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2011 News and Game Summary Archive
September 16, 2011 - OMA wins 3-0
Raley Field Omaha 020 042 210 -- 11 14 0 Sacramento 000 003 201 -- 6 10 2 WP: Mike Montgomery (1-0) LP: Travis Banwart (0-1) HR: OMA David Lough (1) off Souza (6th inning, 2R) SAC Chris Carter (4) off Herrera (9th inning, S) TIME: 3:20 ATT: 10,861
The Sacramento River Cats (AAA Athletics) had no magic left in them in the PCL Championship Series like they did in the Pacific Conference championships. Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) starter Mike Montgomery tossed five scoreless innings and his teammates built him a six run lead in cruising to a 11-6 victory over Sacramento to become the 2011 PCL Champions.
Doubles from Manny Pina and Lance Zawadzki brought home runs in the 2nd inning, and Kila Kaaihue and Zawadzki singled home runs and Irving Falu doubled home two to give Omaha 6-0 lead in the 5th inning.
David Lough two-run homered in the 6th inning as Omaha extended the lead to 8-0 before Sacramento got on the scoreboard in their half of the 6th inning. Andy LaRochoe doubled home a run and Tyler Ladendorf singled home two runs.
Each team swapped two runs in the 7th inning and in the 8th inning, Kaaihue doubled home a run to give Omaha a 11-5 lead. Chris Carter solo homered for Sacramento in the 9th inning for the final PCL run of the season.
Omaha pitcher Luis Mendoza was named the PCL playoffs MVP, compiling a 2-0 record with a 1.29 ERA in playoff action.
The Columbus Clippers (AAA Indians) also wrapped up a championship title on Friday evening, taking the 2011 International League Governor's Cup with a victory over the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs (AAA Phillies). That sets up a meeting of the Storm Chasers and Clippers in the 2011 Triple-A Baseball National Championship Game in Albuquerque on Tuesday night. Tickets are on sale at the Isotopes Park Box Office or online at the Isotopes team web site.
Filed 09/16/2011

September 14, 2011 - OMA leads 2-0
Werner Park Sacramento 300 001 000 -- 4 9 2 Omaha 115 002 33x -- 15 18 0 WP: Vin Mazarro (2-0) LP: Tyson Ross (0-2) HR: SAC Adrian Cardenas (1) off Mazarro (1st inning, 2R) OMA Jarrod Dyson (1) off Cabrera (8th inning, 3R) TIME: 3:26 ATT: 4,039
Do the Sacramento River Cats (AAA Athletics) still have any magic left in them? In the Pacific Conference finals, Sacramento dropped the first two games of the series on the road and then won the next three games at home to take the series. After a 15-4 loss to the Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) in Game 2 of the 2011 PCL Championship Series, the River Cats face the same predicament. Sacramento has dropped the opening two road games of the Championship Series and needs to sweep all three games in Sacramento to win the 2011 PCL Championship and advance to the 2011 Triple-A National Championship Game in Albuquerque.
The River Cats plated three runs in the 1st inning, highlighted by Adrian Cardenas' two-run homer.
Lorenzo Cain sacrificed flied out in the 1st inning to get Omaha on the scoreboard and added a run in the 2nd inning on Lance Zawadzki's single.
Omaha erupted for five runs in the 3rd inning to take the lead. Kurt Mertins and Jarrod Dyson each singled home a run, a run scored on an error and Manny Pina two-run singled in the inning.
Wes Timmons singled home Sacramento's final run in the 6th inning, and in the bottom half of the inning, Irving Falu brought home a run with a sacrifice bunt and another run scored on a passed ball.
David Lough singled home two runs and Cain doubled home a run in the 7th inning and Dyson three-run homered in the 8th inning to close out the scoring in the game.
The series shifts to Sacramento for Game 3 on Friday evening. Probables are LHP Mike Montgomery for Omaha and RHP Travis Banwart for Sacramento.
Filed 09/14/2011

September 13, 2011 - OMA leads 1-0
Werner Park Sacramento 000 101 000 -- 2 3 0 Omaha 100 001 10x -- 3 9 0 WP: Luis Mendoza (2-0) LP: Vinnie Chulk (0-1) SV: Kelvin Herrera (1) HR: SAC Josh Donaldson (2) off Mendoza (4th inning, S) TIME: 2:29 ATT: 4,203
Lorenzo Cain singled home what turned out to be the game winning run in the 7th inning as the Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) defeated the Sacramento River Cats (AAA Athletics) 3-2 in the opener of the 2011 PCL Championship Series.
Omaha's Irving Falu singled home a run in the 1st inning and Sacramento's Josh Donaldson tied up the game with a solo homer in the 4th inning.
In the top of the 6th inning, Jermaine Mitchell walked and scored on Chris Carter's double to give Sacramento the advantage. In the bottom half of the inning, Omaha's Manny Pina singled and scored on Lance Zawadzki's double to knot the game at 2-2.
After the 7th inning stretch, David Lough singled with two outs and scored on Cain's single.
Omaha plays the final game of their inaugural season in Werner Park on Wednesday evening in Game 2 of the PCL Championship Series. Probables are RHP Vin Mazarro for Omaha and RHP Tyson Ross for Sacramento.
Filed 09/13/2011

September 11, 2011 - SAC wins 3-2
Raley Field Reno 020 000 000 -- 2 3 2 Sacramento 005 203 30x -- 13 12 0 WP: Lenny DiNardo (1-0) LP: Tom Layne (0-1) HR: RENO Ryan Langerhans (2) off DiNardo (2nd inning, 2R) TIME: 2:55 ATT: 6,711
After spotting the Reno Aces (AAA Diamondbacks) two runs, the Sacramento River Cats (AAA Athletics) plated the next 13 runs to rout the Aces 13-2 to win the 2011 Pacific Conference Championship.
Ryan Langerhans two-run homered for Reno in the 2nd inning to give the Aces a 2-0 lead.
Sacramento won the game with a five run 3rd inning. Chris Carter sacrifice flied out for a run, Josh Donaldson, Grant Green and Adrian Cardenas each singled home runs and an error brought home a run.
Donaldson doubled home a run and Cardenas brought home a run with a sacrifice fly in the 4th inning to extend Sacramento's lead to 7-2.
Green sacrifice flied out to drive in a run and an error brought home two runs in the 6th inning, and in the 7th inning, Donaldson ground-rule doubled home a run and Cardenas and Green singled home runs.
Donaldson, Green and Cardenas each drove in three runs for the River Cats in the victory.
Sacramento had the best record in the PCL in the 2011 regular season and they got quite a scare in the series, dropping the first two games in Reno with the Aces only needing one more game to win the series. At Raley Field in Sacramento, the River Cats were able to win all three games they needed to claim the series. Sacramento is now 2-4 in deciding Game Five's in their PCL playoff history.
The River Cats will face the Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) in the 2011 PCL Championship Series beginning Tuesday evening. Probables have not been announced.
Filed 09/11/2011

September 10, 2011 - OMA wins 3-1
Werner Park Round Rock 000 000 020 0 -- 2 2 2 Omaha 010 001 000 2 -- 4 9 1 WP: Kevin Pucetas (1-0) LP: Tanner Scheppers (0-1) HR: RR Luis Cruz (1) off O'Sullivan (8th inning, 2R) OMA Kila Kaaihue (2) off Scheppers (10th inning, 2R) TIME: 2:32 ATT: 2,130
Kila Kaaihue's walkoff homer in the bottom of the 10th inning gave the Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) a 4-2 victory over the Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) and a berth in the PCL Championship Series for the first time in the 14 year history of the Omaha franchise. Omaha won the series three games to one game.
Cody Clark singled home Clint Robinson in the 2nd inning and Kaaihue walked and scored on Joaquin Arias' double in the 6th inning to give Omaha a 2-0 lead.
Storm Chasers starter Sean O'Sullivan had a no-hitter through seven innings and gave up his first hit and lost the lead in the 8th inning. One swing of Luis Cruz's bat, a two-run homer, knotted the game at 2-2.
In the bottom of the 10th inning, Robinson drew a one out walk and scored on Kaaihue's homer.
In other news, Storm Chasers Vice President/General Manager Martie Cordaro was named the 2011 PCL Executive of the Year. In the 2011 season, Cordaro, who has been Omaha's General Manager the last four seasons, oversaw the renaming of the Omaha franchise from Royals to Storm Chasers and moved the Storm Chasers from Rosenblatt Stadium into the brand new Werner Park.
Filed 09/10/2011

September 10, 2011 - series tied 2-2
Raley Field Reno 000 002 000 -- 2 7 1 Sacramento 130 202 00x -- 8 9 0 WP: Carlos Hernandez (1-0) LP: Gaby Hernandez (0-1) HR: SAC Wes Timmons (1) off DeLaRosa (6th inning, 2R) TIME: 2:59 ATT: 8,711
Wes Timmons homered and drove in four runs as the Sacramento River Cats (AAA Athletics) defeated the Reno Aces (AAA Diamondbacks) 8-2 to force a deciding game five on Sunday afternoon.
Jermaine Mitchell tripled and scored on Chris Carter's single in the 1st inning as the River Cats quickly jumped out 1-0. Sacramento added three more runs in the 2nd inning on Joel Galarraga's run-scoring single and Timmons' two-run single.
Josh Donaldson tripled home two runs in the 4th inning to extend the River Cats' lead to 6-0.
Andy Tracy two-run singled to get Reno on the scoreboard in the 6th inning and Timmons closed out the scoring in the bottom half of the 6th inning with a two-run homer.
Probables for Sunday afternoon's conference championship clinching game are LHP Tom Layne for Reno and a pitcher to be determined for Sacramento. Despite all the success the River Cats have had in playoff action in their franchise history, they have a 1-4 record in Game 5's and hope to improve on that Sunday. Military members will be able to attend the game for free.
Filed 09/10/2011

September 9, 2011 - RENO leads 2-1
Raley Field Reno 010 010 000 -- 2 7 0 Sacramento 101 000 30x -- 5 9 0 WP: Jordan Norberto (1-0) LP: Esmerling Vasquez (0-1) SV: Fernando Cabrera (1) HR: RENO Andy Tracy (1) off Banwart (5th inning, S) RENO Cole Gillespie (1) off Banwart (2nd inning, S) SAC Chris Carter (3) off Vasquez (7th inning, 2R) TIME: 2:41 ATT: 12,011
Chris Carter's homer keyed a three-run 7th inning as the Sacramento River Cats (AAA Athletics) stayed alive in the 2011 Pacific Conference finals with a 5-2 victory over the Reno Aces (AAA Diamondbacks) in Game 3.
The first half of the game saw the lead seesaw. In the 1st inning, Carter two-out singled and scored on Josh Donaldson's double as the River Cats led 1-0.
Reno's Cole Gillespie tied up the game in the 2nd inning with a solo homer and Sacramento regained the lead in the 3rd inning. Jermaine Mitchell singled, stole second base, went to third base on a groundout and scored on Donaldson's sacrifice flyout.
Andy Tracy solo homered in the 5th inning as Reno tied the game at 2-2.
Sacramento regained the lead for good in the 7th inning. Tyler Ladendorf walked, Mitchell singled and Wes Timmons sacrifice flied out to bring home Ladendorf. Carter followed with a two-run homer for insurance runs.
Carter has homered in each of the first three games of the series and the 12,011 fans was Sacramento's highest attended playoff game since September 10, 2008.
The series continues Saturday with Reno needing a win to clinch the conference championship while Sacramento can send the championship series to a deciding game-five with a victory. Probables are RHP Gaby Hernandez for Reno and LHP Carlos Hernandez for Sacramento.
Filed 09/09/2011

