RedHawks, Rain Douse Isotopes 6-2
Published on July 30, 2009 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release
Plagued by a late scratch of original starter Scott Elbert, the Albuquerque Isotopes (56-48) sizzling offense was held in check by Oklahoma City RedHawks (55-49) starter Luis Mendoza, who allowed just four hits in seven innings en route to a 6-2 'Hawks victory on Dukes Retro night Wednesday at Isotopes Park.
The loss puts Albuquerque back to a game and a half ahead of the RedHawks in the heated American Southern division.
Mendoza (4-4) retired 13 of 16 before surrendering his lone run in the bottom of the fifth. By that time, Oklahoma City had already established a 4-0 advantage off of spot-starter Henry Bonilla. The right-hander, who pitched four scoreless innings in an emergency start last Tuesday, cruised through the first inning but quickly ran into trouble in the second and third innings.
Justin Smoak and Royce Huffman delivered back-to-back singles with one out in the second before Kevin Richardson plated Smoak with a RBI bloop double along the right-field line for a 1-0 Oklahoma City lead. The RedHawks extended it to 4-0 in the third with an infield hit from Brandon Boggs and a two-run double from Smoak, who racked up a game-high three hits.
After walking the next batter to put two aboard, Dwayne Pollok entered in place of Bonilla coaxing Casey Benjamin into an inning-ending double play. Pollok proceeded to pitch three scoreless innings, facing the minimum, before allowing two runs in the seventh via a Richardson solo homer and an RBI double play from Esteban German. The righty, who has allowed five runs in each of his last two outings, worked a season-high 4.2 innings and induced three double plays along with three strikeouts in a solid performance overall.
The 'Topes managed just one run over the first eight innings. Down 4-0 heading into the fifth, Dee Brown opened the frame with a double to left before A.J. Ellis, the only 'Tope with multiple hits on the night, cashed him in with a single to right to pull within 4-1.
After the 'Hawks made it 6-1 and a 40 minute rain delay chased Mendoza, Albuquerque made one last strike in the bottom of the ninth, putting its first two batters aboard. Jason Repko sent in Mitch Jones with an RBI groundout, but Brian Gordon shut the door on any potential Albuquerque rally, striking out Ellis to end the game.
Bonilla took the loss, falling to 3-7. New 'Tope Francsico Felix went the final 1.2 innings for Albuquerque striking out four and allowing just one hit in his second outing of the season.
Albuquerque will attempt to get back on a winning track tomorrow behind right-hander J.D. Durbin (0-2, 4.50) who will face RedHawks righty Josh Rupe (3-6, 6.00) in a 7:05 PM MT start.
The Isotopes big eight-game homestand rolls on tomorrow with a TV giveaway night courtesy of Baillios before wrapping up on Friday with a fireworks extravaganza. 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.
Pacific Coast League Stories from July 30, 2009
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- Z's Win Rain Shortened Game - New Orleans Baby Cakes
- Redbirds, Express Rained Out - Memphis Redbirds
- Beavers Break Out Special Jerseys for the Cure on Sunday - Portland Beavers
- Second Express Pitcher Called Up - Round Rock Express
- RedHawks at Isotopes Tonight - Oklahoma City Comets
- Angels Option Mosebach to Salt Lake, Cabrera Reassigned to Orem - Salt Lake Bees
- Topes Groundkeeper Hired by Minnesota Twins - Albuquerque Isotopes
- Justin Duchscherer Scheduled to Make Rehab Appearance Friday at Raley Field - Sacramento River Cats
- Hester Blasts Aces Past Rainiers, 11-4 - Reno Aces
- RedHawks, Rain Douse Isotopes 6-2 - Albuquerque Isotopes
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