PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

Memphis Rallies Past Isotopes 9-6

Published on June 8, 2010 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


The Albuquerque Isotopes (30-27) surrendered eight runs to the Memphis Redbirds (32-26) over the final four frames to fall 9-6 in the series finale Tuesday afternoon at Isotopes Park.

Spot starter Bobby Blevins, who joined the team from Single-A Inland Empire, fared well in his Triple-A debut, allowing just four hits and one run to the Redbirds. While Albuquerque held a narrow 3-1 edge at the time of Blevins' exit, the 'Topes bullpen crumbled as the 'Birds went up 9-3.

With two outs in the bottom of the ninth, Albuquerque's offense reappeared as J.D. Closser slugged a three-run homer, but, after the ejection of Memphis reliever Rich Hill, it took just one pitch from Josh Kinney to end the game and seal the Redbirds victory.

Memphis stuck first on an Allen Craig solo home run to lead off the second inning, but Albuquerque used a three-spot in the bottom of the fourth to snatch the lead. Jamie Hoffmann opened the inning with a single to center, and the 'Topes loaded the bases one batter later with a single through the left side via Michael Restovich and a walk to Russ Mitchell. With one out, Lucas May tied the score with a fielder's choice that plated Hoffmann for a 1-1 deadlock. Nick Green gave the 'Topes the lead with a two-run, first pitch double to left center to make it 3-1.

The Redbirds, who cranked out 23 hits last night, responded after Blevins' exit, knotting it up with single tallies in the sixth and seventh thanks to three doubles off reliever Travis Schlichting. Ten of Memphis' 14 hits came over the final four frames.

The 'Birds would break the deadlock with four runs in the eighth off Juan Perez (2-2), who surrendered a two-run triple to Joe Mather. Mather would score from third on a throwing error from Green, who misfired a throw to home in an attempt to retire Mather on a grounder by Jim Rapoport to short. Donovan Solano cashed in Rapoport with a pinch-hit single to center to quickly make it 7-3 Memphis.

Memphis added an insurance run in the top of the ninth while the Redbirds silenced Albuquerque, retiring 15 of 16 batters after the three-run fourth. With two outs in the ninth, however, Green was plunked with a Rich Hill pitch. Chin-lung Hu followed with his second double of the game to set up Closser's long ball. Unfortunately the rally came too little, too late as Prentice Redman flew out to end the contest.

Albuquerque will get a much-needed day off on Wednesday before heading to Oklahoma City for a pivotal four-game set with the Division-leading RedHawks. Right-hander Tim Corcoran (4-5, 4.07) is scheduled to get the ball for the 'Topes in the first game on Thursday against 'Hawks righy Guillermo Moscoso (2-2, 2.93).

Albuquerque will hit the road for four games with division rival Oklahoma City beginning Thursday and return home for a four-game series with the Omaha Royals, Triple-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals, on June 14. 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.

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Pacific Coast League Stories from June 8, 2010


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