PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

'Topes Down Express, Complete Sweep

June 18, 2007 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


Valentino Pascucci rocked his league-leading 20th home run of the season in the first inning, a three-run shot that gave Albuquerque a lead it wouldn't relinquish, as the ‘Topes (37-34) took a 7-5 decision over Round Rock (30-41) to complete the series sweep Monday night at Isotopes Park.

The victory marked Albuquerque's fourth in-a-row, and finished-off the club's first series sweep of the 2007 season. With a season-long 12-game homestand in the rear view mirror, the ‘Topes finished 9-3 on the stretch, taking three-of-four from Memphis, splitting a four-game set with Oklahoma and now winning four-straight over the Express.

Albuquerque took a first-inning lead in each of the first three games of the series, and Monday night was no different. Already trailing 2-0, the Isotopes put two runners on with one out and their clean-up hitter at the dish. Pascucci hammered a full-count offering deep over the wall in left, taking over sole possession of the league lead in homers and giving his squad a 3-2 advantage. As they had done three times prior in this series, the ‘Topes would cling to that lead through the final out.

Isotopes starter Jeff Fulchino (5-2) earned the victory, allowing three runs-just one earned-on six hits over five-plus innings. The big right-hander walked three and struck out three. Albuquerque would go on to use five men out of the bullpen, a quintet that limited Round Rock to two runs on two hits over the final four innings. Mauro Zarate and Roy Corcoran each earned a hold with one scoreless inning of work. Closer Nate Field came on in the eighth and finished out the game, picking up his 10th save of the season.

The loss went to Round Rock starter Jared Gothreaux (4-5). He surrendered five runs on seven hits over four innings. Gothreaux walked three and punched out two. Four Round Rock relievers combined to hold Albuquerque to two runs on three hits over the final four innings.

After taking a one-run lead on Pascucci's homer, the ‘Topes added an insurance run in the third and another in the fourth. In the third, Andrew Beattie drove in Todd Linden with a sacrifice fly, and one inning later Eric Reed and Linden hit back-to-back triples to push the Albuquerque lead to 5-2.

The Express got a run back in the sixth, but Albuquerque answered in the home half of the inning with a run of its own. Once again the Isotopes took advantage of the three-bagger. This time it was Andino who picked up a triple, and one batter later Reed knocked him home with a single up the middle. The ‘Topes added one more in the seventh when pinch-hitter Scott Seabol drew a bases-loaded walk.

Trailing by four, Round Rock scored twice in the eighth to pull to within two at 7-5. That was as close as the Express would get, though.

Andino finished with three hits and two runs scored, while the next three hitters in the Albuquerque order-Reed, Linden and Pasccuci-all collected two hits on the night.

Albuquerque takes Tuesday off before hitting the road for seven-straight in Oklahoma and Iowa, beginning Wednesday night. In the opener, righty Kenny Baugh (2-4, 5.92) gets the nod for Albuquerque. He'll face-off with RedHawk left-hander John Koronka (5-3, 4.42). First pitch is set for 6:05 PM from AT&T Bricktown Ballpark.

The Isotopes return home on June 27 for a seven-game homestand that includes several giveaways, the Zooperstars, a Red, White & Blue Jersey Auction and a pair of fireworks shows. Tickets can be purchased at Isotopes Park or any Ticketmaster outlet, www.ticketmaster.com, or Ticketmaster by phone 505-883-7800. For more information, visit www.albuquerquebaseball.com or call 505-924-2255.

Check out the Albuquerque Isotopes Statistics



Pacific Coast League Stories from June 18, 2007


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