PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

'Topes Snake Bitten in Series Opener, 12-9

Published on May 3, 2008 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


Despite chipping away all game, the Albuquerque Isotopes (15-12) never could catch up, falling to the Tucson Sidewinders (8-21), 12-9, on a chilly Friday night at Isotopes Park. The 'Topes had plenty of offense behind Jai Miller, Dante Brinkley, and Grant Psomas who all slammed homers but it wasn't enough in the end.

Tucson jumped on the board early with a Josh Whitesell RBI single followed by a two-run blast to center by Jamie D'Antona to take a 3-0 advantage.

Lead off hitter Miller responded in the bottom of the first, belting a solo shot to right field to trim the advantage to 3-1.

Tucson's offense erupted for four more in the bottom of the second. After a free pass to pitcher Evan MacLane and a single from Emilio Bonifacio, center fielder Alex Romero launched a three-run shot to right center to pad the score at 6-1. Trent Oeltjen followed with a double and would plate, two batters later thanks to a single off the bat of D'Antona to extend the Sidewinder lead to 7-1.

The 'Topes posted a single tally in the third and cut the lead to 7-5 with three runs in the fourth. With one out, Psomas laced a double down the left field line to bring up Brinkley, who belted a first pitch offering over the fence in right center for his first Triple-A hit. Chris Barnwell reached on a bloop single and would come around to score off a misplayed Bobby Keppel bunt.

John Gall, who finished 4-for-5, led off the bottom of the fifth with a single to left. Two batters later, Psomas tied it up at 7-all with a long ball to left center.

The tie would be short-lived, however, as Tucson came roaring back for three more in the bottom of the sixth to reclaim the lead for good, 10-7.

Albuquerque would make a second comeback in the bottom of the seventh. The Isotopes pushed two runs across starting with a RBI double from John Baker to score Gall and finished with a RBI single from Brinkley to edge within one, 10-9. Tucson capped the score at 12-9 two more in the ninth to seal the win and take the series opener.

'Topes starter Bobby Keppel (3-2) received the loss after he surrendered 15 hits and 10 runs in 5.1 innings of work. Evan MacLane (1-2) earned his first victory of the season, while Leo Rosales earned the save for the Sidewinders.

The Isotopes and Sidewinders will tangle again tomorrow, Saturday, May 3 at 7:05 p.m., with the highly-anticipated Myron Noodleman appearance. Right-hander Kenny Baugh (1-0, 6.57) will toe the slab for the 'Topes, while Esmerling Vasquez (0-0, 6.00) will counter for the Sidewinders. 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 May 3, 2008


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