September 9, 2011 - OMA leads 2-1
Werner Park Round Rock 005 010 000 03 -- 9 14 1 Omaha 001 003 200 02 -- 8 13 2 WP: Cody Eppley (1-0) LP: Zach Miner (0-1) HR: RR Chad Tracy (1) off Montgomery (3rd inning, GS) OMA Kila Kaaihue (1) off Jones (6th inning, 2R) TIME: 3:52 ATT: 5,044
The Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) overcame an early five run defecit to send the game into extra innings but they could not complete a comeback in the 11th inning to continue the game in falling to the Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) 9-8 in Game 3 of the American Conference finals. Round Rock kept alive with the victory and Omaha still leads the series 2-1.
Chad Tracy's grand-slam homer was part of a five-run 3rd inning as the Express took a 5-0 lead.
Kurt Mertins doubled and scored two outs later on Lorenzo Cain's double in the 3rd inning as Omaha got on the scoreboard.
Luis Cruz's ground-rule double plated Brad Nelson in the 5th inning to extend the Round Rock lead back to five runs at 6-1.
Kila Kaaihue two-run homered and Joaquin Arias doubled and scored on Manny Pina's single in the 6th inning as Omaha began their comeback. The Storm Chasers tied the game at 6-6 in the 7th inning on Kaaihue's two-run double.
The game remained knotted until the 11th inning. Round Rock's Matt Kata singled wtih one out and after Guilder Rodriguez struck out, Brad Nelson reached on an error and Tracy singled to drive in Kata. Joey Butler followed with a single to bring home Nelson while Tracy scored on a fielding error on the play to give the Express a 9-6 advantage.
Omaha had one final rally in them in the bottom of the 11th inning. David Lough and Lorenzo Cain singled and Clint Robinson followed with a single to drive in Lough. Lance Zawadzki popped out and Irving Falu sacrifice flied out to bring home Cain. Arias then struck out to end the game, stranding the tying run on first base.
The series continues Saturday as Round Rock faces another must-win to keep the series alive while Omaha can clinch the conference championship with a victory. Probables are RHP Brett Tomko for Round Rock and RHP Sean O'Sullivan for Omaha.
Filed 09/09/2011

Hoffmann, Parisi August Dodger Pride Winners The Dodgers announced their August Dodger Pride award winners and Jamie Hoffmann and Mike Parisi were the award winners at the Triple-A level. Hoffmann hit .331 (42x127) with 8 homers in August and had a 17-game hitting streak during the month. Hoffmann earned a PCL Batter of the Week honor and was named the Isotopes MVP at the end-of-season team awards. Parisi went 5-0 with a 4.23 ERA and his five August victories tied him for most victories in the PCL during the month. Total minor league attendance statistics are in and Albuquerque finished 8th in all of Minor League Baseball with their 578,328 total attendance. That makes at least three straight seasons that Albuquerque finished in the Top-10 of total attendance in all of minor league baseball. Albuquerque has never drawn less than 560,000 in a season over their nine-year franchise history. The shocker was that the Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) led the PCL in attendance (618,261). The Express' stunning drawing power snapped an 11-consecutive-season Sacramento River Cats (AAA Athletics) stronghold on the top spot in PCL total attendance. Sacramento drew 600,306, good for second place in the league, and Albuquerque took the third spot in PCL total attendance. The Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs (AAA Phillies) in the International League led all of minor league baseball in attendance this season with 628,925. Filed 09/08/2011

September 8, 2011 - OMA leads 2-0
Dell Diamond Omaha 030 001 021 -- 7 13 0 Round Rock 020 000 000 -- 2 5 1 WP: Vin Mazarro (1-0) LP: Martin Perez (0-1) SV: Brandon Sisk (1) HR: OMA Manny Pina (1) off Wood (8th inning, 2R) RR Val Majewski (1) off Mazarro (2nd inning, 2R) TIME: 2:42 ATT: 6,383
Manny Pina homered and drove in four runs to lead the Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) to a 7-2 victory over the Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) in Game 2 of the American Conference Championship Series.
In the 2nd inning, Kila Kaaihue singled, Irving Falu bunt singled and Joaquin Arias singled to load the bases. Pina drew a walk to bring home Kaaihue and Kurt Mertins sacrifice flied out to bring home Falu. Jarrod Dyson laid down a sacrifice bunt to bring Arias home for a 3-0 Storm Chasers lead.
Round Rock got their only two runs of the game on a Val Majewski two-run homer in the home half of the 2nd inning.
Pina singled home a run in the 6th inning and two-run homered in the 8th inning to extend Omaha's lead to 6-2.
Lorenzo Cain's run-scoring fielder's choice in the 9th inning brought home the final run of the game.
Until Round Rock's 2nd inning homer, the Express were held scoreless for 10 innings in the series by Omaha pitching.
The series shifts to Omaha on Friday evening for Game 3 as the Storm Chasers look to win the series while Round Rock must sweep the next 3 games to take the series. Probables are LHP Mike Montgomery for Omaha and RHP Neil Ramirez for Round Rock.
Filed 09/08/2011

September 8, 2011 - RENO leads 2-0
Aces Ballpark Sacramento 000 001 010 -- 2 9 0 Reno 000 211 00x -- 4 11 0 WP: Barry Enright (1-0) LP: Tyson Ross (0-1) SV: Mike DeMark (2) HR: SAC Chris Carter (2) off Enright (6th inning, S) SAC Josh Donaldson (1) off Stokes (8th inning, S) RENO Lucas May (1) off Ross (5th inning, S) TIME: 2:49 ATT: 6,264
Reno starter Barry Enright tossed 6 2/3 innings of one-run ball and former-Isotope Lucas May homered and drove in two runs as the Reno Aces (AAA Diamondbacks) defeated the Sacramento River Cats (AAA Athletics) 4-2 in Game 2 of the Pacific Conference finals.
Reno used two-out magic in the 4th inning to get on the scoreboard first. Andy Tracy doubled and scored on Cole Gillespie's single. Former-Isotope Tony Abreu followed with a single to drive in Gillespie. May added a solo homer in the 5th inning to extend Reno's lead to 3-0.
Sacramento's Chris Carter solo homered in the 6th inning as the River Cats got on the scoreboard and Reno matched that run with a May sacrifice flyout in the bottom of the 6th inning.
Josh Donaldson solo homered for Sacramento in the 8th inning to close out the scoring in the game.
Reno has four homers in two games against Sacramento.
The series shifts to Raley Field in Sacramento starting Friday evening. Sacramento, who had the best regular season record in the PCL, is facing elimination and needs to win the next three games to take the series. Reno, meanwhile, only needs one win in the next three games to advance to the PCL Championship Series. Probables on Friday evening are RHP Kevin Mulvey for Reno and RHP Travis Banwart for Sacramento.
Filed 09/08/2011

September 7, 2011 - OMA leads 1-0
Dell Diamond Omaha 300 000 010 -- 4 7 1 Round Rock 000 000 000 -- 0 5 0 WP: Luis Mendoza (1-0) LP: Eric Hurley (0-1) HR: OMA Clint Robinson (1) off Hurley (1st inning, 2R) TIME: 2:12 ATT: 6,193
PCL Pitcher of the Year Luis Mendoza tossed seven scoreless innings and the Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) supported him with three first inning runs in a 4-0 shutout of the Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) in the 2011 American Conference Championship Series.
In the 1st inning, Jarrod Dyson drew a leadoff walk and David Lough reached on a bunt-single. Dyson was overagressive, being thrown out trying to steal third base, before Lorenzo Cain tripled home Lough. Clint Robinson followed with a two-run homer.
Omaha added their final run in the 8th inning when Manny Pina doubled, went to third base on Kurt Mertins' single and scored when Dyson grounded into a double play.
Mendoza and one reliever, Kevin Herrera, combined on the five-hit shutout.
It was Omaha's first playoff win since the then-Omaha Golden Spikes defeated the Oklahoma Redhawks in Game 3 of the American Conference Championship Series on September 9, 1999.
Probables in Game 2 of the series Thursday evening are LHP Martin Perez for Round Rock and RHP Vin Mazarro for Omaha.
Filed 09/07/2011

September 7, 2011 - RENO leads 1-0
Aces Ballpark Sacramento 001 002 100 -- 4 8 0 Reno 020 120 02x -- 7 12 2 WP: Zach Kroenke (1-0) LP: Graham Godfrey (0-1) SV: Mike DeMark (1) HR: SAC Chris Carter (1) off Newby (7th inning, S) RENO Ryan Langerhans (1) off Norberto (8th inning, 2R) RENO Angel Berroa (1) off Godfrey (2nd inning, 2R) RENO Angel Berroa (2) off Godfrey (4th inning, S) TIME: 3:00 ATT: 5,738
Reno Aces (AAA Diamondbacks) hitter Angel Berroa homered twice and drove in four runs in Reno's 7-4 victory over the Sacramento River Cats (AAA Athletics) in the opener of the 2011 Pacific Conference Championship Series.
In the 2nd inning, Berroa two-run homered off Sacramento starter Graham Godfrey, who had a PCL-leading 14 wins in the 2011 campaign.
Sacramento got on the scoreboard in the 3rd inning on Adrian Cardenas's run-scoring single.
Berroa's 4th inning solo-homer got that run back for Reno and in the 5th inning, Cole Gillespie doubled home a run and Berroa singled home a run as Reno extended their lead to 5-1.
Landon Powell brought home a run with a sacrifice flyout and Grant Green doubled home a run for Sacramento in the 6th inning, and Chris Carter solo homered in the 7th inning as the River Cats closed to 5-4.
Reno's Ryan Langerhans two-run homered for insurance runs in the 8th inning to seal the deal for the Aces.
Tonight's game was the first playoff game and first playoff win in Reno Aces history.
Probables in game 2 on Thursday evening are RHP Barry Enright for Reno and RHP Tyson Ross for Sacramento.
Filed 09/07/2011

More Isotopes To MLB; Final Stats Three more Isotopes headed to the Dodgers on Tuesday as part of roster expansion. The Dodgers purchased the contract of C Tim Federowicz from the Isotopes. Federowicz made his Triple-A debut with Albuquerque after a MLB non-waiver deadline deal with the Red Sox and in 25 games, hit .325 with 6 homers and 17 RBI. Also going to Los Angeles are IF/OF Jerry Sands (94G - .278 - 29 HR - 88 RBI) and P John Ely (25 starts, 7-8, 5.99 ERA). Federowicz, Sands and Ely join P Ramon Troncoso, P Dana Eveland and IF Russ Mitchell who went up to the Dodgers before the end of the season. Here are some final stats notes about the 2011 Albuquerque Isotopes: Selected individual hitting stats leaders: Games - 133 Jamie Hoffmann At-Bats - 475 Jamie Hoffmann Runs - 91 Jamie Hoffmann Hits - 141 Jamie Hoffmann Doubles - 23 Jamie Hoffmann Triples - 6 Dee Gordon Homers - 29 Jerry Sands RBI - 88 Jerry Sands Total Bases - 236 Jamie Hoffmann Walks - 50 AJ Ellis Strikeouts - 126 Trayvon Robinson Stolen Bases - 30 Dee Gordon Batting Average (min 100 at-bats): .339 Trent Oeltjen (or min 250 at-bats): .333 Dee Gordon Errors - 19 Dee Gordon Selected team hitting stats: At-Bats: 4,961 Runs: 854 Hits: 1,451 Doubles: 251 - tied for franchise record for least doubles Triples: 39 Homers: 183 - led the PCL; tied for 2nd most in franchise history RBI: 805 Total Bases: 2,329 Walks: 571 Strikeouts: 1,081 Stolen Bases: 85 Team Batting Average: .292 Selected individual team pitching stats: Wins - 12 Dana Eveland Losses - 8 Dana Eveland ERA (starters - min. 100 innings) 4.38 Dana Eveland ERA (relievers - min. 30 innings) 3.29 Merkin Valdez Games - 54 Jon Link Games Started - 25 Dana Eveland Complete Games - 2 Dana Eveland and John Ely - tied for PCL lead Shutouts - 1 Dana Eveland and John Ely - tied for PCL lead Saves - 11 Jon Link Innings Pitched (starters) - 154 Dana Eveland Innings Pitched (relievers) - 68 Jon Link Hits Allowed - 178 John Ely Runs Allowed - 109 John Ely Earned Runs Allowed - 96 John Ely Homers Allowed - 21 John Ely Hit Batsmen - 11 Dana Eveland Walks - 61 Dana Eveland Strikeouts - 107 Dana Eveland WHIP (starters - min. 100 innings) - 1.38 Dana Eveland WHIP (relievers - min. 30 innings) - 1.35 Ramon Colon Selected team pitching stats: ERA: 5.73 Complete Games: 5 Shutouts: 5 Saves: 27 - franchise record for fewest saves Innings Pitched: 1256 1/3 innings Hits Allowed: 1,456 Runs Allowed: 892 Earned Runs Allowed: 800 Homers: 169 Hit Batsmen: 70 - tied with Memphis for most in PCL Walks: 568 - franchise record for most walks allowed Strikeouts: 932 Team WHIP: 1.61 Albuquerque had the most road losses in franchise history (43) and fewest road wins in franchise history (29). The final PCL Players of the Week were announced. Chris Carter of the Sacramento River Cats (AAA Athletics) is the hitter of the week after hitting .421 (16x38) with 3 homers and 12 RBI in the final week of the season. The final Pitcher of the Week is Michael Fiers of the Nashville Sounds (AAA Brewers). Fiers went 2-0 in two starts with a 0.00 ERA (no earned runs in 14 innings). One of his starts was a complete game shutout. Filed 09/06/2011

