PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

Shanks sends 'Topes to sixth straight win, 5-4 over Z's

Published on April 23, 2006 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


Outfielder James Shanks delivered a double with the bases loaded in the top of the eighth inning to obliterate a 4-2 deficit and send the Albuquerque Isotopes (12-6) to a 5-4 come-from-behind victory over the New Orleans Zephyrs (10-7) Sunday afternoon at Zephyr Field. The win is the Isotopes' sixth straight, one shy of last year's longest winning streak as well as just two wins short of the franchise record, and extends the team's first-place advantage in the Pacific Coast League's American Southern Division to a game and a half.

With the Zephyrs holding a 4-2 advantage in the eighth, lead-off pinch hitter Mark Little was hit by a pitch from New Orleans reliever Kevin Gryboski. Catcher Tom Wilson followed with a single to shallow center and Mike Colangelo added a walk to load the bases with no out. After Robert Andino was sent in to run for Wilson at second, Shanks roped a long double to left-center that cleared the bases and gave the 'Topes their first lead of the contest.

Coming-from-behind, which has seemingly been Albuquerque's mantra all season, was the theme of this day as well, as the 'Topes erased a 2-0 deficit in the top of the fifth when Chris Ashby singled to left scoring Jason Wood and Scott Seabol to knot the game at 2-2.

New Orleans would respond, however, in the bottom of the fifth with a two-out single through the hole at second base off of the bat of Zephyrs first baseman Larry Broadway that plated George Lombard and put the Z's back on top 3-2. The damage could have been much worse if not for the defensive heroics of Wood at third base, who made a diving stop of a smashed grounder by Greg Thissen with the bases loaded, quickly got to his feet and threw out the Z's batter at first to end the inning and preserve the one-run deficit.

The Zephyrs would add one more run in the bottom of the sixth on an RBI-single by Henry Mateo off of 'Topes reliever Buddy Carlyle that made the score 4-2. Although it was the first run given up by Carlyle (2-0) this year in eight-plus innings of work, the righty reliever had the last laugh, becoming the pitcher of record after Shanks's double to earn his second win of the young season. Gryboski (1-2) took the loss for New Orleans, while Chris Resop (1) recorded his first save of 2006 with a scoreless eighth and ninth.

Albuquerque will look for lucky number seven tomorrow evening at 6:00 PM Mountain Time when right-hand starter Nic Ungs (2-1) takes the hill against a Zephyr right-hander Anastacio Martinez (0-0).

Albuquerque will return home on May 1 for an eight-game homestand that is highlighted by a special Cinco De Mayo Celebration at Isotopes Park. A mariachi band will be on-hand to entertain fans throughout the game, which will be capped by a spectacular fireworks show. Tickets are available at the Isotopes Park Box Office, Ticketmaster outlets and on-line at www.albuquerquebaseball.com. For more information, please call (505) 924-2255.

Check out the Albuquerque Isotopes Statistics

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



Pacific Coast League Stories from April 23, 2006


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