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WP: Chris Mabeus (1-0)
LP: Shawn Sedlacek (0-2)
SV: Huston Street (2)

HR: SAC Jon Weber (1) off Shawn Sedlacek

         IWA Russ Johnson (3) off Britt Reames

TIME: 3:31
ATT: 4,053

Jon Weber's three-run homer was the big blow to the Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) as the Sacramento River Cats (AAA Athletics) defeated the Cubs 4-3 to win the 2004 PCL Championship.  The River Cats have now won back-to-back PCL Championships.

In the 1st inning, Trenidad Hubbard singled and advanced to second base on a wild pitch.  Denny Hocking drew a walk before Russ Johnson doubled to drive in Hubbard and Hocking.

Matt Watson and Graham Koonce walked and Jon Weber homered as the River Cats took a 3-2 lead in the 2nd inning.

In the 5th inning, Mike Edwards doubled and later scored on Mike Rivera's infield single as the River Cats extended the lead to 4-2.

Johnson solo-homered for the Cubs in the home half of the 5th inning to close out the scoring in the game (and in the PCL 2004 season).

Neither starter in the game seemed very effective.  Sacramento's Britt Reames went 4 2/3 innings, giving up 3 runs and 6 hits while walking 4 and striking out 6.  Shawn Sedlacek started for the Cubs and gave up 4 runs and 7 hits in 4 1/3 innings.

WP: Ron Flores (1-0)
LP: Jermaine Van Burne (0-1)

HR: IWA Russ Johnson (2) off Joe Blanton
                 Donny Leon (1) off Joe Blanton

       SAC Nelson Cruz (1) off Renyel Pinto

TIME: 3:20
ATT: 13,091

The Sacramento River Cats (AAA Athletics) scored three runs in the bottom of the 9th inning to come from behind to defeat the Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) 5-4 in Game 2 of the 2004 PCL Championship Series.  With the victory, the River Cats hold a 2-0 series lead and only need to win one more game to become PCL Champions.

In the 1st inning, Steve Stanley reached on an error and advanced to third base on another error on the play before scoring on Dan Johnson's sacrifice flyout as the River Cats took a 1-0 lead.

Donny Leon solo-homered for the Cubs in the 2nd inning to tie the game at 1-1, but Sacramento's Nelson Cruz responded with a solo-homer of his own in the home half of the 2nd inning as the River Cats regained the lead at 2-1.

In the 3rd inning, Trenidad Hubbard led off with a single and advanced to second base on a wild pitch.  Bill Selby doubled to drive in Hubbard and Gookie Dawkins' single brought home Selby as the Cubs led 3-2.

Russ Johnson solo-homered in the 7th inning as the Cubs extended the lead to 4-2.

Sacramento went to work in the bottom of the 9th inning.  Graham Koonce drew a leadoff walk and John Baker walked.  Adam Morrissey entered the game to pinch-run for Koonce and Jon Weber sacrifice bunted to advance Morrissey and Baker a base before Mike Rouse's groundout scored Morrissey.  Stanley's single plated Baker to tie the game at 4-4.  Mark Kiger singled and Johnson walked to load the bases for Mike Edwards, who drew a walk as Stanley trotted home with the game winning run.

WP: John Rheinecker (1-1) 
LP: Jimmy Anderson (1-1)

HR: SAC Graham Koonce (2) off Jimmy Anderson
                 Graham Koonce (3) off Jae Kuk Ryu

TIME: 2:54
ATT: 8,256

Graham Koonce homered twice and drove in five runs as the Sacramento River Cats (AAA Athletics) continued the defense of their 2003 PCL Championship crown with a 10-5 victory over the Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) to take a 1-0 series lead in the best-of-five 2004 PCL Championship Series.  

Trenidad Hubbard led off the game with a double and scored on Donny Leon's single as the Cubs led 1-0.

In the 4th inning, Stanley singled and Johnson was intentionally walked before Watson singled to drive them in as the River Cats extended the lead to 6-1. 

Sacramento added two more runs to the lead in the 5th inning.  Mike Rivera reached on an error and Nelson Cruz doubled.  Mike Rouse singled to plate Rivera and Stanley singled to drive in Cruz.

Iowa's Hubbard walked to lead off the 6th inning and scored on Russ Johnson's double.  Leon doubled and Bill Selby singled to drive in Johnson and Leon.  Gookie Dawkins' single drove in Selby as the Cubs trailed by three runs at 8-5.

In the home half of the 6th inning, Watson walked and Koonce followed with a homer as Sacramento closed out the scoring in the contest.  

WP: Kevin McGlinchy (1-0) 
LP: Mike Bacsik (0-1)

HR:  IWA Gookie Dawkins (1) off Billy Sylvester

        OKL Pete Zoccolillo (1) off Kevin McGlinchy
                  Jason Jones (2) off Kevin McGlinchy

TIME: 2:44 
ATT: 1,584

Micah Hoffpauir and Gookie Dawkins each drove in a pair of runs as the Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) defeated the Oklahoma Redhawks (AAA Rangers) 6-2 to win the American Conference Championship Series.  The Cubs will meet the Sacramento River Cats (AAA Athletics) in the PCL Championship Series best-of-five series, beginning on Tuesday evening in Sacramento.

Donny Leon doubled, Dawkins walked and Hoffpauir doubled to drive in Leon and Dawkins.  Fernando Lunar doubled to plate Hoffpauir as the Cubs led 3-0.

Denny Hocking walked to lead off the 3rd inning and later scored on Bill Selby's double as the Cubs extended the lead to 4-0.

In the 6th inning, Selby walked and Dawkins homered as the Cubs led 6-1.

Solo homers by Pete Zoccolillo (4th inning) and Jason Jones (7th inning) provided the only runs the Redhawks scored.

Kevin McGlinchy went 6 2/3 innings for the Cubs, giving up 3 hits and 2 runs in the Iowa victory.

WP: John Koronka (1-0)
LP: John Hudgins (0-1) 
SV: Jermaine Van Buren (2)

HR:  IWA Bill Selby (1) off John Hudgins 

TIME: 2:40 
ATT: 2,781

David Kelton and Bill Selby each had two-run hits in the Iowa Cubs' (AAA Cubs) 5-2 victory over the Oklahome Redhawks (AAA Rangers).  The Cubs tied the series at 2-2 and stayed alive in the best-of-five American Conference Championship Series.  The deciding game is scheduled for Sunday afternoon at SBC Bricktown Ballpark in Oklahoma City.

In the 1st inning, Jason Conti singled, advanced to second base on Ramon Nivar's single, moved to third base when former-Isotope Chad Allen grounded into a double play and scored on Pete Zoccolillo's single as the Redhawks led 1-0.

In the 4th inning, Denny Hocking and Russ Johnson singled.  Two outs later, Gookie Dawkins singled to plate Hocking and Kelton tripled to drive in Johnson and Dawkins as the Cubs led 3-1.

Johnson singled to lead off the 6th inning and Selby followed with a home run as the Cubs extended the lead to 5-1.

Oklahoma closed out the scoring in the contest in the 7th inning.  Santiago Perez singled, moved to second base on Conti's single, advanced to third base on Nivar's single and scored on Allen's sacrifice flyout.

John Koronka tossed 6 1/3 innings of two-run, 10-hit ball for the Cubs.

WP: Adam Pettyjohn (1-0) 
LP: Tim Stauffer (0-1)
SV: Chris Mabeus (1)

TIME: 3:06
ATT: 2,743

The Sacramento River Cats (AAA Athletics) scored all five runs in three consecutive innings as they defeated the Portland Beavers (AAA Padres) 5-2 to win the best-of-five Pacific Conference Championship Series three games to one game.  The River Cats have earned a spot in the PCL Championship Series and will play the winner of Sunday's American Conference Championship Series Game 5 beginning on Tuesday evening in Sacramento. 

In the 1st inning, Bobby Scales reached on a dropped fly ball and scored on Jon Knott's double as the Beavers got off to a good start at 1-0.

In the 3rd inning, Nelson Cruz infield singled and Mark Kiger drew a walk.  Dan Johnson later singled to plate them both as the River Cats took a 2-1 lead.

In the home half of the 3rd inning, Humberto Quintero doubled and scored on Knott's double as the Beavers tied the game at 2-2.

Portland was unable to hold the lead.  In the 4th inning, Matt Watson doubled and scored on Mike Rivera's single as the River Cats led 3-2.

In the 5th inning, Steve Stanley was hit by a pitch and Johnson walked.  Mike Edwards doubled to plate Stanley  and Watson was intentionally walked to load the bases.  An out later, Rivera was hit by a pitch as Johnson trotted home to make it 5-2 River Cats. 

WP: Sam Narron (1-0)
LP: Shawn Sedlacek (0-1)

HR:  OKL Adrian Gonzalez (1) off Shawn Sedlacek
                  Jason Jones (1) off Will Ohman

TIME: 2:41
ATT: 5,100

Jason Jones went 3-for-4 with a homer and five RBI to lead the  Oklahoma Redhawks (AAA Rangers) to a 10-4 victory over the Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs).  The Redhawks took a 2-1 series lead in the American Conference Championship Series and needs one more victory in the next two games to earn a berth in the PCL Championship Series.

Trenidad Hubbard led off the game with a single and scored on Russ Johnson's single as the Cubs led 1-0.

Marshall McDougall singled, former-Isotope Adrian Gonzalez doubled and Jason Jones followed with a home run as the Redhawks took a 3-1 lead.

Iowa regained the lead at 4-3 in the 3rd inning.  Hubbard and Johnson singled and Donny Leon's double plated Hubbard.  Gookie Dawkins singled to drive in Johnson and Bill Selby reached on a fielder's choice as Leon scored

McDougall singled and scored on Jones' double in the 4th inning as the Redhawks tied the game at 4-4.

Oklahoma put the game away in the 6th inning.  Pete Zoccolillo singled to lead off the inning, McDougall singled and Gonzalez followed with a walk to load the bases.  Jones' single plated Zoccolillo and Santiago Perez singled to drive in McDougall and Gonzalez.  Jason Conti reached on a fielder's choice and Ramon Nivar singled to drive in Jones and Conti as the Redhawks led 9-4.

Gonzalez solo-homered in the 7th inning to close out the scoring in the game.

WP: Britt Reames (1-0) 
LP: Chris Oxspring (0-1)
SV: Huston Street (1)

HR: SAC Dan Johnson (2) off Chris Oxspring
                 Mike Edwards (1) off Chris Oxspring 
                 Mark Kiger (1) off Chris Oxspring

TIME: 3:07  
ATT: 4,039

A trio of Sacramento River Cats (AAA Athletics) homered in a 6-4 victory over the Portland Beavers (AAA Padres) on Friday evening in Portland, Oregon.  With the victory, the River Cats took a 2-1 series lead in the Pacific Conference Championship Series and only need a victory to advance to the PCL Championship Series.

Mike Edwards homered to lead off the 2nd inning as the River Cats led 1-0.

In the 3rd inning, Mike Rouse singled and Dan Johnson followed with a home run as the River Cats extended the lead to 3-0.

In the home half of the 3rd inning, Freddy Guzman walked and stole second base.  Bernie Castro drew a walk and both executed a double steal.  Humberto Quintero singled to drive them in as the Beavers edged to a run down at 3-2. 

Sacramento came right back with more runs.  Nelson Cruz walked and Mark Kiger homered as the River Cats led 5-2.

Portland's Jon Knott doubled and later scored on J.J. Furmaniak's double-play groundout in the 6th inning.  Ben Risinger and Bobby Scales singled and Guzman walked to load the bases in the 7th inning before Knott drew a walk to plate Risinger as the Beavers made the game interesting but the Beavers were unable to eventually tie the game in the next two innings.

Beavers starter and Australian Athens-Olympics silver medalist Chris Oxspring lasted 4 innings, giving up 5 hits and 5 runs (all earned).  He walked 3 and struck out 6 and allowed all 3 homers in the contest.    

WP: Kameron Loe (1-0) 
LP: Renyel Pinto (0-1)
SV: Brad Clontz (1)

HR: IWA  Russ Johnson (1) off Kameron Loe

TIME: 2:39 
ATT: 2,620

The Oklahoma Redhawks (AAA Rangers) scored three runs in the 6th inning to come from behind to defeat the Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) 4-2 to even the best-of-five American Conference Championship Series at 1-1.

Denny Hocking tripled in the 1st inning and Russ Johnson followed with a home run as Iowa led 2-0.

The rest of the game was all Redhawks.  Jason Conti singled and scored on Pete Zoccolillo's single as the Redhawks cut the defecit to a run at
2-1. 

In the 6th inning, former-Isotope Chad Allen doubled and scored on Zoccolillo's double.  Two outs later, Jason Jones singled and Santiago Perez bunt singled as Zoccolillo raced home.  Ramon Nivar's double drove in Jones as the Redhawks took a 4-2 lead.

WP: Joe Blanton (1-0)
LP: Dennis Tankersley (0-1)

HR: SAC Graham Koonce (1) off Brad Baker 

TIME: 2:39  
ATT: 8,682

Graham Koonce went 2-for-4 with a homer and four RBI as the Sacramento River Cats (AAA Athletics) defeated the Portland Beavers (AAA Padres) 7-3 to even up the Pacific Conference Championship Series best-of-five series at 1-1.  The series moves to Portland for Games 3 and 4 and 5 (if necessary).

With one out in the 1st inning, John Baker was hit by a pitch and advanced to second base on Dan Johnson's single.  Mike Edwards single plated Baker as the River Cats led 1-0.

In the 3rd inning, Baker and Johnson walked and Matt Watson's single drove in Baker.  Watson stole second base and Mike Rose walked to load the bases and Graham Koonce singled to drive in Johnson and Watson as the River Cats extended the lead to 4-0.

Edwards and Watson both reached on errors to lead off the 5th inning and Rose singled to drive in Edwards as the River Cats led 5-0.

Watson singled and Koonce shortly thereafter homered in the 7th inning as the River Cats built the lead to 7-0.

Portland avoided the shutout in the 8th inning as they tried to climb back into the game.  Jake Gautreau doubled and Alex Fernandez singled.  Freddy Guzman's double drove in Gautreau.  An out later, Humberto Quintero reached on an error as Fernandez and Guzman scored.

Joe Blanton went 7 1/3 innings for the River Cats, allowing 7 hits and a run while walking one and striking out 9.  

WP: Jimmy Anderson (1-0) 
LP: Rosman Garcia (0-1) 
SV: Jermaine Van Buren (1) 

TIME: 2:26  
ATT: 2,625

In front of a small crowd of 2,625, the Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) scored two runs in the 5th inning and held off the Oklahoma Redhawks (AAA Rangers) 2-1 to take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-five American Conference Championship Series. 

In the 3rd inning, Jason Jones walked and scored on Jason Conti's triple as the Redhawks led 1-0.

In the 5th inning, Denny Hocking singled and advanced to second base on an error.  Russ Johnson singled to plate Hocking and Donny Leon's single drove in Johnson as the Cubs took the lead at 2-1. 

In the pitching duel, Ryan Snare started for the Redhawks and gave up no runs and four hits in 4 1/3 innings of work before he had to leave with a groin injury.  Jimmy Anderson started for the Cubs and gave up a single run and four hits in 7 innings.

WP: Brian Sweeney (1-0) 
LP: John Rheinecker (0-1)

HR: POR Jon Knott (1) off  Chris Mabeus

        SAC Dan Johnson (1) off Brian Sweeney

TIME: 2:52 
ATT: 6,709

Jon Knott went 3-for-5 with a homer, four RBI and two runs scored as the Portland Beavers (AAA Padres) defeated the Sacramento River Cats (AAA Athletics) 7-2 to take a 1-0 best-of-five series lead in the Pacific Conference Championship Series on Wednesday evening.

In the 1st inning, Freddy Guzman singled and scored on Jon Knott's single as the Beavers took a quick 1-0 lead.

In the 2nd inning, Jake Gautreau doubled and scored on Alex Fernandez's infield single as the Beavers added to the lead at 2-0.

Knott singled and scored on Gautreau's single in the 3rd inning as the Beavers led 3-0.

Dan Johnson homered to lead off the 6th inning as the River Cats got on the scoreboard.  Mike Edwards followed with a triple and scored on Matt Watson's sacrifice flyout as the River Cats cut the defecit to a run at 3-2.

The Beavers put the game away in the 7th inning.  With one out, Bernie Castro and Humberto Quintero singled and Knott homered to left field.  Yamid Haad walked and advanced to second base on J.J. Furmaniak's walk before Ben Risinger singled to plate Haad as the Beavers led 7-2.

WP: Clint Sodowsky (9-7)
LP: John Hudgins (0-1)

HR: ABQ Joe Dillon (29) off Sam Narron
                  Joe Dillon (30) off Sam Narron  
                  Mike Colangelo (16) off Sam Narron 
                  Ryan Jorgensen (8) off Keith Stamler 

TIME: 2:28 
ATT: 9,901

It is not apparent if Joe Dillon had a homer goal or just wanted to live up to his new billing.  Dillon, just named the Isotopes' Power Hitter of the Year, belted a pair of homers to reach the 30 homer mark at the AAA-level as the Isotopes defeated the PCL Eastern Division champion Oklahoma Redhawks (AAA Rangers) 10-7 to end the 2004 campaign on a positive note.  

Dillon solo-homered to left-center field in the 1st inning as the Isotopes quickly led 1-0.

In the 2nd inning, former-Isotope Adrian Gonzalez walked and Danny Ardoin singled.  Santiago Perez's single to left field drove in Gonzalez and Jeff Picker doubled to right field to drive in Ardoin as the Redhawks led 2-1.

