'Topes close in on division with 13-2 win
August 30, 2003 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release
Albuquerque moved closer to its first division title with a 13-2 win over Nashville on Saturday afternoon in front of 8,370 fans at Isotopes Park. With the win, the Isotopes need either a loss tonight by Colorado Springs or one win in their last two games versus Nashville to claim the Central Division Title in their inaugural season.
The Isotopes wasted no time against Nashville starter Jeff Bennett, scoring seven times on seven hits in the bottom of the first inning. Albuquerque put together six consecutive hits, including Robert Stratton's league-leading 32nd homer of the season. Pitcher Jason Grilli also added a two-run homer, the second Isotope pitcher (Scott Sanders) to hit one out of the park.
Gerald Williams recorded the first of his two hits in the third, scoring Kevin Hooper to make the score 8-0, before Matt Erickson drove in two with a triple for a 10-0 lead. Erickson finished 4x5 on the day with three RBI. Grilli (6-2) took advantage of the offense, holding Nashville to two runs (one earned) on four hits over seven innings of work. Mike Judd and Vladimir Nunez finished the game for Albuquerque. The 11-run win is the largest in team history.
Albuquerque (74-68) now waits to see if they win the title tonight with an Omaha win over Colorado Springs or tomorrow night in game three of a four game set with Nashville. Justin Wayne (4-11) will get the start for the âTopes.
Pacific Coast League Stories from August 30, 2003
- Beavers Edge Trappers - Edmonton Trappers
- Beavers Win Tight One in Edmonton - Portland Beavers
- Zephyrs Score in Bottom of Tenth to Defeat Redbirds, 1-0 - New Orleans Baby Cakes
- Missions outduel Express on historic night - Round Rock Express
- Express top own mark, set all-time attendance record - Round Rock Express
- Sounds Fall To Isotopes, 13-2 - Nashville Sounds
- 'Topes close in on division with 13-2 win - Albuquerque Isotopes
- Sox Fall 6-3 to Royals; Remain 1 Game Out of 1st - Colorado Springs Sky Sox
- 'Topes Miss Chance to Increase Lead, Fall to Nashville, 11-4 - Albuquerque Isotopes
- Trappers are North Division Champions - Edmonton Trappers
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