PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

Topes Pick up Game in Division

Published on August 16, 2007 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


Andrew Beattie smacked a three-run home run to spark a six-run Albuquerque third inning that propelled the Isotopes (62-62) to an 11-5 victory over the Round Rock Express (55-69) Thursday night at Isotopes Park.

Beattie's homer, a two-out opposite field blast, was just a portion of a big inning that saw the Isotopes turn a 5-1 deficit into a 7-5 lead. Run-scoring singles for John Gall and Joe Borchard preceded Beattie's shot, and a Paul Hoover solo home run immediately followed it.

The Isotopes added an insurance run in the fourth and three more in the seventh. Meanwhile, the Albuquerque pitching corps held the Express scoreless over the final six innings.

Albuquerque starter Wes Obermueller (2-1) earned the victory for the Isotopes. Obermueller ran into trouble in the second and third innings, but was otherwise outstanding. The righty went six innings, allowing five runs on nine hits. He walked two and punched out eight.

After Obermueller's exit, the ‘Topes bullpen was excellent. Craig Molldrem earned a hold, working a scoreless seventh inning. After that, the game belonged to Logan Kensing, who dealt two hitless innings to preserve the victory.

The loss fell on Round Rock starter Chan Ho Park (6-12). The right-hander worked five frames, allowing eight runs-two earned- on nine hits. Park walked one and struck out six. Philip Barzilla and Paul Estrada each tossed a scoreless inning for the Express, but Jose Rodriguez gave up three runs on three hits in his lone inning of work.

The Isotopes jumped on the board first, pushing across a run in the first on a two-out Valentino Pascucci single to left. After that, the Express would briefly have their way. Round Rock scored three times in the second, then twice in the third to take a 5-1 advantage.

As it would turn out, the Express wouldn't see the scoreboard again and the Isotopes were just about to explode. Albuquerque scored six times in the third to go up 7-5. The lead swelled to 8-5 an inning later when Robert Andino led-off the frame with a home run.

The ballgame would remain that way until the seventh, when the ‘Topes tacked on three insurance runs. Borchard knocked a run-scoring single and scored on a double play groundout. Scott Seabol also picked up an RBI single of his own in the frame.

The Isotopes collected 13 hits on the night, with four players collecting two apiece.

Albuquerque's victory, coupled with a loss by division-leading New Orleans, brings the Isotopes to within 2 ½ games in the Pacific Coast League's American Southern Division standings. The last time the ‘Topes were as close at 2 ½ games out was on July 25.

The ‘Topes and Express finish-up the series on Friday night at Isotopes Park. Albuquerque's Nic Ungs (4-4, 5.16) faces-off with Round Rock's Brandon Backe (1-1, 2.08). First pitch is set for 7:05 PM. On Friday, the first 3,000 fans in attendance will receive an Isotopes baseball, courtesy of Haight & LoPour Family Dentistry.

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 16, 2007


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