Sports stats



PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

'Topes Drop Series Opener

August 14, 2007 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


Paul Hoover celebrated his return to Isotopes Park with two hits and two runs driven in, but visiting Round Rock (55-67) hung a five-spot in the eighth to cruise past Albuquerque (60-62) 10-4 in the series opener Tuesday night at Isotopes Park.

Hoover, who was recently activated from a three-month stint on the Disabled List, hit an RBI double in the second and followed with a run-scoring single in the sixth that helped put the Isotopes ahead 4-2 through six.

From there, though, the Albuquerque offense was dormant and the Express lineup was just about to come to life. Round Rock tied the game at 4-4 with two runs in the seventh, exploded for five in the eighth, and added an insurance run in the ninth to protect a lead that was never seriously threatened over the game's final innings.

Albuquerque used six pitchers on the evening, as three relief pitchers lasted less than one frame. One of those relievers, right-hander Logan Kensing (0-1), was saddled with the loss. Kensing entered the game to begin the eighth and after retiring the first batter he saw, surrendered a single and a double to put two runners in scoring position. Kensing intentionally walked the next batter to load the bases, only to yield a bases-clearing triple by pitcher Brian Gordon that sparked the five-run Express eighth. Kensing's line was complete at 0.1 innings pitched, with four runs on three hits.

Isotopes starter Paul Mildren gave his club a satisfactory effort, allowing just two runs on five hits over 5.1 innings. Mildren struck out one and didn't walk a batter. Craig Molldrem allowed two runs in 0.2 innings, while Mauro Zarate worked a scoreless frame. After Kensing's exit, Erasmo Ramirez and Harvey Garcia each gave up one run over the game's final 1.2 innings.

The win went to Gordon (1-0), who worked two shutout innings of relief. Round Rock starter Troy Patton worked six innings, allowing four runs on seven hits. Patton walked two and punched out four in the no decision. Pitching with a comfortable lead, Travis Driskill finished things off with a 1-2-3 ninth inning.

The Isotopes offense was clicking early, as a Valentino Pascucci first inning double gave the ‘Topes a 1-0 lead. An inning later, Albuquerque would find its way to a three-run advantage. Hoover's run-scoring double knocked in Brett Carroll from first base, then Josh Labandeira followed with an RBI single to right-center, chasing home Hoover with the third ‘Topes run of the game.

After Round Rock pulled to within a run at 3-2, Albuquerque struck again in the sixth. Again it was Hoover, this time with an RBI single to left that put the ‘Topes ahead 4-2. But from there the Express would take over, scoring eight times over the final three innings to snatch the victory in game one of the four-game set.

The series continues on Wednesday night at Isotopes Park. Kenny Baugh (6-7, 6.78) is slated to get the nod for Albuquerque. He'll face-off with Round Rock righty Chad Reineke (5-5, 4.92). First pitch is set for 6:35 PM.

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 August 14, 2007


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central