Solid Outing For Hernandez All For Naught
June 1, 2008 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release
Starter Gaby Hernandez threw six strong innings but was outdueled as the Memphis Redbirds (29-28) defeated the Albuquerque Isotopes (26-29) 7-2 in the two teams' series opener Saturday night at Isotopes Park. Albuquerque has now lost eight of its last 10 games, with their last three setbacks coming by five runs or more.
Hernandez cruised through two innings before making his lone mistake of the game in the third. After walking Bryan Anderson, the right-hander surrendered a two-out homer to Brian Barden that gave the âBirds an early 2-0 lead. The long ball was the only blemish on an otherwise excellent outing for Hernandez (2-4) who allowed just the two tallies on six hits through six frames while walking two and fanning four en route to a tough-luck loss in what was his third straight quality start.
Meanwhile, Memphis starter P.J. Walters matched Hernandez and then some, holding the potent Isotopes offense to just a third inning lead-off double by Jai Miller for six innings while allowing just two other base-runners on walks.
In the seventh, with the margin of error just a pair of runs and their starter still in the game, the Redbirds erupted for a five spot. Jesus Delgado came on in relief of Hernandez and immediately started the frame by walking the pitcher Walters and allowing a single by Barden. After Colby Rasmus then singled to drive home Walters, Delgado was removed for Brandon Villafuerte, who coaxed Chris Duncan into a groundout to first baseman Dallas McPherson, who alertly scooped up the ball and cut down Barden at the plate for the inning's first out. Things would disintegrate from there, however, as Josh Phelps followed with a two run double giving Memphis a 5-0 lead. Nick Stavinoha then drew a walk before both runners advanced 90-feet on a Villafuerte wild pitch that proved exceptionally untimely when the next batter, David Freese, lifted a sacrifice fly to left that plated Phelps to put the âBirds up 6-0. D'Angelo Jimenez would cap the big frame with an RBI single that scored Stavinoha, giving the Redbirds a commanding 7-0 lead and chasing Villafuerte from the game. After giving up another single, Scott Nestor was finally able to extricate the âTopes from the inning after getting Walters, the 10th batter in the frame to fly out to center.
To their credit, Albuquerque tried to mount a comeback in the bottom of the seventh when Tagg Bozied roped a lead-off single and McPherson drew a one-out walk. John Baker, inserted into the game in the top of the sixth after starting catcher Paul Hoover was ejected by home plate umpire Jason Dunn in the sixth, delivered a two-run triple that put the âTopes on the board 7-2. Isotopes manager Dean Treanor was also ejected in the contest in the bottom of the second by third base umpire Dan Bellino.
Baker's blast spelled the end for Walters (4-0), who finished his strong evening allowing the two runs on three hits in 6.1 innings while walking three and striking out five while grabbing his fourth straight victory.
The Isotopes will look to get back on a winning track tomorrow behind left-hander Chris Seddon (4-3, 4.11) who will face Redbirds righty Hugo Castellanos (2-0, 4.98) in a 6:05 PM start at Isotopes Park.
The âTopes continue an action-packed homestand on Sunday with a special Breast Cancer Awareness night where the players will wear pink jerseys that will be auctioned after the game with proceeds benefiting Susan G. Komen. 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.
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