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PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

Rivera's slam sends Sounds to 8-4 win over 'Topes

June 3, 2006 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


A grand-slam by catcher Mike Rivera capped a seven-run fourth inning and sent the Nashville Sounds (32-24) to an 8-4 win over the Albuquerque Isotopes (33-24) Saturday night at Greer Stadium. The setback is the ‘Topes fifth straight loss on their current eight-game road trip.

Early on, it looked like Albuquerque would break the skid, as the Isotopes plated three in the top of the third. Paul Hoover led off the inning with a double, and after two strikeouts, advanced to third on an infield hit by Robert Andino. Chris Aguila then roped a triple to center, scoring both base-runners to give the ‘Topes a quick 2-0 lead. Jason Wood then added a double of his own to plate Aguila and extend the advantage to 3-0, all runs having been scored with two outs.

The lead proved short-lived, however, as Nashville roared back in the bottom of the fourth. After a Vinny Rottino infield single, Dave Krynzel hit a slow roller that was fielded by pitcher Jimmy Anderson, in to relieve starter Renyel Pinto, who threw wildly to first, allowing Krynzel to reach and Rottino to advance all the way to third with nobody out. After a Chris Barnwell single scored Rottino to put the Sounds on the board at 3-1, Tony Gwynn, Jr hit a soft single to right that loaded the bases. Zach Sorensen then lifted a sacrifice fly to center that plated Krynzel before Nelson Cruz tied the game at 3-3 with an RBI single. A Graham Koonce walk loaded the bases for Rivera, who belted an Anderson offering over the left field fence to suddenly give Nashville the lead for good at 7-3 and cap a seven-run frame, the most runs given up by the Isotopes in an inning this year.

Nashville's big inning obscured what was a solid performance from ‘Topes starter Pinto, making his first appearance since returning from a stint with the Florida Marlins. Pinto allowed one hit in three-innings of work while walking three and striking out seven before an increased pitch count forced him to give way to Anderson in the fourth. Anderson (2-3), who allowed another run to the Sounds in the bottom of the fifth, suffered the loss, while Nashville starter Ben Hendrickson (3-1), who allowed three runs on four hits through five innings while walking one and fanning six, got the win.

Albuquerque tried to mount one of its patented comebacks down 8-3 in the ninth, when James Shanks drove home Hoover with a two-out RBI single, but that's as far as the ‘Topes could would get, as Alec Zumwalt struck out Andino to end the game.

The Isotopes will look to avoid a sixth straight loss tomorrow when right-hander Nic Ungs (6-4, 3.00) faces Sounds righty Dennis Sarfate (3-2, 3.13) at Greer Stadium. Game time on Sunday is scheduled for 5:00 PM Mountain Time.

Albuquerque returns home on Thursday, June 8 for the beginning of an eight game homestand that is kicked off by the ever-popular 50-cent Hot Dog Night on Thursday and an appearance by the Zooperstars! on Friday, June 9. Tickets can be purchased at the Isotopes Park Box Office, www.albuquerquebaseball.com, Ticketmaster outlets, or at www.ticketmaster.com. For more information, please call (505) 924-2255.

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