Sox slide past 'Topes, 2-1
August 7, 2006 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release
An opposite field home run off of the bat of Robert Andino in the top of the eighth to tie the game proved to be all for naught as the Colorado Springs Sky Sox (52-64) rallied for a run the bottom of the frame to edge the Albuquerque Isotopes (56-59), 2-1 in a rain-soaked Sunday night tilt at Security Service Field. Originally scheduled for a 6:05 PM start, the contest was delayed twice, for a total of an hour and forty minutes, by recurring rain showers.
Down 1-0 in taut, well-pitched game, Andino led off the eighth by blasting an offering from Sox reliever David Cortes over the wall in right center to knot the game at one. The momentum would not last, however, as Colorado Springs rallied for the deciding tally in the bottom of the frame. Kaz Matsui led off with a double and after 'Topes reliever J.B. Miadich got the next two batters, Chris Iannetta blooped a double between Eric Reed in center and Chris Aguila in right to score Matsui and give the home team a 2-1 lead.
Albuquerque tried to mount a comeback on Sky Sox closer Nate Field in the ninth, as newest Isotope Nick Trzesniak lined a two-out single, but the pitcher was able to strike out pinch-hitter Tony Schrager to end the contest and seal his PCL-leading 19th save. Miadich (2-2) took the heart-breaking loss while Cortes (1-0) earned the victory.
Despite starting an hour and eight minutes late because of rain, both teams were blessed with excellent starting pitching. 'Topes starter Nic Ungs allowed just a single run, delivered by a Sean Barker RBI single that scored Iannetta in the fourth, on six hits while walking two and fanning two. Meanwhile, Sky Sox starting pitcher Denny Bautista, making his first appearance after being traded from the Kansas City Royals, dazzled as well, stymieing the Isotopes on three hits through six innings while walking four and fanning a Sox season-high nine. Both starters endured a thirty-one minute interruption when a torrential rain storm halted play in the middle of the third.
Just before the rains came, Reed delivered a bunt single in the top of the third to extend his hitting streak to 13 games, tied with Scott Seabol for the longest by an Isotope this season.
The Isotopes will look to get back on the winning track tomorrow night with lefty Josh Stewart (0-1, 5.52) making his second spot-start of the season against Colorado Springs right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez (2-1, 6.02).
After three more games in soggy Colorado Springs, the 'Topes return home on August 11 for four games against the Nashville Sounds that will include the Isotopes' special Back To School Celebration and Fireworks Spectacular on August 13, a bonus pyrotechnics display that will bring the total number of fireworks shows at Isotopes Park to a whopping 12. Tickets can be purchased at the Isotopes Park Box Office, www.albuquerquebaseball.com, Ticketmaster outlets, or at www.ticketmaster.com. For more information, please call (505) 924-2255.
Pacific Coast League Stories from August 7, 2006
- Bocachica walk-off blast give Cats comeback win - Sacramento River Cats
- Sounds lose heartbreaker in bottom of ninth - Nashville Sounds
- Colorado Springs sloshes Isotopes 8-6 - Albuquerque Isotopes
- Sidewinders blanked by Tejeda, Redhawks - Tucson Sidewinders
- Las Vegas shuts out Z's - New Orleans Baby Cakes
- Three-run fourth inning lifts Cubs over Beavers - Portland Beavers
- RedHawks throw fourth shutout in five games - Oklahoma City Comets
- Grizzlies to give out $2,000 cash Tuesday - Fresno Grizzlies
- Oklahoma RedHawks Game Notes - Oklahoma City Comets
- Pacific Coast League names players of the week - PCL1
- Royals game notes - Omaha Storm Chasers
- Sox slide past 'Topes, 2-1 - Albuquerque Isotopes
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