September 5, 2011 - Isotopes (70-74)
Dell Diamond Albuquerque 000 101 300 -- 5 6 2 Round Rock 100 002 40x -- 7 8 1 WP: Tanner Scheppers (2-0) LP: David Pfeiffer (1-3) SV: Cody Eppley (10) HR: ABQ John Lindsey (13) off Hankins (4th inning, S) TIME: 2:45 ATT: 10,571
Albuquerque's season finale played out much like game two of this series. Just like game two, the Isotopes held a two-run lead going into the 7th inning stretch before the Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) plated four runs in the bottom of the 7th inning to take the lead. Round Rock's 7-5 victory completed a series sweep of the Isotopes and Albuquerque dropped their final five games to end the 2011 campaign.
Isotopes starter Randy Keisler's 15 scoreless innings streak came to an abrupt halt before he could even add fractional innings to his streak. Matt Kata drew a leadoff walk in the 1st inning and scored on Nick Green's double.
John Lindsey solo homered to tie the game at 1-1 in the 4th inning and in the 6th inning, Jamie Hoffmann doubled, went to third base on Joe Becker's groundout and scored on Damaso Espino's single.
Round Rock took a 3-2 lead in their half of the 6th inning when Joey Butler two-run singled.
The seesaw'ing continued in the 7th inning when Albuquerque regained the lead. Bryant Hernandez was hit by a pitch, Brad Coon walked and Ivan DeJesus Jr. doubled home Hernandez. Jay Gibbons singled home Coon and Lindsey singled home DeJesus Jr. for a 5-3 Isotope lead.
Round Rock took back the lead for good in their half of the 7th inning with four unearned runs. Jose Ruiz reached on an error, Guilder Rodriguez walked and Kata doubled home Ruiz. An out later, Rodriguez scored on Luis Cruz's groundout to tie the game and Chad Tracy was hit by a pitch. Val Majewski singled to drive in Kata for the lead and Joey Butler reached on an error to load the bases. Kevin Cash was hit by a pitch to bring home the fourth run of the inning.
Keisler allowed three runs and five hits in 6 innings as he tossed his third consecutive quality start.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 1x5 (.310), 1 R, 1 2B (19), 1 RBI (59), 2 K Kyle Russell: 0x3 (.211), 1 BB, 2 K
'TOPES NOTES: There was one final Isotopes transaction of the regular season. P Keyter Collado was transferred to Albuquerque from Class-A Great Lakes while P Francisco Felix was transferred to rookie-level Arizona League Dodgers to free up roster room for Collado. . . . Albuquerque finished the season 70-74 and in second place in the division behind Round Rock, a franchise-worst 17 games out of first place and a season-worst four games below the .500 mark. Albuquerque turned in a losing record for the fourth time in the nine seasons of franchise history. . . . The Express swept the four game series from Albuquerque and 42,609 attended at Dell Diamond for a per-game average of 10,652. In the 2011 16-game regular season series, each team won eight games (Albuquerque 5-3 at Isotopes Park, 3-5 at Dell Diamond) and all-time, Albuquerque holds a 57-55 advantage. . . . Albuquerque played in front of 1,031,490 fans at home and on the road in 2011. 56 percent of that total figure was Isotopes Park attendance. . . . Some Isotopes September stats: 0-5 record for the worst September in franchise history (no home games and 0-5 on the road); .231 team batting average; 5.85 team pitching ERA; 20 runs scored; 1 stolen base; 4 homers. . . . Albuquerque had 43 road losses, a franchise season worst, and both series when the Isotopes were swept in four games this season occurred on the road (Iowa, Round Rock). . . . John Lindsey has homered in back-to-back games and three out of his last four games to finish out his injury-hampered 2011 season. . . . On Labor Day, the Isotopes are 5-4 in franchise history and today's loss snapped a four-game Labor Day winning streak. . . . Tim Federowicz and Jerry Sands did not play in the game. It should be soon known if they are headed for the Dodgers as part of roster expansion or if they just got to chill out and enjoy the final game of the season. . . . Round Rock's 87 wins in 2011 was the most season wins in history for any Rangers Triple-A affiliated club. Dell Diamond had 618,261 fans pass through the gates, tops in the PCL for the 2011 season. Sacramento, who typically has the best annual attendance, fell to second place while Albuquerque's 578,328 was good for third place. The Isotopes are typically 3rd best in league attendance each season and never have been worst than 5th place in league attendance in franchise history, a testament to the great baseball fans in the Duke City. . . . The Isotopes season may be over, but keep it here for PCL playoff recaps on the road to Albuquerque. The Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) will be playing the Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) in the American Conference finals. Game one is Wednesday night in Round Rock with Express RHP Eric Hurley expected to face Storm Chasers RHP Luis Mendoza (the PCL Pitcher of the Year). The Reno Aces (AAA Diamondbacks) will be playing the Sacramento River Cats (AAA Athletics) in the Pacific Conference finals starting Wednesday night in Reno. Probables are LHP Zach Kroenke for Reno and RHP Graham Godfrey for Sacramento. The winner of each conference will meet in the PCL Championship series with the champion coming to Isotopes Park on September 20th as the representative of the PCL in the 2011 Triple-A National Championship Game. Tickets are still available.
Filed 09/05/2011

September 4, 2011 - Isotopes (70-73)
Dell Diamond Albuquerque 100 000 001 -- 2 6 0 Round Rock 101 010 00x -- 3 8 1 WP: Zach Jackson (13-5) LP: Mike Parisi (6-2) HR: ABQ John Lindsey (12) off Jackson (9th inning, S) RR Brad Nelson (24) off Parisi (5th inning, S) TIME: 2:16 ATT: 12,670
Isotopes starter Mike Parisi allowed three runs in 7 innings but he ended up with the loss as his teammates could only come up with two runs in a 3-2 loss to the Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) on Sunday evening in Round Rock. Albuquerque has dropped four straight games as they head into the final game of the season Monday.
Albuquerque scored a run in the 1st inning and blew an opportunity for more runs. Ivan DeJesus Jr. and Joe Becker singled and Jay Gibbons walked to load the bags with no outs. Jerry Sands sacrifice flied out to bring in DeJesus Jr. before Jamie Hoffmann grounded into a double play to end the threat without any further damage to Round Rock.
Chad Tracy sacrifice flied out in the 1st inning to tie the game. In the 3rd inning, Tracy scored on a wild pitch to give the Express the lead and Brad Nelson solo homered in the 5th inning to extend Round Rock's lead to 3-1.
John Lindsey solo homered to lead off the 9th inning to get Albuquerque to a run down at 3-2 before Tim Federowicz, Kyle Russell and Bryant Hernandez were retired in order to end the game.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Tim Federowicz: 0x4 (.325), 1 K Jerry Sands: 0x3 (.278), 1 RBI (88) Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 1x4 (.312), 1 R Kyle Russell: 1x4 (.229)
'TOPES NOTES: The Dodgers recalled P Ramon Troncoso from Albuquerque and P John Housey was activated from the Disabled List. . . . The Isotopes are a season-worst three games below .500 and Albuquerque tied a franchise record for the most games out of first place when tonight's loss put them 16 games back of Round Rock. A franchise record was also tied for most road losses in a season (42). . . . Albuquerque has lost their last four games played against Round Rock. . . . Mike Parisi's loss snapped a five-game winning decision streak. Parisi did keep a streak alive of four straight starts that was a quality start. . . . The 2 hour, 16 minute contest was Albuquerque's shortest 9-inning road game of the season. . . . The crowd of 12,670 was Round Rock's largest of the season and third largest crowd in the 12-year history of Dell Diamond. . . . The Isotopes look to LHP Randy Keisler (7-7, 4.68) to help them avoid a series sweep to Round Rock in their season finale. The Express are going to have a parade of pitchers -- presumably to give some pitchers a final tuneup before they begin the playoffs this week -- starting with RHP Neil Ramirez (4-3, 3.59).
Filed 09/04/2011

September 3, 2011 - Isotopes (70-72)
Dell Diamond Albuquerque 100 023 000 -- 6 9 0 Round Rock 012 010 40x -- 8 9 1 WP: Brett Tomko (9-6) LP: Roy Corcoran (1-2) SV: Beau Jones (1) HR: ABQ Jerry Sands (29) off Tomko (5th inning, 2R) RR Jose Ruiz (3) off Felix (2nd inning, S) TIME: 2:57 ATT: 10,020
Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) hitter Matt Kata's two run double provided the go-ahead runs as Round Rock defeated the Isotopes 8-6 on Saturday evening. Albuquerque has dropped three straight games and guaranteed that they won't finish the 2011 campaign with a winning record.
In the 1st inning, Bryant Hernandez was hit by a pitch, went to second base when Jay Gibbons drew a walk, and scored on Jamie Hoffmann's single. Jose Ruiz's solo homer for Round Rock in the 2nd inning tied the game at 1-1.
Round Rock scored two runs in the 3rd inning and Albuquerque tied the game up at 3-3 in the 5th inning when Gibbons doubled with two outs and scored on Jerry Sands' team-leading 29th homer of the season.
Round Rock regained the lead in their half of the 5th inning on a run-scoring groundout.
Albuquerque did not take long to reclaim a lead at 6-4 in the 6th inning. John Lindsey doubled, Damaso Espino singled and Ivan Ochoa lifted a sacrifice flyout to bring home Lindsey. Ivan DeJesus Jr. drew a walk and Hernandez tripled home Espino and DeJesus Jr.
Round Rock won the game with a four-run 7th inning. Luis Cruz and Kevin Cash singled home runs to tie the game and Kata doubled Cruz and Cash home with the go-ahead runs.
Isotopes starter Francisco Felix allowed four runs and four hits in 5 innings of work.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Jerry Sands: 1x4 (.281), 1 R, 1 HR (29), 2 RBI (87), 1 BB Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 0x4 (.312), 1 R, 1 BB, 1 K Kyle Russell: 0x3 (.226), 1 BB, 1 K
'TOPES NOTES: Tonight's attendance at Dell Diamond in Round Rock put Albuquerque over the million fan mark in 2011 - 1,008,249 is the number of fans that have watched the Isotopes at home and on the road this season. . . . Albuquerque tied their season worsts for most games out of first place (15 games) and most games below the .500 mark (2 games). . . . There were a combined five hit batters in the game with no ejections in the contest. . . . Albuquerque plays their final night game of the season on Sunday evening. Probables are RHP Mike Parisi (6-1, 5.40) for the Isotopes and LHP Zach Jackson (12-5, 5.73) for the Express.
Filed 09/03/2011

