Memphis shuts down Isotopes, 2-0
Published on June 22, 2006 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release
Chris George and Dennis Tankersley battled in an old-fashion pitcher's duel Thursday night, but a two-run seventh inning for Memphis lifted the Redbirds (28-44) to a 2-0 victory over the Albuquerque Isotopes (39-35) in the second of a five-game set at AutoZone Park.
George (1-2) rolled through his longest outing of the 2006 season, only running into trouble in the bottom half of the seventh inning. Through six complete, George's line included three hits, no runs and four Ks. Two runs on three hits in the seventh became the lone blemish on the left-handers record and enough for the Redbirds to walk away with their second victory over the âTopes in as many nights.
Tankersley (3-8) dealt the âTopes an impressive outing, allowing just three hits and no runs through seven innings of work. Tankersley walked two and equaled a season high by striking out nine.
Both bullpens were as effective as the starting pitching. Three âTopes relievers combined to allow no runs and no hits over the final 1.1 innings. Two Redbirds relievers surrendered a hit and no runs over the final two frames.
Through much of the game, both starting pitchers were able to silence any possible threat. The Isotopes had two runners in scoring position in the second and loaded the bases in the third. Tankersley bent, but wouldn't break, thwarting both threats with inning-ending punchouts. For the game, the âTopes stranded six men on base.
A similar tale would be told for Memphis, who had several chances but couldn't break through against George. In the seventh, though, the Redbirds got to the âTopes starter for the first time and took a lead that would carry them to the victory. John Nelson and Brian Martin singled in the seventh, putting two on with one away. Mike Rose followed with a run-scoring double to left, and the next hitter, Skip Schumaker, hit a sacrifice fly to left, bring home Martin and putting the âBirds ahead 2-0.
Andy Cavazos tossed a scoreless eighth and Brian Falkenborg earned his 11th save with a 1-2-3 ninth inning.
The âTopes managed just four hits on Thursday night. Eric Reed, Jason Wood and newly acquired Todd Sears all singled. The lone extra-base hit was a double off the bat of George-the first Minor League hit of his career.
The Isotopes and Redbirds will get after it again on Friday night at 6:10 p.m. MT at AutoZone Park. Back from the parent club, right-hander Yusmeiro Petit (2-3, 4.69) gets the ball for Albuquerque, while Memphis' starter remains to be determined.
Albuquerque returns home on Monday, June 26 for the beginning of an eight game homestand against Omaha and Memphis. The great promotions kick off with Dukes Retro Night on Tuesday, June 27, when the team will don Dukes uniforms in tribute to Albuquerque's great baseball heritage. Tickets can be purchased at the Isotopes Park Box Office, www.albuquerquebaseball.com, Ticketmaster outlets, or at www.ticketmaster.com. For more information, please call (505) 924-2255.
Pacific Coast League Stories from June 22, 2006
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- Memphis shuts down Isotopes, 2-0 - Albuquerque Isotopes
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