PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

Tacoma topples 'Topes

Published on August 6, 2011 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Last updated: August 6, 2011
Source: Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


Designated Hitter John Lindsey hit his second home run in as many nights, but it wasn't enough as the Albuquerque Isotopes (58-56) were out-paced by the Tacoma Rainiers (57-57) 13-9 in a Friday night slugfest at Isotopes Park.

For the second straight game, the ‘Topes jumped out an early lead when Justin Sellers led off the bottom of the first with a solo blast, giving Albuquerque an early 1-0 edge.

Tacoma showed it can deliver the long ball as well, answering with two in the top of the second thanks to a mammoth two-run blast by Jose Yepez to left-center that gave the Rainiers a quick 2-1 lead. Tacoma added three more in the third in a rally ignited by a solo blow from Matt Tuiasosopo leading off the frame that increased the visitor's lead to 3-1. After a walk to Alex Liddi and an double by Carlos Peguero put two runners in scoring position, Greg Halman knocked in Liddi with an RBI fielder's choice making the score 4-1 Rainiers. Still, Tacoma wasn't finished, as Mike Wilson reached on a fielding error by third baseman Ivan De Jesus Jr. that scored Peguero and gave Tacoma a 5-1 lead.

Albuquerque rallied immediately in the bottom of the frame thanks to a power display of its own. Sellers started the uprising with a walk and was followed by a single by De Jesus, setting up Russ Mitchell, who lined a single to left-center, scoring both runners and cutting the deficit to 5-3 Rainiers. After Jerry Sands drew a walk, Lindsey deposited a three-run blast onto the berm in right-center that instantly gave the ‘Topes the lead right back at 6-5.

The Isotopes tacked on another run in the fourth when Sellers led off the inning with a triple and scored on a fielder's choice by Jay Gibbons, making it 7-5 before the Rainiers surged ahead for good in the fifth. After an RBI fielder's choice by Greg Halman, Wilson crushed a two-run homer to left that gave the visitors an 8-7 lead.

Tacoma added some cushion in the eighth, racking up five runs, all with two out, on an RBI single by Liddi, a two-run double by Wily Mo Pena, and a two-run blast by Peguero to give the Rainiers a comfortable 13-7 margin.

Still, Albuquerque kept fighting as Tim Federowicz collected his first Triple-A hit in the form of a solo homer in the eighth to cut the lead to 13-8 Tacoma before adding one final tally in the ninth on a lead-off triple by Mitchell and an RBI groundout by Sands to draw within the 13-9 final score.

The Isotopes committed a season-high five errors, while Tacoma belted four home runs, bringing its total number of dingers in the series to 10 in three games.

Albuquerque looks for a series split on Saturday with right-hander Francisco Felix (3-2, 5.96) making the start against a former ‘Tope in Tacoma lefty Chris Seddon (7-5, 5.80). First pitch from Isotopes Park is 7:05 PM MT.

Albuquerque's big homestand continues Saturday with a thrilling post-game fireworks show before the team gives away Isotopes caps to the first 3,000 fans on Sunday courtesy of Mattress Firm. 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 August 6, 2011


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