September 2, 2011 - Isotopes (70-71)
Dell Diamond Albuquerque 020 000 300 -- 5 11 1 Round Rock 201 310 00x -- 7 12 0 WP: Derek Hankins (7-6) LP: John Ely (7-8) SV: Tanner Scheppers (2) HR: ABQ John Lindsey (11) off Hankins (2nd inning, S) RR Chad Tracy (26) off Ely (4th inning, 2R) TIME: 3:05 ATT: 9,348
The Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) plated runs in four of their first five innings off Isotopes starter John Ely and the Isotopes offense could not overcome those seven runs in a 7-5 loss to Round Rock in the opener of Albuquerque's final series of the season.
A pair of groundouts brought home Round Rock's first two runs in the 1st inning and Albuquerque tied the game at 2-2 in the 2nd inning. John Lindsey led off the inning with a solo homer. Tim Federowicz followed with a walk, went to third base on Kyle Russell's single and scored on Damaso Espino's groundout.
Round Rock scored the go-ahead run in the 3rd inning on an error and Chad Tracy's two-run homer keyed a three-run 4th inning as the Express took a 6-2 lead.
Jose Ruiz singled home Round Rock's final run in the 5th inning.
Albuquerque's final push in the game came in the 7th inning. Bryant Hernandez singled and Brad Coon followed with a single. An out later, Ivan DeJesus Jr. singled them both home. After a Jerry Sands walk and another out, Federowicz singled home DeJesus Jr. with the final run of the game.
Ely worked five innings, allowing 10 hits and 7 runs (6 earned).
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Tim Federowicz: 1x3 (.342), 1 R, 1 RBI (17), 2 BB, 1 K Jerry Sands: 0x4 (.281), 1 BB, 1 K Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 3x5 (.316), 1 R, 1 2B (18), 2 RBI (58), 1 K Kyle Russell: 1x3 (.250), 2 BB, 1 K
'TOPES NOTES: P Ryan Acosta was activated from the Disabled List and P Alberto Bastardo was transferred to the rookie Arizona League Dodgers. . . . In a final note about last night's series finale in Memphis, for the first time since September 2009 in Iowa, Isotopes pitching did not allow a homer in a series when they held the Memphis Redbirds (AAA Cardinals) homerless in the four game series. . . . The Isotopes are 0-for-September with their two straight losses and are a game below the .500 mark at 70-71 with three games left in the season. . . . John Lindsey's homer was the 100th solo team homer of the season for Albuquerque this season. As a team, the Isotopes have 180 homers and have a good shot at establishing the franchise mark for second most homers in a season. . . . John Ely's eighth loss ties Dana Eveland for the team lead and it is Ely's third straight losing decision. . . . Bobby Jones of the Round Rock Express is the 2011 PCL Manager of the Year. As of the time of the award naming, Jones guided the Express to a 83-57 record in his first year at the helm of the Express. The season mark is the best record in the PCL American Conference and the Express won their first division title since 2006. Other managers receiving votes included Daren Brown (Tacoma), Darren Bush (Sacramento), Brett Butler (Reno) and Mike Jirschele (Omaha). . . . The series continues Saturday evening. Probables are RHP Francisco Felix (3-2, 5.89) for the Isotopes and RHP Brett Tomko (8-6, 6.04) for the E-train.
Filed 09/02/2011

September 1, 2011 - Isotopes (70-70)
Autozone Park Albuquerque 000 000 002 -- 2 7 0 Memphis 001 100 40x -- 6 7 1 WP: Nick Additon (4-8) LP: Alberto Bastardo (4-3) SV: Victor Marte (30) TIME: 2:54 ATT: 5,980
The Isotopes were held scoreless until the 9th inning in a 6-2 loss to the Memphis Redbirds (AAA Cardinals) to close out the final series of the season between the two clubs. Albuquerque snapped a two-game winning streak with the loss.
Adron Chambers singled home a run in the 3rd inning and Bryan Anderson doubled home a run in the 4th inning as Memphis led 2-0.
The Redbirds extended the lead to 6-0 in the 7th inning on run-scoring singles from Tyler Greene and Mark Hamilton and a two-run Nick Stavinoha double.
In Albuquerque's 9th inning, Kyle Russell doubled and an out later, pinch-hitter Bryant Hernandez singled. Ivan DeJesus Jr. then doubled them both home to get Albuquerque on the scoreboard.
Isotopes starter Alberto Bastardo had a quality start in the game, allowing 2 runs and 4 hits in 6 innings while fanning 8 batters and walking 5 batters.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Tim Federowicz: 0x4 (.342), 2 K Jerry Sands: 0x4 (.284), 1 BB, 2 K Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 1x5 (.312), 1 2B (17), 2 RBI (56) Kyle Russell: 1x4 (.240), 1 R, 1 2B (2)
'TOPES NOTES: The Dodgers recalled IF Russ Mitchell as part of September 1st roster expansion. Mitchell joins P Dana Eveland in heading to the Dodgers and there are sure to be a few more Isotopes headed to Los Angeles as the minor league season ends. OF Brad Coon was activated from the Disabled List and IF Bryant Hernandez was transferred to Albuquerque from the rookie Arizona League Dodgers. Hernandez made his Triple-A debut tonight with a pinch-hit single. . . . In former Isotopes news, IF Dee Gordon was activated from the Dodgers' Disabled List, P Merkin Valdez who started the 2011 season with Albuquerque before opting out of his contract only to end back up at the Triple-A level with Round Rock, was called up to the Texas Rangers, and P Rick VandenHurk is back in the big leagues when the Baltimore Orioles called him up during roster expansion. . . . Dana Eveland made his first start of the season for the Dodgers in a makeup game in Pittsburgh against the Pirates and was splendid, allowing a run and 6 hits in 8 innings while picking up the win. . . . Albuquerque and Memphis split the series and 23,477 attended for a per-game average of 5,869. Tonight's contest marked the final 2011 matchup between the two teams and each team won eight games in the 16-game season series. All-time, Albuquerque holds a 79-67 advantage (44-30 at Isotopes Park, 35-37 at Autozone Park). . . . Bryan LaHair of the Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) is the 2011 PCL MVP. LaHair has 38 homers, leading all of minor league baseball, and is hitting .331 with a league-leading 109 RBI. Others receiving MVP votes included Las Vegas' David Cooper, Reno's Collin Cowgill, Round Rock's Chris Davis, Omaha's Johnny Giavotella, Round Rock's Brad Nelson, Fresno's Brett Pill and Tucson's Anthony Rizzo. . . . The Isotopes finish out their 2011 campaign with a four-game series in Round Rock against the division-winning Express. About the only thing noteworthy in the series is to see if Albuquerque can pull out a winning season record after entering the series at the .500 mark at 70-70. Probables in the Friday evening opener are RHP John Ely (7-7, 5.81) for the Isotopes and RHP Derek Hankins (6-6, 6.04) for the E-train.
Filed 09/01/2011

August 31, 2011 - Isotopes (70-69)
Autozone Park Albuquerque 010 010 000 01 -- 3 7 1 Memphis 000 000 020 00 -- 2 8 1 WP: Roy Corcoran (1-1) LP: Chuckie Fick (5-3) HR: ABQ Tim Federowicz (6) off Broderick (5th inning, S) TIME: 3:33 ATT: 5,613
Randy Keisler tossed six scoreless innings and Tim Federowicz knocked in two runs including the game winner in the 11th inning as Albuquerque defeated the Memphis Redbirds (AAA Cardinals) 3-2 in Memphis on Wednesday evening. Albuquerque has won two straight games and improved their season record to 70-69 putting them back over the .500 mark. In the 2nd inning, Jerry Sands singled, stole second base and scored on Kyle Russell's triple. Federowicz solo homered in the 5th inning to give Albuquerque a 2-0 lead.
That lead vanished in the 8th inning when Memphis' Matt Carpenter delivered a two-out, two-run single to knot the game at 2-2.
In the 11th inning, Sands singled, went to third base on Jamie Hoffmann's single and scored on Federowicz's sacrifice flyout.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Tim Federowicz: 1x2 (.361), 1 R, 1 HR (6), 2 RBI (16), 2 BB, 1 K Jerry Sands: 3x4 (.287), 2 R, 1 BB, 1 K, 1 SB (3) Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 0x4 (.313) Kyle Russell: 1x5 (.238), 1 3B (1), 1 RBI (3), 2 K
'TOPES NOTES: With September 1st arriving, the major league active rosters expand from 25 players to 40 players and the first Isotope has been promoted to the Dodgers for those roster expansions. The Dodgers purchased the contract of P Dana Eveland and Eveland will be starting for the Dodgers Thursday in Pittsburgh. Eveland led the Isotopes in victories, was an All-Star at the Triple-A All-Star Game, was named the left-handed starter on the 2011 All-PCL team, and appeared to have finished second in the voting for the 2011 PCL Pitcher of the Year. . . . Even though Memphis' elimination number is one, they were officially eliminated from the playoffs when Albuquerque beat them tonight and the Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) won. Memphis does not hold the tiebreaker with Omaha and being 5 games back with 5 games left in the season, the Redbirds will be watching the PCL playoffs on MILB.TV because they can do no better than tie Omaha. Omaha is the final PCL club to clinch a division and they will face Round Rock in the American Conference playoffs. . . . With August in the books, here are some Isotope August statistics: 14-16 record (7-10 at home, 7-6 on the road), .311 team batting average, 6.52 team ERA, 206 runs scored, 11 stolen bases, and 45 homers. It was the best monthly team batting average and most runs scored and homers for a month this season. It was also the worst monthly team ERA this season for Albuquerque. . . . Randy Keisler is finishing his 2011 campaign strong. Keisler extended his scoreless innings streak to 15 innings and he has had two straight quality start outings. . . . Albuquerque is 6-4 in extra inning contests and 24-13 in one-run contests. . . . The Isotopes have 18 wins when they've scored the game-winning run in their last at-bat. . . . Luis Mendoza of the Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) is the PCL Pitcher of the Year. Mendoza is 11-5 with a 2.15 ERA in 32 games (17 starts) and was a PCL mid-season All-Star and the right-handed starting pitcher on the 2011 All-PCL team. Others receiving votes included Albuquerque's Dana Eveland, Sacramento's Graham Godfrey, Las Vegas' Brad Mills and Round Rock's Neil Ramirez. . . . The Isotopes and Redbirds conclude their series Thursday evening. Probables are LHP Alberto Bastardo (4-2, 5.59) for the Isotopes and LHP Nick Additon (3-8, 4.86) for the Redbirds.
Filed 08/31/2011

