Ninth inning collaspe leads to 13-8 loss
Published on August 17, 2003 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release
What looked like a sure win turned sore for Albuquerque in a 13-8 loss to Omaha on Sunday night at Isotopes Park in front of 7,583 fans.
Albuquerque scored five runs in the bottom of the eighth inning, giving the Isotopes an 8-4 lead entering the ninth inning. With two outs, two on, and closer Blaine Neal on the mound, first baseman Lenny Harris misplayed a ground ball that would have ended the game, but instead lead to two runs. Omaha took advantage scoring seven more runs on four more hits, including a grand slam by Gookie David off Oswaldo Mairena, who replaced Neal (3-2).
The âTopes had taken their first lead of the game in the bottom of the eighth, as Robert Stratton hit his league-leading 31st homer of the season, a two-run shot for a 5-4 lead. The homer was Stratton's first since July 23 vs. New Orleans. Albuquerque would add three more runs on three hits, including a two-run single by Chad Allen for the 8-4 lead.
The teams exchanged three-run innings in the first, with Omaha putting up three on four hits off starter Aaron Small. The âTopes responded with a three-run homer by Abraham Nunez, his 11th. Small recorded a no-decision, allowing four runs on eight hits over seven innings.
The Isotopes' (67-62) loss, combined with a win by Colorado Springs cut the âTopes Central Division lead to one game with 15 remaining. The âTopes and Royals play the finale of a four-game series tomorrow night, beginning at 7:11 PM. Scott Sanders will make the start.
Pacific Coast League Stories from August 17, 2003
- Ninth inning collaspe leads to 13-8 loss - Albuquerque Isotopes
- Express power up again, down Wranglers - Round Rock Express
- Sounds Lose 4th In A Row; Division Lead At 4 1/2 Games - Nashville Sounds
- Zephyrs Run by Cubs, 8-3 - New Orleans Baby Cakes
- Trappers Winning Streak Get Bootchecked - Edmonton Trappers
- Beavers Lose Pitchers' Duel - Portland Beavers
- Beavers Hold on for 11-6 Win - Portland Beavers
- 'Topes let late lead slip away, 9-3 - Albuquerque Isotopes
- Sounds Lose Third Straight, Lead Cut To 5 1/2 Games - Nashville Sounds
- Trappers Erase Five-Run Deficit, Win in Dramatic Fashion - Edmonton Trappers
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