'Topes power past Cubs
Published on July 14, 2008 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release
The Albuquerque Isotopes (42-56) came through in the seventh inning with a nine-run rally to drub the Iowa Cubs (60-40) 14-8 Monday afternoon at Isotopes Park. Alberto Concepcion led the way with three hits, two runs, and three RBI, while John Gall added three hits and two RBI and Tommy Murphy hit his first home run as an Isotope in the offensive onslaught.
After Iowa surged ahead in the seventh to grab a 3-2 lead, the Isotopes responded by plating nine runs in the bottom of the frame. Concepcion led off with a single to left-center field, before Murphy dropped a sacrifice bunt and reached on a throwing error by third baseman Casy McGehee that allowed Concepcion to cruise into third. Chris Barnwell then hit a roller to shortstop Andres Blanco, who immediately fired to home, catching Concepcion in a rundown. After two throws, McGehee missed a toss from the catcher Tony Richie, allowing both Concepcion and Murphy to come home as the ball sailed up the left field line, giving Albuquerque a 4-3 lead. Gall then roped a single to left-center that sent Barnwell to third for Dallas McPherson, who drove in Barnwell with a single that moved Gall to third. McPherson then stole second, putting two runners in scoring position for Jason Wood, who delivered a two-run single that extended the âTopes lead to 7-3. The hit parade continued when Andrew Beattie singled through the hole at shortstop and Lorenzo Scott drew a walk to load the bases with still nobody out. Pinch-hitter Chase Lambin hit into a double-play that scored Wood before the man who started it all, Concepcion, continued the scoring with an RBI triple that put Albuquerque ahead 9-3. Finally, Murphy put the exclamation point on the big inning by blasting his first home run as an Isotope, a two-run shot to left, that capped the scoring and put the Isotopes on top 11-3.
The late offensive outburst belied what was a tight game at the outset. Iowa plated a run in the first and another in the second to take a 2-0 lead before the âTopes came right back with two runs in the third. Barnwell singled to left field and was followed by a two-run blast by Gall to tie up the score at 2-2.
After Albuquerque's big seventh, the I-Cubs slapped right back in the eighth with a two-out, three-run blast by Torres that trimmed the lead to 11-6, Isotopes.
Albuquerque responded with three runs in the bottom of the eighth to put the game out of reach for good. With Wood on base, Beattie ignited a two-out rally with a single that set up Scott, who followed suit with another single to drive in Wood and advance Beattie to third. Pinch-hitter Tagg Bozied then drew a walk to set up Concepcion again, who singled to right field, scoring Beattie and Scott to put the home team back on top by eight, 14-6.
Iowa tried to make one final comeback in the ninth when Josh Kroeger belted a two-run homer, but that's as close as the I-Cubs would get as the Isotopes closed out the 14-8 win, their second triumph in a row.
The Isotopes now head into the All Star break for three days and will return into action on Friday July 18th when they open up a four-game series in New Orleans against the Zephyrs. âTopes ace Frankie De La Cruz (9-5, 4.52) is slated to get the ball for Albuquerque to start the second half against Z's right-hander Claudio Vargas (3-1, 3.86).
Albuquerque will return home on Tuesday, July 22 for an eight-game homestand that features more great promotions, including Dukes Retro Night/Albuquerque Professional Baseball Hall of Fame Induction, a baseball giveaway, and a post-game fireworks show. 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.
Pacific Coast League Stories from July 14, 2008
- Cassel, Reineke retire first 19 batters in loss - Round Rock Express
- Wednesday's All-Star Game Watch Party at Dave & Busters - Round Rock Express
- 'Topes power past Cubs - Albuquerque Isotopes
- Moseley Optioned, Bulger Replaces Loux on Disabled List - Salt Lake Bees
- Fresno Wins 2-1 Behind Hennessey's Complete Game - Colorado Springs Sky Sox
- Grizzlies Ball Girl Lands Job at MLB Home Run Derby - Fresno Grizzlies
- Oklahoma RedHawks Game Notes - Oklahoma City Comets
- Sidewinders Swept In Doubleheader - Tucson Sidewinders
- Beavers Head Into Break On Strength Of Doubleheader Sweep - Portland Beavers
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.