August 30, 2011 - Isotopes (69-69)
Autozone Park Albuquerque 124 000 000 -- 7 9 1 Memphis 300 000 000 -- 3 4 1 WP: Mike Parisi (6-1) LP: Maikel Cleto (5-3) HR: ABQ Russ Mitchell (16) off Cleto (3rd inning, S) TIME: 2:51 ATT: 6,001
The Isotopes plated all their runs in the first three innings and Isotopes starter Mike Parisi had a quality start in Albuquerque's 7-3 victory over the Memphis Redbirds (AAA Cardinals) on Tuesday evening in Memphis. Albuquerque snapped a two-game losing streak and got back to the .500 mark for the season at 69-69.
In the 1st inning, Ivan DeJesus Jr. led off the game with a walk, stole second base a couple of outs later and scored on Russ Mitchell's double.
Memphis scored their three runs in the bottom of the 1st inning on Nick Stavinoha's run-scoring single and Tyler Greene's two-run double.
The Isotopes tied the game at 3-3 in the 2nd inning. Jamie Hoffmann and Kyle Russell singled and Damaso Espino grounded out to bring home Hoffmann. An out later, DeJesus Jr. singled home Russell.
The Isotopes took the lead in the 3rd inning on Mitchell's solo homer. Jerry Sands was hit by a pitch, Hoffmann singled and Russell walked to load the bags and Espino drew a walk to bring home Sands. Parisi reached on an error as Hoffmann and Russell scored to give Albuquerque a 7-3 lead.
Parisi picked up the victory with his teammates' early run eruption and his six innings of 3-run, 4-hit ball.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Jerry Sands: 0x4 (.282), 1 R Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 2x4 (.317), 1 R, 1 RBI (54), 1 BB , 1 SB (4) Kyle Russell: 1x3 (.250), 2 R, 1 BB, 2 K
'TOPES NOTES: The Dodgers announced nine minor league players who will be playing in the Arizona Fall League. Isotopes OF Kyle Russell will be playing on the taxi squad of the Salt River Rafters so he will only be eligible to play in Wednesday and Saturday contests. Dodgers minor leaguers playing for the Rafters but not on the taxi squad will be pitchers Steve Ames, Stephen Fife, Cole St. Clair and Josh Wall, C Gorman Erickson, SS Jake Lemmerman and OF Alex Castellanos. OF Angelo Songco will play on the taxi squad of the Surprise Saguaros and he will face the same game eligibility restrictions as Russell. . . . The victory was Albuquerque's 650th regular season win in franchise history. . . . Mike Parisi has tossed three quality starts in a row and has won his last five pitching decisions. . . . Triple-A baseball announced the Durham Bulls (AAA Rays) will host the 2012 Triple-A National Championship Game at Durham Bulls Athletic Park. That means no matter how excellent the Isotopes do in hosting the game on September 20th, Isotopes Park will not be the new home of the game on an annual basis. Pacific Coast League and International League teams will alternate hosting the game so Albuquerque will still have an opportunity to host future games when it is the PCL's turn to host the game. . . . Collin Cowgill of the Reno Aces (AAA Diamondbacks) is the PCL Rookie of the Year. Cowgill hit .354 with 13 homers and 70 RBI prior to his July 23rd promotion to the Diamondbacks. Others receiving Rookie of the Year votes included Joey Butler (Round Rock), Matt Carpenter (Memphis), David Cooper (Las Vegas), Johnny Giavotella (Omaha), Brett Lawrie (Las Vegas), Alex Liddi (Tacoma), Anthony Rizzo (Tucson), and Trayvon Robinson (Tacoma/Albuquerque). . . . The Tacoma Rainiers (AAA Mariners) became the latest PCL club to be eliminated from playoff contention, making the Reno Aces (AAA Diamondbacks) the Pacific Conference Northern Division champion. Reno will face Sacramento in the Pacific Conference playoffs. The only teams left in playoff contention are the Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) and Memphis Redbirds. Memphis' elimination number fell to 3 with the loss to Albuquerque tonight. . . . The Isotopes and Redbirds meet for game three of the series Wednesday evening. Probables are LHP Randy Keisler (7-7, 4.97) for the Isotopes and RHP Brian Broderick (7-6, 5.19) for the Redbirds.
Filed 08/30/2011

August 29, 2011 - Isotopes (68-69)
Autozone Park Albuquerque 001 000 000 -- 1 3 3 Memphis 001 000 11x -- 3 8 0 WP: Bryan Augenstein (3-0) LP: Ramon Troncoso (2-4) SV: Victor Marte (29) TIME: 2:51 ATT: 5,883
A pair of late-game unearned runs propelled the Memphis Redbirds (AAA Cardinals) to a 3-1 victory over the Isotopes in the opener of a four-game series in Memphis on Monday night. Albuquerque has dropped two straight games.
In the 3rd inning, Ivan DeJesus Jr. singled and two outs later went to second base on Jerry Sands' walk before scoring on Jamie Hoffmann's single. Adron Chambers tripled and scored on Shane Robinson's sacrifice fly in the bottom half of the inning as Memphis tied the game at 1-1.
Memphis took the lead in the 7th inning. Robinson singled and went to second base on Tyler Greene's sacrifice bunt. Isotope reliever Ramon Troncoso's throwing error on a pickoff play allowed Robinson to go to third base and Mark Hamilton singled him home.
Another error led to Memphis' final run of the game. Pete Kozma reached on a fielding error then stole second base and scored on Nick Stavinoha's double.
The Isotopes quiet offense, only able to come up with three hits on the night, wasted a quality start from Isotope starter Francisco Felix. Felix tossed 6 innings, allowing 5 hits and one run.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Tim Federowicz: 0x3 (.357), 1 BB, 1 K Jerry Sands: 1x2 (.285), 2 BB Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 1x4 (.315), 1 R, 3 K Kyle Russell: 0x4 (.231), 1 K
'TOPES NOTES: Isotopes starter Dana Eveland was named the left-handed starter on the All-PCL team. Eveland leads the Isotopes in wins (12), that wins total leads the PCL among lefties, and Eveland is tied for the league lead in complete games (2) and shutouts (1). Eveland was the only Isotope named to the 2011 All-PCL team: C Anthony Recker Sacramento (Athletics) 1B Bryan LaHair Iowa (Cubs) 2B Johnny Giavotella Omaha (Royals) 3B Taylor Green Nashville (Brewers) SS Cody Ransom Reno (D-backs) OF Joey Butler Round Rock (Rangers) OF Collin Cowgill Reno (D-backs) OF Jai Miller Sacramento (Athletics) DH Clint Robinson Omaha (Royals) RHP Luis Mendoza Omaha (Royals) LHP Dana Eveland Albuquerque (Dodgers) RP Victor Marte Memphis (Cardinals) The Isotopes record is back under the .500 mark at 68-69 with the loss and Albuquerque has lost their last four contests against Memphis this season. . . . Russ Mitchell went 0x3 to snap a 7-game hitting streak. . . . The three Isotopes hits belonged to Ivan DeJesus Jr., Jerry Sands and Jamie Hoffmann, all with one single apiece. . . . Efren Navarro of the Salt Lake Bees (AAA Angels) is the PCL Hitter of the Week. Navarro hit .593 (16x27) for the week with 3 homes and 7 RBI. . . . Brad Brach of the Tucson Padres (AAA Padres) is the PCL Pitcher of the Week. In 5 relief appearances, Brach had a 0.00 ERA (no earned runs in 6 1/3 innings) with three saves. . . . The Nashville Sounds became the latest team to be eliminated from playoff contention. The Sounds were eliminated from the American Conference Northern Division and that leaves Memphis chasing the Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) for the division crown. Memphis' elimination number went from 5 to 4 with Omaha's victory Monday evening. Meanwhile, the Reno Aces (AAA Diamondbacks) are on the cusp of clinching the Pacific Conference Northern Division as their magic number stands at 1 after Monday's action. . . . The Isotopes and Redbirds continue their series Tuesday night. Probables are RHP Mike Parisi (5-1, 5.53) for Albuquerque and RHP Maikel Cleto (5-2, 3.74) for Memphis.
Filed 08/29/2011

August 28, 2011 - Isotopes (68-68)
Isotopes Park Shortened to 8 innings due to lightning Round Rock 030 130 00 -- 7 10 0 Albuquerque 000 005 01 -- 6 10 0 WP: Michael Kirkman (3-3) LP: John Ely (7-7) SV: Merkin Valdez (7) HR: RR Val Majewski (5) off Ely (4th inning, S) RR Jose Ruiz (1) off Ely (2nd inning, 3R) ABQ Jerry Sands (28) off Strop (6th inning, GS) TIME: 2:38 ATT: 13,520
Mother Nature cheated the Isotopes out of a chance to comeback to defeat the Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) in Albuquerque's final home game of the 2011 season. Round Rock built a 7-0 lead, Albuquerque drew to a run down at 7-6 and then rains and lightning in the vicinity caused a rain delay and the game was later called to give Round Rock the victory. Albuquerque snapped a three-game winning streak with the loss.
Jose Ruiz three-run homered in the 2nd inning and Val Majewski added a solo homer in the 4th inning to give Round Rock a 4-0 lead.
In the 5th inning, Round Rock plated some runs that probably never should have been and those runs ended up being the difference in the game. Brad Nelson doubled home two runs when his hit was lost in the lights or twilight sky and later in the inning, Majewski's run-scoring triple was also lost in the lights or the twilight sky as the Express led 7-0.
Albuquerque was shutout on two hits until the 6th inning when the bats came to life. Ivan DeJesus Jr. walked, Joe Becker singled and Jay Gibbons singled home DeJesus Jr. Russ Mitchell drew a walk to load the bags and after a Round Rock pitching change, Jerry Sands grand-slam homered to left-center field as Albuquerque drew to 7-5.
Albuquerque made it 7-6 in the 8th inning just as the rains started. Jerry Sands singled and scored on Tim Federowicz's single into left field. John Lindsey singled to put two runners on base until two groundouts ended the inning and left them stranded without a game-tying score.
The tarp came on the field after the 8th inning finished and about an hour later, the game was called.
Isotopes starter John Ely allowed 7 runs and 8 hits in 5 innings and he took the loss.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Tim Federowicz: 1x2 (.373), 1 RBI (14), 2 BB, 1 K Jerry Sands: 3x4 (.284), 2 R, 1 2B (21), 1 HR (28), 4 RBI (85) Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 1x4 (.315), 1 R, 1 BB Kyle Russell: 0x4 (.333)
'TOPES NOTES: There was an hour and 13 minutes of delays in the game, some of it for the pregame team awards ceremony that ran long and some of it for the rain/lightning delay after the 8th inning. . . . The crowd of 13,520 was the third largest crowd of the 2011 season and 13th largest regular season crowd in Isotopes Park history. . . . The Isotopes drew great crowds for Fan Appreciation Nights on Saturday and Sunday, establishing the first time that the Isotopes drew over-capacity crowds in consecutive games (14,093 Saturday and 13,520 on Sunday). A diehard Isotopes fan might think the Manny Ramirez rehabilitation assignment games in 2009 would have been the first instance but there was a below capacity crowd that kept the sellouts from occurring consecutively. . . . The Isotopes finished the 2011 home campaign with 578,328 fans in 71 home openings with a 8,145 fan-per-gate average. Over the 9 seasons of Isotopes baseball, 5,225,470 fans have come through the Isotopes Park turnstiles. . . . The Isotopes are 5-4 in home finales in franchise history. . . . Albuquerque took three out of the five games in the series and 52,038 attended for a per-game average of 10,408. The Isotopes took five out of the eight games against the Express in games played at Isotopes Park. Albuquerque travels to Round Rock over the Labor Day weekend to close out the 16-game regular season schedule. . . . Jerry Sands was a triple shy of hitting for the cycle. Sands grand-slam homer was Albuquerque's fourth grand-slam of the year and Sands' first grand-slam this season. . . . Albuquerque went 10-11 when wearing their blue alternate uniforms in 2011. . . . The Isotopes went 41-31 at home in 2011, one win short of tying for the home wins record in a season. . . . Albuquerque has had three games shortened due to weather in 2011 and lost all three of those games - two by lightning in Albuquerque and one by fog in Iowa. . . . As much as Isotopes fans appreciate the work Shawn Moore does in maintaining the Isotopes Park field, Moore was not among the top three groundskeepers in the yearly PCL award. Eric Blanton of the Reno Aces was named the PCL's 2011 Sports Turf Manager of the Year. Second place went to Chris Schlosser of the Iowa Cubs and in third place was Garrett Reddehase of the Round Rock Express. . . . Albuquerque starts their final roadtrip of the season Monday night in Memphis. Probables are RHP Francisco Felix (3-2, 6.34) for the Isotopes and RHP Adam Ottavino (6-8, 5.12) for the Memphis Redbirds (AAA Cardinals). Memphis is four games back in their division with 8 games to play so they should be putting up a fight against the Isotopes to try to earn a playoff spot.
Filed 08/28/2011

