Niles Plays the Hero in 8-5 \'Topes Win over 51s
May 21, 2006 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release
Drew Niles unloaded on a Hong-Chih Kuo offering in the bottom of the eighth inning for a three-run homer, pushing the Isotopes (30-14) to an 8-5 win and the series sweep of Las Vegas (25-18) Sunday afternoon at Isotopes Park. Albuquerque has now won eight straight and is one win shy of tying the franchise record set earlier this season.
With the game knotted at 5-5 with one out in the eighth, two runners reached and the 51s went to their bullpen for the second time, plucking the left-hander Kuo to face the switch-hitting Niles. Batting from the right side of the plate, Niles promptly deposited the second pitch over the wall in left, bringing in three runs and putting the 'Topes on top for good.
Albuquerque has swept back-to-back series for the second time this season. The 'Topes have won eight in-a-row, 16-of-20 on their home turf and, coupled with a Round Rock defeat on Sunday, now hold a 3.5 game lead in the division.
Chris Resop (2-0) entered the game in the middle of the seventh and lasted 1.1 innings to earn the win. Brad Clontz came on in the ninth and shut the door on his League-leading eighth save of 2006. Albuquerque starter Jeff Fulchino kept the 'Topes in the game, allowing three runs on four hits through six innings before being relieved in the seventh.
Eric Hull (1-1) took the loss for the 51s, as he was charged with two of the three runners that scored on Niles' long ball in the eighth. Starter D.J. Houlton allowed five runs on six hits in six innings of work.
Trailing 3-0 after three, the 'Topes exploded with a four-run fourth to take their first lead. James Shanks doubled home a run, then came around to score on a throwing error for the second Isotopes run. Three batters later, Tom Wilson induced a bases-loaded walk, forcing in another run. Chris Ashby finished off the scoring with a sacrifice fly to center for a 4-3 'Topes lead. In the sixth, the lead swelled to two, 5-3, when Wilson hit a solo shot to left, his second of the year.
The 51s used a two-run home run by Wilson Valdez in the seventh inning to tie the score, 5-5. The game stood that way until the eighth, when Niles went deep to finish off the 51s for the fourth-straight night.
Shanks and Jason Wood each had two hits for Albuquerque. The 'Topes collected 10 base hits in all on the night.
The Isotopes continue the 12-game homestand and begin a new four-game series on Monday when they face off with Tucson at 7:05 p.m. MT. Albuquerque will send Adam Bostick (0-0, No ERA), recently called up from Double-A Carolina, to the slab, while Tucson will counter with Dustin Nippert (5-0, 3.51).
The Isotopes and United Blood Services will host a blood drive at Isotopes Park on Monday from 3:30-7:00 PM prior to the game. Those that donate blood will receive a T-Shirt and a Buy-One-Get-One-Free voucher for a Reserved Section ticket to that night's contest.
Tickets are available at the Isotopes Park Box Office, Ticketmaster outlets and on-line at www.albuquerquebaseball.com. For more information, please call (505) 924-2255.
Pacific Coast League Stories from May 21, 2006
- Sidewinders win in Round Rock, earn series split - Tucson Sidewinders
- Niles Plays the Hero in 8-5 âTopes Win over 51s - Albuquerque Isotopes
- Sounds Take Third Straight From Tacoma, 10-1 - Nashville Sounds
- Brown, River Cats Defeat O-Royals, 4-3 - Sacramento River Cats
- Express Drop Finale, Split Series - Round Rock Express
- RedHawks fumble Salt Lake finale - Oklahoma City Comets
- Royals game notes - Omaha Storm Chasers
- 'Birds Win with Walk-Off, 2-1 - Memphis Redbirds
- Oklahoma RedHawks Game Notes - Oklahoma City Comets
- Santos starts fireworks show early with walk off homer to defeat Cubs, 7-6 - Tucson Sidewinders
- RedHawks belt four homers in 14-8 win - Oklahoma City Comets
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