Z's Comeback in Finale 3-2
Published on July 21, 2008 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release
Behind the clutch hitting of two former âTopes, the New Orleans Zephyrs (50-53) came back for the 3-2 victory in ten innings over the Albuquerque Isotopes (43-59) Monday afternoon at Zephyr Field. Despite not factoring in the decision, starter Daniel Barone had one of the most impressive starts by an Isotope all season. The right-hander pitched seven and two-thirds of shutout baseball, collecting a tied a team season-high nine strikeouts while only allowing two hits.
Dominant pitching on both sides silenced each team's bats until the eighth when Tommy Murphy drew a two-out walk and immediately stole second base for John Gall, who laced a double just inside the right field line that drove in Murphy for the game's first run, 1-0.
Chase Lambin led the ninth inning off by driving a stand up triple to right field then quickly scampered home when Alberto Concepcion slapped a single up the middle to give the Isotopes a two-run advantage, 2-0.
Down by two runs in the ninth, the Zephyrs led the inning off with consecutive singles by Jesus Feliciano and Andy Green. With two men on, John Rodriguez laid down a sacrifice bunt that advanced the runners into scoring position for Valentino Pascucci, who knocked a single up the middle that cleared the bases and tied the game up at two.
In the tenth, New Orleans had Gustavo Molina hit a leadoff single into shallow right field before being replaced by pinch runner Anderson Machado. Reliever Brandon Villafuerte was able to get the next two Zephyrs out before facing pinch hitter and former Isotope, Chris Aguila, who cracked a double down the left field line that scored Machado all the way from first to give New Orleans the comeback victory, 3-2.
Albuquerque will begin an eight-game homestand tomorrow, starting with a four-game series against the Sacramento River Cats, Triple-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics. The âTopes have yet to determine a starter in the opening game against River Cats lefty Gio Gonzalez (7-6, 4.34) at Isotopes Park, first pitch slated for 7:05 PM.
The Isotopes return home tomorrow, Tuesday, July 22, for an eight-game homestand that includes a slew of giveaways, a post-game fireworks show, and a special Albuquerque Professional Baseball Hall of Fame Induction ceremony as part of Dukes Retro Night. 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 21, 2008
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