With one out in the 3rd inning, Derek Wathan doubled and scored on Jason Wood's double to right field.  Dillon followed with a homer to left field and Mike Colangelo solo-homered to left field as the Isotopes led 5-2.

Oklahoma stormed right back in the 4th inning.  Jason Jones singled and Ardoin doubled.  Perez's single to left field plated Jones and Pickler's double to right field drove in Ardoin and Perez.  Ramon Nivar's grounder advanced Pickler to third base and Pickler scored on Jason Conti's sacrifice flyout to center field as the Redhawks led 6-5.

In the 5th inning, Dillon and Colangelo singled and Josh Wilson's double to right-center field drove in Dillon.  Drew Niles singled to right field plated Colangelo and Wilson as the Isotopes regained the lead at 8-6.

Rob Ryan tripled down the right field line and Ryan Jorgensen homered to left field in the 8th inning as the Isotopes extended the lead to 10-6.

Oklahoma finished their scoring in the 9th inning.  Jason Conti singled, advanced to second base on former-Isotope Chad Allen's single, went to third base on Pete Zoccolillo's fielder's choice and scored on Gonzalez's fielder's choice.

Isotopes Starter: 
Matt Blank  3 2/3 IP, 9 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 1 BB, 0 K (ERA: 6.44)

Prospect Watch:

Ryan Jorgensen  2x4 (.259), R (20), 2B (11), HR (8), 2 RBI (29)
Josh Wilson  2x4 (.279), R (32), 2B (12), RBI (23)

Michael Neu  1 IP (38 1/3), 2 H (47), 1 ER (27), 0 BB, 0 K (ERA: 6.34)
Franklyn Gracesqui 1 2/3 IP (22), 1 H (10), 0 ER, 3 BB (19),
1 K (16) (ERA: 3.27)

'Topes Notes:   The Isotopes took three out of the four games in the series against the Redhawks.  For the season series, Oklahoma won 9 out of the 16 games. . . .  Due to two fewer home dates in 2004, the Isotopes just missed (by 1,260 fans) eclipsing last year's inaugural season attendance mark.  In 2003, the Isotopes drew 576,867 fans and in 2004 the Isotopes drew 575,607 fans.  The Isotopes played in front of 996,396 fans at home and on the road in 2004, just missing the million fan mark.  The Isotopes did average more fans per game in 2004 (8,223 fans per game in 2004 compared to 8,012 fans per game in 2003). . . .  Joe Dillon had four multi-homer games in 2004 and ended up with 39 homers in Class-AA and Class-AAA in 2004. . . .  The Isotopes tied a season-high with 10 extra base hits in a game and tied a franchise-record with four homers in a game. . . .  Joe Dillon and Mike Colangelo had the Isotopes' fourth back-to-back homers of the season. . . .  Jason Wood extended his hitting streak to 8 games with a 1x5 performance. . . .  Larry Sutton, who hit .370 in 2004,  was injured the last part of the season and did not get enough at-bats in 2004 to qualify for the PCL Batting title. . . .  Clint Sodowsky tied an Isotopes franchise record with his 9th pitching victory.  Aaron Small and Mike Nannini set and tied the franchise record earlier in the series against Oklahoma.  Sodowsky's victory was his first victory since July 21st against New Orleans (AAA Astros). . . .  In PCL news, the Fresno Grizzlies and San Francisco Giants extended their player development contract through the 2006 season. . . .  The Best-of-Five PCL Conference Championship Series' begin on Wednesday evening.  Oklahoma travels to the Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) and the Portland Beavers (AAA Padres) travel to the Sacramento River Cats (AAA Athletics). . . .  Coming to this web page in the next few days:  2004 Isotopes By-The-Numbers and recaps of all the PCL playoff action.

WP: Michael Nannini (9-10) 
LP: Scott Erickson (0-1)

HR: OKL Jason Jones (13) off Michael Nannini

TIME: 2:26 
ATT: 11,584

The Isotopes hammered long-time former major leaguer Scott Erickson en route to a 9-2 victory over the PCL Eastern Division champion Oklahoma Redhawks (AAA Rangers) on Sunday evening at "The Lab".

In the 1st inning with two outs, Joe Dillon was hit by a pitch and scored on Matt Padgett's double to left field as the Isotopes led 1-0.

Rob Ryan walked, stole second base and scored on Drew Niles' single to right field as the Isotopes extended the lead to 2-0.

In the 3rd inning, Joe Dillon walked, stole second base and scored on Padgett's triple to left-center field.  Josh Wilson singled to right-center field to plate Padgett as the Isotopes extended the lead to 4-0.

In the 4th inning, the Isotopes once again got to Erickson.  Niles and Jason Wood singled and Joe Dillon singled and on an error on the play Niles scored while Wood moved to third base and Dillon moved into scoring position.  Wood then scored on a wild pitch as the Isotopes led 6-0.

Oklahoma got on the scoreboard in the 5th inning.  Jason Jones solo-homered to right field, Santiago Perez singled and Danny Ardoin doubled to right field to drive in Perez as the Redhawks cut the defecit to four runs at 6-2.

Wilson doubled and later scored on Niles's sacrifice flyout to left field in the home half of the 5th inning as the Isotopes led 7-2.

In the 8th inning, Niles walked and advanced to second base on a wild pitch.  Derek Wathan walked and both runners came home on Dillon's double to left field as the Isotopes closed out the scoring in the contest.

Prospect Watch:

Josh Wilson  2x3 (.275), R (31), 2B (11), RBI (22), BB (19), K (51)

Michael Nannini (W, 9-10) 7 IP (151 1/3), 4 H (156), 2 ER (89), 0 BB,
7 K (111), 1 HR (31) (ERA: 5.29)

'Topes Notes:   Michael Nannini tied an Isotope franchise record for most victories in a season (9 victories).  Aaron Small set the franchise record on Friday before Nannini tied it tonight. . . .  The Isotopes tied a season-high by scoring in five consecutive innings (innings 1-5). . . .  Jason Wood went 2x3 to extend his hitting streak to 7 games. . . .  The Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) won on Sunday afternoon while the Colorado Springs Sky Sox (AAA Rockies) lost so the Cubs clinched the PCL Central Division title.  In the first round of the playoffs, Iowa and Oklahoma will face each other while the Portland Beavers (AAA Padres) and Sacramento River Cats (AAA Athletics) will play each other.  The winners of each series will meet in the PCL Championship Series.   Keep reading this web page after the Isotopes season as there will be scores and news from all the PCL playoff action as well as Isotope off-season transactions and news. . . .  The Isotopes close out their 2004 campaign on Monday afternoon.  Pitching probables are LHP Matt Blank (4-8, 6.22) for the Isotopes and LHP Sam Narron (8-2, 4.10) for the Redhawks.  

WP: Kameron Loe (5-2)
LP: Scott Sanders (3-10)
SV: Brad Clontz (18)

HR: OKL Adrian Gonzalez (12) off Scott Sanders

        ABQ Joe Dillon (28) off Kameron Loe

TIME: 2:19
ATT: 9,055 

Former-Isotope Adrian Gonzalez's homer was worth more than Joe Dillon's homer as the Oklahoma Redhawks (AAA Rangers) defeated the Isotopes 2-1 on Saturday evening at "The Lab". 

In the 1st inning, Dillon solo-homered to left-center field as the Isotopes scored their only run of the game.

In the 6th inning with two outs, Pete Zoccolillo drew a walk and Gonzalez homered to center field as the Redhawks took a lead they would never relinquish at 2-1.

Kameron Loe, the Redhawks starter, gave up a run and 5 hits in 7 innings of work while striking out 7 and walking 1 as he dueled Sanders.  Sanders' line is below.

Isotopes Starter: 
Scott Sanders (L, 3-10)  6 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 5 K, 1 HR
(ERA: 7.90)

Prospect Watch:

Ryan Jorgensen  0x3 (.254), 2 K (50) 
Josh Wilson  0x4 (.270), 3 K (50)

'Topes Notes:   With two home dates left, the Isotopes may fall just short of achieving two attendance milestones in 2004.  The Isotopes need to average 11,373 fans in the next two games in order to eclipse the inaugural 2003 season attendance mark.  The Isotopes will need to average 12,546 fans over the last two games in order to play in front of a million fans in 2004.   If the Isotopes do end up short of both milestones, a rainout at Isotopes Park in July could be blamed for costing the Isotopes a home date to add to the attendance totals. . . .  Jason Wood went 2x4 to extend his hitting streak to 6 games, while Oklahoma's Santiago Perez went 0x4 to snap an 8-game hitting streak. . . .  The Isotopes tied their franchise record for most games below the .500 mark (12 games). . . .  Since Scott Sanders' last victory on July 24th against Omaha (AAA Royals) in game two of a doubleheader, Sanders has four no-decisions and four losing decisions. . . .  In PCL Central Division race news, both the Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) and Colorado Springs Sky Sox (AAA Rockies) won this evening so the Sky Sox remain one game back of the Cubs with two games left to play.  The Sky Sox/New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Astros) contests on Sunday and Monday will be aired on Altitude Sports and Entertainment regional sports network if you want to watch the Sky Sox try to win the division. . . .  Pitching probables for Game 3 of the series on Sunday evening are RHP Mike Nannini (8-10, 5.42) for the Isotopes and RHP Scott Erickson (0-0, 9.00) for the Redhawks.

WP: Aaron Small (9-9)
LP: Ryan Snare (11-6)

HR: OKL Pete Zoccolillo (23) off Aaron Small

        ABQ Derek Wathan (10) off Ryan Snare

TIME: 2:06  
ATT: 6,213

Aaron Small pitched a complete game and earned a franchise-record 9th victory of the season as the Isotopes defeated the 2004 PCL Eastern Division Champion Oklahoma Redhawks (AAA Rangers) 9-2 on Friday afternoon at "The Lab".    

In the 4th inning, Derek Wathan solo-homered to left field as the Isotopes took a 1-0 lead.

In the 5th inning, Matt Padgett infield singled and Josh Wilson doubled to right-center field.  Rob Ryan infield singled to load the bases before Chris Ashby sacrifice-flied out to right field to drive in Padgett.  Drew Niles reached on a fielder's choice (Wilson out at home plate) to keep the bases loaded for Wathan, who singled to left-center field to drive in Ryan.  Jason Wood doubled down the right field line to drive in Niles as the Isotopes led 4-0. 

Mike Colangelo walked, Wilson singled to left field and Ryan walked to load the bases in the 6th inning before Ashby sacrifice-flied out to right field to drive in Colangelo to extend the Isotope lead to 5-0.

In the 7th inning, Santiago Perez singled and scored on Jeff Pickler's single to center field as the Redhawks got on the scoreboard.

In the home half of the 7th inning, Derek Wathan walked, advanced to third base on Wood's double down the left-field line and scored on Joe Dillon's single into left field.  Padgett's sacrifice flyout to center field  plated Wood as the Isotopes led 7-1.

Pete Zoccolillo solo-homered to right field in the 8th inning as the Redhawks closed out their scoring in the game.

The Isotopes scored their last couple of runs in the 8th inning.  Ashby walked and scored on Wathan's double to right-center field.  Wathan later scored on Dillon's infield single.

Isotopes Starter: 
Aaron Small (W, 9-9)  9 IP, 9 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 7 K, 1 HR (ERA: 5.06)

Prospect Watch:

Josh Wilson  3x4 (.275), 2B (10)

'Topes Notes:  With today's victory, the Isotopes snapped their longest home losing streak of the season (6 games). . . .  Aaron Small tossed his second complete game of the season and the Isotopes' 4th complete game of the year.   Small also tied an Isotopes season-high for longest starter outing (9 innings). . . .  Chris Ashby tied an Isotopes season-high with two sacrifice flyouts in a game. . . .  The Isotopes tied season-highs for most sacrifice flyouts in a game (3) and most consecutive innings with at least a run scored (5 innings - innings 4-8). . . . .  Oklahoma's Santiago Perez extended his hitting streak to 8 games. . . .  In PCL news, Dan Rohn of the Tacoma Rainiers (AAA Mariners) was named the PCL Manager of the Year.  The Isotopes were shut out of all the end-of-season PCL awards.  Runners up for Manager of the Year were Bobby Jones (Oklahoma Redhawks - AAA Rangers), Mike Quade (Iowa Cubs - AAA Cubs), Craig Colbert (Portland Beavers  - AAA Padres), and Tony DeFrancesco (Sacramento River Cats - AAA Athletics). . . .  The Sacramento River Cats (AAA Athletics) clinched the PCL Southern Division crown and the Portland Beavers (AAA Padres) clinched the PCL Northern Division title on Friday night.  The only division race still not decided is the PCL Central Division, where the Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) still hold a one game lead over the Colorado Springs Sky Sox (AAA Rockies) with three games left to play. On satellite television, one can watch the Sky Sox try to win the division as the Sunday and Monday contests in Colorado Springs against the New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Astros) can be seen on Altitude Sports and Entertainment Network. . . . Pitching probables for the second game of the series on Saturday evening are RHP Scott Sanders (3-9, 8.22) for the Isotopes and RHP Kameron Loe (4-2, 3.57) for the Redhawks. 

WP: Chris Enochs (6-8) 
LP: Justin Wayne (1-5)

HR: NRL Phil Hiatt (28) off Justin Wayne
                Phil Hiatt (29) off Michael Tejera
                Mike Coolbaugh (28) off Justin Wayne 

TIME: 2:37
ATT: 8,418

Chris Enochs, Reggie Harris and Miguel Saladin combined on a four-hit shutout and Phil Hiatt provided a pair of homers as the New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Astros) defeated the Isotopes 7-0 as the Isotopes closed out the road portion of their 2004 schedule. 

In the 2nd inning, Phil Hiatt drew a leadoff walk, Emil Brown doubled to right field and Alex Eckelman singled to center field to drive in HIatt.  Chris Tremie's sacrifice flyout plated Brown as the Zephyrs led 2-0.

Mike Coolbaugh solo-homered to left-center field in the 3rd inning to make it
3-0 New Orleans.

In the 4th inning, Eckelman singled and scored on Tremie's double to left-center field.  Tremie later scored on Royce Huffman's single up the middle as the Zephyrs extended the lead to 5-0.

Hiatt solo-homered to left field in each the 5th and 6th innings to close out the scoring in the game.

Prospect Watch:

Ryan Jorgensen  0x3 (.258), 2 K (48) 
Josh Wilson  0x4 (.267), 3K (47)

Justin Wayne (L, 1-5)  4 1/3 IP (65 2/3), 9 H (82), 6 ER (48), 4 BB (34), 0 K,
2 HR (11) (ERA: 6.58)   

'Topes Notes:   The Zephyrs won three out of the four games in the series and the Isotopes have lost 14 series' in 2004.  For the just-completed season series, New Orleans won 9 out of the 16 games. . . .  The Isotopes went 30-42 on the road in 2004. . . .  The Isotopes have been shut out 9 times in 2004, with 7 of those on the road. . . .  Phil Hiatt's 29th homer established a Zephyr record for most homers in a season. . . .  In the PCL Central Division playoff race, the Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) continue to hold a slim one game lead over the Colorado Springs Sky Sox (AAA Rockies) in the standings with four games left to play. . . .  In PCL news, Sacramento River Cats (AAA Athletics) first-baseman Dan Johnson was named the 2004 PCL MVP.  Runners-up for the award were Andy Tracy (Colorado Springs Sky Sox - AAA Rockies), Adam Riggs (Salt Lake Stingers - AAA Angels), Trenidad Hubbard (Iowa Cubs - AAA Cubs) and Calvin Pickering (Omaha Royals - AAA Royals). . . . Fittingly enough, the final home game in the Edmonton Trappers (AAA Expos) franchise history was cancelled and will not be made up.  The Trappers franchise is moving to Round Rock, Texas for the 2005 season. . . .  The Isotopes return home to finish the season with four games against the 2004 PCL Eastern Division champion Oklahoma Redhawks (AAA Rangers).  Pitching probables for the series opener, at a special time of 2:05 PM, are RHP Aaron Small (8-9, 5.25) for the Isotopes and LHP Ryan Snare (11-5, 4.59) for the Redhawks.

WP: Matt Blank (4-8) 
LP: Jeremy Griffiths (3-5)

HR: ABQ Matt Padgett (24) off Jeremy Griffiths

       NRL Chris Burke (16) off Matt Blank

TIME: 2:37 
ATT: 4,176

In front of a Louisiana cable television audience and Isotopes fans watching by satellite, Matt Blank tossed a complete-game as the Isotopes defeated the  New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Astros) 6-2.  The Isotopes snapped an eight-game losing streak with the victory.

Albuquerque jumped to a quick 3-0 lead.  With one out, Josh Wilson drew a walk and stole second base.  Mike Colangelo's single to left field drove in Wilson and Matt Padgett followed with a home run to right-center field.

The Isotopes added to the lead in the 2nd inning.  Rob Ryan singled to right field and Isotopes starter Blank was hit by a pitch.  Derek Wathan singled to right field to drive in Ryan and Joe Dillon's sacrifice flyout to right field plated Blank as the Isotopes led 5-0.

With one out in the 3rd inning, New Orleans' starting pitcher Jeremy Griffiths drew a walk, advanced to second base on Chris Burke's bunt single and scored on Royce Huffman's single to right field as the Zephyrs got on the scoreboard.

In the 5th inning, Mike Colangelo reached on a fielder's choice and scored on Jason Wood's double to left-center field as the 'Topes led 6-1.

Burke solo-homered to left field to lead off the 9th inning to close out the scoring in the game.