2011 Isotopes Season Awards Before Sunday evening's home season finale at Isotopes Park, the 2011 Isotopes season award winners were announced. Isotope players voted on all the awards except for Most Community Minded (Isotopes front office voted) and Fan Favorite (Isotope fans voted). The award winners are: Most Community Minded: Damaso Espino Mr. Hustle: Joe Becker Power Hitter: Jerry Sands Defensive Player: Russ Mitchell MVP: Jamie Hoffmann Pitcher of the Year: Dana Eveland Fan Favorite: John Lindsey Filed 08/28/2011

August 27, 2011 - Isotopes (68-67)
Isotopes Park Round Rock 010 000 020 -- 3 12 0 Albuquerque 110 002 40x -- 8 15 0 WP: Alberto Bastardo (4-2) LP: Sergio Perez (3-4) HR: ABQ Kyle Russell (1) off Perez (6th inning, S) TIME: 2:55 ATT: 14,093
In front of the second largest Isotopes Park crowd of the season, the Isotopes combined for six runs in the 6th and 7th innings to turn a nailbiter into a comfortable 8-3 victory over the Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) on Saturday evening. Albuquerque has won three straight games.
In the 1st inning, Ivan DeJesus Jr. led off with a walk, went to second base on Joe Becker's single and scored on Jerry Sands' single.
Round Rock's Guilder Rodriguez singled home a run in the top of the 2nd inning to tie the game before Albuquerque regained the lead in the bottom half of the inning. Kyle Russell walked, went to third base on Damaso Espino's single and scored when Ivan Ochoa grounded into a double play.
The Isotopes held on to that tight 2-1 lead until the 6th inning when they started to put some breathing room between themselves and the Express. Russell belted his first Triple-A homer with one out and Espino followed with a single. Espino went to second base on Ochoa's groundout and scored on DeJesus Jr.'s single.
Albuquerque put four runs on the board in the bottom of the 7th inning to take a 8-1 lead. Becker singled and scored on Jay Gibbons' double. Mitchell doubled home Gibbons before scoring on Sands' single. Russell doubled home Sands an out later.
Round Rock plated their final two runs in the 8th inning on Brad Nelson's run-scoring single and Chad Tracy's bases-loaded walk.
Isotopes starter Alberto Bastardo went 6 1/3 innings and allowed a run and 7 hits. Bastardo both walked and fanned four.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Jerry Sands: 2x4 (.279), 1 R, 2 RBI (81) Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 3x4 (.316), 1 R, 1 RBI (53), 1 BB, 1 K Kyle Russell: 2x3 (.600), 2 R, 1 2B (1), 1 HR (1), 2 RBI (2), 1 BB, 1 K
'TOPES NOTES: OF Brad Coon was placed on the disabled list wtih a right hamstring strain and P Joey Newby was activated from the disabled list. . . . The on-air talent for the 2011 Triple-A National Championship Game broadcast was announced and the voice of the Isotopes, Robert Portnoy, will be the play-by-play announcer. Former major-leaguer Bucky Dent will do analysis and Pawtucket Red Sox broadcaster Steve Hyder will be the field reporter. The September 20th game at Isotopes Park featuring the champions from the PCL and International League will be televised on VERSUS. . . . Albuquerque's record is above .500 for the first time since August 21st. . . . The crowd of 14,093 was the 11th largest Isotopes Park regular season crowd. . . . Former Isotopes trainer Steve Miller, the current trainer of the New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Marlins), was named the 2011 Pacific Coast League Athletic Trainer of the Year by the Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society (PBATS). . . . One more team was eliminated from playoff contention Saturday night. The Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) was the first team eliminated from the American Conference Northern Division. . . . Albuquerque's 2011 home schedule ends on Sunday evening. Probables are RHP John Ely (7-6, 5.56) for the Isotopes and RHP Mark Hamburger (7-4, 3.94) for the E-train.
Filed 08/27/2011

August 26, 2011 - Isotopes (67-67)
Isotopes Park Round Rock 000 000 000 -- 0 4 2 Albuquerque 301 401 00x -- 9 11 0 WP: Randy Keisler (7-7) LP: Eric Hurley (8-2) TIME: 2:37 ATT: 8,631
Randy Keisler, Ramon Troncoso and Jon Link combined on a four-hit shutout and Russ Mitchell led the offense with three hits and four RBI in Albuquerque's 9-0 victory over the Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers). Albuquerque has won two straight games and got back to the .500 mark for the season at 67-67.
In the 1st inning, Ivan DeJesus Jr. singled and went to third base on a two-base fielding error on the play. After Joe Becker struck out, Russ Mitchell singled home DeJesus Jr. Jerry Sands singled to put runners on the corners and Jamie Hoffmann flew out with Mitchell holding at third and Sands tagging up to second base. John Lindsey doubled home Mitchell and Sands for a 3-0 lead.
Becker tripled and scored on Mitchell's groundout in the 3rd inning and in the 4th inning, Tim Federowicz drew a one out walk, Kyle Russell walked and Ivan Ochoa reached on an error. Federowicz was out at home plate on the play before DeJesus Jr. tripled home Russell and Ochoa. Becker's triple brought home DeJesus Jr. and Mitchell singled home Becker for a 8-0 lead.
Albuquerque scored their final run in the 6th inning. DeJesus Jr. walked to lead off the frame, went to second base on a wild pitch, took third on a passed ball and scored on Mitchell's single.
Keisler worked seven innings and allowed 3 hits and no runs.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Tim Federowicz: 1x2 (.369), 1 2B (7), 2 BB Jerry Sands: 1x5 (.276), 1 R, 2 K Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 2x4 (.311), 3 R, 1 3B (2), 2 RBI (52), 1 BB Kyle Russell: 1x2 (.500), 1 R, 2 BB
'TOPES NOTES: P Ryan Acosta was placed on the Disabled List with a right ankle strain and the Dodgers 15th ranked prospect according to Baseball America, OF Kyle Russell, was transferred from Class-AA Chattanooga. Russell hit .259 with 19 homers and 69 RBI in 120 games with the Lookouts. Russell made his Triple-A debut in right field tonight and didn't waste any time getting his first Triple-A hit, a single in the 2nd inning. . . . Albuquerque pitching has five shutouts this season. Three of them have been combined and Randy Keisler was the starter in two of those three, both against Round Rock. . . . Keisler's victory snapped a three-game losing streak. . . . Joe Becker tied a franchise record with two triples in the game and Albuquerque had a season-high with 3 team triples. . . . The Isotopes hope to win their third straight game against division-winner Round Rock on Saturday evening. Probables are LHP Alberto Bastardo (3-2, 6.03) for the Isotopes and LHP Martin Perez (3-3, 6.28) for the E-train.
Filed 08/26/2011

August 25, 2011 - Isotopes (66-67)
Isotopes Park Round Rock 300 000 000 -- 3 5 0 Albuquerque 151 010 41x -- 13 19 0 WP: Mike Parisi (5-1) LP: Zach Jackson (11-5) HR: RR Val Majewski (4) off Parisi (1st inning, 2R) ABQ Ivan DeJesus Jr. (7) off Jackson (1st inning, S) ABQ Ivan DeJesus Jr. (8) off Eppley (7th inning, GS) ABQ Jerry Sands (27) off Jackson (2nd inning, 3R) ABQ Tim Federowicz (5) off Jackson (3rd inning, S) TIME: 2:43 ATT: 7,122
Ivan DeJesus Jr. homered twice and drove in five runs to lead Albuquerque to a 13-3 victory over the Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) on Thursday evening at "The Lab". The victory snapped Albuquerque's four game losing streak. Val Majewski two-run homered as part of a three run Round Rock 1st inning and the rest of the game was all Albuquerque doing the damage to Express pitching. In the bottom of the 1st inning, DeJesus Jr. led off with a solo homer. Albuquerque took the lead in the 2nd inning. Tim Federowicz singled and went to second base on a wild pitch. Federowicz advanced to third base on Damaso Espino's groundout and was tagged out at home base on Ivan Ochoa's fielders choice. DeJesus Jr. singled ahead of Joe Becker's run scoring single that plated Ochoa. Russ Mitchell singled home DeJesus Jr. to tie the game and Jerry Sands three-run homered for the lead.
Federowicz solo homered in the 3rd inning to make it a 7-3 Albuquerque lead.
In the 5th inning, John Lindsey singled with one out and later scored on Espino's single.
The Isotopes had a big 7th inning. Lindsey singled, Federowicz walked, and an out later, Ochoa walked to load the bases and DeJesus Jr. cleared them with a grand-slam homer for a 12-3 lead.
Sands doubled and later scored on Federowicz's single in the 8th inning to close out the scoring.
Isotopes starter Mike Parisi earned the victory after allowing 3 runs and 4 hits in 6 2/3 innings.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Tim Federowicz: 3x4 (.365), 2 R, 1 HR (5), 2 RBI (13), 1 BB, 1 K Jerry Sands: 4x5 (.277), 2 R, 1 2B (20), 1 HR (27), 3 RBI (79), SB (2) Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 3x5 (.309), 3 R, 2 HR (8), 5 RBI (50)
'TOPES NOTES: Ivan DeJesus Jr. had his second multi-homer game of the season. Albuquerque has three grand-slam homers this season and DeJesus Jr. has two of those. . . . The Isotopes have three leadoff homers this season and DeJesus Jr. has two of them. . . . Jerry Sands was a triple short of hitting for the cycle, had his first four-hit game of the season, and has homered in back-to-back games. . . . Every Isotope batter had at least one hit except for Ivan Ochoa. . . . Albuquerque has belted 41 homers in August, the most of any month this season. . . . Mike Parisi has won his last four pitching decisions. . . . The final home weekend of the season kicks off Friday night with LHP Randy Keisler (6-7, 5.34) expected to pitch for Albuquerque against Round Rock's LHP Martin Perez (3-3, 6.28).
Filed 08/25/2011

