PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

Late Cubs Surge Sinks Isotopes 4-2

Published on July 29, 2010 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


Starting pitcher Seth Etherton authored a gem through seven innings, but it was all undone in the eighth as the Iowa Cubs (59-47) rallied for four runs in the frame to surge past the Albuquerque Isotopes (53-51) 4-2 on Thursday night at Isotopes Park.

Etherton was superb through seven strong frames, allowing just two hits while walking none and striking out seven. The right-hander served notice early that he'd be in control, retiring the first 10 batters he faced.

The 'Topes starter also managed to leave with a lead thanks to an Albuquerque rally in the bottom of the seventh. With the game still knotted in a scoreless tie, A.J. Ellis roped a one-out double, Albuquerque's fourth of the night, to put the go-ahead run in scoring position. After a fly-out, pinch-hitter extraordinaire Michael Restovich smoked a two-out double down the left field line, scoring Ellis and putting the 'Topes ahead 1-0.

Josh Lindblom was called upon in the top of the eighth to protect the one-run lead, but with one out, the right-hander walked Cubs catcher Welington Castillo, which in turn created a downward spiral. Pinch-hitter Jason Dubois singled sending Castillo scampering into third before the next batter, leadoff hitter Sam Fuld, drove a line drive to left center plating Castillo easily to tie the game at one apiece. With runners on first and second, Ellis was called with catcher's interference that awarded Darwin Barney first base, loading the bags for Brad Snyder, who drew a walk from Lindblom to force home a pinch-running Casey Coleman and give the Cubs a 2-1 lead. The next batter, Bryan LaHair sent a single to left-center field and scored Fuld and Barney for a 4-2 Iowa lead. Lindblom (2-2) ended up suffering his second loss of the season after allowing four runs in his inning of work, three of which were earned.

The 'Topes would answer the Cubs four runs in the bottom half of the eighth, when left fielder Jay Gibbons singled to right field to score Ivan De Jesus Jr., who singled earlier in the inning, from second base to trim the Cubs lead to 4-2. However, Albuquerque's comeback would stall there.

Iowa's reliever Jeff Stevens (2) closed out the Isotopes in the ninth giving up only one hit to earn his second save of the season.

Cubs reliever Mitch Atkins (6-2) ended up with the win after tossing three strong innings in back of starter Thomas Diamond. Atkins allowed one run on just three hits while walking one and striking out one to secure his sixth triumph of the season.

The Isotopes will try for a series split on Friday in what is shaping up to be another pitcher's duel. Right-hander John Ely (4-1, 3.09) will take the mound for Albuquerque against Iowa righty Casey Coleman (10-7, 4.07) in a 7:05 PM start from The Lab.

Albuquerque's hard-rocking homestand continues wraps up on Friday with a final game against the I-Cubs and the final appearance of the season by the one and only Myron Noodleman 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.

Check out the Albuquerque Isotopes Statistics

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Pacific Coast League Stories from July 29, 2010


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