Isotopes Starter: 
Matt Blank (W, 4-8)  9 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, 1 HR (ERA: 6.22)  

Prospect Watch:

Ryan Jorgensen  1x3 (.262), 2B (10), BB (10), K (46)
Josh Wilson  0x3 (.271), R (30), 2 BB (18), 3 K (44), SB (6)

'Topes Notes:   Matt Blank snapped a six-game losing decision streak with his 111-pitch performance tonight as he earned his first victory since July 16th at Oklahoma (AAA Rangers).  Blank tied an Isotope season-high for longest outing (9 innings) and he tossed the third Isotope complete game of the season. . . .  Josh Wilson snapped a five-game hitting streak. . . .  In PCL news, left-hand pitcher Scott Downs of the Edmonton Trappers (AAA Expos) was named the 2004 PCL Pitcher of the Year.  Other than setting a career-high in wins, Downs tossed the only no-hitter in the PCL this season (June 11th against the Las Vegas 51s (AAA Dodgers).  No Isotope pitchers were runners up in the voting -- runners up were Al Reyes (Memphis Redbirds - AAA Cardinals), Brian Sweeney (Portland Beavers - AAA Padres), Nelson Figueroa (Nashville Sounds - AAA Pirates), and Mike Wuertz (Iowa Cubs - AAA Cubs). . . .  Pitching probables have not been announced for the series finale on Thursday evening.  The game marks Albuquerque's final road game of the 2004 season. 

WP: Jared Fernandez (6-11) 
LP: Mike Nannini (8-10)

HR: NRL Chris Burke (15) off Clint Sodowsky

TIME:2:14 
ATT: 2,253

Jared Fernandez pitched a complete game, 1-run, 4-hitter as the New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Astros) defeated the Isotopes 4-1 on Tuesday evening in New Orleans.  The Isotopes have dropped eight straight games with the defeat.

With one out in the 1st inning, Royce Huffman and Mike Coolbaugh singled.  Jason Alfaro walked to load the bases and Phil Hiatt sacrifice flied out to left-center field to drive in Huffman.  Coolbaugh scored on a wild pitch and Alfaro came around to score as Isotopes catcher Matt Treanor committed an error trying  to throw the ball to Isotopes starter Mike Nannini covering home plate as the Zephyrs led 3-0. 

Chris Burke solo-homered to left field with two outs in the 8th inning as the Zephyrs extended the lead to 4-0.

In the 9th inning, Mike Colangelo was hit by a pitch, advanced to second base on a wild pitch, reached third base on Matt Padgett's flyout and scored on an error as the Isotopes avoided being shut out. 

Prospect Watch:

Ryan Jorgensen  0x1 (.261)
Josh Wilson  1x4 (.275)

Mike Nannini (L, 8-10)  7 IP (144 1/3), 3 H (152), 2 ER (87), 1 BB (42),
7 K (104  (ERA: 5.42) 

'Topes Notes:   The Isotopes went 8-22 in August. . . .  Mike Colangelo went 0x2 to snap a 10-game hitting streak.  Josh Wilson, meanwhile, extended his hitting streak to 5 games. . . .  Mike Nannini has continued to run into the 9th victory roadblock.  Nannini has lost his last three straight outings after having won his 8th game.  A 9th victory would set an Isotopes franchise record for most winning decisions in a season. . . .  In PCL news, the Omaha Royals (AAA Royals) were eliminated from playoff contention on Tuesday evening.  The Colorado Springs Sky Sox (AAA Rockies) remain one game back of the PCL Central-Division leading Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs).  There are currently six teams vying for three playoff spots and the Oklahoma Redhawks (AAA Rangers) have already clinched a playoff spot. . . .  Th PCL named Chris Burke of the Zephyrs the 2004 PCL Rookie of the Year.  No Isotope finished in the top five in voting -- runners up were Ryan Church of Edmonton (AAA Expos), Freddy Guzman of Portland (AAA Padres) and Dan Johnson and Nick Swisher of Sacramento (AAA Athletics). . . .  The PCL named their 2004 Sports Turf Manager of the Year and it was Steve Horne of the Memphis Redbirds (AAA Cardinals).  For the second season in a row, Jarad Alley of the Isotopes was the runner up and received the "President's Honorable Mention Award" for his work in keeping the Isotopes Park turf in excellent condition. . . .   Pitching probables for Game 3 of the series are LHP Matt Blank (3-8, 6.52) for the Isotopes and RHP Jeremy Griffiths (3-4, 5.17) for the Zephyrs.

WP: Brandon Duckworth (4-5) 
LP: Scott Sanders (3-9)
SV: Heath Bost (3)

HR: ABQ Mike Colangelo (15) off Brandon Duckworth
                 Matt Padgett (23) off Heath Bost 
                 Matt Treanor (8) off Heath Bost 

        NRL Alex Eckelman (2) off Scott Sanders

TIME: 2:49  
ATT: 2,084

The New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Astros) defeated the Isotopes 6-5 on Monday evening in the series opener in New Orleans.  With the defeat, the Isotopes have dropped seven straight games. 

Mike Colangelo solo-homered to center field in the 2nd inning as the Isotopes led 1-0.

In the 3rd inning, Matt Treanor singled, advanced to second base on Isotope starter Scott Sanders' sacrifice bunt, and scored on Josh Wilson's double down the third base line as the Isotopes extended their lead to 2-0.

In the home half of the 3rd inning, Alex Eckelman solo-homered to left field to lead off the inning.  Chris Tremie singled and scored on Chris Burke's double to left field.  Mike Coolbaugh doubled to left field to drive in Burke as the Zephyrs led 3-2.

Phil Hiatt singled and scored on Kyle Logan's double to left field as the Zephyrs extended their lead to 4-2.

The Zephyrs scored their final runs of the game in the 5th inning.  Burke doubled and scored on Emil Brown's single to left field.  Brown came home on Logan's double down the third base line as the Zephyrs led 6-2.

Derek Wathan doubled and scored on Joe Dillon's double down the left field line in the 6th inning as the Isotopes cut the defecit to three runs at 6-3.

Matt Padgett and Treanor each solo-homered in the 9th inning as the Isotopes tried to rally to win the game. 

Isotopes Starter: 
Scott Sanders (L, 3-9)  4 2/3 IP, 9 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 1 BB, 5 K, 1 HR (ERA: 8.22) 

Prospect Watch:

Ryan Jorgensen  0x1 (.262)
Josh Wilson  2x4 (.276), 2B (9), RBI (21)

Michael Neu  1 IP (37 1/3), 0 H, 0 ER, 1 BB (24), 3 K (28) 
(ERA: 6.27)

'Topes Notes:   The Isotopes extended their franchise mark for most games under the .500 mark to 11 games. . . .  Mike Colangelo extended his hitting streak to 10 games. . . .  The Isotopes are 3-13 on the road in August. . . .  Since Scott Sanders' last winning decision, he has had three losing decisions and four no-decisions. . . .  The PCL named their 2004 All-Star Team and none of the members of that team, representing every position, were Isotopes. . . .  The PCL Hitter of the Week is Kevin Witt of the Memphis Redbirds (AAA Cardinals).  Witt hit .500 for the week while homering four times, driving in 11 runs, and scoring 10 runs.  The PCL Pitcher of the Week is Chris Bootcheck of the Salt Lake Stingers (AAA Angels).  Bootcheck won both his starts for the week while having an ERA of 0.64.  Bootcheck tossed the first Stingers complete game shutout of the season against the Las Vegas 51s (AAA Dodgers) on August 24. . . .  Pitching probables for Game 2 of the series are RHP Michael Nannini (8-9, 5.57) for the Isotopes and knuckleballer RHP Jared Fernandez (5-11, 5.00) for the Zephyrs.  

WP: Mike Bumatay (2-4)
LP: Michael Tejera (8-4)
SV: Marc Kroon (18)

TIME: 3:10 
ATT: 9,688

The curse of the 9th winning decision of the season continues for the Isotopes.  Aaron Small was in good shape to set an Isotopes franchise record with his 9th victory in a season, but the Isotopes bullpen gave up the game as the Colorado Springs Sky Sox (AAA Rockies) defeated the Isotopes 7-3 on Sunday evening at "The Lab" to sweep the five-game series.  The Isotopes have dropped six straight games, while the Sky Sox moved to one game back of the PCL Central Division-leading Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) with eight games to play in the 2004 season. 

In the 2nd inning, Rob Ryan tripled to the hill in right-center field and scored on Aaron Small's single up the middle as the Isotopes led 1-0.

Drew Niles singled to right field with one out in the 4th inning and scored on Matt Treanor's liner into the left field corner.  Ryan singled to right field as Treanor scored to make it 3-0 Albuquerque.

The Sky Sox went to work beginning in the 6th inning.  With one out, Todd Greene singled to right-center field and Andy Tracy tripled to the right-hand part of the outfield hill as Greene raced around to score.  Erick Almonte's sacrifice flyout to center field drove in Tracy as the Isotopes held a slim 3-2 lead over the Sky Sox.

The Sky Sox's big inning of the game was the 8th inning.  Shawn Garrett and Elvis Pena each singled with one out.  After former-Isotope Chris Donnels flied out, Rene Reyes doubled inside the right field line as Garrett scored.  Garrett Atkins singled to drive in Pena and Reyes advanced to third.  Reyes hurt himself on the play and was replaced by Chris Gissell on the basepaths.  Greene doubled to left-center field as Gissell and Atkins scored as the Sky Sox led 6-3.

In the 9th inning with one out, Garrett drew a walk, stole second base and scored on a throwing error by Isotope shortstop Josh Wilson to close out the scoring in the game. 

Isotopes Starter: 
Aaron Small  6 IP, 9 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 6 K (ERA: 5.25) 

Prospect Watch:

Josh Wilson  2x4 (.271), 2B (8), BB (16)

Franklyn Gracesqui 1 IP (20 1/3), 0 H, 0 ER, 2 BB (16), 0 K
(ERA: 3.54)

'Topes Notes:  The Isotopes ended divisional play and went 19-29 against PCL Central Division teams in 2004. . . . The Isotopes and Sky Sox ended their 16-game season series with Colorado Springs winning 11 of the 16 games.  The Sky Sox and Isotopes also concluded the 8-game Isotope Park regular season series portion and Colorado Springs won 7 of the 8 games. . . .  The Isotopes were swept in a series for the second time this season (also swept at Tacoma (AAA Mariners).  48,504 fans attended the five-game series for a per-game average of 9,701. . . .  With the defeat, the Isotopes will have a sub-.500 season record.  Other than individual goals, the Isotopes goal should be to try to end the season in third place.  The 'Topes are 4 games back of PCL Central Division third-place team Omaha Royals (AAA Royals) with eight games left in the season. . . .  There have been seven starts by Isotope pitchers with eight wins who have failed to obtain a franchise-record 9th win of the season.  Michael Tejera seems to have been moved to the bullpen so he and Clint Sodowsky will have to try to earn their 9th victory in a relief role, while Mike Nannini and Aaron Small will try to earn a 9th victory in a starting pitching role. . . .  Mike Colangelo extended his hitting streak to 9 games. . . .  The Isotopes are a franchise-worst 10 games below the .500 mark in 2004. . . .  The 'Topes are in the midst of their longest home losing streak of the season - 6 games. . . .  In PCL news, the Memphis Redbirds (AAA Cardinals) were eliminated from playoff contention on Saturday evening, leaving the Oklahoma Redhawks (AAA Rangers) as the PCL Eastern Division champion.  Oklahoma is the first PCL club to clinch a playoff berth. . . .  The Isotopes hit the road for their final four-game roadtrip of the 2004 season, visiting the New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Astros).  Pitching probables for the first game are RHP Scott Sanders (3-8, 8.04) for the Isotopes and RHP Brandon Duckworth (4-4, 5.09) for the Zephyrs. 

WP: Chris Gissell (12-2) 
LP: Justin Wayne (1-4)

HR: ABQ Josh Wilson (5) off Allan Simpson 

TIME: 2:39
ATT: 10,679

For the third game out of the last four games, the Colorado Springs Sky Sox (AAA Rockies) scored four runs in the 1st inning and cruised to a 8-2 victory over the Isotopes on Saturday evening.  With the loss, the Isotopes have dropped five straight games.  The Sky Sox, meanwhile, edged to two games behind the PCL Central Division-leading Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) with the victory and the Iowa loss this evening. 

In the 1st inning, Rene Reyes singled and Elvis Pena doubled.  Garrett Atkins singled to right field to drive in Reyes and Andy Tracy walked to load the bases.  Erick Almonte singled to right field to drive in Pena and Atkins and an out later Tracy scored on an error to make it 4-0 Sky Sox.

In the home half of the 1st inning, Joe Dillon reached on a fielder's choice, stole second base and scored on Mike Colangelo's single to left-center field as the Isotopes got on the scoreboard.

Almonte doubled to right-center field and scored on Garrett's single in the 5th inning as the Sky Sox extended the lead to 5-1.

Atkins singled to lead off the 7th inning, advanced to second base on Tracy's walk, advanced to third base when Brad Hawpe reached on a fielder's choice, and scored on Garrett's single to left field as the Sky Sox led 6-1.

In the 9th inning, Almonte was hit by a pitch and Hawpe singled.  Both runners advanced a base on a wild pitch and an out later, Pascual Matos grounded out as Almonte scored.  Todd Greene's pinch-hit single plated Hawpe as the Sky Sox led 8-1.

Josh Wilson solo-homered to left-center field in the bottom of the 9th inning to close out the scoring in the game. 

Prospect Watch:

Ryan Jorgensen  1x3 (.263), 2B (9)
Josh Wilson  2x4 (.267), R (29), HR (5), RBI (20), K (41)

Michael Neu  1 1/3 IP (36 1/3), 2 H (45), 2 ER (26), 0 BB,
2 K (25) (ERA: 6.44)
Justin Wayne (L, 1-4)  5 IP (61 1/3), 8 H (73), 4 ER (42), 4 BB (30),
1 K (43) (ERA: 6.16) 

'Topes Notes:  The Isotopes tied a franchise record for most games below the .500 mark (9 games).  The Isotopes will have to win all nine games remaining if they are to have a .500 mark this season. . . .  The Isotopes home losing streak is at 5 games, tying a season-high. . . .   Mike Colangelo extended his hitting streak to 8 games. . . .  RHP Aaron Small (8-9, 5.35) is hoping to accomplish two things when he takes the mound in the series finale on Sunday evening.  Small would set an Isotopes franchise record for most wins in a season if he can earn the winning pitching decision.  More importantly, Small is hoping to help the Isotopes avoid the series sweep.  RHP Adam Bernero (2-2, 3.38) is expected to take the mound for the Sky Sox. 

WP: Alex Herrera (6-3) 
LP: Matt Blank (3-8)
SV: Travis Driskill (2)

HR: CSP Todd Greene (1) off Matt Blank
                 Garrett Atkins (15) off Matt Blank

        ABQ Matt Treanor (7) off Alex Herrera 

TIME: 3:00
ATT: 10,452

A pair of four-run innings propelled the Colorado Springs Sky Sox (AAA Rockies) to a 10-2 victory over the Isotopes on Friday evening at "The Lab".  The Isotopes have now dropped four straight games while the Sky Sox have moved to three games back of the PCL Central Division-leading Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs).

In the 1st inning with two outs, Garrett Atkins singled to right field, Andy Tracy doubled down the right field line and Erick Almonte ground-rule doubled to right-center field to drive in Atkins and Tracy.  Rene Reyes tripled to right field to drive in Almonte and Brad Hawpe singled to right field to plate Reyes as the Sky Sox led 4-0.

Todd Greene and Atkins each solo-homered to left-center field in the 5th inning as the Sky Sox extended the lead to 6-0.

Mike Colangelo walked and Matt Treanor homered to left field in the 6th inning as the Isotopes avoided the shutout.

The Sky Sox added more runs for good measure in the 9th inning.  Sky Sox reliever Travis Driskill walked and advanced to second base on a passed ball.  Driskill advanced to third on Pascual Matos' groundout and scored on Elvis Pena's single to center field.  Atkins walked and both runners advanced a base on a wild pitch.  Almonte walked to load the bases and Reyes doubled down the third base line to clear the bases.

Isotopes Starter: 
Matt Blank (L, 3-8)  4 2/3 IP, 8 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, 2 HR
(ERA: 6.52) 

Prospect Watch:

Ryan Jorgensen  0x1 (.262) 
Josh Wilson  1x5 (.262), 2 K (40)

Michael Neu  1/3 IP (35), 1 H (43), 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K (ERA: 6.17)
Franklyn Gracesqui 2/3 IP (19 1/3), 1 H (9), 4 ER (8), 3 BB (14),
0 K (ERA: 3.72)

'Topes Notes:  Olympic Women's Beach Volleyball Gold Medalist Misty May threw out the first pitch at the game to her fiance Matt Treanor this evening.  May and Treanor are expected to have a November wedding ceremony. . . .  Mike Colangelo went 1x3 to extend his hitting streak to 7 games. . . .  The Isotopes lost their 71st game of the season tonight, setting a franchise mark for most losses in a regular season. . . .  The Isotopes are a season-worst eight games below the .500 mark and are flirting with the franchise mark set in 2003 for most games below the .500 mark. . . .  Matt Blank has lost his last six pitching decisions. . . .  Pitching probables for Game 3 of the series are RHP Justin Wayne (1-3, 6.07) for the Isotopes and former-Isotope RHP Vladimir Nunez (2-5, 5.80) for the Sky Sox.

