PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

Z's Hand Isotopes Eighth Straight Loss, 8-2

Published on July 6, 2008 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


For the second straight night, the Albuquerque Isotopes' (39-50) offense was stymied as the New Orleans Zephyrs (42-48) cruised to an 8-2 win on a soggy Saturday night at Isotopes Park. Dallas McPherson provided one of the few bright spots for the 'Topes on an otherwise gloomy night, belting his professional baseball-leading 31st homer on the year, but it wasn't enough to save the Isotopes from dropping their eighth straight game, tying the second longest skid in franchise history.

Like they had a night ago, New Orleans jumped out first, scoring three runs in the third when Abraham Nunez and Jesus Feliciano reached on walks in front of John Rodriguez, who smashed a two-out, three-run homer to give the Z's an immediate 3-0 edge.

Walks and a long ball conspired against Albuquerque again in the fourth as Raul Casanova drew a lead-off walk ahead of Michel Abreu, who added a two-run blast, giving New Orleans a 5-0 lead on just three hits after four innings.

That advantage would swell to 6-0 in the fifth when Andy Green walked with one away before advancing to second on a single by Rodriguez and scoring on a single by Valentino Pascucci to put the Zephyrs on cruise control.

It was an unusually off-night for 'Topes ace Frankie De La Cruz (9-4), who suffered his first loss since June 5 after allowing six runs on five hits in 4.1 innings, the shortest outing for the right-hander since April 13.

Proving that when it rains it literally pours, Mother Nature added her two-cents to the Isotopes' woes in the top of the seventh. With one Zephyr on base and reliever Steve Woodard on the mound, a sudden rain storm soaked Isotopes Park, causing an hour and a half delay.

After play resumed, Albuquerque finally broke onto the scoreboard in the bottom of the seventh when McPherson led off the frame with a monstrous home run to deep right-center field that cut the Z's lead to 6-1. Pinch-hitter Lorenzo Scott followed with a double before advancing to third on a groundout and scoring on a sacrifice fly by Chris Barnwell, bringing the Isotopes back to within 6-2. McPherson would also add a triple in the ninth to finish the evening with two hits, both coming after the rain delay.

That's as close as Albuquerque would get, however, as New Orleans put the game away with two more in the ninth to coast to an 8-2 win.

Brian Knight (3-1) got the win for the Zephyrs, allowing four hits in six scoreless innings while walking one and striking out six.

Albuquerque will finally look to put an end to its eight-game skid on Sunday behind lefty Chris Seddon (6-6, 4.07), who will tangle with New Orleans righty Ruddy Lugo (6-7, 5.01) in a 6:05 PM start at Isotopes Park.

The Isotopes finish up their Independence Day weekend series with the Albuquerque Journal's fourth pre-game autograph session featuring Isotopes infielder Chris Barnwell. Tickets for the next series at Isotopes Park that begins Friday, July 11 against the Iowa Cubs, Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, 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.

Check out the Albuquerque Isotopes Statistics

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Pacific Coast League Stories from July 6, 2008


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