PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

Zephyrs Top \'Topes 5-4

Published on May 28, 2011 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


The Albuquerque Isotopes (27-21) saw an early lead disappear as the New Orleans Zephyrs (28-22) rallied past the ‘Topes for a 5-4 win Saturday evening at Zephyr Field. Albuquerque has now dropped two in a row to start its series in the Big Easy.

After spotting the Zephyrs a run in the bottom of the first on an RBI double Osvaldo Martinez, the ‘Topes roared back in the top of the second. After Trent Oeltjen was hit by a pitch to lead off the inning, Jamie Hoffmann unloaded a towering two-run homer to left that propelled Albuquerque to a 2-1 lead.

The pesky Osvaldo Martinez ignited a second New Orleans uprising in third, roping a second RBI double to score Bryan Petersen and knot the game at 2-2. Josh Kroeger then lined a double to right, plating Martinez and giving the Zephyrs a 3-2 edge.

Albuquerque regained the lead in the fourth thanks again to the long ball. With one out, J.D. Closser drew a walk, bringing up Trayvon Robinson, who smashed the Isotopes' second two-run homer of the evening, instantly putting the ‘Topes on top 4-3.

Once again, the lead would not last, as New Orleans tied the game in the bottom of the fifth. After Vinny Rottino roped a two-out single and Kroeger followed with a walk, Oscar Salazar laced a ground ball to the left side of the infield that was deflected by third baseman Eugenio Velez right to shortstop Dee Gordon, whose throw to first got under the glove of Closser, allowing Rottino to score the tying run on the E-6.

The contest would remain deadlocked until the bottom of the eighth, when the Z's surged ahead one final time. After Jesus Merchan led off the inning with a walk and was sacrificed to second, ‘Topes reliever Francisco Felix intentionally walked Petersen, giving New Orleans two on with one out. That set up the night's designated Isotopes-killer Martinez, who crushed his third RBI double of the evening, plating Merchan and giving the Zephyrs a 5-4 edge.

Z's closer Jose Ceda would make the one-run lead stick, pitching around two singles before slamming the door and clinching the 5-4 win. New Orleans reliever Victor Garate (2-0) earned the win, while Felix (3-1) suffered his first loss of the season. Thanks to his exploits in the ninth, Ceda (14) earned the save.

The Isotopes will look for their first win of the series in a Sunday matinee at Zephyr Field that features a 1:00 PM MT first pitch. Albuquerque lefty Dana Eveland (4-3, 4.00) will get the ball for the ‘Topes against Z's right-hander Elih Villanueva (4-5, 6.37).

After a dozen games on the road, the Isotopes are back home on June 9 for a four-game series against the Nashville Sounds, Triple-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. The four-game homestand may be short, but it's loaded with promotions, including a rally towel giveaway, Myron Noodleman's first appearance at The Lab this year, and another spectacular post-game fireworks show. Tickets for any Isotopes game may be purchased at the Isotopes Park Box Office, at Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 1-800-745-3000, or on-line at www.albuquerquebaseball.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

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Pacific Coast League Stories from May 28, 2011


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