WP: Luis Martinez (2-0) 
LP: Mike Nannini (8-9)
SV: Marc Kroon (17)

HR: CSP Andy Tracy (33) off Mike Nannini               

The Colorado Springs Sky Sox (AAA Rockies) built a four run lead early and held off a late Isotope rally to defeat the Isotopes 5-4.  With the defeat, the Isotopes were knocked out of playoff contention for the first time in their short franchise history.

With one out in the 1st inning, Shawn Garrett walked, Garrett Atkins singled and Andy Tracy walked to load the bases and Erick Almonte sacrifice flied out to right field to drive in Garrett as the Sky Sox led 1-0.

In the 3rd inning, Tracy solo homered to left-center field.  Rene Reyes singled, Chris Donnels was hit by a pitch and both runners scored on Pascual Matos' double to left-center field as the Sky Sox extended the lead to 4-0.

In the home half of the 3rd inning, Jason Wood singled, advanced to second on a balk and scored on Mike Colangelo's single to right-center field as the Isotopes got on the scoreboard.

Clint Barmes doubled and scored on Atkins' single in the 4th inning as the Sky Sox extended their lead to 5-1.

With one out in the Isotopes half of the 4th inning, Matt Treanor walked, Drew Niles bunt singled and Isotopes reliever Michael Tejera doubled to right-center field to drive in Treanor and Niles as the Isotopes pulled to within two runs at 5-3.

With two outs in the 9th inning, Derek Wathan doubled off the wall in right field and scored on Wood's single to left-center field as the Isotopes pulled to within a run at 5-4 before Dillon struck out to end the game.

Prospect Watch:

Mike Nannini (L, 8-9)  3 2/3 IP (137 1/3), 9 H (149), 5 ER (85),
2 BB (41), 1 K (97), 1 HR (30) (ERA: 5.57)

'Topes Notes:   In their 63rd home date in 2004, the Isotopes eclipsed the 500,000 season attendance mark (508,035). . . .  Joe Dillon went 0x4 to snap a 6-game hitting streak.  Mike Colangelo extended his hitting streak to 6 games. . . .  In PCL news, two clubs have extended their player development agreement (PDA) with their parent major-league clubs.  The Las Vegas 51's and Los Angeles Dodgers extended their PDA through the 2006 season and the Memphis Redbirds and St. Louis Cardinals extended their PDA through the 2008 season.  In March, the Isotopes and Florida Marlins extended their PDA through the 2006 season. . . . The Edmonton Trappers (AAA Athletics) were also eliminated from playoff contention tonight. The Trappers are moving to Round Rock, Texas after this season. . . . .  Pitching probables for Game 3 of the series on Friday evening are LHP Matt Blank (3-7, 6.32) for the Isotopes and LHP Alex Herrera (5-3, 5.58) for the Sky Sox.

WP: Allan Simpson (2-1) 
LP: Toby Borland (4-2)

HR: CSP Andy Tracy (31) off Scott Sanders
                 Andy Tracy (32) off Scott Sanders
                 Scott Garrett (3) off Toby Borland

        ABQ Matt Padgett (21) off Brian Tollberg 
                  Matt Padgett (22) off Brian Bowles

TIME: 3:03
ATT: 8,173

Despite being down by seven runs early, the Isotopes battled back to tie the game only to see Scott Garrett homer in the 9th inning to break the tie and give the Colorado Springs Sky Sox (AAA Rockies) a 10-8 victory over the Isotopes in the series opener.  The Isotopes have lost two straight and are almost just playing out the rest of the season.

Colorado Springs got the scoreboard quickly in the 1st inning.  Clint Barmes and Elvis Pena singled and Garrett Atkins doubled down the left field line to drive in Barmes and Pena.  Andy Tracy followed with a homer to right field as the Sky Sox led 4-0. 

With two outs in the 2nd inning, Jason Wood singled, stole second base and advanced to third base on a throwing error by the catcher on the play.  Matt Treanor hit an infield popup that was misplayed by the Sky Sox and dropped to the turf as Wood scored.  Treanor ended up on second base on the error as the Isotopes got on the scoreboard.

Tracy solo homered to left field in the 3rd inning as the Sky Sox extended the lead to 5-1.

The Sky Sox added more runs in the 4th inning.  With one out, Barmes singled and Pena doubled to left-center field to drive in Barmes.  Atkins singled to center as Pena scored.  An out later, Brad Hawpe singled and Garrett ground-rule doubled to left field to drive in Atkins as the Sky Sox led 8-1. 

The Isotopes went to work beginning in the 4th inning.  Joe Dillon singled and Mike Colangelo was hit by a pitch.  Matt Padgett grounded out to advance the runners a base and Jason Wood sacrifice flied out to right field to plate Dillon.  Treanor's single to left field drove in Colangelo as the Isotopes trimmed the defecit to five runs at 8-3. 

In the 5th inning, Derek Wathan and Dillon singled and Colangelo's single drove in Wathan and Dillon came around to score on an error on the play.  Padgett followed with a two-run homer to center field as the Isotopes trailed by a run at 8-7.

Padgett solo homered to left field in the 8th inning as the Isotopes tied the game at 8-8.

Toby Borland entered the tied game for the Isotopes and had no problems retiring the first two Sky Sox batters before Garrett homered to right field to break the tie. Rene Reyes singled, stole second base and scored on Pascual Matos' single up the middle as the Sky Sox built a two run lead at 10-8.

The Isotopes went quietly in order in the 9th inning to close out the contest.

Isotopes Starter: 
Scott Sanders  3 2/3 IP, 12 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 0 BB, 4 K, 2 HR (ERA: 8.04)

Prospect Watch:

Josh Wilson  0x3 (.264) 

Michael Neu  1 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K (ERA: 6.23)

'Topes Notes:  An 8-16 August record has helped the Isotopes now become cellar-dwellers in the PCL Central Division standings.  The Isotopes fell to the cellar this evening with tonight's defeat and Omaha's (AAA Royals) victory over Iowa.  The Isotopes trail the division-leading Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) by 11 games with 12 games left to play.  The Isotopes playoff contention elimination number stands at three.  Colorado Springs, meanwhile, edged to 4.5 games back of the Cubs with a playoff elimination number of 10. . . .   Matt Padgett has had 3 two-homer games in 2004.  There have been 13 Isotope multi-homer games in 2004. . . .  The Isotopes will welcome the 500,000th fan to Isotopes Park for the 2004 season on Thursday evening. . . .  Joe Dillon extended his hitting streak to 6 games and Mike Colangelo to 5 games. . . .  Pitching probables for Game 2 of the series on Thursday evening are RHP Mike Nannini (8-8, 5.39) for the Isotopes and LHP Luis Martinez (1-0, 4.09) for the Sky Sox.

WP: Adam Bernero (2-2) 
LP: Aaron Small (8-9)

HR: CSP Andy Tracy (30) off  Aaron Small

TIME: 2:31
ATT: 3,160

Five Colorado Springs Sky Sox (AAA Rockies) pitchers combined on a shutout and Andy Tracy homered to provide all the scoring the Sky Sox would need as Colorado Springs defeated the Isotopes 9-0 in the series finale at Sky Sox Stadium on Tuesday evening.

In the 3rd inning, Clint Barmes doubled and scored on Garrett Atkins' single up the middle to give the Sky Sox a 1-0 lead.

In the 6th inning with one out, Brad Hawpe and Tracy singled.  Erick Almonte reached on an error as Hawpe scored and Shawn Garrett singled to right field to drive in Tracy.  Rene Reyes' groundout plated Almonte as the Sky Sox built the lead to 4-0.

In the 7th inning, Sky Sox reliever Mike Bumatay doubled and an out later Atkins doubled to left field to drive in Bumatay.  Hawpe's single to center field plated Atkins and Tracy followed with a two-run homer to right field as the Sky Sox extended the lead to 8-0.

Pascual Matos doubled and later scored on Barmes' groundout in the 8th inning to close out the scoring in the contest.

Isotopes Starter: 
Aaron Small (L, 8-9) 6 1/3 IP, 13 H, 8 R, 6 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, 1 HR
(ERA: 5.35) 

Prospect Watch:

Ryan Jorgensen  1x3 (.264), BB (9)

Franklyn Gracesqui  2/3 IP (18 2/3), 0 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K (15)
(ERA: 1.93)

'Topes Notes:  Colorado Springs won three out of the four games with the Isotopes in the four-game series.  The Isotopes and Sky Sox have completed the regular season series portion that is played in Colorado Springs and both clubs split the eight games 4-4. . . .  The Isotopes' longest roadtrip in franchise history ended at a very disappointing 3-9.  The Isotopes are 11 games back of PCL Central Division leading Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) with 13 games left to play.  Even though the Cubs lost on Tuesday evening, the Isotope loss dropped the playoff contention elimination number to 4. . . .  The Isotopes set a season-high for worst defeat on the road (9 runs). . . .  The Isotopes have been shut out eight times in 2004. . . .  Aaron Small snapped a five-decision winning streak with the loss tonight.  Small has not lost a game since June 22nd against the Oklahoma Redhawks (AAA Rangers) at Isotopes Park. . . .  Matt Treanor's fiance' Misty May partnered with Kerri Walsh to win an Olympic Gold Medal in Women's Beach Volleyball. . . .  The Sky Sox and Isotopes change venues to play five games at Isotopes Park to complete the regular-season 16-game series between the two clubs.  The series opener probables are RHP Scott Sanders (3-8, 7.53) for the Isotopes and RHP Brian Tollberg (6-12, 6.60) for the Sky Sox. 

WP: Justin Wayne (1-3) 
LP: Hector Almonte (3-2)

HR: ABQ Joe Dillon (27) off Jason Gilfillan
                 Matt Padgett (20) off  Jason Gilfillan
                 Ryan Jorgensen (7) off Hector Almonte 

        CSP Shawn Garrett (1) off Justin Wayne
                  Shawn Garrett (2) off  Juan Alvarez
                 Clint Barmes (16) off Franklyn Gracesqui

TIME: 3:18 
ATT: 2,197

Joe Dillon's magical season continues.  Dillon's grand-slam capped an eight-run 6th inning as the Isotopes defeated the Colorado Springs Sky Sox (AAA Rockies) 14-9 to snap a three-game losing streak.

In the 2nd inning, Erick Almonte doubled and Shawn Garrett followed with a home run to right field as the Sky Sox led 2-0.

Albuquerque took the lead in the 4th inning.  With one out, Derek Wathan and Dillon singled and Mike Colangelo doubled down the third base line to drive in Wathan and Dillon.  Matt Padgett's single plated Colangelo as the 'Topes led 3-2.

Pascual Matos singled and scored on Clint Barmes single to left field in the 4th inning as the Sky Sox tied the game at 3-3.

Albuquerque broke the game open in the 6th inning.  Dillon singled up the middle and Colangelo doubled to right-center field to drive in Dillon.  After Padgett struck out, Drew Niles singled to right field to drive in Colangelo and Ryan Jorgensen followed with a two-run homer to right-center field.  Isotope starter Justin Wayne struck out before Rob Ryan and Josh Wilson singled and Wathan walked to load the bases.  Dillon came up to the plate and grand-slam homered to left-center field to give the Isotopes a 11-3 lead.

Barmes solo-homered to left field in the home half of the 6th inning.

Padgett three-run homered to right field with two outs in the 8th inning and Wathan and Dillon on base as the Isotopes took a 14-4 lead.

In the 8th inning, Elvis Pena pinch-hit walked and an out later Garrett Atkins singled and Brad Hawpe grounded out as Pena scored.  Andy Tracy singled to drive in Atkins and Almonte doubled to drive in Tracy.  Garrett followed with a two-run homer to right-center field to close out the scoring in the game. 

Prospect Watch:

Ryan Jorgensen  1x5 (.263), R (19), HR (7), 2 RBI (27), K (45)
Josh Wilson  1x5 (.268), R (28), BB (15), K (38), SB (5)

Franklyn Gracesqui  1 IP (18), 1 H (8), 1 ER (4), 0 BB, 0 K,
1 HR (2) (ERA: 2.00)
Justin Wayne (W, 1-3) 5 IP (56 1/3), 7 H (65), 3 ER (38), 4 BB (26),
5 K (42), 1 HR (9) (ERA: 6.07)  

'Topes Notes:   The Isotopes are 11 games behind the PCL Central Division leading Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) with 14 games left to play.  Since Iowa lost this evening, the Isotopes elimination magic number remained at 5. . . .  Joe Dillon hit his second grand-slam homer of the season and the Isotopes' 9th grand-slam homer of the year, a franchise record.  For the second night in a row, Dillon tied an Isotopes franchise record by scoring four runs in a game, the third time in 2004 that he has done that feat. . . .  Mike Colangelo tied a franchise record with three doubles in the contest. . . .  Matt Padgett now has 84 RBI, an Isotope franchise record for most RBIs by a hitter in a season. . . .  The eight runs the Isotopes scored in the 6th inning was one run short of tying an Isotopes season-best for most runs scored in an inning.  The Isotopes were also one homer shy of tying a franchise record for most homers in a game. . . .  Jason Wood went 0x1 in a pinch-hit appearance to snap a five-game hitting streak. . . .  Colorado Springs' Shawn Garrett homered from both sides of the plate in the game. . . .  Justin Wayne snapped a three losing-decision streak with his first victory. . . .  In PCL news, the Nashville Sounds (AAA Pirates) became the fifth team in the PCL eliminated from playoff contention on Monday evening.  A.J. Zapp of the Tacoma Rainiers (AAA Mariners) was named the PCL Hitter of the Week.  During the week, Zapp hit .519 with 16 RBI and  belted two grand slam homers.  Chris Young of the Oklahoma Redhawks (AAA Rangers) won the PCL Pitcher of the Week award for holding the Memphis Redbirds (AAA Cardinals) to a run and two hits in a 7-inning complete game outing in the first game of a doubleheader on August 18th. . . .  The Isotopes are looking for the series split in the series finale at Sky Sox Stadium on Tuesday evening when they send RHP Aaron Small (8-8, 5.20) to the mound to face Colorado Springs' RHP Adam Bernero (1-2, 3.90).  With the winning decision, Small would set an Isotopes franchise record for most wins in a season.

WP: Alex Herrera (5-3) 
LP: Matt Blank (3-7)

HR: ABQ Joe Dillon (26) off Alex Herrera

        CSP Andy Tracy (28) off Matt Blank
                  Andy Tracy (29) off  Chris Michalak
                  Brad Hawpe (27) off Matt Blank 
                  Pascual Matos (2) off Matt Blank 
                  Erick Almonte (17) off Chris Michalak

TIME: 3:13 
ATT: 2,484

Despite scoring eight runs in the final three innings, the Isotopes were outslugged by the Colorado Springs Sky Sox (AAA Rockies) 14-11 on Sunday evening.  With the defeat, the Isotopes have lost three straight and are rapidly approaching being eliminated from the PCL Central Division playoff race.

Garrett Atkins doubled to right-center field and scored on Brad Hawpe's single to center field as the Sky Sox led 1-0 after one inning of play.

In the 3rd inning, Josh Wilson walked and Joe Dillon singled.  Two outs later, Matt Padgett's double to right-center field drove in Wilson and Dillon as the Isotopes took a 2-1 lead.

The Isotope lead did not last very long.  In the home half of the 3rd inning, Atkins doubled down the third base line and Hawpe followed with a  home run to left field.  Andy Tracy then homered to right field and an out later Shawn Garrett doubled to right-center field.  Rene Reyes doubled to left field to drive in Garrett and Pascual Matos homered to left field as the Sky Sox led 7-2. 

In the 4th inning with one out, Erick Almonte and Garrett singled.  After a double steal, Reyes singled to right field to drive in Almonte.  Garrett scored on a fielder's choice when Reyes was caught trying to steal second base.

Joe Dillon led off the 5th inning with a homer to right-center field but the Sky Sox still led 9-3.

The Sky Sox added to the lead in the 5th inning.  Clint Barmes singled and Atkins doubled to left-center field to drive in Barmes.  An out later, Andy Tracy hit his second homer of the game, a shot to right field and Almonte followed with a homer to left field.  After Garrett struck out, Reyes doubled and scored on Matos' single as the Sky Sox led 14-3.

Albuquerque started their futile late-inning comeback attempt in the 7th inning by going doubles-crazy.  After Wilson flied out, Dillon doubled and scored on Mike Colangelo's double to right-center field.  Wood doubled to right-center field to drive in Colangelo and Padgett doubled to right-center field to plate Wood.  Ryan Jorgensen drew a pinch-hit walk and an out later Isotope reliever Michael Neu walked to load the bases.  Rob Ryan walked as Padgett trotted home to cut the defecit to seven runs at 14-7.

In the 9th inning, Drew Niles doubled to center field and advanced to third on a passed ball.  Derek Wathan drew a pinch-hit walk and Niles scored on a wild pitch as Wathan advanced to second base.  Ryan singled and, after Wilson struck out, Dillon doubled to right field to drive in Wathan.  Colangelo's double down the first base line drove in Ryan and Dillon as the Isotopes closed out the scoring in the game.

