PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

Round Rock Rips Isotopes, 8-2

Published on June 5, 2011 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


The Albuquerque Isotopes (31-25) lost their starter to injury in the first inning and could never recover, falling 8-2 to the Round Rock Express (33-24) on a scorching Sunday afternoon at The Dell Diamond. ‘Topes left-hander Alberto Bastardo lasted just one third of a frame before spraining his left ankle backing up a play at third that forced him from the game.

Things started well enough for the ‘Topes, who scored a run in the top of the first when Dee Gordon led off the game with a single, advanced to third on a double by Eugenio Velez, and scored on a groundout off the bat of John Lindsey to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.

Round Rock responded in the bottom of the inning with back-to-back one-out singles by Esteban German and Chris Davis that put runners on the corners. As Bastardo was racing over to back-up third base after Davis's knock, the pitcher turned his left ankle violently and collapsed in a heap in foul territory near the third base line. After Bastardo was helped back to the clubhouse, an examination revealed no fracture, but the left-hander's day was over after just nine pitches. Consummate utility pitcher Francisco Felix was rushed into action and took over with out in the first, immediately surrendering a double to Chad Tracy that scored German and tied the game at 1-1.

Felix escaped further damage in the first inning, but the Express seized control of the contest with a four-run second. After a walk to Matt Kata and back-to-back doubles by Joey Butler and Kevin Cash, the latter driving in a pair, gave Round Rock a 3-1 lead, German was hit by a pitch in front of Davis, who crushed a two-run double of his own to give the Express a 5-1 advantage.

Albuquerque would draw a bit closer in the fourth on a lead-off, solo homer by J.D. Closser, making the score 5-2, but Round Rock plated three more in the bottom of the frame on an RBI double by Davis and a two-run homer by Tracy to take a commanding 8-2 advantage.

That was plenty for Express starter Neil Ramirez (4-1), who sailed through six frames, allowing two runs on four hits while walking none and striking out nine to claim the victory. Felix (3-2), who valiantly grinded out 3.1 innings in an attempt to save the Isotopes' beleaguered bullpen, suffered the loss.

The Isotopes will rely on a spot-starter again on Monday, as left-hander Randy Keisler (0-2, 8.10) will get the ball for Albuquerque filling in the spot in the rotation vacated by John Ely's departure to the Dodgers against Round Rock lefty Zach Jackson (4-1, 5.75). First pitch is 6:05 PM MT from The Dell Diamond.

After a dozen games on the road, the Isotopes are back home next Thursday, June 9 for a four-game series against the Nashville Sounds, Triple-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. The four-game homestand may be short, but it's loaded with promotions, including a rally towel giveaway, Myron Noodleman's first appearance at The Lab this year, and another spectacular post-game fireworks show. 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.

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Pacific Coast League Stories from June 5, 2011


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