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PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

'Topes sea-saw way to third straight defeat to Hawks

April 13, 2008 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


It was all sunshine for fans who came out to see the Albuquerque Isotopes (3-6) play the Oklahoma RedHawks (9-2) in the third game of a four game home stand except the final result as the 'Hawks came from behind to edge the 'Topes 10-9 Sunday afternoon at Isotopes Park. Outfielder Jai Miller racked up three hits, including a three-run homer, but it wasn't enough to keep Albuquerque from losing its third straight home game.

The 'Topes came out strong in the bottom of the first inning, as Miller led off with a double and Brett Carroll followed suit with another two-bagger bringing Miller in for the first run, giving Albuquerque a quick 1-0 lead.

The 'Hawks picked up their game in the second with Brandon Boggs hitting a triple and Ryan Roberts batting him in with a single. Roberts then proceeded to score off a Casey Benjamin single, giving Oklahoma its first lead of the game 2-1. Joaquin Arias then scored the third run for the 'Hawks on the same play when Miller's throw to third was errant, leaving the 'Topes trailing by a count of 3-1.

The third inning had 'Topes' fans screaming and cheering again when both teams cranked out runs. For the RedHawks, Roberts had a two run double bringing in Nate Gold and Boggs. Roberts then advanced to third on a wild pitch and scored off an Arias single, putting Oklahoma up 6-1. With still no outs in the frame, the 'Topes replaced starting pitcher Eulogio De La Cruz with Kenny Baugh, who held the RedHawks from inflicting further damage.

Albuquerque came back on an error in the bottom of the third after Roberts' wild throw from third allowed Carroll to take first. Dallas McPherson then unloaded the first home run of the game, a towering shot to right-center, bringing Carroll home and narrowing the score 6-3.

Trailing the 'Hawks for most of the game, the 'Topes surged ahead in the fifth when Chase Lambin delivered a two-out, two-run single, batting in both Jason Wood and John Baker after an epic 10 pitch at-bat in which he fouled off four straight with the count 3-2. Lambin proceeded to coast into second on a wild pitch before being followed by a Chris Barnwell walk to put two on for Miller, who blasted the second home run for Albuquerque, adding three runs to the scoreboard. With five runs in the frame, the Isotopes suddenly led 8-6.

Oklahoma fired back in the top of the seventh when Roberts hit a homer off of left-handed reliever Randy Williams to trim the advantage to 8-7, but the real come back came in the top of the eighth when Boggs hit a single off Albuquerque closer Joe Nelson, scoring Jason Ellison and bringing Nelson Cruz to third. Arias then belted a single deep into right field, plating Cruz and Boggs while giving the RedHawks a 10-8 edge.

The 'Topes tried to mount one last comeback in the bottom of the eighth when Carroll blasted a solo shot to right, but it wasn't enough as Oklahoma retired Albuquerque quietly in the ninth to claim a 10-9 victory.

Albuquerque will face Oklahoma again tomorrow for the last game in the Home Opening set. Tomorrow will be the first School Day matinee for area elementary schools. Starting for the 'Topes tomorrow will be right-hander Doug Waechter (1-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. 'Hawks' south-paw A.J. Murray (1-0, 4.50 ERA). Tickets can be purchased at Isotopes Park or any Ticketmaster outlet, www.ticketmaster.com, or Ticketmaster by phone 505-883-7800. For more information on individual game tickets, season tickets, or mini-plans, visit www.albuquerquebaseball.com or call 505-924-2255.

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Pacific Coast League Stories from April 13, 2008


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