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Albuquerque Isotopes

McDonald Magnificent in 3-1 'Topes Win

April 29, 2010 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


Starter James McDonald threw five hitless innings to lead a contingent of pitchers who stifled the Round Rock Express (6-14) as the Albuquerque Isotopes (11-8) took the series-opener 3-1 on a windy night at Isotopes Park.

McDonald (1-0), fresh off the disabled list, retired the first nine batters and faced one over the minimum while striking out five. Having thrown 74 pitches, the right-hander exited with a no-hitter after five innings. Tim Corcoran took the no-hit bid into the seventh after pitching a hit-free sixth, but Collin DeLome broke up the chance for the first no-no in ‘Topes history with a double down the right-field line with two outs off Juan Perez in the seventh.

Still, a combined five Isotopes pitchers held the Express to four hits on the night, the fewest allowed by the pitching corps on the season, and only one of which went for extra bases.

By the time the Express did pick up their first hit, Albuquerque had already built all the lead it would need. The ‘Topes struck in the first with an RBI single from John Lindsey. After Ivan DeJesus, Jr. legged out a base hit on a grounder to short, the speedy infielder advanced to second when the throw to first sailed off target. From there, Lindsey did what he does best and cashed in the run to put the Isotopes ahead 1-0.

DeJesus, Jr. would account for Albuquerque's second run as well, stroking a one-out double, his sixth of the season, in the bottom of the third to once again put himself in scoring position. This time Jay Gibbons brought DeJesus, Jr. home, sending a single to center to up the ‘Topes' edge to 2-0.

While McDonald continued his magnificent mound work, the Isotopes offense added one more courtesy a Nick Green solo homer in the bottom of the fifth to make it 3-0.

After Corcoran and Perez's scoreless frames, Justin Miller allowed a run with two singles in the eighth to make the score 3-1, but kept the damage to that, ending the inning with a strikeout. Luis Ayala (3) closed it out in the ninth, despite allowing two baserunners to pick up his third save.

The Isotopes will continue their series with the Express on Friday with left-hander Scott Elbert (0-1, 8.36) taking the mound against Round Rock lefty Polin Trenidad (0-0, 2.45) in a 7:05 PM start from The Lab.

The ‘Topes continue their four-game set against the Round Rock Express, Triple-A affiliate of the Houston Astros, on Friday with Isotopes Hat Night to the first 3,000 fans 21 and older courtesy of Miller Lite. On Saturday, the ‘Topes will host their first fireworks show of the young season. 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 April 29, 2010


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