Isotopes Starter: 
Matt Blank (L, 3-7)  2 2/3 IP, 10 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, 3 HR
(ERA: 6.32) 

Prospect Watch:

Ryan Jorgensen  0x1 (.264), BB (8), K (44) 
Josh Wilson  0x4 (.270), R (27), 2 BB (14), K (37)

Michael Neu  2 IP (33 2/3), 1 H (42), 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K (23) (ERA: 6.42)

'Topes Notes:  The Isotopes trail the PCL Central Division leading Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) by 12 games with 15 games left to play.  The Isotopes elimination number (combination of Cubs wins and Isotope losses) is 5. . . .  The Isotopes set several season highs in the game:  Most runs given up to an opponent in a game (14 runs); Most hits given up to an opponent in a game on the road (21 hits); Most doubles in a game (8); and Most walks drawn in a game (12). . . .  Joe Dillon tied an Isotope franchise record with four runs scored in the game -- the second time he has accomplished the feat this season.  Dillon turned in his fifth four-hit game of the season and he was a triple short of hitting for the cycle. . . . The three home runs allowed in the 3rd inning was one homer shy of the Isotope franchise record for most homers allowed in an inning. . . .  Ryan Christenson went 0x2 to snap his 7-game hitting streak. . . .  Chris Michalak set Isotope reliever season-highs in runs (7) and hits (10) given up in a relief outing. . . .  In PCL news, three more teams were eliminated from the playoff races on Sunday:  Fresno Grizzlies (AAA Giants), Las Vegas 51s (AAA Dodgers) and New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Astros).  Combined with the long-eliminated Salt Lake Stingers (AAA Angels), one-quarter of the PCL is now just playing out the rest of the season. . . .  Pitching probables for Game 3 of the series on Monday evening are RHP Justin Wayne (0-3, 6.14) for the Isotopes and RHP Travis Driskill (5-5, 5.35) for the Sky Sox. 

WP: Luis Martinez (1-0)
LP: Mike Nannini (8-8)
SV: Marc Kroon (16) 

TIME: 2:41 
ATT: 3,453

A four-run 7th inning propelled the Colorado Springs Sky Sox (AAA Rockies) to a 5-2 victory over the Isotopes on Saturday evening in the series opener.  The Isotopes have lost two straight games and trail the PCL Central division leader Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) by 11.5 games with just 16 games left to play.

In the 1st inning, Clint Barmes doubled to center field and scored on Shawn Garrett's single to center as the Sky Sox led 1-0.

Albuquerque tied the game at 1-1 in the 2nd inning.  Chris Ashby singled and Rob Ryan doubled to right-center field to drive in Ashby.

In the 7th inning, Josh Wilson reached on a fielder's choice, stole second base and scored when Jason Wood doubled to shallow left-center field as the Isotopes took a 2-1 lead.

The Sky Sox took the lead and put the game away in their half of the 7th inning.  With one out, Choo Freeman and Elvis Pena walked.  Pascual Matos singled to right field to drive in Freeman and Garrett Atkins pinch-hit singled to left field to drive in Pena.  Barmes doubled to left-center field to drive in Matos and Garrett walked to load the bases.  Brad Hawpe drew a walk as Atkins trotted home to give the Sky Sox a 5-2 lead.

Prospect Watch:

Josh Wilson  2x5 (.276), R (26), K (36), SB (4)

Mike Nannini  (L, 8-8)  6 1/3 IP (133 2/3), 3 H (140), 3 ER (80),
4 BB (39), 9 K (96) (ERA: 5.39)
Franklyn Gracesqui  1 2/3 IP (17), 0 H, 0 ER, 2 BB (11), 0 K
(ERA: 1.59)

'Topes Notes:   Ryan Christenson went 1x4 to extend his hitting streak to 7 games. . . .  Mike Nannini snapped a two-decision winning streak when he earned the losing decision tonight.  Nannini did set a personal season-high with 9 strikeouts in the game. . . .  Pitching probables for Game 2 of the series are LHP Matt Blank (3-6, 5.93) for the Isotopes and LHP Alex Herrera (4-3, 5.69) for the Sky Sox.

WP: Chris George (6-5)
LP: Scott Sanders (3-8)

HR: OMA  Raul Casanova (6) off Scott Sanders  
                 Calvin Pickering (34) off Scott Sanders 

 TIME: 2:35 
ATT: 6,212

The Omaha Royals (AAA Royals) scored early and often and cruised to a 7-2 victory over the Isotopes in the series finale on Friday evening in Omaha.  With the defeat, the Isotopes elimination magic number fell to 9 (any combination of PCL Central Division leader Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) wins and Isotope losses). 

Omaha's Adrian Brown singled, Raul Casanova singled and Calvin Pickering walked in the 1st inning to load the bases.  Paul Phillips' double down the right field line drove in Brown and Casanova as the Royals led 2-0.

In the 2nd inning, former-Isotope Kevin Hooper infield singled, Alexis Gomez walked and Casanova homered to left-center field.  Pickering followed with a home run to left-center field as the Royals led 6-0.

The Royals closed out their scoring in the 3rd inning.  Mark Teahen doubled to lead off the inning, Jed Hansen singled and Hooper's groundout scored Teahen.

In the 4th inning, Joe Dillon doubled and scored on Matt Padgett's single to right field as the Isotopes got on the scoreboard.

The Isotopes closed out the scoring in the game in the 5th inning when Matt Treanor leadoff walked and scored on Ryan Christenson's double down the left field line.

Isotopes Starter: 
Scott Sanders (L, 3-8) 5 IP, 9 H, 7 R, 7 ER,  2 BB, 7 K, 2 HR
(ERA: 7.53) 

Prospect Watch:

Ryan Jorgensen  1x3 (.266), K (43)
Josh Wilson  0x4 (.272)

'Topes Notes:  Brian Banks retirement became official after tonight's game.  Banks went 0x4 with a strikeout and a grounded-into-a-double-play in his last professional game.  For the Isotopes in 2004, Banks appeared in 67 games, hitting .231 (50x216) with 6 homers and 30 RBI. . . .  Omaha won three out of the four games in the just completed series.  The Isotopes have lost 11 series' in 2004.  For the 16-game season series, the Isotopes and Royals won 8 games each. . . .  The attendance at Rosenblatt Stadium was disappointing.  12,277 fans showed up for all four games in the series.  To put that figure in perspective, the Isotopes can draw that many fans at Isotopes Park in one evening (usually for a fireworks night). . . .  Ryan Christenson extended his hitting streak to 6 games. . . .  The Isotopes complete their longest roadtrip in franchise history with four games against the Colorado Springs Sky Sox (AAA Rockies).  Pitching probables for the series opener on Saturday night are RHP Mike Nannini (8-7, 5.44) for the Isotopes and LHP Luis Martinez (0-0, 6.75) for the Sky Sox.   

WP: Aaron Small (8-7) 
LP: Elvin Nina (0-1)
SV: Toby Borland (11)

HR: OMA Calvin Pickering (33) off Aaron Small               

The Isotopes came up with a big five-run 8th inning to come from behind to defeat the Omaha Royals (AAA Royals) 5-4 on Thursday evening.  With the victory, the Isotopes snapped a two-game losing streak. 

In the 1st inning, Adrian Brown infield singled, Jed Hansen doubled to left-center field and Raul Casanova infield singled as Brown scored.  Calvin Pickering followed by grounding into a double play as Hansen raced home to give the Royals a 2-0 lead.

Pickering solo-homered to center field in the 4th inning as the Royals extended the lead to 3-0.

Albuquerque's bats woke up in the 8th inning.  Brian Banks drew a leadoff walk and Jason Wood doubled.  Drew Niles' single to right field drove in Banks and Matt Treanor's single to left field drove in Wood.  Ryan Christenson bunt singled to load the bases and Josh Wilson walked as Niles trotted home.  Derek Wathan singled to right field to drive in Treanor and an out later, Matt Padgett reached on a fielder's choice as Christenson scored to give the Isotopes a 5-3 lead. 

In the home half of the 8th inning, Omaha pulled to within a run at 5-4 when Jarrod Patterson doubled, advanced to third base on former-Isotope Kevin Hooper's fly out and scored on Alexis Gomez's sacrifice flyout to left field.

Toby Borland retired the Royals in order in the 9th inning to earn the save and preserve the Isotope victory.

Isotopes Starter: 
Aaron Small (W, 8-8)  8 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 4 K, 1 HR
(ERA: 5.20) 

Prospect Watch:

Josh Wilson  1x3 (.278), RBI (19), BB (12), K (35)

'Topes Notes:   The five runs scored in the 8th inning ties a season-high for most runs scored in the 8th inning this season. . . .  Ryan Christenson went 1x5 to extend his hitting streak to 5 games. . . .  Aaron Small has won his last five pitching decisions. . . .  Toby Borland recorded his first save since August 8th against the Sacramento River Cats (AAA Athletics). . . .  Pitching probables for the series finale are RHP Scott Sanders (3-7, 7.21) for the Isotopes and LHP Chris George (5-5, 3.38) for the Royals.

WP: Jimmy Gobble (2-1)
LP: Justin Wayne (0-3)

HR: OMA Calvin Pickering (32) off Justin Wayne 
                 Brandon Berger (9) off Chris Michalak

 TIME: 2:48 
ATT: 1,740

Raul Casanova drove in four runs with a pair of doubles as the Omaha Royals (AAA Royals) defeated the Isotopes 9-6.  The Isotopes have lost two straight games.

Ryan Christenson doubled to lead off the game and two outs later scored on Joe Dillon's single to center field as the Isotopes led 1-0.

In Omaha's half of the 1st inning, Adrian Brown walked and Damian Jackson singled up the middle.  An out later, Calvin Pickering drew a walk to load the bases and Raul Casanova ground-rule doubled to the left-field corner to drive in Brown and Jackson.  Jed Hansen's groundout plated Pickering as the Royals led 3-1.

Mark Teahen doubled to right field and Pickering followed with a homer to center field as the Royals extended the lead to 5-1 in the 3rd inning.

In the 4th inning, Dillon doubled to left field and scored on Brian Banks' single up the middle.  Matt Padgett singled and Jason Wood doubled to left field to plate Banks.  An out later, Ryan Jorgensen grounded out to drive in Padgett as the Isotopes cut the defecit to a run at 5-4.

Jackson doubled to lead off the 5th inning and Teahen followed with a single.  An out later, Casanova doubled to left field to drive in Jackson and Teahen as the Royals built the lead to 7-4.

Pickering walked to lead off the 7th inning and Brandon Berger homered to left field as the Royals led 9-4.

The Isotopes scored a pair of runs in the 9th inning to make the score a little more respectable.  With one out, Josh Wilson singled and advanced to second base on a wild pitch.  After Derek Wathan struck out, Dillon reached on an error and Banks singled to right field to drive in Wilson.  Padgett walked to load the bases and Wood walked as Dillon trotted home.

Prospect Watch:

Ryan Jorgensen  1x4 (.265), RBI (25)
Josh Wilson  2x5 (.277), R (25), 2B (7), K (34) 

Michael Neu  1 IP (31 2/3), 0 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K (21) (ERA: 6.82) 
Justin Wayne (L, 0-3)  5 IP (51 1/3), 9 H (58), 7 ER (35), 2 BB (22),
3 K (37), 1 HR (8) (ERA: 6.14)

'Topes Notes:   The Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) won so the Isotopes have fallen to 10.5 games back of the Cubs with 19 games left to play.  The Isotopes elimination magic number is at 11. . . .  The Isotopes played in front of the smallest crowd for the 2004 season (1,740 fans). . . .  The Isotopes snapped a four consecutive-game homer streak by going homerless in the contest. . . .  Pitching probables for Game 3 of the series are RHP Aaron Small (7-8, 5.24) for the Isotopes and the Royals have yet to name a probable starter.

WP: Kris Wilson (9-13)
LP: Matt Blank (3-6)
SV: Jeremy Affeldt (3)

HR: ABQ Matt Padgett (19) off Kris Wilson 

TIME: 2:28
ATT: 2,183

Calvin Pickering drove in all three Omaha Royal (AAA Royals) runs in a 3-2 victory over the Isotopes on Tuesday evening in the series opener.

The Isotopes began strong in the game.  In the 1st inning, Ryan Christenson, Josh Wilson and Derek Wathan all singled to load up the bases with no outs.  Joe Dillon brought Christenson home with a sacrifice flyout to left field but the Isotopes were unable to get anymore runs as Brian Banks followed by grounding into a double play to end the inning.

In the home half of the 1st inning with one out, Damian Jackson doubled down the left field line and later scored on Pickering's single as the Royals tied the game at 1-1.

With two outs in the 2nd inning, Adrian Brown singled, Jackson singled and Jed Hansen walked to load the bases.  Pickering's single to right field drove in Brown and Jackson as the Royals led 3-1.

Matt Padgett's solo-homer to left-center field in the 7th inning closed out the scoring in the game.

Isotopes Starter: 
Matt Blank (L, 3-6)  6 2/3 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 4 BB, 4 K (ERA: 5.93)

Prospect Watch:

Josh Wilson  2x4 (.274), K (33)

Franklyn Gracesqui 1 IP (15 1/3), 1 H (7), 0 ER, 2 BB (9),
1 K (13) (ERA: 1.76)

'Topes Notes:   The Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) lost on Tuesday evening so the Isotopes remain 9.5 games back of the Cubs in the PCL Central Division standings. The Isotopes elimination number fell to 13 due to the Isotopes defeat tonight. . . . All four Isotope losses on the roadtrip have been by one run. . . .  Matt Blank has lost his last four decisions. . . .  Pitching probables for Game 2 of the series are RHP Justin Wayne (0-2, 5.44) for the Isotopes and LHP Jimmy Gobble (1-1, 4.15) for the Royals.  

WP: Mike Nannini (8-7) 
LP: John Koronka (10-9)
SV: Ben Howard (1)

HR: ABQ Ryan Christenson (2) off John Koronka
                 Brian Banks (6) off John Koronka
                 Matt Padgett (18) off John Koronka

        IWA Bill Selby (15) off Mike Nannini
                  Bill Selby (16) off Mike Nannini 
                  Jason Dubois (26) off Mike Nannini

TIME: 3:01
ATT: 6,238

Ryan Christenson and Brian Banks each two-run homered in the Isotopes' 9-6 victory over the Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs).  Albuquerque snapped a four-game losing streak and a 10-game road losing streak and are 9.5 games back of Iowa with 21 games left to play. 

Bill Selby solo-homered to right field in the 2nd inning as the Cubs led 1-0.

In the 3rd inning, Isotopes starter Mike Nannini singled to center field and Christenson followed with a home run to left field.  An out later, Joe Dillon doubled, Brian Banks singled and Padgett doubled to center field to drive in Dillon.  Chris Ashby's groundout drove in Banks as the Isotopes led 4-1.

The Isotopes added to their lead in the 5th inning.  Dillon reached on an error and Banks homered to center field.  Padgett followed with a solo-homer to center field to as the Isotopes led 7-1.

In the bottom of the 5th inning, Selby solo-homered to right field for the second time in the game.  Calvin Murray followed with a single, Fernando Lunar singled and Jason Dubois pinch-hit three-run homered to left-center field as the Cubs cut the defecit to two runs at 7-5.

In the 7th inning with one out, Padgett doubled, Ashby singled and Drew Niles drew a walk to load the bases.  Matt Treanor walked to plate Padgett and Jason Wood sacrifice flied out to center field to drive in Ashby as the Isotopes led 9-5.

Trenidad Hubbard doubled with one out in the 8th inning and scored on Russ Johnson's single to center field as the Cubs closed out the scoring in the game.

Prospect Watch:

Josh Wilson  0x5 (.268), BB (11), 2 K (32)

Mike Nannini  (W, 8-7) 6 IP (127 1/3), 5 H (137), 5 ER (77),
1 BB (35), 2 K (87), 3 HR (29) (ERA: 5.44) 

'Topes Notes:   Brian Banks announced his plans to retire before the end of the current Isotopes roadtrip. . . .  Iowa won three games in the just-completed four-game series.  In the season 16-game series, Iowa won ten games (five games at Isotopes Park and five games at Sec Taylor Stadium). . . .  There have been three Isotope back-to-back homers in 2004. . . .  Ben Howard became the 9th different Isotope to record a save this season. . . .  In PCL news, the Salt Lake Stingers (AAA Angels) on Sunday became the first PCL team eliminated from playoff contention. . . .  Adam Riggs of the Stingers was named the PCL Hitter of the Week.  Riggs hit .538 for the week with six homers and 12 RBI.  Sergio Mitre of the Cubs won the PCL Pitcher of the Week award for his performance on August 13th against Albuquerque when he hurled a complete-game, 1-hit shutout. . . .   Albuquerque continues their road trip with the next four games against the Omaha Royals (AAA Royals).  Pitching probables for Game 1 of the series are LHP Matt Blank (3-5, 6.04) for the Isotopes and RHP Kris Wilson (8-13, 6.07) for the Royals. 

WP: Nate Bland  (8-4)
LP: Juan Alvarez  (2-3)

HR: ABQ Brian Banks (5) Off Kevin McGlinchy              

Bill Selby's bloop single drove in the game-winning run in the bottom of the 12th inning as the Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) defeated the Isotopes 2-1.  The Isotopes have lost four consecutive games and are in the midst of a 10-game road losing streak.

Brian Banks solo-homered to center field with two outs in the 2nd inning as the Isotopes took a 1-0 lead.

Selby led off the 4th inning with a walk, advanced to third base on Donny Leon's single and scored on David Kelton's sacrifice flyout to center field as the Cubs tied the game at 1-1.

With two outs in the 12th inning, Cubs reliever Nate Bland singled to left field, Russ Johnson followed with a walk, and Selby bloop singled to left field as Bland came around with the game-winning run. 

