PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

Round Rock blanks Isotopes

Published on May 2, 2009 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


The Albuquerque Isotopes (10-12) were struck out a season-high 13 times en route to a 5-0 shutout at the hands of the Round Rock Express (9-14) Saturday night at Isotopes Park. The ‘Topes' offense couldn't muster an extra-base hit and pushed only one base runner past second base and only two past first. The shutout is the fourth thrown against Albuquerque already this season and the second dealt to the ‘Topes at home.

Express starter Alberto Arias (2-2) shined, allowing just four hits over six scoreless innings to pick up the win. Arias fanned nine Isotopes, issued just one free pass, and sat down seven straight before his exit after the sixth.

The right-hander quelled early Albuquerque threats quickly before settling in over his final three innings of work. In the first inning, with two runners aboard, the Express caught Jason Repko stealing third before Arias whiffed Hector Luna to end the inning. The only other danger posed came in the bottom of the third, when A.J. Ellis led off with a single and moved to third after a sacrifice bunt from pitcher Miguel Pinango and a single from Chin-Lung Hu. Arias escaped the threat, however, striking out Xavier Paul to leave runners on the corners.

Albuquerque starter Pinanago (1-3) was saddled the loss, going 6.2 innings in which he allowed five runs on seven hits. Pinango dealt four scoreless innings, retiring nine straight, before Round Rock struck for three in the top of the fifth. After a double by Yordany Ramirez, Edwin Maysonet laced an RBI single to plate the first run of the contest. Two batters later, a walk and a fielder's choice, former Isotope Reggie Abercrombie hammed a two-out triple that scored two and gave Round Rock a 3-0 lead.

Pinango sat the Express down in order in the sixth, but loaded the bases with two out in the seventh. Tommy Manzella smacked a single up the middle to plate two, increasing the Round Rock advantage to 5-0 and ending Pinango's evening.

Arias' departure did nothing to inspire the Isotopes' bats, as Jeremy Johnson (2) held the ‘Topes to three hits over the final three innings to notch his second save of the season. Hu claimed the only multi-hit outing, going 2-for-3. Each member of Albuquerque's starting nine save Hu and Pinango went down via strikeout at least once.

Albuquerque looks to snap a two-game skid and preserve a series split tomorrow behind lefty Shawn Estes (1-1, 2.37) who takes the mound for the Isotopes while left-hander Josh Muecke (0-2, 7.00) counters for Round Rock.

Albuquerque's homestand wraps up tomorrow, May 2 as the ‘Topes will host their annual Salute To Public Safety Day where the team pays tribute to all the brave men and women who keep us safe. Sunday, which is also the second Dodger Blue Sunday of the season, will also feature Isotopes pennants to the first 3,000 fans. 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.

Check out the Albuquerque Isotopes Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Pacific Coast League Stories from May 2, 2009


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central