PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

Storm Chasers Surge Past 'Topes 7-5

Published on May 4, 2011 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


The Albuquerque Isotopes (14-10) saw am early lead disappear in a hurry as the Omaha Storm Chasers (15-10) scored three in the sixth and three in the seventh to overcome the ‚¬ËœTopes en route to a 7-5 win Tuesday night at Isotopes Park. Trent Oeltjen belted a two-run homer and drove in three for Albuquerque in the losing effort.

Albuquerque jumped out on top in the bottom of the second when Corey Smith led off the frame with a walk, and scored two batters later when Oeltjen smashed the ball over the fence in right-center, putting the ‚¬ËœTopes on top 2-0. J.D. Closser then followed with a walk in front of A.J. Ellis, who roped a double to center, plating Closser all the way from first and increasing the lead to 3-0.

That seemed to be plenty for Isotopes starter Dana Eveland, who cruised through five scoreless frames, allowing just two hits and two walks while striking out four.

Omaha finally got to Eveland in the sixth when Eric Hosmer led off the inning with a walk and Mike Moustakas reached on a throwing error at third by Smith, putting two on for Clint Robinson who made the ‚¬ËœTopes pay with a three-run homer to left that suddenly tied the game at 3-3.

Albuquerque jumped back on top in the bottom of the frame in a rally ignited by a single from Smith, who advanced to second on a wild pitch and stole third before Oeltjen knocked him in with a triple to right to give the Isotopes the lead back at 4-3.

It would prove fleeting, as Omaha seized the advantage for good in the top of the seventh thanks again to the long ball. Lorenzo Cain laid down a bunt that was fielded by Smith, who hurriedly fired the ball about 10 rows up in the stands behind first base, allowing the runner to advance all the way to third. David Lough followed with a double that easily plated Cain, knotting the contest at 4-4. That brought up Hosmer, who in one fell swoop gave the Chasers a lead and ended Eveland's evening by smashing a two-run shot to left, giving Omaha the 6-4 edge, the visitor's first lead of the game.

The Chasers added a run in the eighth but Albuquerque answered thanks to a one-man rally courtesy of Jamie Hoffmann. The outfielder laced a triple off the wall in left-center and ended up scoring on a wild pitch to trim the Omaha lead to 7-5.

That is where the rally would stall, as Storm Chasers closer Jesse Chavez (3) authored a scoreless ninth to clinch the 7-5 win. Omaha starter Danny Duffy (2-0) earned the win after six innings in which he allowed four runs on five hits while walking two and striking out nine while Eveland (3-2) suffered his first loss in four starts at Isotopes Park this year.

Albuquerque will look to get back on the winning track on Wednesday with right-hander Tim Redding (1-2, 9.33) taking the mound for the ‚¬ËœTopes against Omaha lefty Mike Montgomery (1-1, 2.67). First pitch is slated for 6:35 PM MT.

The ‚¬ËœTopes' continue their massive eight-game homestand that features wall-to-wall promotions, including BBoy McCoy's first appearance at Isotopes Park, post-game fireworks, and a Mother's Day extravaganza that includes a pre-game celebrity softball game, a carnation giveaway to the first 1,000 moms, and the team's first ever Bark In the Park.

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.

Check out the Albuquerque Isotopes Statistics

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Pacific Coast League Stories from May 4, 2011


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