PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

Murphy's Three-Hits Not Enough For Victory

Published on July 28, 2008 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


Albuquerque Isotopes (46-63) pitchers combined for nine walks and three wild pitches that contributed to a 7-3 loss to the Fresno Grizzlies (54-55) Monday night at Isotopes Park. Tommy Murphy led the sparse offensive charge for the ‘Topes, collecting three hits and driving in an RBI, while reliever Scott Nestor shut down the Grizzlies bats in order while striking out a batter in his only inning of work.

The Grizzlies jumped out to an early lead in the first when Jake Wald drew a leadoff walk and stole second with two outs. Scott McClain then doubled to right field, plating Wald for the first run of the game, 1-0. Justin Leone was hit by a pitch in front of Brian Horwitz, who walked to load the bases for Travis Denker. Isotopes starter Frankie De La Cruz awarded the visitors two runs on back-to-back wild pitches that allowed Wald and Leone to score, extending Fresno's lead to three, 3-0.

Brett Hayes led the third inning off with a single to left and advanced to second when De La Cruz laid down a two-strike sacrifice bunt. Manny Mayorson then lined a singled up the middle that drove in Hayes from second for Albuquerque's first run, 3-1.

Travis Ishikawa drew a two-out walk in the fifth that set up McClain, who hammered a 2-1 offering over the left field fence to elongate the Grizzlies advantage to four, 5-1.

Fresno tacked on another run in the sixth when Horwitz drew a leadoff walk only to reach third after Denker singled up the middle. With runners on the corners, Guillermo Rodriguez ground into a double play that scored Horwitz from third, 6-1.

Wald singled to left to begin the seventh and then advanced to second after reliever Chris Michalak threw a wild pitch and Dan Ortmeier drew a walk. With runners on first and second, McClain cracked a single up the middle that drove in Wald for the six run edge, 7-1.

In the seventh, Hayes reached after being hit by a pitch, and then dashed to second following a wild pitch, only to safely slide into third when Chase Lambin grounded out to second. Murphy laced a single to center that drove in Hayes and narrowed the Grizzlies lead to five, 7-2.

Tagg Bozied doubled to left to kick start the eighth for the Isotopes, then pinch hitter Alberto Concepcion drew a two-out walk, on the play Bozied sprinted to third. Kevin Randel singled to right for his first RBI as an Isotope when he drove in Bozied for Albuquerque's final run, 7-3.

Pitching his second inning of relief for the Grizzlies, Billy Sadler settled down in the ninth to secure the 7-3 victory over the ‘Topes.

The Isotopes will complete their eight-game homestand while trying to avoid a sweep in the finale against the Fresno Grizzlies. Southpaw Chris Seddon (7-7, 4.46) will make the start for Albuquerque versus Fresno righty Victor Santos (5-4, 4.89) Tuesday night at Isotopes Park. First pitch set for 7:05 PM.

Albuquerque finishes up its first homestand after the All-Star Break with an Isotopes License Plate Frame giveaway on Tuesday. Tickets can be purchased at Isotopes Park or any Ticketmaster outlet, www.ticketmaster.com, or Ticketmaster by phone 505-883-7800. For more information, visit www.albuquerquebaseball.com or call 505-924-2255.

Check out the Albuquerque Isotopes Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Pacific Coast League Stories from July 28, 2008


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central