Kemp and Rivera Aid Isotopes' 11-9 Win Over RedHawks
Published on May 27, 2012 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Oklahoma City Comets News Release
Albuquerque, N.M. - Rehabbing Los Angles Dodgers outfielders Matt Kemp and Juan Rivera each hit home runs as the Albuquerque Isotopes (29-22) had another big day at the plate and held off a furious rally by the Oklahoma City RedHawks (28-22) to win 11-9 before 10,028 Sunday evening at Isotopes Park
One day after setting a franchise record with nine doubles, the Isotopes tied a season high with four homers and racked up 18 more hits.
Both Kemp and Rivera made an impact immediately in the first inning. Kemp hit an RBI single, and Rivera followed with a two-run homer out to right to make it 3-0.
The Redhawks got on the board in the second with a sac fly by Brian Bixler, but Kemp answered with a two-run homer to give the Isotopes a 6-1 lead.
The score stayed put until the sixth when the Isotopes took command with five more runs. Josh Bard started off the inning with a homer, and Jeff Baisley also hit a three-run shot out right field later in the frame to make it 10-1.
The RedHawks were able to rally for four runs in eighth, including a two-run single by Scott Moore, an RBI double by Fernando Martinez, and an RBI groundout by Brandon Barnes to pull within 10-5.
Trailing 11-5 heading into the ninth, the RedHawks rallied for four more runs. With two outs, Landon Powell hit a two-run, pinch-hit double to make it 11-9 and put the tying run at the plate. Albuquerque pitcher Scott Rice ended the rally and the game by striking out Barnes to earn his fifth save.
Isotopes starting pitcher Fernando Nieve had arguably his best outing of the season, allowing just one run and three hits over five innings. The former RedHawk gave up all three hits consecutively in the second and retired 11 of the last 12 hitters he faced. Nieve (2-2) struck out a season-high seven and walked one.
Paul Clemens (5-4) had another tough night at Isotopes Park, allowing eight runs and 11 hits over 5.1 innings. He set a new season high with eight strikeouts.
With the win, the Isotopes leapfrogged the RedHawks in the standings and now lead by a half game for first place in the American Southern division. The RedHawks finish their 12-game road trip and series in Albuquerque Monday afternoon at 2:35 p.m. central. Live coverage begins at 2:05 p.m. on AM 1340 The Game, 1340thegame.com, or through the free IHeartRadio app on your mobile device.
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