Isotopes Starter: 
Scott Sanders  6 2/3 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K (ERA: 7.21)

Prospect Watch:

Josh Wilson  0x3 (.277), BB (10), K (30)

Michael Neu  2 IP (30 2/3), 0 H, 0 ER, 1 BB (23), 2 K (20) (ERA: 7.04)
Franklyn Gracesqui  1/3 IP (14 1/3), 0 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K (ERA: 1.88)

'Topes Notes:  The Cubs hold a 10.5 game advantage over the Isotopes in the PCL Central Division standings with 22 games left to play. . . .  Iowa has won all three games in the series by one run. . . .  The Isotopes were held hitless in the 3rd through 11th innings. . . .  The Isotopes tied a season-high by striking out 15 times in the game. . . .  The Isotopes offense has been rather anemic in the series.  In two of the three games, the Isotopes were held to 2 hits or less. . . .  Franklyn Gracesqui tied a team season-high for shortest reliever outing (1 batter). . . .  Pitching probables for the series finale on Monday are RHP Mike Nannini (7-7, 5.34) for the Isotopes and LHP John Koronka (10-8, 4.23) for the I-Cubs. 

WP: Nate Bland (7-4)
LP: Chris Michalak (1-1)
SV: Mike Wuertz (15)

HR: ABQ Aaron Small (1) off  Shawn Sedlacek               

Donny Leon's two-out, bases-clearing double in the 8th inning gave the Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) a come-from-behind 6-5 victory over the Isotopes on Saturday evening.  The Isotopes are now 9.5 games back of Iowa with 23 games to play.

In the 1st inning, Josh Wilson infield singled and advanced to second base on an error.  Derek Wathan was hit by a pitch and Joe Dillon singled to left field to drive in Wilson and Dillon advanced to second base on an error.  Matt Padgett grounded out to drive in Wathan as the Isotopes led 2-0.

Trenidad Hubbard doubled down the left field line and scored on Bill Selby's single to right field in the home half of the 1st inning as the Cubs cut the defecit in half at 2-1.

In the 2nd inning, Hubbard singled to center field, Richard Lewis doubled and Denny Hocking doubled to right-center field to drive in Hubbard and Lewis as the Cubs took a 3-2 lead.

Wathan singled to center with an out in the 3rd inning, Dillon doubled to right-center field and Padgett's groundout plated Wathan.  Jason Wood reached on an error as Dillon scored to give the Isotopes a 4-3 lead.

Isotopes starter Aaron Small solo-homered to left field in the 4th inning to extend the Isotopes lead to 5-3.

In the 8th inning with one out, Hocking walked, Russ Johnson doubled to right-center field and Selby walked to load the bases.  An out later, Leon doubled to left-center field to clear the bases as Iowa took a 6-5 lead.

In the top of the 9th inning, Matt Treanor drew a leadoff walk and Drew Niles sacrifice bunted him to second base.  Ryan Christenson proceeded to fly out out and Wilson struck out to end the game.  

Isotopes Starter: 
Aaron Small 6 IP, 10 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 5 BB, 6 K (ERA: 5.24)

Prospect Watch:

Josh Wilson  2x4 (.282), R (24), 2B (6), 2 K (29)

'Topes Notes:  Aaron Small hit the first homer for an Isotopes pitcher in 2004 and before today, the last Isotope pitcher to homer was Jason Grilli on August 30, 2003.  There have been three Isotope pitcher home runs in franchise history. . . .  Iowa scored all six runs in the game using two-out hits. . . .  Albuquerque has lost three games in a row and added to their season-worst road losing streak, now at 9 games. . . .  Pitching probables for Game 3 of the series are RHP Scott Sanders (3-7, 7.75) for the Isotopes and RHP Kevin McGlinchy (0-2, 6.32) for the I-Cubs. 

WP: Sergio Mitre (5-3)
LP: Juan Alvarez (2-2)

HR: IWA  Russ Johnson (10) off Juan Alvarez 

TIME: 2:15
ATT: 8,521

Russ Johnson's solo-homer in the bottom of the 9th inning broke a scoreless tie as the Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) defeated the Isotopes 1-0 in the series opener in Des Moines, Iowa.

Isotopes starter Justin Wayne was valiant for the Isotopes in what was a must-win game as he went 7 shutout innings and allowed 3 hits.

Prospect Watch:

Josh Wilson  1x3 (.276), 2B (5), K (27)

Justin Wayne  7 IP (46 1/3), 3 H (49), 0 ER, 2 BB (20),
3 K (34) (ERA: 5.44) 

'Topes Notes:  The Isotopes dropped to 8.5 games back of Iowa with the defeat and saw their elimination magic number drop from 20 to 18.  They also extended their season worst road game losing streak to 8 games. . . .  The Isotopes tied a season high for fewest hits in a game - 1 hit.  It was not a franchise record as the Isotopes were no-hit in the 2003 season. . . .  The Isotopes were shut out for the 7th time this season. . . .  Derek Wathan went 0x3 to snap a 7-game hitting streak. . . .  Juan Alvarez tied an Isotope pitching staff season-high for shortest outing by a reliever - 1 batter. . . .  Pitching probables for Game 2 of the series on Saturday evening are RHP Aaron Small (7-8, 5.28) for the Isotopes and RHP Shawn Sedlacek (8-5, 4.47) for the I-Cubs. 

WP: Scott Munter (1-0)
LP: Clint Sodowsky (8-7)
SV: Dave Aardsma (10)

HR: FRE  Andy Shabala (5) off Matt Blank

TIME: 2:48  
ATT: 9,445

A broken-bat single and a triple with two outs in the 10th inning doomed the Isotopes as the Fresno Grizzlies (AAA Giants) defeated the Isotopes 6-3 to avoid being swept in the four game series.  With the defeat, the Isotopes snapped a five-game winning streak. 

In the 2nd inning, Brian Dallimore walked, advanced to third base on Tony Torcato's single and scored on Trey Lunsford's sacrifice flyout to left field as the Grizzlies led 1-0.

In the home half of the 2nd inning, Chris Ashby, hitting for the injured Mike Colangelo,  led off with an infield single and Matt Padgett drew a walk.  Both runners advanced a base on a passed ball and Jason Wood walked to load the bases.  Brian Banks sacrifice flied out to left-center field as Ashby scored to tie the game at 1-1.

The Isotopes took the lead in the 3rd inning.  With one out, Joe Dillon doubled down the left-field line and advanced to third base on a wild pitch.  Ashby walked and an out later Dillon scored on another wild pitch and Ashby advanced to second base.  Wood's single to left field drove in Ashby as the Isotopes led 3-1.

In the 7th inning, Torcato singled and an out later Andy Shabala homered to left-center field as the Grizzlies tied the game at 3-3.

In the 10th inning with two outs, Todd Linden walked and advanced to second base on a wild pitch.  Lance Niekro broken-bat singled to left field to drive in Linden.  Jamie Athas pinch-hit singled and Dallimore tripled to right-center field to plate Niekro and Athas as the Grizzlies closed out the scoring in the contest.

Isotopes Starter: 
Matt Blank  7 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 1 K, 1 HR (ERA: 6.04) 

Prospect Watch:

Josh Wilson  0x5 (.275), 2 K (26)

'Topes Notes:   Albuquerque took three out of the only four games between the Isotopes and Grizzlies in the 2004 regular season. . . .  29,522 fans attended the series for a per-day average of 9,840.  The Isotopes had a great homestand in that they went 5-3 and that 71,078 fans came through the turnstiles for a per-day average of 10,154 -- the second-largest homestand average behind the early July three-game series against the Colorado Springs Sky Sox (AAA Rockies) that featured a couple of fireworks night promotions. Strong attendance for the next home game on August 25th could push the Isotopes over the 500,000 mark for the 2004 season. . . .  The Isotopes are 4-7 in extra inning contests in 2004. . . . The Isotopes' franchise-record scoreless pitched inning streak ended at 20 innings when Fresno scored in the 2nd inning. . . .  Matt Padgett went 0x3 to snap a 7-game hitting streak while Derek Wathan singled in his pinch-hit appearance to extend his hitting streak to 7 games. . . .  The Isotopes gave up the most runs to an opponent in the 10th inning this season (3 runs). . . .  Albuquerque has Thursday off before beginning their longest and now very crucial roadtrip of the season on Friday - a 12-game, 3-city swing against their Centeral Division opponents where the Isotopes need to win often to make up ground in the standings.  The first four games are against the division leader Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs).  Pitching probables for Game 1 are RHP Justin Wayne (0-2, 6.41) for the Isotopes and RHP Shawn Sedlacek (8-5, 4.47) for the Cubs.

WP: Chris Michalak (1-0) 
LP: Kevin Correia (3-7)

HR: ABQ Joe Dillon (25) off Kevin Correia

TIME: 1:57 
ATT: 9,802

Ryan Baker, making his Triple-A debut, and Chris Michalak combined to shut out the Fresno Grizzlies (AAA Giants) 6-0 in the nightcap of a doubleheader.  The Isotopes swept the doubleheader and extended their winning streak to five games.

It did not take long for the Isotopes to get all the runs they needed.  With one out in the first inning, Josh Wilson reached on an error, stole second base and scored on Joe Dillon's team-leading 25th home run of the season, a shot to left-center field as the Isotopes led 2-0.

In the 4th inning, Joe Dillon led off with a double to left field and Mike Colangelo singled to left field.  Matt Padgett's double to left-center field drove in Dillon and Colangelo and an out later Derek Wathan doubled down the left field line to drive in Padgett.  After Ryan Jorgensen grounded out, Isotopes reliever Michalak singled to center field drive in Wathan as the Isotopes led 6-0.

Isotopes Starter: 
Ryan Baker  3 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K (ERA: 0.00)

Prospect Watch:

Ryan Jorgensen  0x3 (.265), K (42) 
Josh Wilson  0x3 (.285), R (23), K (24), SB (3)

'Topes Notes:   The Isotopes have swept two doubleheaders out of the eight doubleheaders played in franchise history.  Both sweeps have occurred during the 2004 season. . . .  A franchise-record for most shutouts in a season was tied as the Isotopes pitching staff recorded their third shutout of the season. . . .  The Isotopes have evened their August record to 5-5 and also tied their season-best home winning streak (5 games). . . .  Ryan Christenson went 0x3 to snap an 8-game hitting streak while Matt Padgett extended his hitting streak to 7 games and Derek Wathan to 6 games. . . .  The Isotopes pitching staff currently has a 19 scoreless inning streak. . . .  The Isotopes are looking for the series sweep when they send LHP Matt Blank (3-5, 6.19) to the mound to face Fresno's RHP Ryan Jensen (9-6, 5.43). 

WP: Mike Nannini (7-7)
LP: Wayne Franklin (0-2)

TIME: 1:56

Mike Nannini pitched a complete-game shutout as the Isotopes defeated the Fresno Grizzlies (AAA Giants) 1-0 in the first game of a doubleheader.  The Isotopes have won four straight games.

The Isotopes got the only run of the game in the 1st inning.  Ryan Christenson doubled down the left-field line, advanced to third base on Josh Wilson's flyout and scored on Joe Dillon's sacrifice flyout to right-center field.

Prospect Watch:

Josh Wilson  0x3 (.291)

Mike Nannini (W, 7-7)  7 IP (121 1/3), 3 H (132), 0 ER, 4 BB (34),
5 K (85) (ERA: 5.34)

'Topes Notes:   Mike Nannini tossed the first Isotope complete-game shutout of the season and the second Isotope complete game of the season.  The Isotopes pitching staff has only one other shutout in 2004. . . .  The Isotopes went homerless to snap a five consecutive-game homer streak. . . .  Josh Wilson went 0x3 to snap a 7-game hitting streak while Ryan Christenson extended his hitting streak to 8 games. . . .  An Isotope franchise record was tied for the fewest hits allowed in a game (3 hits).

WP: Juan Alvarez (2-1)
LP: Jack Taschner (4-5)

HR: FRE Todd Linden (15) off Scott Sanders  
                 Todd Linden (16) off Scott Sanders
                 Damon Minor (16) off Scott Sanders

        ABQ Jason Wood (8) off James Garcia 
                  Mike Colangelo (14) off Jack Taschner

TIME: 4:33
ATT: 10,275

Mike Colangelo homered in the 13th inning to end the longest game, time-wise, in Isotopes franchise history as the Isotopes defeated the Fresno Grizzlies (AAA Giants) 7-6 in the series opener at "The Lab".  The Isotopes have won three straight games.

Todd Linden homered to right field with two outs in the 1st inning as the Grizzlies led 1-0.

In the home half of the 1st inning, Ryan Christenson walked, advanced to second base on a passed ball, advanced to third base on a groundout and Larry Sutton followed with a walk.  Joe Dillon doubled to right-center field to drive in Christenson and Colangelo sacrifice flied out to right-center field to drive in Sutton as the Isotopes led 2-1.

Linden singled and scored on Lance Niekro's double to left field as Fresno tied the game at 2-2 in the 3rd inning.

Damon Minor solo-homered to right field in the 5th inning as Fresno took a 3-2 lead.

The Isotopes quickly regained the lead.  Josh Wilson and Sutton singled to lead off the inning.  Dillon's flyout advanced Wilson to third base and Colangelo sacrifice flied out to right-center field to drive in Wilson.  After Matt Padgett was intentionally walked, Jason Wood three-run homered to left field as the Isotopes led 6-3.

Linden solo-homered to center field in the 7th inning and in the 8th inning, Linden singled up the middle to drive in Dave Doster and Jason Ellison as the Grizzlies tied the game at 6-6.

With one out in the 13th inning, Colangelo solo-homered to left field for the walk-off home run.

Isotopes Starter: 
Scott Sanders  6 2/3 IP, 12 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, 3 HR (ERA: 7.75)

Prospect Watch:

Ryan Jorgensen  0x1 (.270) 
Josh Wilson  3x7 (.297), R (22)

Michael Neu  2 1/3 IP (28 2/3), 2 H (41), 0 ER, 4 BB (22), 0 K
(ERA: 7.53)

'Topes Notes:   The contest was two innings short of setting an Isotopes franchise record for the longest game, innings-wise. . . .  The Isotopes season record is at the .500 mark for the first time since August 2nd. . . .  Josh Wilson and Joe Dillon tied a franchise-record for most at-bats in a game (7). . . .  The Isotopes set a season-high for most men left on base in a game (15). . . .  Mike Colangelo tied a Isotope season-high with two sacrifice flyouts in a game. . . .  Wilson and Ryan Christenson extended their hitting streaks to 7 games. . . .  Aaron Guiel of the Omaha Royals (AAA Royals) won the PCL Hitter of the Week award for the second week in a row.  Guiel hit .444 for the week with 3 homers and 13 RBI.  Carlos Hernandez of the New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Astros) won the PCL Pitcher of the Week award.  Hernandez had an ERA for the week of 0.66 (a run in 13 2/3 innings) and gave up 7 hits and struck out 11 as he won both of his starts. . . .  Like the rest of the PCL, the Grizzlies and Isotopes have a scheduled doubleheader on Tuesday evening.  Game 1 probables are RHP Mike Nannini (6-7, 5.67) for the Isotopes and LHP Wayne Franklin (0-1, 4.50) for the Grizzlies.  The Isotopes have not named a Game 2 probable, while Fresno is expected to send RHP Kevin Correia (3-6, 4.62) to the mound. 

WP: Aaron Small (7-8)
LP: Mike Ziegler (2-4)
SV: Toby Borland (10)

HR: ABQ Larry Sutton (21) off Mike Ziegler
                 Josh Wilson (4) off Mike Ziegler

TIME: 2:57
ATT: 8,629

The Isotopes seem to have figured out how to play Sacramento.  The Isotopes were able to stay ahead of the Sacramento River Cats (AAA Athletics) the whole game in a 7-5 victory on Sunday evening at "The Lab".  After having lost nine straight, the Isotopes have a two-game winning streak.

With one out in the 1st inning, Josh Wilson singled to center and Larry Sutton followed with a home run to left-center field as the Isotopes led 2-0.

In the 2nd inning, Nick Swisher drew a walk, advanced to second base on Matt Watson's single, advanced to third base on Mike Rivera's single and scored on Mike Rouse's single to left field as the River Cats cut the defecit in half at 2-1.

Albuquerque gave themselves some breathing room in their half of the 2nd inning.  Mike Colangelo drew a walk but was erased off the basepaths when Jason Wood reached on a fielder's choice.  Matt Treanor walked and both runners advanced when Chris Ashby was retired on a fielder's choice.  Ryan Christenson tripled into the left field corner to drive in Wood and Treanor and Wilson followed with a home run to left-center field as the Isotopes built a 6-1 lead. 

The River Cats started chipping away at the lead in the 5th inning.  Rouse drew a walk and scored on Otero, New Mexico native Billy McMillon's double to right-center field.  McMillon advanced to third base on Adam Morrissey's single and scored on a wild pitch to cut the defecit to three runs at 6-3.

With one out in the 7th inning, Wood reached on an error, moved to second base when Treanor was hit by a pitch, advanced to third base on Ashby's bloop single on the right field line and scored on Christenson's sacrifice flyout to center field as the Isotopes added to their advantage and made it 7-3.

In the 8th inning with Michael Neu on the mound, Neu gave up consecutive singles to Mike Edwards and Watson.  Rivera singled to center field to drive in Edwards and Watson advanced to third base when Isotopes centerfielder Christenson was unable to hit the cutoff man and the ball trickled away.  Chris Michalak came into the game and got Rouse to ground into a double play as Watson scored to close out the scoring in the game.

