Power And Pitching Lead Isotopes Past Redbirds
April 16, 2008 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release
For the second straight game, the Albuquerque Isotopes (6-6) got a strong performance from their starting pitcher, as Bobby Keppel took a no-hitter into the fifth inning to help lead the 'Topes to a 6-4 victory over the Memphis Redbirds (6-8), on a sunny Wednesday afternoon at AutoZone Park. Keppel pitched seven quality innings for the Isotopes, scattering six hits and allowing two earned runs to earn the victory for the 'Topes, their third in a row.
The Isotopes put pressure on Memphis early as leadoff hitter Jai Miller hit a line drive double to begin the ballgame. Two batters later left fielder John Gall drove in Miller on his own double to right field, giving the Isotopes the early 1-0 lead.
Albuquerque continued to score on Memphis in the top of the third, but this time the 'Topes showed off their power. Second baseman Andrew Beattie hit his first home run of the season deep over the center field fence to increase the score to 2-0. Gall then immediately followed Beattie by hitting a home run of his own, giving the 'Topes their first back-to-back dingers of the season and bolstering the lead to 3-0.
In the top of the fourth, the Isotopes continued their scoring ways when right fielder Alexis Gomez hit a line drive single to left field and stole second for catcher John Baker, who then slashed a single to right field plating Gomez and increasing Albuquerque's advantage to 4-0.
The 'Topes' power was again on display in the top of the fifth inning as Miller continued his hot streak in the leadoff spot smacking a deep home run over the left field fence to stretch Albuquerque's lead to 5-0. Gall again displayed his home run touch, hitting his second long ball of the day over the left-center field wall to give the 'Topes a 6-0 cushion.
"It feels good to bat behind Beattie because he has been on base so much," said Gall of his teammate who extended his PCL-leading hit streak to 10 games. "It's kind of like he's the steak and I'm the sizzle."
Memphis did mount a comeback in the bottom of the fifth inning when Redbirds first baseman Josh Phelps broke Bobby Keppel's no-hitter with a leadoff line drive single to left field. Third baseman David Freese would then end Keppel's shot at a shutout when he hit a two-run homer to left, putting the Redbirds on the scoreboard, 6-2.
After scoring in the sixth, Memphis scored once more in the ninth with another deep homer by Freese off of closer Joe Nelson to narrow the lead to 6-4. Nelson (5) settled down, however, striking out the next two batters and retiring the final man with a soft grounder to secure his fifth save and the 'Topes victory.
The Isotopes will continue their short four-game road trip in Memphis on Thursday evening behind right-hander Gaby Hernandez (0-2, 7.59), who will face off against Redbirds righty Mitchell Boggs (2-0, 0.69). First pitch is slated for 6:05 PM Mountain Time on 610 AM The Sports Animal.
After four in Memphis, the 'Topes return to Albuquerque to face the Nashville Sounds on Saturday for the first of eight fireworks shows in the 2008 season. Tickets can be purchased at Isotopes Park or any Ticketmaster outlet, www.ticketmaster.com, or Ticketmaster by phone 505-883-7800. For more information on individual game tickets, season tickets, or mini-plans, visit www.albuquerquebaseball.com or call 505-924-2255.
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Pacific Coast League Stories from April 16, 2008
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- Meyer throws six no-hit innings in Cats 3-0 win on Wednesday - Sacramento River Cats
- Isotopes overpower Redbirds - Memphis Redbirds
- Oklahoma RedHawks Game Notes - Oklahoma City Comets
- Sky Sox Drop Third Straight With 5-1 Loss to Portland - Colorado Springs Sky Sox
- Beavers Make It Two In A Row Over Sky Sox - Portland Beavers
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- Angels Recall Serrano, Option Willits to Salt Lake - Salt Lake Bees
- Season's First Fireworks Night Starts Isotopes Homestand With A Bang - Albuquerque Isotopes
- Royals Game Notes - Omaha Storm Chasers
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