PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

Tacoma Topples \'Topes, 12-6

Published on August 5, 2008 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


Tacoma, WA - Albuquerque Isotopes (50-66) battled back from a six-run deficit in the eighth to bring the game within striking distance, only to have the Tacoma Rainiers (61-55) counter with a four-run inning to lockdown a 12-6 victory Monday night at Cheney Stadium. Leading the offensive charge for the Isotopes was Chase Lambin l as he went two-for-four, including a three-run homer while driving in five RBI.

The Isotopes struck first in the top of the second when Andrew Beattie drew a one-out walk only to sprint to third when Jai Miller slashed a ground-rule double down the left field line. Lambin then cracked a sacrifice fly to left that drove in Beattie for the game's first run and an early ‘Topes lead, 1-0.

Craig Wilson drew a one-out walk only to advance to second after a passed ball by catcher Brett Hayes. Rob Johnson's single to left knocked Wilson to tie the game up at one.

Tacoma opened the game up in the fourth when Wilson led the inning off with a walk then Jon Nelson safely reached on an infield single while Wilson slid into second. Johnson laid down a sacrifice bunt to advance the runners into scoring position for Luis Valbuena who struck out. With two out and runners on second and third, Oswaldo Navarro walked to load the bases for Prentice Redman who also walked that forced in Wilson as the Rainiers took the 2-1 lead. Matt Tuiasosopo broke the game open when he hammered a grand slam over the left field fence that gave Tacoma a five-run edge, 6-1. The scoring did not end there as Wladimir Balentien followed with a solo blast to left for the Rainiers' sixth run in the inning, 7-1.

The Rainiers added another run in the fifth when Nelson slugged a solo homer over the right field fence as Tacoma's lead elongated to seven, 8-1.

Albuquerque began chipping away at the seven-run deficit in the sixth when Tagg Bozied led the inning off with a walk that set up Jason Wood who singled to third while Bozied safely advanced to second. Miller added a walk to load the bases for Lambin, who slashed a line-drive single to left that plated Bozied for the ‘Topes second run, 8-2.

. Dallas McPherson led the eighth inning with a stand up double down the left field line for Wood, who reached on a walk. With two men on, Beattie loaded the bases with a walk. Miller hit a sacrifice fly to center that was deep enough to score McPherson. Lambin added the exclamation point in the inning when he cracked a three-run homer over the right field fence that cleared the bases and brought the Isotopes within two, 8-6.

Redman led the eighth inning off for the Rainiers by a walk, Tuiasosopo reached on a fielding error by Robert Andino while Redman dashed to second. Balentien then dropped a sacrifice bunt to put the runners in scoring position for Tacoma. Reliever Logan Kensing intentionally walked Victor Diaz to load the bases for Wilson, who singled up the middle that drove in Redman for the Rainiers ninth run, along with keeping the bases loaded. Nelson was hit by a pitch that plated Tuiasosopo and gave Tacoma a four-run lead, 10-6, while the bases remained loaded. Johnson popped a fly ball to right field that Jai Miller lost in the lights, Diaz and Wilson would score on the play that gave the Rainiers a six-run edge as Johnson doubled, 12-6.

Closer Jorge Sosa pitching his second inning of relief put himself into trouble by loading the bases full of Isotopes, only to settle down and retire the final two outs to secure the 12-6 Rainier victory.

Albuquerque will look to regain their winning ways with right hander Daniel Barone (1-4, 6.23) will take the mound against Tacoma Rainiers righty Andrew Baldwin (7-5, 5.10) at Cheney Stadium in Tacoma, Washington, first pitch is set for 8:00 PM MDT.

After an eight-game sojourn through the Pacific Northwest, the Isotopes will return home on Friday, August 8th for a four-game set that is loaded with action. Appearances by Myron Noodleman and Birdzerk are top in addition to a cowbell giveaway. Tickets can be purchased at Isotopes Park or any Ticketmaster outlet, www.ticketmaster.com, or by calling Ticketmaster at 505-883-7800. For more information, visit www.albuquerquebaseball.com or call 505-924-2255.

Check out the Albuquerque Isotopes Statistics

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Pacific Coast League Stories from August 5, 2008


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