Isotopes Starter: 
Aaron Small (W, 7-8) 6 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 5 K (ERA: 5.28) 

Prospect Watch:

Josh Wilson  3x5 (.290), 2 R (21), HR (4), 2 RBI (18) 

Michael Neu  3 batters (26 1/3), 3 H (39), 1 ER (24), 0 BB, 0 K
(ERA: 8.20)

'Topes Notes:   The River Cats and Isotopes split their only four regular season games of the season.  41,556 fans attended the four-game series for a per-game average of 10,389. . . .  Larry Sutton was a double short of hitting for the cycle. . . .  The Isotopes pitching staff did not allow a home run to the River Cats in the final two games of the series. . . .  Toby Borland earned his first save since July 24th (Game 2 of a doubleheader against the Omaha Royals (AAA Royals). . . .  Ryan Christenson and Josh Wilson each extended their hitting streaks to 6 games. . . .  Pitching probables for Game 1 of a four-game series with the Fresno Grizzlies (AAA Giants) beginning on Monday night at Isotopes Park are RHP Scott Sanders (3-7, 7.99) for the Isotopes and RHP James Garcia (0-1, 1.80) for the Grizzlies.

WP: Toby Borland (4-1)
LP: Chris Mabeus (5-2)

HR: ABQ Mike Colangelo (13) off Chris Mabeus

TIME: 3:37
ATT: 12,420

The Isotopes used some drama to end their franchise-worst nine game losing streak.  Down to their last at-bats, the Isotopes scored three runs to defeat the Sacramento River Cats (AAA Athletics) 9-8 on Saturday evening.

In the 2nd inning with one out, Nick Swisher walked, stole second base and scored on Mike Edwards single to right field.  An out later, Adam Morrissey singled and Mike Rouse singled to left field to drive in Edwards as the River Cats led 2-0.

Sacramento added to the lead in the 3rd inning.  Mike Rose walked, advanced to second base on a wild pitch and Dan Johnson walked.  Graham Koonce doubled to right-center field to drive in Rose and Edwards doubled down the right field line to drive in Johnson and Koonce as the River Cats led 5-0.

In the home half of the 3rd inning with one out, Ryan Jorgensen drew a walk and Ryan Christenson was hit by a pitch.  Josh Wilson reached on a fielder's choice as Jorgensen scored and Mike Colangelo reached on an error as Christenson scored as the Isotopes got on the scoreboard.

In the 4th inning, Matt Padgett singled, advanced to second base on a wild pitch, advanced to third base on Matt Treanor's single and scored when Chris Ashby grounded into a double play as the Isotopes cut the defecit to two runs at 5-3.

In the 5th inning, Swisher doubled.  Two outs later, Morrissey was hit by a pitch and Rouse walked to load the bases before Otero, NM native Billy McMillon was hit by a pitch as Swisher trotted home to make it 6-3 Sacramento.

In the Isotopes half of the 5th inning, Wilson singled and scored on Colangelo's double down the left field line.  Colangelo advanced to third base on a wild pitch and scored on Jason Wood's infield single as the Isotopes drew to within a run at 6-5.

Johnson tripled to the center-field hill to lead off the 6th inning and scored on Koonce's single to right-center field as the River Cats added a run to make it 7-5.

In the 8th inning with two outs, Ashby and Sutton walked and Christenson singled to left field to drive in Ashby as the Isotopes trimmed the River Cats lead to a run at 7-6.

The River Cats added what they thought was an insurance run in the 9th inning.  Edwards doubled to left field, advanced to third base on Matt Watson's fielder's choice and scored when Morrissey grounded into a double play.

Colangelo gave Isotope fans hope of a comeback win when he led off the bottom of the 9th inning with a home run off the scoreboard in left-center field.  Joe Dillon walked and advanced to second base on a balk.  Wood doubled over the third baseman Edwards' head and into left field to drive in Dillon and Padgett was intentionally walked.  Treanor then bunted the ball in a sacrifice bunt attempt.  River Cats pitcher Chris Mabeus fielded the ball but threw wildly towards first base for an error as Wood raced around to score the game-winning run.

Prospect Watch:

Ryan Jorgensen  0x2 (.272), R (18), BB (7)
Josh Wilson  1x4 (.278), R (19), BB (9)

Justin Wayne  4 2/3 IP (39 1/3), 7 H (46), 6 ER (28), 5 BB (18),
4 K (31) (ERA: 6.41) 

'Topes Notes:  12,420 fans witnessed the Isotopes comeback victory, the 7th largest crowd in Isotopes Park history and the 3rd largest crowd at Isotopes Park during the 2004 regular season.  With 14 home dates left, the Isotopes are on pace in 2004 to fall just 13,604 fans short of their 2003 regular season attendance mark.  A few more 10,000+ attendance evenings would make quite a difference in helping to draw more fans in 2004 than in 2003. . . .  The River Cats failed to homer in the game, so their consecutive game with a homer streak ends at 15.  The 15-game streak tied a Sacramento franchise record. . . .  Ryan Christenson and Josh Wilson each extended their hitting streak to 5 games. . . .  Toby Borland earned his first winning decision since April 20th at Nashville. . . .  During the just-ended Isotopes nine game losing streak, starting pitchers had an ERA of 6.51 and relievers had an ERA of 10.67 -- compare that to the Isotopes' staff season ERA of 5.71.  Isotope hitters batted .252 during the losing streak while opponents hit .325, compared to the Isotopes season batting average of .287 and opponent average allowed of .295. . . .  In Sunday's series finale, RHP Aaron Small (6-8, 5.32) will be making his first appearance for the Isotopes since his latest outrighting from the Marlins.  Small is expected to face Sacramento's RHP Mike Ziegler (2-3, 5.79).

WP: Joe Blanton (8-7)
LP: Matt Blank (3-5)

HR: SAC Billy McMillon (3) off Matt Blank
                 Graham Koonce (20) off  Matt Blank

        ABQ Jason Wood (7) off Britt Reames

TIME: 3:24 
ATT: 11,417

The Sacramento River Cats (AAA Athletics) scored eight combined runs in the sixth and seventh innings en route to a 10-6 victory over the Isotopes on Friday evening at "The Lab".  The Isotopes franchise-worst losing streak was extended to nine games with the defeat.

Otero, New Mexico native Billy McMillon led of the game with a home run to left-center field on the third pitch of the game as the River Cats took a quick 1-0 lead.

In the 2nd inning, Sacramento added to the lead.  Nick Swisher singled, Graham Koonce was hit by a pitch, Matt Watson reached on a fielder's choice to load the bases and Adam Morrissey fouled out with Swisher able to score on the play.

Back-to-back doubles by Mike Colangelo and Matt Padgett got the Isotopes on the scoreboard and cut the River Cats lead in half at 2-1.

Both teams were scoreless until Sacramento started to pull away in the 6th inning.  Swisher walked and Koonce followed with a homer to right field.  Two outs later, Mike Rouse doubled and scored on McMillon's double into the right field corner as the River Cats led 5-1. 

The Isotopes mounted their "too little, too late" rally in the 9th inning.  Drew Niles led off the inning with a single up the middle and Joe Dillon doubled.  Colangelo's single to left field drove in Niles and Padgett's single to right field drove in Dillon.  Jason Wood then three-run homered to left-center field to cut the defecit to four runs before the Isotopes went rather quietly to end the game.

Isotopes Starter: 
Matt Blank (L, 3-5)  5 1/3 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 5 BB, 1 K, 2 HR
(ERA: 6.19) 

Prospect Watch:

Josh Wilson  1x5 (.279)

Michael Neu  1 IP (26 1/3), 6 H (36), 6 ER (23), 2 BB (18),
1 K (18) (ERA: 7.86)

'Topes Notes:  The River Cats have homered in 15 straight games, which ties a Sacramento franchise record. . . .  The current Isotope losing streak (9 games) is now a longer length of time than the franchise's longest winning streak (8 games). . . .  Matt Treanor returned to active action on Friday after being sent down from the Florida Marlins.  Treanor joined the Isotopes and served out his suspension for a on-field fight in late May before being activated. . . .  Larry Sutton went 0x2 to snap a 7-game hitting streak. . . .  Matt Blank has lost his last three starts and has given up 8 home runs in those starts. . . .  The Isotopes tied a season high for most runs scored in the 9th inning (5 runs). . . .  Pitching probables for the third game of the series are RHP Justin Wayne (0-2, 5.71) for the Isotopes and LHP John Rheinecker (9-7, 4.14) for the River Cats.  

WP: Britt Reames (2-5)
LP: Clint Sodowsky (8-6)
SV: Jairo Garcia (1)

HR: SAC Billy McMillon (2) off Mike Nannini  
                 Mike Edwards (9) off Mike Nannini 
                 Matt Watson (15) off Mike Nannini

        ABQ Larry Sutton (20 ) off Adam Pettyjohn 
                 Ryan Jorgensen (6) off Britt Reames

TIME: 3:54 
ATT: 9,092

It has been the same old story for the Isotopes during their losing streak.  Isotopes pitching could not hold a 7-run lead and later a 3-run lead as the Sacramento River Cats (AAA Athletics) came from behind to defeat the Isotopes 16-13 in a slugfest series opener at Isotopes Park.  The Isotopes continue their franchise-worst losing streak, now at eight games. 

In the 2nd inning, Joe Dillon doubled to right-center field and scored on Chris Ashby's double down the left field line as the Isotopes led 1-0.

Matt Watson solo-homered to right field in the 4th inning as the River Cats tied the game at 1-1.

It did not take the Isotopes long to take a big lead.  In the home half of the 4th inning, Dillon was hit by a pitch and two outs later, Ashby singled to drive in Dillon.  Ashby stole third base and Ryan Jorgensen drew a walk before Drew Niles singled to right field to drive in Ashby.  Ryan Christenson walked to load the bases and Mike Colangelo's single drove in Jorgensen.  With the bases still loaded, Larry Sutton belted a home run to left-center field as the Isotopes built a 8-1 lead.

The River Cats came up with a big inning of their own in the 5th inning.  Mike Rose doubled, Dan Johnson walked and Nick Swisher singled to drive in Rose.  Mike Edwards followed with a three-run home run to left-center field.  Two outs later, Mike Rouse singled and Billy McMillon, a native of Otero, New Mexico and currently with the River Cats on a MLB Rehabilitation Assignment, homered to right field as the River Cats cut the defecit to a run at 8-7.

In the 6th inning, Rose drew a walk, advanced to second base on a balk and two outs later Edwards was walked before Watson tripled off the right field wall to drive in Rose and Edwards as the River Cats led 9-8.

Albuquerque regained the lead in the 6th inning.  With one out, Drew Niles walked, stole second base and scored on Christenson's single to right field.  Colangelo singled and Larry Sutton reached on a fielder's choice to load the bases.  Dillon sacrifice flied out to right field to drive in Christenson.  Colangelo and Sutton advanced a base on a wild pitch and Jason Wood walked to load the bases before Matt Padgett's single drove in Colangelo and Sutton as the Isotopes led 12-9.

Sacramento took the lead for good in the 7th inning.  With one out, McMillon drew a walk and Freddie Bynum singled.  After Rose struck out, Dan Johnson singled to drive in McMillon and Swisher drew a walk to load the bases.  Edwards walked as Bynum trotted home and Watson singled up the middle to plate Johnson and Swisher.  Jon Weber's pinch-hit double to the center field hill drove in Edwards and Watson and Rouse walked.  McMillon's single drove in Weber as the River Cats put a 7-spot on the scoreboard to lead 16-12.

Ryan Jorgensen solo-homered to left-center field in the 7th inning to close out the scoring in the game.

Prospect Watch:

Ryan Jorgensen  1x4 (.275), 2 R (17), HR (6), RBI (24), BB (6),
3 K (41) 

Mike Nannini  4 2/3 IP (114 1/3), 10 H (129), 7 ER (72), 4 BB (30),
3 K (80), 3 HR (26)  (ERA: 5.67) 

'Topes Notes:  Orbit was honored before the game for being the PCL's Best Mascot for 2004.  Orbit beat Sacramento's mascot, Dinger, by 806 votes (229,348 to 228,542). The votes were cast online at the PCL web page. . . .  The one-millionth fan in Isotopes franchise history came through the Isotope Park gates on Thursday evening. . . .  If the game seemed very long, it was.  The 3 hour, 54 minute affair was the longest 9-inning game in Isotopes Park history. . . .  Larry Sutton hit the Isotopes franchise record 8th grand slam homer of the season.  It was Sutton's only grand-slam homer this season.  Sutton also extended his hitting streak to 7 games. . . .  The Isotopes set a couple more franchise records - Most runs combined by both teams in a game (29 runs) and Largest blown lead in a game that the Isotopes eventually lost (7 runs). . . .  The Isotope pitching staff gave up a season-high 10 walks in the game. . . .  Every Isotope batter had at least a hit in the contest. . . .  Reliever Clint Sodowsky earned his third losing decision in the last seven games. . . .  The Isotopes scored the most runs in the 4th inning this season (7 runs) and gave up the most runs to an opponent in the 7th inning this season (7 runs). . . .  Sacramento has a homer in 14 straight games, a season high for the River Cats. . . .  The River Cats' Adam Morrissey did not join in on the fun.  He went 0x4, whereas every other River Cat hitter had at least a hit and a run scored. . . .  Pitching probables for Game 2 of the series are LHP Matt Blank
(3-4, 6.16) for the Isotopes and RHP Joe Blanton (7-7, 4.64) for the River Cats.

WP: Craig Anderson (3-8) 
LP: Scott Sanders (3-7)
SV: Randy Will;iams (7)

TIME: 3:32 
ATT: 4,181

Luis Ugueto went 5-for-6 with three doubles and four RBI in the Tacoma Rainiers' (AAA Mariners) 11-6 victory over the Isotopes in the series and roadtrip finale.  The Rainiers have won 12 out of their last 14 games while the Isotopes continue their franchise-worst losing streak, now at 7 games.

In the 3rd inning, Greg Jacobs singled and Elpidio Guzman doubled ahead of Ugueto's two-run double.  An out later, Ugueto stole third base and scored on former-Albuquerque Duke Hiram Bocachica's single as the Rainiers led 3-0.

With one out in the 4th inning, Ramon Santiago walked and Jacobs singled.  Guzman's single drove in Santiago and Ugueto's single drove in Jacobs.  Jeremy Reed singled to drive in Guzman as the Rainiers extended the lead to 6-0.

Ryan Christenson led off the 5th inning with a triple to center field and scored on Josh Wilson's single to shallow left field.  Larry Sutton singled and Joe Dillon drew a walk to load up the bases before Matt Padgett sacrifice flied out to right field to drive in Wilson.  After Chris Ashby walked, Jason Wood's single to left field drove in Sutton and Dillon as the Isotopes pulled to within two runs at 6-4.

The Isotopes bullpen could not hold in the Rainiers in their half of the 5th inning as they added a couple runs.  Greg Dobbs singled and Santiago doubled to drive in Dobbs.  Two outs later, Ugueto singled to drive in Santiago as the Rainiers doubled up the Isotopes at 8-4.

In the 7th inning, Jacobs walked with one out, advanced to third base on Ugueto's double and scored when Reed reached on an error as the Rainiers led 9-4.

Drew Niles led off the 8th inning with a walk, Wilson singled and Sutton doubled to left-center field to drive in Niles and Wilson as the Isotopes cut the defecit to three runs at 9-6.

The Rainiers closed out the scoring in the 8th inning.  With one out, Pat Borders was hit by a pitch, Dobbs singled and Ramon Santiago reached on a fielder's choice.  After Jacobs drew a walk to load the bases, Guzman singled to drive in Borders and Santiago to make it the final score of 11-6.

Isotopes Starter: 
Scott Sanders (L, 3-7)  3 1/3 IP, 10 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 1 BB, 3 K (ERA: 7.99) 

Prospect Watch:

Josh Wilson  3x6 (.282), 2 R (18), 3B (2), RBI (16), K (23)

Michael Neu  2 IP (25 1/3), 2 H (30), 0 ER, 1 BB (16), 0 K (ERA: 6.39) 

'Topes Notes:  The PCL Northern Division leaders Rainiers swept the Isotopes in their only four regular season meetings in 2004, turning the tables as the Rainiers were swept by the Isotopes in their only four meetings in 2003 at Isotopes Park (July 17-20, 2003). The Isotopes were swept in a series for the first time since June 30-July 3, 2003 at Isotopes Park against the Omaha Royals (AAA Royals). The Isotopes went 1-7 for the roadtrip. . . . The Isotopes season record fell below the .500 mark for the first time since May 1st. . . .  The 3 hour, 32 minute game was the longest 9-inning road game the Isotopes have played in 2004. . . .  The Isotopes gave up a season-high 18 hits to an opponent on the road and left a season-high 14 men on base for the second game in a row. . . .  Larry Sutton went 3x4 to extend his hitting streak to 6 games. . . .  The Isotopes may have been able to have a more successful roadtrip if they could have held leads.  In three of the eight games, the Isotopes held leads of 3 or more runs and eventually lost those games. . . .  Clayton Westmoreland appears to be headed back to the lower minor leagues soon.  Westmoreland gave up 2 earned runs in an inning of work in the game as his ERA climbed to 10.80. . . .  The Isotopes and the rest of the PCL have Wednesday off.  On Thursday, the Isotopes return home for an eight-game in seven days homestand with the first four against the PCL Southern Division leader Sacramento River Cats (AAA Athletics).  Pitching probables for the opener are RHP Mike Nannini (6-7, 5.33) for the Isotopes and LHP Adam Pettyjohn (1-0, 14.00 with Sacramento; 4-6, 6.29 with both Fresno (AAA Giants) and Sacramento in 2004) for the River Cats.

