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PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

Pitching Propels Isotopes Over Cubs 3-1

April 13, 2009 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


The Albuquerque Isotopes (2-3) got a pair of strong pitching performances from Shawn Estes and Jeff Weaver, who helped pace the 'Topes to a masterful 3-1 win over the Iowa Cubs (3-2) Monday evening at Isotopes Park.

With both Major League veteran hurlers needing innings after respective Spring Trainings spent mostly the Dodgers' bullpen, Estes got the starting nod and was excellent, allowing one run on three hits in four innings of work while walking one and striking out three. The left-hander's only blemish on the night occurred in the fourth when Jake Fox led off the inning by getting hit by a pitch, advanced to third on a single by Luis Rivas, and scored on a sacrifice fly to center by Nate Spears to give Iowa an early 1-0 lead.

Estes's I-Cubs counterpart, right-hander Jeff Samardzija, was equal to the task, allowing just two hits and a walk in four shutout innings while striking out four. After a single by Dee Brown in the first, the young Notre Dame product retired 11 straight Isotopes.

In the fifth Estes gave way to Weaver, who was dominant, allowing just two walks in three scoreless, hitless frames.

With the pitching in control, all that was left in question was the Albuquerque offense, which erupted for three runs in the seventh. Jason Repko kick-started the frame by hammering his team-leading third home run of the young season, tying the game at 1-1. Valentino Pascucci then followed with a towering drive to the 428 sign in deep left-center field that couldn't be hauled in by Iowa center fielder Sam Fuld, allowing the 6'6" Pascucci to lumber all the way into third with his first triple since 2007. Mitch Jones immediately added a single, chasing home Pascucci and giving the 'Topes their first lead since Thursday, April 9 at 2-1. Chin-Lung Hu advanced Jones to second on a sacrifice in front of Hector Luna, who crushed a liner into center that plated Jones and extended the Isotopes' advantage to 3-1.

The two run cushion was plenty for the 'Topes pitchers. Weaver (1-0), who earned the win, gave way to Nick DeBarr, who tossed a scoreless frame in which he gave up one hit. The ninth then belonged to Tanyon Sturtze (1), who earned the first save by an Isotopes pitcher this season after allowing just two hits in a scoreless final stanza.

In addition to the exciting action on the field, 'Topes fans were able to enjoy the team's always-popular 50-cent Hot Dog Night promotion, during which 21,351 of the ballpark delicacies were scarfed down by a paying crowd of 6,387 for an average of 3.34 dogs per person.

Albuquerque will look to build upon its win when it faces Iowa in the second of a four-game set. Opening Day winner, right-hander Miguel Pinango (1-0, 1.80 ERA) takes the mound for the Isotopes against Iowa righty Mitch Atkins (0-1, 12.60 ERA) tomorrow at 6:35 PM.

More great promotions continue as the Isotopes will host an Adult Fun Run tomorrow and on Wednesday, a tribute will be held to honor Jackie Robinson and Negro League players 62 years after Robinson broke the color barrier. In a pre-game ceremony, Robinson's number will be placed on the outfield wall of The Lab, displayed just as it is at every Major League park. Tickets for any Isotopes game may be purchased at the Isotopes Park Box Office, at Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 1-800-745-3000, or on-line at www.albuquerquebaseball.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

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Pacific Coast League Stories from April 13, 2009


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