Kemp, Rivera Power 'Topes to 11-9 Win
Published on May 28, 2012 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release
Los Angeles Dodgers rehabbing outfielders Matt Kemp and Juan Rivera went a combined 3-for-5 with two home runs and five RBI as the Albuquerque Isotopes (29-22) hung on for an 11-9 win over the Oklahoma City RedHawks (28-22) on Sunday night at Isotopes Park. The victory came in front of a throng of 10,028 fans, the largest Memorial Day Weekend crowd in franchise history.
The Isotopes came out swinging as Trent Oeltjen singled to right and advanced to second on a balk from 'Hawks starter Paul Clemens. Kemp, who has been on the DL since May 14 with a strained left hamstring, showed no signs of rust, ripping an RBI single to left that gave Albuquerque an early 1-0 edge. Rivera, who's been on the shelf since May 9 also with a strained left hamstring, crushed a Clemens offering over the right field fence, extending the lead 3-0.
The RedHawks answered with a run of their own in the second, cutting the deficit 3-1, but Kemp padded the 'Topes lead in the bottom of the frame. After a single from 'Topes starter Fernando Nieve, Kemp sent the first pitch he saw over the fence in right to extend the 'Topes lead, 5-1.
Nieve (2-2) was in control for most of the night, allowing only one run on three hits in 5.0 innings of work. The Isotopes righty did not allow a single hit outside of the second inning while collecting seven strikeouts on the evening.
The Isotopes then strung together a six-run sixth to add some breathing room. Josh Bard started the action with a solo shot to right field, widening the 'Topes advantage 6-1. Oeltjen followed with a single and Alex Castellanos walked before the 'Hawks brought on reliever Juan Abreu.. Brian Cavazos-Galvez continued the 'Topes rally, singling to right and scoring Oeltjen to make the score 7-1. Jeff Baisley capped off the Isotopes sixth, belting a three-run home run to boost Albuquerque's lead to 10-1.
In the end, the home team would need the large advantage as OKC added four runs in the eight and four more in the ninth, narrowing the deficit to 11-9 before Scott Rice (5) stopped the bleeding by punching out Brandon Barnes to seal an 11-9 Isotopes victory.
The 'Topes battle Oklahoma City at home for the final time of the season tomorrow. Albuquerque will send righty Mike Parisi (1-1, 2.57) to the mound against 'Hawks right-hander Aneury Rodriguez (2-4, 5.10) in a 1:35 PM matinee at Isotopes Park.
The Isotopes 12-game homestand comes to its epic conclusion with a Jason Wood Bobblehead Giveaway tomorrow. Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Matt Kemp and outfielder Juan Rivera are both scheduled to appear in their second and final game with the 'Topes as part of Major League Rehabilitation Assignments. 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
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- 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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