PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

Topes Fall Short in 8-6 Loss

Published on August 2, 2007 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


Reggie Abercrombie put Albuquerque on the board with a solo home run in the fourth inning, but the Salt Lake Bees (59-54) had already established a five-run advantage on their way to an 8-6 victory over the Isotopes (55-57) Thursday night at Isotopes Park.

Abercrombie's homer, his ninth of the season, pulled the ‘Topes to within four at 5-1. Salt Lake answered in their next at-bat, though, pushing three across in the fifth to go ahead 8-1. Albuquerque did not quit, though. The ‘Topes scored four times in the sixth inning, then manufactured a run in the seventh to cut the deficit to two, 8-6. The Isotopes brought the tying run to the plate in each of the last two frames, but the comeback effort fell short both times as Salt Lake took its second-straight in as many tries this series.

Isotopes starter Chris George (5-8) took the loss, surrendering four runs-just two earned-on four hits over three innings. Making his first start since being activated from the disabled list, George struck out two and issued three free passes. Salt Lake was able to augment its lead on the first of three Isotopes relievers, Ben Julianel. The left-hander tossed three innings, allowing four runs on seven hits. Julianel walked one and punched out three. From there, the ‘Topes bullpen was outstanding. Mauro Zarate gave Albuquerque two hitless frames before giving way to Roy Corcoran, who dealt a scoreless ninth.

The win went to Salt Lake starter Henry Bonilla (9-6), who scattered five runs on five hits over 5.2 frames. Bonilla walked three and struck out two. The ‘Topes scored an unearned run off Rich Thompson, but Alex Serrano and Jason Bulger each tossed a scoreless frame to close out the ballgame.

After Abercrombie's homer made the score 5-1 and the subsequent three-run Salt Lake fifth ran the count to 8-1, the ‘Topes offense finally came alive in the sixth. John Gall knocked home Eric Reed with a single, then Scott Seabol drove in two more on a single to right-center. Brett Carroll finished-off the damage with a run-scoring single to left, chasing home Valentino Pascucci and bringing Albuquerque to within three at 8-5.

In the next frame, the Isotopes capitalized on a couple Salt Lake mistakes to crawl even closer to the lead. Jason Phillips reached on a throwing error, moved to second on a bunt then to third on a passed ball. Robert Andino followed with a sacrifice fly to center, moving the score to 8-6.

The Isotopes received a lead-off single from Gall in the eighth, but he'd get no further than first base. In the ninth, a Phillips double play ground ball erased a lead-off walk for Andrew Beattie and Reed's two-out walk came up empty on the scoreboard after an Andino game-ending fly out.

The ‘Topes and Bees resume the four-game set on Friday night at Isotopes Park. Daniel Barone (6-0, 4.42) takes a perfect record to the mound for Albuquerque, while Salt Lake answers with southpaw Jonathan Rouwenhorst (9-6, 4.97). First pitch is set for 7:05 PM, and the game will be followed by the first of back-to-back fireworks shows.

Still to come on this homestand is a three-ring binder giveaway, an Albuquerque Journal Autograph Session and the return of 50-cent Hot Dog Night! 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

Check out the Albuquerque Isotopes Statistics

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Pacific Coast League Stories from August 2, 2007


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