Kemp Lifts 'Topes to 11-9 Series Ending Win
Published on May 28, 2012 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release
Dodgers superstar Matt Kemp, in his second and final rehab game with the Albuquerque Isotopes (30-22), went 3-for-4 with a home run and a double as the 'Topes downed the Oklahoma City RedHawks (28-23) 11-9 on Monday afternoon at Isotopes Park. With the victory, the Isotopes claimed three of four games against the 'Hawks and now hold a game and a half lead in PCL American Southern Division.
After OKC jumped to a 1-0 lead in the top of the first, the 'Topes responded in their half of the inning when Matt Angle drew a leadoff walk and stole second base. Josh Fields then ripped a single to left, plating Angle and evening the score 1-1. Kemp picked up right where he left off yesterday, destroying an 0-1 pitch over the left field wall to give the 'Topes a 3-1 lead.
The 'Hawks would add one run in the third before Albuquerque scored four runs in the bottom half, beginning with a double to right-center from Kemp. Following a walk to Juan Rivera, Jeff Baisley roped a double down the left-field line, scoring Kemp and extending the lead to 4-2. Oklahoma City starter Aneury Rodriguez intentionally walked Tim Federowicz to load the bases, but the strategy backfired as the hurler walked 'Topes relief pitcher Derrick Loop, bringing in Rivera and making the score 5-2. Angle then capped off the inning with a two-run single to right, extending Albuquerque's advantage 7-2.
OKC drew within two in the fourth, but Rivera added to the Isotopes lead with an RBI single, plating Fields and extending the home team's advantage to 8-5.
The Isotopes built a small cushion in the eighth with a walk to Angle and an intentional walk to Trent Oeljten, setting up Brian Cavazos-Galvez, blasted a three-run homer to left, making the score 11-6, 'Topes.
The five-run lead proved vital as the 'Hawks rallied for three runs in the ninth before 'Topes closer Josh Wall was able to coax a two-out flyout with the tying run at the plate, preserving an 11-9 Isotopes win.
Kemp and Rivera went a combined 7-for-12 with eight RBI in their two-game rehab with the Isotopes. Kemp in particular was superb, finishing his stint in Albuquerque 5-for-7 with a double, two home runs and five RBI.
The 'Topes begin a four-game set tomorrow in the Big Easy against the New Orleans Zephyrs, Triple-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins. Isotopes righty Will Savage (7-1, 4.35) will look to recover from his first loss of the season as he faces Z's southpaw Brad Hand (3-3, 3.72) at 6:00 PM MT from Zephyr Field.
Albuquerque hits the road for an eight-game swing against the New Orleans Zephyrs and Round Rock Express, Triple-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers. The 'Topes will return home on Thursday, June 7 for an exciting homestand featuring 50-cent hot dog night, live entertainment acts and a skateboard deck giveaway! 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.abqisotopes.com or www.ticketmaster.com .
Pacific Coast League Stories from May 28, 2012
- Kemp Lifts 'Topes to 11-9 Series Ending Win - Albuquerque Isotopes
- Daren Brown Sets Managerial Wins Mark For Tacoma - Tacoma Rainiers
- Ramirez Keeps Tucson in Check - Tucson Padres
- Isotopes Win 11-9 For Second Straight Day - Oklahoma City Comets
- Manny Has Two Hits, Rivers Cats Lose 10-2 - Sacramento River Cats
- Round Rock Express Slip Past Nashville 8-5 in 10 Innings - Round Rock Express
- Aces Cruise to 10-2 Victory over Sacramento - Reno Aces
- Sounds Drop Homestand Finale in 10 Innings - Nashville Sounds
- Wil Myers and the Omaha Storm Chasers Defeat the Zephyrs 6-3 Monday Afternoon - New Orleans Baby Cakes
- I-Cubs Sweep Redbirds in Series - Memphis Redbirds
- Omaha Knocks off New Orleans - Omaha Storm Chasers
- Aces Open Four-Game Homestand Tuesday Night - Reno Aces
- Brooks Conrad Named PCL Batter of the Week - Nashville Sounds
- Conrad And Petit Recognized As Top Performers - PCL1
- Round Rock Express - Game Notes at Nashville Sounds - Round Rock Express
- RedHawks Game Notes - Oklahoma City Comets
- Kemp, Rivera Power 'Topes to 11-9 Win - Albuquerque Isotopes
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