PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

Royals Squash 'Topes Bats in Opener

May 16, 2008 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


Starter Kyle Davies led a trio of Omaha Royals (18-20) pitchers as they squashed the Albuquerque Isotopes (20-19) bats Friday night in a 6-2 triumph at Isotopes Park. Albuquerque's lone offensive highlight was an opposite field solo home run hit by catcher John Baker in the bottom of the ninth.

Leading off the second inning, designated hitter Brian Buchanan doubled to left to put the early pressure on the ‘Topes. After a strike out, a wild pitch by Frankie De La Cruz (5-2, 5.27) with Angel Berroa at the plate moved Buchanan to third for Berroa, who hit a sacrifice fly to right field to plate Buchanan and give Omaha the early 1-0 lead.

The O-Royals continued to increase their advantage in the third after left fielder Damon Hollins slapped a single through the hole at short. Damaso Espino followed with a routine grounder to third that was mishandled by Dallas McPherson, allowing both runners to reach safely. Mitch Maier seized the opportunity, smacking a single to right field to plate Hollins for the Royals' second run, 2-0. Another wild pitch by De La Cruz advanced the runners to second and third for Shane Costa, who hit a grounder to shortstop Chris Barnwell but the shortstop's only play was to first, allowing Maier to score from third for a 3-0 Royals advantage.

Omaha struck again in the sixth when Costa hit a one-out double to left field before a hits-batman and another wild pitch by De La Cruz advanced the runners to second and third with one away. Jason Smith then drove in Costa after another sacrifice fly to right to lengthen the Royals lead to 4-0.

The Royals tacked on another run in the seventh inning after reliever Marc Gwyn gave up a one-out walk to Hollins, Espino moved Hollins to third on a sharp single to right, and for the third time in the game a sacrifice fly scored Hollins for the 5-0 advantage.

Albuquerque finally scratched their way on the scoreboard in the bottom of the seventh when Chase Lambin led off the inning with a double deep off the right field wall off of Royals' reliever Roberto Giron, George Lombard followed with a double of his own deep off the center-field fence but Lambin was thrown out on a perfect relay throw from second baseman Aviles. Dante Brinkley stepped up to the plate and drove in Lombard from second on a hard hit single to right to narrow the Omaha lead 5-1.

Omaha retaliated in the top of the eighth to regain their five run lead after a Smith double to left set up Berroa, who cracked a single to right field that plated the Royals' final run, 6-1.

In the bottom of the ninth the Isotopes gave one final valiant effort when Baker smashed an opposite field solo home run over the left field fence for the ‘Topes second run, 6-2, but that was all the Isotopes could muster as Omaha reliever Brad Salmon such the door for the Royals victory.

Davies (4-2, 2.09) threw six shutout innings, allowing just five hits and two walks while fanning four to grab the win. Meanwhile, De La Cruz's five-game winning streak came to an end despite a solid effort that saw the right-hander go six innings, allowing four runs, three earned, on four hits while walking none and striking out five.

The Isotopes return to action on Saturday with the second of four games against the Omaha Royals, Triple-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. Albuquerque southpaw Chris Seddon (2-2, 4.50) will take the hill for the Isotopes against O-Royals righty Carlos Rosa (NR).

The ‘Tops continue their homestand Saturday night with Military Appreciation Night and Post-Game Fireworks. Prior to Sunday's doubleheader closer Joe Nelson and infielder Andrew Beattie will be on hand for the first autograph session presented by the Albuquerque Journal in addition to an appearance by Rockin' Ray & The Amazing Skyy Dogs to wow the fans with his acrobatic aerial canines. Tickets can be purchased at Isotopes Park or any Ticketmaster outlet, www.ticketmaster.com, or Ticketmaster by phone 505-883-7800. For more information on individual game tickets, season tickets, or mini-plans, visit www.albuquerquebaseball.com or call 505-924-2255.

Check out the Albuquerque Isotopes Statistics



Pacific Coast League Stories from May 16, 2008


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