August 24, 2011 - Isotopes (65-67)
Isotopes Park Round Rock 000 905 200 -- 16 18 0 Albuquerque 010 040 201 -- 8 9 1 WP: Merkin Valdez (5-2) LP: Dana Eveland (12-8) HR: RR Robinzon Diaz (4) off Schlichting (6th inning, 2R) RR Chad Tracy (22) off Eveland (4th inning, 3R) RR Chad Tracy (23) off Schlichting (6th inning, 2R) ABQ Jerry Sands (26) off Wood (9th inning, S) TIME: 3:19 ATT: 8,672
The Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) plated nine runs in the 4th inning as they turned a tight 1-0 Albuquerque lead into a huge Express lead and a pitcher who started the season with Albuquerque ended up getting the win for Round Rock in a 16-8 victory over Albuquerque in the series opener at "The Lab" on Wednesday evening. Albuquerque has dropped four straight games.
In the 2nd inning, Russ Mitchell doubled, went to third base on Jerry Sands' single and scored on Jamie Hoffmann's sacrifice flyout.
Isotopes All-Star starter Dana Eveland was holding onto that slim 1-0 lead until things unraveled in the top of the 4th inning. Joey Butler drew a one out walk, Matt Kata singled and Robinzon Diaz singled home Butler. Jose Ruiz singled home Kata and Guilder Rodriguez singled home Diaz. Leonys Martin doubled home Ruiz and Rodriguez before scoring on Esteban German's double. Val Majewski walked and Chad Tracy launched a three-run homer for a 9-1 Round Rock lead.
Albuquerque eroded as much as the defecit as they could in this game with their 5th inning scoring. John Lindsey started things off with a walk, went to second base on a balk and took third base on a wild pitch. Damaso Espino and Ivan Ochoa drew walks to load the bags and Lindsey scored on another balk. Brad Coon sacrifice flied out to bring home Espino and a wild pitch brought Ochoa home. After Joe Becker walked, Jay Gibbons doubled home Becker as the Isotopes trailed 9-5.
Round Rock erupted for five more runs in the 6th inning, highlighted by two-run homers from Tracy (his second of the game) and Diaz, to take a 14-5 lead.
Majewski doubled home a run and Tracy singled home a run in the 7th inning to extend the lead to 16-5 Round Rock.
After the 7th inning stretch, Gibbons walked, Mitchell doubled and Sands sacrifice flied out to drive in Gibbons. Hoffmann followed with his second sacrifice flyout of the night to drive in Mitchell. Sands finished out the scoring in the 9th inning with a one out solo homer.
Since Round Rock starter Michael Kirkman did not pitch the five innings required for the victory, it was up to the official scorer to determine who to credit the win. Merkin Valdez, who started the season on Albuquerque's roster before opting out of his contract to become a free agent, earned the victory for Round Rock, presumably because he was one-third of an inning shy of pitching the most innings of any of Round Rock's four relievers on the night and he was the only Express reliever not to allow a run.
Eveland continued his recent struggles, only lasting 4 innings in tonight's contest while allowing 9 runs and 10 hits.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Jerry Sands: 2x4 (.269), 1 R, 1 HR (26), 2 RBI (76) Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 0x1 (.304)
'TOPES NOTES: Albuquerque tied a season-worst with four straight home losses. The Isotopes also fell a season-worst two games below the .500 mark and dropped to 15 games out of first place on their way to threatening the franchise mark for the most games out of first place. . . . Ivan DeJesus Jr. hit into a fielder's choice in his only at-bat late in the game, thus failing to hit safely to extend his 10-game hitting streak. . . . Albuquerque had four sacrifice flyouts in the game, possibly setting the franchise record. It was definitely Albuquerque's most sacrifice flyouts in a game dating back to the 2005 season. . . . Normally sold the day of game, on Thursday the Isotopes are going to start selling berm seating for Saturday evening's Fan Appreciation Night game against Round Rock. Berm seating tickets can only be purchased at the Isotopes Park Box Office. . . . Two more PCL teams were eliminated from playoff contention Wednesday. The Colorado Springs Sky Sox (AAA Rockies) and Salt Lake Bees (AAA Angels) were both eliminated in the Pacific Conference Northern Division. . . . Albuquerque hopes to get back into the win column on Thursday evening. Probables are RHP Mike Parisi (4-1, 5.80) for the Isotopes, while Round Rock has yet to name a probable.
Filed 08/24/2011

August 23, 2011 - Isotopes (65-66)
Isotopes Park Memphis 113 200 100 -- 8 13 1 Albuquerque 010 000 000 -- 1 8 0 WP: Brandon Dickson (8-9) LP: John Ely (7-6) HR: MEM Nick Stavinoha (27) off Acosta (4th inning, 2R) MEM Bryan Anderson (8) off Ely (2nd inning, S) ABQ Russ Mitchell (15) off Dickson (2nd inning, S) TIME: 2:41 ATT: 7,578
The Memphis Redbirds (AAA Cardinals) plated seven runs over the first four innings to take another big early lead on their way to a 8-1 victory over the Isotopes in the series finale on Tuesday evening at "The Lab". Albuquerque's third straight loss was costly as it contributed to the Isotopes being eliminated from playoff contention and put the Isotopes a season-worst 14 games back in the division.
Mark Hamilton singled home a run in the 1st inning and Bryan Anderson solo homered in the 2nd inning to give Memphis a 2-0 lead.
Albuquerque scored their lone run in the bottom of the 2nd inning when Russ Mitchell solo homered.
Anderson singled home a run and Pete Kozma doubled home two runs in the 3rd inning and Nick Stavinoha two-run homered in the 4th inning to extend the Redbirds lead to 7-1.
Kozma's fielders choice in the 7th inning provided the final run of the game.
Isotopes starter John Ely took the losing decision after pitching 3 innings with 8 hits and 5 runs allowed.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Tim Federowicz: 2x4 (.339), 1 K Jerry Sands: 0x4 (.266), 3 K Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 1x4 (.305), 2 K
'TOPES NOTES: The Dodgers designated C Dioner Navarro for assignment and recalled C A.J. Ellis from Albuquerque. P Ryan Acosta was assigned to the Isotopes from Class-A Rancho Cucamonga and made his Triple-A debut in relief for Albuquerque tonight, giving up 2 hits, 2 runs on Nick Stavinoha's two-run homer, walked 2 and struck out 1. . . . Division leader Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) clinched the PCL American Conference Southern Division with their win and losses by the Isotopes and New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Marlins). The Las Vegas 51s (AAA Blue Jays) were also eliminated from playoff contention on Tuesday evening, handing the PCL Pacific Conference Southern Division crown to the Sacramento River Cats (AAA Athletics). If you are keeping score at home, that is two out of the four divisions already decided, six PCL clubs already eliminated from the playoffs, and three more that could be watching the playoffs from their couch on MILB.TV by the end of Wednesday's action. . . . The loss also dropped Albuquerque to 65-66, the first time thie Isotopes have been below the .500 mark this season. Albuquerque on June 21st was a season-best 12 games above the .500 mark so it's been a decline over the last two months. . . . In the seven years of Isotopes playoff eliminations, the Isotopes tied for earliest calendar date elimination (August 23rd) and had the second quickest elimination based on season game number (game number 131). . . . Despite the fact the Isotopes won't be going to the playoffs this season, there is still quite a bit to play for. Some Isotope players are playing for the chance to go to the Dodgers during September roster expansion, other players will be free agents at the end of the season so they are auditioning for the Dodgers or other organizations to get inked to a new contract next season. As far as the team is concerned, finishing the season with a winning record and getting more than 70 victories would be good goals as the Isotopes in their prior eight seasons have finished with less than 70 victories twice and have finished with a sub-.500 record three times. . . . Memphis took three out of the four games in the series and 33,405 attended for a per-game average of 8,351. Tonight's game marked the final game of the regular season between the two clubs at Isotopes Park and each team won four games. Albuquerque visits Memphis next week to close out the regular season 16-game series. . . . Ivan DeJesus Jr. hit safely to extend his hitting streak to 10 games. . . . The new division winners Round Rock come to town for five games starting Wednesday evening. It's Albuquerque's final five home games of the season. Probables in the opener with the Express on Wednesday are Isotopes All-Star LHP Dana Eveland (12-7, 3.96) and RHP Eric Hurley (8-1, 4.24) for the E-train.
Filed 08/23/2011

August 22, 2011 - Isotopes (65-65)
Isotopes Park Memphis 453 020 200 -- 16 18 2 Albuquerque 020 300 020 -- 7 12 0 WP: Nick Additon (3-8) LP: Alberto Bastardo (3-2) HR: MEM Tyler Greene (13) off Bastardo (1st inning, S) MEM Tyler Greene (14) off Bastardo (2nd inning, 2R) MEM Pete Kozma (3) off Pfeiffer (7th inning, 2R) ABQ Jerry Sands (25) off Reuschenberger (8th inning, 2R) ABQ Jamie Hoffmann (22) off Additon (4th inning, 2R) TIME: 3:04 ATT: 6,675
The Memphis Redbirds (AAA Cardinals) raced out to a nine run lead in their first two at-bats and Albuquerque couldn't overcome the big early defecit in falling to Memphis 16-7. Albuquerque has lost two straight games.
Tyler Greene solo homered, Matt Carpenter doubled home a run and Tony Cruz doubled home two runs as the Redbirds led 4-0 after a half-inning of play.
In the 2nd inning, Greene added a two-run homer, a run scored on a passed ball, and Cruz and Pete Kozma singled home runs as the Redbirds extended the lead to 9-0.
Albuquerque got on the scoreboard in the bottom of the 2nd inning. Russ Mitchell walked and scored on Jerry Sands' double with an error. Sands went to third base on that error and scored on Jamie Hoffmann's single.
Memphis plated three runs in the 3rd inning to lead 12-2 and Albuquerque added three runs of their own to the scoreboard in the 4th inning. Sands doubled and scored on Hoffmann's two-run homer. Tim Federowicz followed with a walk and scored on Damaso Espino's double with an error.
Andrew Brown doubled home two runs for Memphis in the 5th inning and Kozma two-run homered in the 7th inning to give the Redbirds a 16-5 lead.
Albuquerque plated the final runs of the game in the 8th inning when Mitchell singled and scored on Sands' two-run homer.
Isotopes starter Alberto Bastardo only lasted 1 1/3 innings, allowing 8 runs and 8 hits.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Tim Federowicz: 1x3 (.327), 1 R, 1 2B (6), 1 BB Jerry Sands: 3x4 (.270), 3 R, 2 2B (19), 1 HR (25), 2 RBI (74) Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 2x4 (.306), 1 BB
'TOPES NOTES: The Isotopes are among several teams in the PCL who may be eliminated from playoff contention after Tuesday's action. Albuquerque is a season worst 13 games behind division-leader Round Rock, and the loss combined with Round Rock's win Monday caused Albuquerque's elimination number to drop from 4 to 2. . . . Albuquerque grounded into a season-worst five double plays. . . . On the final 50 cent hot dog night of the season, 21,069 hot dogs were consumed for an average of 3.16 per fan. . . . No Isotopes won a PCL weekly award for a fourth straight week. Brad Nelson of the Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) is the PCL Hitter of the Week. Nelson hit .458 (11x24) with 2 homers and 9 RBI. . . . Luis Mendoza of the Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) is the PCL Pitcher of the Week. Mendoza won both of his starts during the award week and compiled a 1.38 ERA (2 earned runs in 13 innings pitched). Mendoza also allowed 10 hits, no homers, walked 3 and fanned 6. . . . The Isotopes and Redbirds finish the series Tuesday evening. Probables are RHP John Ely (7-5, 5.35) for the Isotopes, who look to avoid having a season record below .500 for the first time this season. RHP Brandon Dickson (7-9, 3.85) is expected to start for Memphis.
Filed 08/22/2011

