PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

'Topes Fall to Memphis

Published on August 24, 2007 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


Red-hot slugger Joe Borchard smashed a pair of home runs and drove in three, but an early deficit was too much for Albuquerque to climb its way out of, as the Isotopes (68-64) fell 12-5 to the Memphis Redbirds (54-80) Friday night at Isotopes Park.

Eleven Memphis runs over the game's first four frames put the Redbirds in the driver's seat Friday night, building a lead they wouldn't let slip away. Albuquerque chipped away slightly at the lead, but never was able to make a serious threat at overcoming it.

The loss, coupled with a victory for Oklahoma on Friday, brings the ‘Topes and RedHawks back to a tie atop the Pacific Coast League's American Southern Division standings with just 10 games remaining on the regular season slate. Like Oklahoma, New Orleans was also victorious on Friday, pulling to within one game of the division lead.

Isotopes starter Ricky Nolasco (0-1) was roughed up early and took the loss for Albuquerque. The right-hander surrendered nine runs-eight earned-on nine hits over 3.2 innings pitched. Nolasco struck out two and didn't issue a free pass.

Nolasco exited in the fourth with a 7-1 deficit and two men on. Mauro Zarate entered the game and hit a batter, then allowed a grand slam by former Isotope Edgar Gonzalez to make the score 11-1. Zarate tossed 1.1 frames and was charged with two runs on two hits. Erasmo Ramirez worked two innings, allowing a run on four hits. Harvey Garcia tossed a scoreless eighth and infielder Andrew Beattie pitched a shutout ninth.

The win went to Memphis starter Mike Parisi (8-11), who lasted 7.1 innings. Parisi allowed three runs-just two earned-on 12 hits. Parisi walked three and punched out five. Out of the bullpen, Kelvin Jimenez worked 1.2 frames, allowing two runs on two hits with a walk and no strikeouts.

Trailing 7-0 in the third, the Isotopes lit up the scoreboard for the first time in the home half of the inning. Robert Andino singled and scored on a Josh Labandeira base hit to bring the score to 7-1.

An inning later, with the Isotopes now trailing 11-1, Albuquerque pushed another run across. This time a Brett Carroll RBI single knocked home Valentino Pascucci with the second ‘Topes run.

The scoring would come to a halt for Albuquerque until the eighth. As Albuquerque trailed 12-2, Borchard smashed an 0-1 Parisi offering over the wall in left-center, pushing the score to 12-3. An inning later, Borchard struck again. This time a two-run blast to center field cut the Isotopes deficit to 12-5.

That was as close as the Isotopes would get, though, dropping their second game of the series.

The Isotopes and Redbirds hit the fourth leg of the five-game series on Saturday night at Isotopes Park. Albuquerque will send Kenny Baugh (6-8, 7.51) to the hill, while Memphis is set to counter with Mike Smith (10-12, 4.87). First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM.

On Friday the club will present its annual Breast Cancer Awareness Weekend. The ‘Topes will don pink jerseys to be sold in a silent auction, with proceeds to benefit Susan G. Komen of Central New Mexico. Fireworks are also lined up for Saturday night's game.

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

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Pacific Coast League Stories from August 24, 2007


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