PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

Keisler Keeps Isotopes Rolling In 5-1 Win

Published on July 8, 2011 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


Albuquerque Isotopes (46-41) starter Randy Keisler held the Nashville Sounds (39-48) to just one unearned run on a mere two hits to lead the ‘Topes to a 5-1 series-opening triumph Thursday night at Isotopes Park. Albuquerque has rediscovered its winning ways at Isotopes Park, emerging victorious from its third straight game on the current homestand.

Keisler (5-4) dominated through 6.2 innings, allowing just the unearned tally on two singles and a walk while striking out four to earn his fifth win of the season and break a personal two-game losing streak. In his last three outings at Isotopes Park, which included another win over the Sounds on June 11, the veteran lefty has gone 3-0 with a 0.45 ERA (1 ER / 19.2 IP).

Albuquerque started building its pitcher a lead immediately, when Dee Gordon took the first pitch of the first inning and promptly smashed it into the gap in left center for a lead-off triple before trotting home on a balk by Sounds starter Amaury Rivas, giving the ‘Topes a 1-0 lead after one pitch.

Nashville plated its only run in the third when Edwin Maysonet led off the inning with a double, was sacrificed to third, and scored on a grounder to short by Eric Farris that was picked up and thrown wildly to first by Gordon, knotting the game at 1-1.

The stalemate would not last long, as the Isotopes surged ahead for good in the fourth. Jerry Sands led off the inning with a single and came all the way around to score on a double by John Lindsey, putting the ‘Topes back on top 2-1. Lindsey then moved to third on a single by Trayvon Robinson and scored on a sacrifice fly by Jamie Hoffmann that gave the home team a 3-1 edge.

The remainder of the ‘Topes scoring was provided by the long ball. Robinson celebrated his invitation to participate in the Triple-A home run derby by smashing a solo shot to left-center in the sixth, extending the Isotopes lead to 4-1.

Justin Sellers then put the punctuation mark on the night with a solo homer of his own to lead off the seventh, propelling Albuquerque to a convincing 5-1 triumph.

Rivas (6-8) suffered the loss for Nashville, his third in as many starts against the Isotopes this season, after allowing three runs on six hits in 4.2 innings while walking three and striking out three.

Albuquerque will go for its fourth straight win on Friday behind right-hander John Ely (4-4, 5.48), who will start for the Isotopes against a former ‘Tope, Nashville right-hander Frankie De La Cruz (3-4, 3.94) in a 7:05 PM MT start from Isotopes Park.

The Isotopes' fun-filled homestand continues Friday with a backpack giveaway to the first 3,000 kids (15 and under) courtesy of Lovelace Health System. On Saturday, the ‘Topes will host their second fireworks show in six days. Tickets for any Isotopes game may be purchased at the Isotopes Park Box Office, at Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 1-800-745-3000, or on-line at www.albuquerquebaseball.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

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Pacific Coast League Stories from July 8, 2011


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