WP: Jared Hoerman (2-1)
LP: Toby Borland (3-1)
SV: Randy Williams (6)

HR: ABQ Chris Ashby (5) off Greg Wear 

        TAC Jeremy Reed (4) off Chris Michalak
                  Hiram Bocachica (10) off Chris Michalak
                  Greg Jacobs (9) off Chris Michalak

TIME: 2:53
ATT: 4,034

Jeremy Reed's two-run single drove in the eventual game-tying and winning runs as the Tacoma Rainiers (AAA Mariners) defeated the Isotopes 6-5 on Monday evening in Tacoma, Washington,  With the defeat, the Isotopes have extended their franchise-worst losing streak to six games.

In the 2nd inning, Matt Padgett reached on an error, advanced to third base on Chris Ashby's double and scored on a wild pitch as the Isotopes led 1-0.

The lead was short-lived as Hiram Bocachica solo-homered to left field in the Rainiers half of the 2nd inning to tie the game at 1-1.

Greg Jacobs solo-homered to right field in the 3rd inning to give the Rainiers a 2-1 lead but Albuquerque's Ashby solo-homered to left field in the 4th inning to tie the game up at 2-2.

In the 6th inning with one out, Ryan Christenson doubled and scored on Josh Wilson's double to right-center field.  Wilson stole third base and scored on Larry Sutton's double to left-center field as the Isotopes regained the lead at 4-2.

In the home half of the 6th inning, Reed homered to right field to cut the Rainiers defecit to a run at 4-3. 

The Rainiers took the lead for good in the 7th inning with Isotopes closer Toby Borland on the mound trying to protect a one-run lead.  Greg Dobbs led off with a walk and an out later Jacobs drew a walk.  Another out later, Luis Ugueto singled to left field to drive in Dobbs and Mickey Lopez walked to load the bases.  Reed then singled to left-center field to drive in Jacobs and Ugueto as the Rainiers led 6-4..

In the 8th inning, Wilson reached on a fielder's choice, advanced to second base on Joe Dillon's walk and Mike Colangelo singled to first base to drive in Wilson to close out the scoring in the game.

Isotopes Starter: 
Chris Michalak  5 1/3 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 0 K, 3 HR (ERA: 6.32) 

Prospect Watch:

Chris Aguila  0x0 (.312) 
Ryan Jorgensen  0x1 (.276)
Josh Wilson  1x4 (.270), 2 R (16), 2B (4), RBI (15), BB (8), SB (2) 

Michael Neu  1 IP (23 1/3), 1 H (28), 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K (ERA: 6.94) 

'Topes Notes:  For the second day in a row, the Rainiers scheduled starter was promoted to the Mariners before the game.  Tonight it was Matt Thornton and on Sunday it was Clint Nageotte. . . .  The Isotopes season record fell to the .500 mark (55-55) with tonight's loss and is the first time the Isotopes record has been at the .500 mark since May 2nd. . . .  The Isotopes are also currently in a season-worst road losing streak (6 games). . . .  The Isotopes left a season-worst 14 men on base in the contest. . . .   Aaron Guiel of the Omaha Royals (AAA Royals) was named the PCL Hitter of the Week.  Guiel hit five homers in seven games and drove in 11 runs while batting .333.  Nelson Figueroa of the Nashville Sounds (AAA Pirates) was named the PCL Pitcher of the Week for tossing a three hit complete game shutout against the Salt Lake Stingers (AAA Angels) on July 28th. . . .  RHP Scott Sanders (3-6, 7.55) and the Isotopes are looking for a dual-purpose in Tuesday's series finale.  They are hoping to break the losing streak as well as avoid the series sweep when Sanders faces Tacoma's RHP Cha-Seung Baek (4-3, 3.93).  Baek is a South Korean and is considered the eighth highest ranked prospect in the Mariners organization.

WP: Tim Christman (1-0)
LP: Clint Sodowsky (8-5)

HR: ABQ Chris Aguila (11) off Bryan Ward 

        TAC Hiram Bocachica (8) off Justin Wayne 
                  Hiram Bocachica (9) off Justin Wayne 
                  Pat Border (3) off Juan Alvarez

TIME: 2:57 
ATT: 5,872

Hiram Bocachica belted a pair of home runs and the Tacoma Rainiers (AAA Mariners) scored six times in the final three innings to defeat the Isotopes 8-5.  With the defeat, the Isotopes have tied for their worst consecutive-game losing streak in franchise history, currently at five games.

In the 2nd inning with one out, Mike Colangelo singled to left field and scored on Chris Aguila's homer to left field as the Isotopes led 2-1.

Bocachica solo-homered to left field in the home half of the 2nd inning as the Rainiers got on the scoreboard.

In the 4th inning, Joe Dillon led off the inning with a single and Larry Sutton singled to right-center field and Rainiers rightfielder Bocachica committed an error when the ball got by him to allow Dillon to score.  Colangelo infield singled and Jason Wood drew a walk to load the bases before Drew Niles sacrifice-flied out to left-center field to drive in Sutton as the Isotpoes led 4-1.

Bocachica solo-homered to left field in the Rainiers half of the 4th inning as the defecit was cut to two runs at 4-2.

In the 6th inning with one out, Bocachica walked and Greg Jacobs doubled off the right field wall to drive in Bocachica.  An out later, Greg Dobbs doubled into the right field corner to drive in Jacobs as the Rainiers tied the game at 4-4.

In the 7th inning, Niles singled and Ryan Jorgensen reached on a fielder's choice.  Jorgensen advanced to third base on Josh Wilson's single and scored on Dillon's fielder's choice as the Isotopes regained the lead at 5-4.

Ramon Santiago drew a walk to lead off the home half of the 7th inning and Mickey Lopez was hit by a pitch.  After executing a successful double steal, Jeremy Reed singled to right field to drive in Santiago and Lopez as the Rainiers reclaimed the lead at 6-5.

In the 8th inning with one out, Jacobs was hit by a pitch and Elpidio Guzman entered the game as a pinch runner.  Pat Borders followed with a home run to left field as the Rainiers added a couple insurance runs to lead 8-5.

Prospect Watch:

Chris Aguila  1x4 (.312), R (61), HR (11), 2 RBI (56), K (81) 
Ryan Jorgensen  0x4 (.277), R (15), 2 K (38) 
Josh Wilson  1x5 (.271), 3 K (22)

Justin Wayne  5 1/3 IP (34 2/3), 8 H (39), 4 ER (22), 2 BB (13), 6 K (27),
2 HR (7)  (ERA: 5.71)

'Topes Notes:  Clint Nageotte was scheduled to start for the Rainiers  but he was promoted to the Mariners before today's game. . . .  The Rainiers have come back to win from at least 3 run defecits in both games of the series so far. . .   Clint Sodowsky has earned the losing decision in two games this roadtrip. . . .  The Isotopes may get some middle relief help in the next few days.  It is expected a couple of the Marlins' middle relievers may be sent down to Albuquerque after this weekend's trades when the Marlins acquired a couple of middle relievers. . . .  The Isotopes on Monday hope to send the Rainiers fans home pizzaless on a promotional night that if the Rainiers can score 10 or more runs, each fan in attendance gets a free medium pizza.  Isotopes LHP Michael Tejera (8-3, 3.96) was scratched from his scheduled start on Monday as he is visiting his wife and newborn child in the Miami, Florida area.  LHP Chris Michalak (0-0, 6.97) is scheduled to start for the Isotopes against LHP Matt Thornton (7-5, 5.42) for the Rainiers.

WP: Gustavo Martinez (5-4)
LP: Matt Blank (3-4)
SV: Jeff Harris (1)

HR: ABQ Mike Colangelo (12) off Gustavo Martinez

        TAC Mickey Lopez (7) off Pete Hartmann 
                 Ryan Christianson (2) off Matt Blank

TIME: 2:35 
ATT: 6,850

The Tacoma Rainiers (AAA Mariners) scored in their final five innings to overcome an early four-run defecit to defeat the Isotopes 8-4 in the series opener in Tacoma, Washington on Saturday evening.

The only highlight in the game for the Isotopes came in the 1st inning.  With one out, Josh Wilson, Joe Dillon and Larry Sutton drew consecutive walks off Rainiers starter Gustavo Martinez.  Mike Colangelo followed with a grand-slam home run to left field as the Isotopes led 4-0.

The Rainiers would tie the game in the 4th inning.  Luis Ugueto walked to lead off the inning and an out later Jeremy Reed singled.  A.J. Zapp was hit by a pitch to load the bases and Ryan Christianson singled to center field to drive in Ugueto and Reed.  Greg Dobbs singled to load the bases again and Pat Borders singled to right field to drive in Zapp and Christianson.

Ugueto singled to lead off the 5th inning, advanced to second base on Mickey Lopez's single, advanced to third base on a wild pitch and scored on a wild pitch as the Rainiers took the lead at 5-4.

Christianson solo-homered to right-center field in the 6th inning and Lopez solo-homered to left field in the 7th inning as the Rainiers extended the lead to 7-4.

The Rainiers closed out the scoring in the game in the 8th inning when Zapp walked, advanced to second base on a wild pitch, advanced to third base on Christianson's flyout and scored on Dobbs' fielder's choice.

Tacoma's Jeff Harris held the Isotopes scoreless and hitless through the final four innings to earn the rulebook save. 

Isotopes Starter: 
Matt Blank (L, 3-4)  7 IP, 7 H , 6 ER, 1 BB, 6 K, 1 HR (ERA: 6.16)  

Prospect Watch:

Chris Aguila  1x3 (.313), BB (37), SB (8) 
Josh Wilson  0x4 (.275), R (14), BB (7) 

'Topes Notes:   The Isotopes have lost four straight and are mired in their worst consecutive-game losing streak and road losing streak of the season. . . .  The Isotopes had a 14-14 record in July.  The 'Topes also had 37 homers in the month of July which is the second best home run total for a month in franchise history. . . .  There have been a franchise-record 7 Isotope grand-slam homers in 2004 and Mike Colangelo has hit three of them. . . .  Albuquerque's Ryan Christenson went 0x5 to snap an 8-game hitting streak. . . .  Pitching probables for the second game of the series are RHP Justin Wayne (0-2, 5.52) for the Isotopes and RHP Clint Nageotte (6-6, 4.46) for the Rainiers.  Nageotte is the second highest ranked prospect in the Mariners organization according to Baseball America.  

WP: Brian Sweeney (9-2)
LP: Mike Nannini (6-7)
SV: Marty McLeary (8)

HR: POR J.J. Furmaniak (13) off Mike Nannini

TIME: 2:38  
ATT: 5,185

The Portland Beavers (AAA Padres) took advantage of the Isotopes' worst defensive game of the season in a 6-3 victory in the series finale on Friday night in Portland, Oregon.  The Isotopes have dropped three straight games, tying for the longest losing streak of the season.

Ryan Christenson led off the 3rd inning with a single and two outs later scored on Larry Sutton's single to center field.  Mike Colangelo doubled to drive in Sutton as the Isotopes led 2-0.

The 4th inning is where the Isotopes defense failed Isotopes starter Mike Nannini.  After Jon Knott led off the inning by striking out, Brian Buchanan reached on a fielding error by Isotopes third baseman Joe Dillon and advanced to second base on Yamid Haad's groundout.  Jose Nieves singled and Ramon Vazquez infield singled to shortstop Josh Wilson to drive in Buchanan on a play that was originally scored as an error before the official scorer changed his mind.  J.J. Furmaniak followed with a three-run homer to left-center field.  Beavers starter Brian Sweeney singled up the middle and advanced to second base on a throwing error by Wilson trying to make the out at first base.  Freddy Guzman singled to left-center to drive in Sweeney.  Guzman advanced to second base on an error but Kerry Robinson grounded out to end the inning before that error could hurt the Isotopes.  Nannini gave up five runs in the inning but none of them were earned.

In the 7th inning, pinch-hitter Michael Tejera doubled to left-center field and scored on Christenson's routine fly ball to shallow right field that dropped in for a single as the Isotopes cut the defecit to two runs at 5-3.

The Beavers added an insurance run in the 8th inning with two outs.  Furmaniak doubled to right-center field and scored on Alex Fernandez's pinch-hit flare singled to center field.

Prospect Watch:

Chris Aguila  1x3 (.313), BB (36), K (80)  
Ryan Jorgensen  0x3 (.285), BB (5), K (36)
Josh Wilson  0x5 (.286), K (19) 

Mike Nannini (L, 6-7)  5 IP (109 2/3), 6 H (119), (5 R), 0 ER, 0 BB,
3 K (77), 1 HR (23)  (ERA: 5.33)   
Michael Neu  1 IP (22 1/3), 2 H (27), 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K (17) (ERA: 7.25) 

'Topes Notes:  The Beavers took three out of the four games in the series, the only series between the two teams in the 2004 regular season. . . .  The Beavers have not lost a series since a series with the Tacoma Rainiers (AAA Mariners) in early July. . . .  Former Isotope Marty McLeary recorded the save for the Beavers in all three of their victories in the series. . . .  The four errors committed in the game is a season-worst for the Isotopes. . . .  Josh Wilson went 0x5 to snap a 6-game hitting streak.  Ryan Christenson extended his hitting streak to 8 games. . . .  Mike Colangelo was ejected in the 8th inning for arguing a called third strike. . . .  The Isotopes conclude their roadtrip with their only four games in the 2004 regular season against the Tacoma Rainiers (AAA Mariners).  Pitching probables for Game 1 of the series are Matt Blank (3-3, 5.98) for the Isotopes and Gustavo Martinez (4-4, 4.23) for the Rainiers. 

WP: Chris Rojas (1-0)
LP: Clint Sodowsky (8-4)
SV: Marty McLeary (7)

HR: ABQ Drew Niles (4) off Dennis Tankersley 

TIME: 2:43
ATT: 9,777

Brian Buchanan singled to drive in Bernie Castro with the eventual game-winning run as the Portland Beavers (AAA Padres) capped a comeback from four runs down to defeat the Isotopes 5-4.  With the defeat, the Isotopes have lost two straight.

Ryan Christenson singled to lead off the game, advanced to second base on Josh Wilson's single and scored on Larry Sutton's single to right field as the Isotopes built a quick 1-0 lead.

With one out in the 4th inning, Chris Aguila singled and Jason Wood drew a walk ahead of Drew Niles' home run to right field as the Isotopes extended the lead to 4-0.

Isotope starter Scott Sanders, breezing through the game by only allowing two hits in the first six innings, ran into problems in the 7th inning,  Jose Nieves bloop singled to center field, Humberto Quintero doubled to left-center field and Ramon Vazquez drew a walk to load the bases with nobody out.  Clint Sodowsky came into the game to relieve Sanders and promptly gave up a two-run single to J.J. Furmaniak (Nieves and Quintero scored).  Castro pinch-hit singled to drive in Vasquez and Kerry Robinson's groundout drove in Furmaniak.  After Jon Knott walked, Buchanan infield singled to drive in Castro as the Beavers put a five-spot on the scoreboard to take a 5-4 lead.

Isotopes Starter: 
Scott Sanders  6 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 3 K (ERA: 7.55) 

Prospect Watch:

Chris Aguila  1x4 (.313), R (60)
Ryan Jorgensen  2x4 (.291) 
Josh Wilson  2x5 (.301), 2B (3), K (18) 

'Topes Notes:  Ryan Christenson extended his hitting streak to 7 games and Josh Wilson to 6 games.  Portland's Jon Knott went 0x3 to end a 6-game hitting streak. . . .  The Isotopes are looking for the series split when they send RHP Mike Nannini (6-6, 5.59) to the mound to face Portland's RHP Brian Sweeney (8-2, 3.23).  Friday's game marks the last game between the two clubs in the 2004 regular season.

WP: Chris Oxspring (5-4)
LP: Michael Tejera (8-3)
SV: Marty McLeary (6)

HR: POR Brian Buchanan (2) off Michael Tejera 

TIME: 2:20 
ATT: 3,649

Australian Chris Oxspring, Mike Bynum and former-Isotope Marty McLeary combined on a six-hit shutout as the Portland Beavers (AAA Padres) blanked the Isotopes 2-0 on Wednesday evening.  

Brian Buchanan homered to left-center field to lead off the 2nd inning as the Beavers took a 1-0 lead.

In the 8th inning, Freddy Guzman drew a leadoff walk, stole second base, advanced to third base on Kerry Robinson's groundout and scored on Jon Knott's fielder's choice as the Beavers closed out the scoring in the game.

Clayton Westmoreland made his first appearance for the Isotopes since his promotion from the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League Marlins and went 1 1/3 innings, giving up no hits, a run, and 2 walks.

Isotopes Starter: 
Michael Tejera (L, 8-3)  6 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, 1 HR
(ERA: 3.96)

Prospect Watch:

Ryan Jorgensen  1x3 (.285), K (35)
Josh Wilson  2x4 (.295)

'Topes Notes:   Michael Tejera failed for the second start in a row to earn his 9th victory, which would be an Isotopes franchise record for most victories by a pitcher in a season. . . .  Larry Sutton went 0x4 to snap a 9-game hitting streak, while Ryan Christenson went 2x4 to extend his hitting streak to 6 games. . . .  The Portland Beavers do not seem to be a team that draws well at home.  The Isotopes average 2004 home game attendance (7,764) is higher than the total attendance for Games 1 and 2 of the series at PGE Park (7,010). . . .  The Isotopes have been shut out six times in 2004, four of those on the road. . . .  Pitching probables for Game 3 of the series on Thursday evening are RHP Scott Sanders (3-6, 7.88) for the Isotopes and RHP Dennis Tankersley (5-3, 3.38) for the Beavers.