashby, Eric Reed and Robert Andino hit back-to-back-to-back singles to load the bases with nobody out and Abercrombie at the dish. The electric 'Topes outfielder responded, crushing a bases-clearing triple off the wall in right-center to bring the 'Topes to within two at 5-3.
Abercrombie's triple chased Lawrence from the game, but the offense wouldn't stop there. John Gall followed with an RBI single to left, and Valentino Pascucci and Brett Carroll then hit consecutive singles of their own, loading the bases again with nobody away in the inning. Scott Seabol hit a sacrifice fly off the third Zephyrs pitcher of the inning to tie the score, then a Josh Labandeira RBI single put Albuquerque in the lead. Still not finished, Ashby, who led-off the frame, crushed a two-run homer deep over the wall in left to push the Albuquerque lead to 8-5.
Roy Corcoran, the fourth 'Topes pitcher of the evening, entered in the ninth and slammed the door, earning his fifth save and preserving a key victory for the Isotopes.
Before its offense came to life late in the game, Albuquerque benefited from a quality outing from its starting pitcher. Paul Mildren worked 6.2 frames, allowing four runs on five hits. He walked three and punched out one. Out of the bullpen, Harvey Garcia allowed an unearned run on two hits over 0.2 frames. In the eighth, Erasmo Ramirez (4-0) tossed two pitches, recorded two outs and collected the win. Then the 'Topes turned to Corcoran, who cleaned things up in the ninth.
The loss went to New Orleans reliever Willie Collazo (1-5), who allowed two runs on three hits without recording an out in the eighth. Lawrence went seven-plus innings, allowing four runs on eight hits with no walks and five Ks. Jon Adkins got all three outs in the eighth, but first allowed two runs.
Albuquerque and New Orleans will play a doubleheader on Sunday at Isotopes Park, to include two seven-inning contests. In the opener, Jesus Silva (0-0, 3.18) gets the nod for the 'Topes, while the Zephyrs send Mike Pelfrey (2-3, 3.59). In the nightcap, Albuquerque's Ben Julianel (2-0, 6.67) takes on New Orleans righty Philip Humber (10-6, 4.24). First pitch is scheduled for 4:05 PM, with gates opening at 3:00 PM.
On Sunday, the first 3,000 fans will receive a Beanie Bear, courtesy of Bank of the West. In addition, Abercrombie and Andino will be on the concourse at 3:00 PM to participate in the fourth Albuquerque Journal Autograph Session of the season
Tickets can be purchased at Isotopes Park or any Ticketmaster outlet, www.ticketmaster.com, or Ticketmaster by phone 505-883-7800. For more information, visit www.albuquerquebaseball.com or call 505-924-2255.
Pacific Coast League Stories from July 21, 2007
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