PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

Nashville tops Albuquerque, 6-4

Published on May 27, 2007 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


Eric Reed helped fuel a ninth-inning comeback effort for Albuquerque, but the late rally fell just short as the Nashville Sounds (26-23) evened the series with a 6-4 victory over the Isotopes (25-24) Saturday night at Isotopes Park.

Reed collected four hits on the evening-the fourth a triple that would lead to a run in the bottom of the ninth to cut the Isotopes deficit to two. Albuquerque's come-from-behind bid ended there, though, as the Sounds hung on for their first win of the series.

The ballgame saw each team achieve a degree of success offensively in the early going, but pitching became the story over the final five frames. Nashville plated two runs in the first inning, using a run-scoring double-play groundout for former ‘Tope Joe Dillon and an RBI single through the hole on the right side by Andy Abad.

Albuquerque answered with a run in the second as Scott Seabol smacked his 10th home run of the season-a solo shot to pull the Isotopes to within a run. Nashville would get that run back in a hurry, though. Again it was Abad, this time with a solo homer to left to push the Sounds lead to 3-1.

The Isotopes had an answer yet again in the third, tying the score at 3-3. Reed singled through the right side to chase home the first run of the frame, and he would come around to score three batters later on a run-scoring groundout for John Gall.

Nashville didn't waste any time regaining their lead, as the Sounds scored three times in the fourth inning to jump out to a 6-3 advantage. Nashville managed to load the bases with two outs in the inning and Dillon at the plate. The ‘Topes couldn't get the last out, as Dillon cleared the bases with a double to left-center.

After that, scoring would come at a premium. Nashville didn't score after the fourth, and the ‘Topes were held silent until the ninth. In the final frame, Reed led-off with a triple and scored one batter later. Valentino Pascucci singled and stole second to keep the rally alive, bringing Gall to the plate representing the tying run. Gall would fly out to Laynce Nix in center, and Pascucci was caught trying to tag up at third base for the final out of the game.

‘Topes starter Nic Ungs (2-2) was pinned with the loss, surrendering six runs-three earned-on seven hits over 3.2 innings. The right-hander walked five and struck out two. Five Isotopes relievers combined to hold the Sounds scoreless on just four hits for the remainder of the contest.

The win went to Nashville starter Chris Oxspring (3-3). He allowed three runs-two earned-on six hits over six innings. Luther Hackman slammed the door in the ninth to pick up his eighth save.

The ‘Topes and Sounds hit the third leg of the series on Sunday. Left-hander Chris George (3-3, 4.53) toes the slab for Albuquerque. He'll face-off with Brewers top-prospect Yovani Gallardo (6-1, 2.14). First pitch is set for 6:05 PM at Isotopes Park.

On Sunday the ‘Topes continue their annual Military Appreciation Weekend. Another spectacular fireworks show, the resumption of the camouflage jersey auction and the first Albuquerque Journal Autograph Session of the season are set to take place. 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

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Pacific Coast League Stories from May 27, 2007


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