PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

Relievers Shutout Z's Over Six Innings To Seal Win

Published on August 20, 2008 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


Down by four runs in the sixth, the Albuquerque Isotopes (60-72) unleashed a blitzkrieg of offense, scoring six runs including a grand slam by Andrew Beattie, to grab a 7-5 victory over the New Orleans Zephyrs (62-70) Wednesday night at Isotopes Park. In addition to the grand slam, Beattie added two more hits in a three-for-four performance, while Steve Woodard's key three and a third shutout innings of relief helped swing the pendulum of momentum back to the ‘Topes favor.

Trailing 5-1 in the sixth, Tagg Bozied led the inning off with a walk that set up Dallas McPherson, who cracked a single to right-center advancing Bozied to second. Jason Wood drew a walk to load the bases for Beattie, who tattooed a grand slam over the left-center field fence that tied the game up with one swing, 5-5. Brett Hayes followed with a solo shot two pitches later that gave the ‘Topes their first lead of the ballgame, 6-5. Pinch hitter Chase Lambin extended the inning with a hot shot single to third then scampered into second after Tommy Murphy slashed a single to left. Batting for the second time in the inning, Bozied singled to left-center, scoring Lambin for the ‘Topes sixth run in the inning, 7-5.

Once the Isotopes apprehended control of the game after their monstrous sixth inning the duo of Carlos Martinez and Brandon Villafuerte (5) shut down the Zephyrs bats over the final three innings for the 7-5 triumph. Villafuerte fanned four of five batters he faced to close out his fifth save of the season and his second in as many nights.

New Orleans took an early lead in the first when Jesus Feliciano smashed the second pitch of the ballgame over the left field fence for a leadoff home run that was immediately followed by an Andy Green solo blast that gave the Z's a quick 2-0 edge.

Murphy extended his team-leading hitting streak to fifteen games when he hit a one-out, line-drive double to right-center field in the bottom of the first and scampered home after Bozied laced a double to right field for Albuquerque's first run, 2-1.

Zephyrs starter Ruddy Lugo began the second inning when he reached safely with a single to left field for Green, who continued his power surge with his second homer of the game, giving New Orleans a three-run edge, 4-1.

Gustavo Molina lined a double to right field to leadoff the third inning, then advanced to third after a ground out to the right side. With a runner on third, Feliciano singled to left, plating Molina and extending the Zephyrs' advantage to four, 5-1. Despite the early offensive charge, New Orleans' offense would scuffle over the final six innings while the Isotopes offense ignited.

The Isotopes look to continue their winning ways against the New Orleans Zephyrs in game two of the five-game series tomorrow night with right hander Bobby Keppel (7-11, 6.34) squaring off against Z's righty Bobby Parnell (1-1, 4.91). First pitch is set for 6:35 PM at Isotopes Park.

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Pacific Coast League Stories from August 20, 2008


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