August 21, 2011 - Isotopes (65-64)
Isotopes Park Memphis 101 104 111 -- 10 14 3 Albuquerque 310 000 100 -- 5 13 1 WP: Brian Broderick (7-5) LP: Ramon Troncoso (2-3 HR: MEM Nick Stavinoha (26) off Keisler (3rd inning, S) ABQ Jay Gibbons (9) off Augenstein (7th inning, S) TIME: 3:19 ATT: 9,491
Albuquerque's 4-3 lead at the halfway point of the game evaporated quickly as the Memphis Redbirds (AAA Cardinals) plated seven runs in the second half of the game in a 10-5 victory over the Isotopes on Sunday afternoon at "The Lab".
Mark Hamilton doubled home Tyler Greene in the 1st inning for Memphis before Albuquerque took the lead in the bottom of the 1st inning. Brad Coon drew a leadoff walk, Ivan DeJesus Jr. reached on an error and Jay Gibbons singled home Coon. DeJesus Jr. went to third base on the play and scored on Russ Mitchell's sacrifice flyout. Jerry Sands reached on an error and Jamie Hoffmann grounded out to bring home Gibbons for a 3-1 Isotopes lead.
In the 2nd inning, Isotopes starter Randy Keisler doubled, went to third base on DeJesus Jr.'s single and scored on Gibbons' infield single.
Memphis trailed by a run at 4-3 with Nick Stavinoha's solo homer in the 3rd inning and Andrew Brown's single in the 4th inning.
The Redbirds took the lead in the 6th inning. With two outs, Bryan Anderson and Pete Kozma singled and pinch-hitter Freddie Bynum singled to drive in Anderson. Shane Robinson walked to load the bases and Greene cleared them with a triple.
Back-to-back doubles from Hamilton and Matt Carpenter extended Memphis' lead to 8-4 in the 7th inning.
After the 7th inning stretch, Gibbons solo homered for Albuquerque and Memphis plated their final runs with single runs in the 8th inning and 9th inning.
Keisler allowed 3 runs and 5 hits in 5 innings in his return from the disabled list and Keisler did not earn a decision in the game.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Tim Federowicz: 0x2 (.327), 1 K Jerry Sands: 1x5 (.263), 1 2B (17), 1 K Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 2x5 (.304), 1 R
'TOPES NOTES: Division-leader Round Rock lost their contest Sunday, so Albuquerque stayed 12 games back in the division. Albuquerque's elimination number decreased to 4 because of the Isotopes loss. . . . Memphis and Albuquerque play game three of the series on Monday evening, the last of the 50 cent hot dog nights this season. Probables are LHP Alberto Bastardo (3-1, 4.94) for the Isotopes and LHP Nick Additon (2-8, 4.92) for the Redbirds.
Filed 08/21/2011

August 20, 2011 - Isotopes (65-63)
Isotopes Park Memphis 000 000 104 -- 5 10 0 Albuquerque 010 010 022 -- 6 10 1 WP: Jon Link (2-2) LP: Jess Todd (1-3) HR: MEM Nick Stavinoha (25) off Link (9th inning, 2R) ABQ Ivan DeJesus Jr. (5) off Cleto (5th inning, S) ABQ Ivan DeJesus Jr. (6) off Todd (9th inning, 2R) ABQ Tim Federowicz (4) off Kopp (8th inning, 2R) TIME: 3:07 ATT: 9,661
In the opener of the final Isotopes Park homestand of the season, Ivan DeJesus Jr. homered twice and drove in three runs and Jon Link blew a save but earned up with the win thanks to DeJesus Jr.'s walkoff homer in a 6-5 victory over the Memphis Redbirds (AAA Cardinals). In the 2nd inning, Tim Federowicz doubled, went to third base on Joe Becker's single and scored on Brad Coon's single. DeJesus Jr. solo homered in the 5th inning to extend Albuquerque's lead to 2-0. Memphis got on the scoreboard in the 7th inning when Pete Kozma walked and scored on Adron Chambers' triple.
Russ Mitchell was hit by a pitch and came around to score on Federowicz's two run homer in the 8th inning as Albuquerque led 4-1.
With Link in the game to earn the save, Chambers doubled with one out and pinch-hiter Andrew Brown singled to drive in Chambers. Shane Robinson singled and a wild pitch put Brown at third base while Robinson held at first base. Tyler Greene's groundout plated Brown to make it 4-3 Albuquerque. Nick Stavinoha followed with a two-run homer to put Memphis ahead 5-4.
Jess Todd entered the game in relief for Memphis looking to accomplish for the Redbirds what Link failed to do for the Isotopes. Coon greeted Todd with a single and scored on DeJesus Jr.'s two-run walkoff homer.
The late game heroics needed to give the Isotopes the victory wasted a great outing from Mike Parisi against his former team. Parisi tossed 6 2/3 innings of five-hit, one-run ball while fanning 8.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Tim Federowicz: 3x4 (.340), 2 R, 1 2B (5), 1 HR (4), 2 RBI (11) Jerry Sands: 0x2 (.265), 2 BB, 1 K Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 2x4 (.302), 2 R, 2 HR (6), 3 RBI (45), 1 BB
'TOPES NOTES: Despite the win, the Isotopes saw their playoff chances decrease. Albuquerque remains 12 games back with division-leader Round Rock's victory and the Isotopes' elimination number decreased to 5. . . . Jamie Hoffmann went hitless in four at-bats to end his Isotope season-long hitting streak at 17 games. . . . Ivan DeJesus Jr.'s walkoff homer was the 14th in Isotopes history and third this season (Trayvon Robinson, Hoffmann). DeJesus Jr. became the seventh different Isotope with a multihomer game this season. . . . Tim Federowicz was a triple short of hitting for the cycle. . . . Albuquerque hit the 500,000 season home attendance mark tonight (502,546). . . . The Tucson Padres (AAA Padres) in the Pacific Conference Southern Division became the third PCL team to be eliminated from playoff contention. . . . The Isotopes play their final home day game of the season Sunday. LHP Randy Keisler (6-7, 5.34) is expected to be activated from the Disabled List to make the start for Albuquerque, while Memphis is expected to counter with RHP Brian Broderick (6-5, 5.37).
Filed 08/20/2011

August 19, 2011 - Isotopes (64-63)
Raley Field Albuquerque 000 000 000 -- 0 5 0 Sacramento 200 020 03x -- 7 11 0 WP: Carlos Hernandez (7-6) LP: Dana Eveland (12-7) HR: SAC Chris Carter (12) off Eveland (1st inning, 2R) SAC Anthony Recker (16) off Pfeiffer (8th inning, S) TIME: 2:44 ATT: 14,014
In front of a capacity crowd at Raley Field in West Sacramento, California, the Isotopes could only muster five hits and Sacramento River Cats (AAA Athletics) starter Carlos Hernandez and two relievers combined on a 7-0 shutout of the Isotopes in the series finale.
Kevin Kouzmanoff singled with two outs and scored on Chris Carter's homer in the 1st inning as Sacramento did not take very long to lead 2-0.
In the 5th inning, Dana Eveland allowed a pair of bases-loaded walks in a row to bring home two River Cats runs. Eveland was then tossed from the game by Home Plate umpire Brian Sinclair.
Sacramento plated their final three runs in the 8th inning, highlighted by Anthony Recker's solo homer.
Eveland failed to tie an Albuquerque franchise record with his 13th victory as he took the loss. In 4 2/3 innings, Eveland allowed 7 hits, 4 runs, 4 walks and fanned 9.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Tim Federowicz: 0x2 (.304), 1 BB Jerry Sands: 1x4 (.266), 2 K Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 1x3 (.300), 1 K
'TOPES NOTES: Albuquerque fell to a season worst 12 games behind division-leader Round Rock with their loss and Round Rock's victory and the Isotopes are close to falling into third place in the four-team division. The Isotopes elimination number is now 6. . . . A second PCL team was eliminated from playoff contention on Friday evening. Oklahoma City, in the same division as Albuquerque and Round Rock, was eliminated with Round Rock's win and Oklahoma City's loss. . . . In their only four games of the season, Sacramento won three of the meetings and 41,123 attended at Raley Field for a per-game average of 10,281. All-time, Sacramento leads the series 21-15 and the Isotopes are 7-13 at Raley Field. Sacramento comes to Albuquerque for the 2012 season. . . . In 2011, the Isotopes went 16-16 against Pacific Conference teams and all-time, the Isotopes have gone 138-146 against Pacific Conference foes. . . . Jamie Hoffmann doubled to extend his hitting streak to 17 games, the most by an Isotope this season. Hoffmann is two games short of the franchise record of 19 that he and Eric Reed share. . . . John Lindsey went hitless in four at-bats to snap a 12-game hitting streak. . . . The Isotopes have been shut out six times in 2011. . . . Isotopes pitcher Dana Eveland is in a unique situtation - he leads the teams in wins (12) and his 7th defeat tonight ties him for the team lead in losses. Eveland's nine strikeouts in the game was an Isotope starter season best. . . . John Housey, fresh from Class-A Great Lakes, made his Triple-A debut in relief for the Isotopes and was the final Isotopes reliever of the game, retiring the only batter he faced on a groundout to put 1/3 of an inning into the stat book. . . . The crowd of 14,014 was the largest road crowd the Isotopes have played in front of this season. . . . The Isotopes are coming home Saturday for the final homestand of the season. It is time to come out to Isotopes Park with just nine home games left to get your final injections of the Isotopes baseball drug before the long fall and winter arrives. Albuquerque opens up the homestand with a four game series against the Memphis Redbirds (AAA Cardinals). Probables in the opener are Isotopes RHP Mike Parisi (4-1, 6.83) who is a former Redbird and RHP Maikel Cleto (4-2, 3.58) for the Redbirds.
Filed 08/19/2011

August 18, 2011 - Isotopes (64-62)
Raley Field Albuquerque 000 001 010 -- 2 9 1 Sacramento 100 000 000 -- 1 6 1 WP: Roman Colon (2-1) LP: Mike Benacka (0-1) SV: Travis Schlichting (4) HR: ABQ Jerry Sands (24) off Banwart (6th inning, S) TIME: 2:41 ATT: 11,076
The Isotopes scored the go-ahead run on an error in the 8th inning in a 2-1 victory over Sacramento on Thursday evening in West Sacramento, California. Albuqurque snapped a two-game losing streak with the win.
Sacramento took a 1-0 lead in the 1st inning. Josh Donaldson singled and scored on Kevin Kouzmanoff's double.
Jerry Sands' solo homer in the 6th inning tied the game at 1-1 and in the 8th inning, Tim Federowicz doubled with two outs and after A.J. Ellis drew a walk, both runners advanced a base on a wild pitch. River Cats catcher Donaldson's throwing error trying to get Federowicz out at third base allowed Federowicz to race home with what proved to be the game-winning run.
Isotopes starter John Ely tossed 6 2/3 innings, allowing 6 hits, a run, 2 walks and 7 strikeouts in his no-decision effort.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Tim Federowicz: 1x4 (.318), 1 R, 1 2B (4), 2 K Jerry Sands: 1x4 (.266), 1 R, 1 HR (24), 1 RBI (72), 3 K Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 1x3 (.299), 1 BB
'TOPES NOTES: After almost a week of going transaction-free, the Isotopes had something to report on Thursday. P Joey Newby went on the Disabled List with a lower back strain and P John Housey was added from Class-A Great Lakes. . . . Despite the victory, Albuquerque's playoff chances became ever so slightly slimmer. Division-leader Round Rock won their game Thursday evening and while they remain 11 games up on the Isotopes, the Isotopes elimination number was reduced from 9 to 8. . . . The Fresno Grizzlies (AAA Giants) of the Pacific Conference Southern Division became the first PCL team this season to be eliminated from playoff contention. Their elimination number was 1 heading into Thursday's action and despite their division-leader Sacramento's loss to the Isotopes, it was Fresno's loss to Round Rock that reduced the elimination number to zero. Fresno is 19 games behind Sacramento with 18 games left to play. . . . Jamie Hoffmann singled in the 6th inning to extend his hitting streak to 16 games, tying him with the pair of Trayvon Robinson 16-game hitting streaks for the longest Isotope hitting streak of the season. . . . Ivan Ochoa went 0x3 in the game to snap his 5-game hitting streak, a streak that consisted of every game he played in as an Isotope. . . . Albuquerque wraps up the roadtrip, the series with Sacramento, and play against Pacific Conference opponents on Friday evening. Probables are Albuquerque All-Star LHP Dana Eveland (12-6, 3.84) and Sacramento's LHP Carlos Hernandez (6-6, 5.38).
Filed 08/18/2011

August 17, 2011 - Isotopes (63-62)
Raley Field Albuquerque 002 000 000 000 1 -- 3 9 2 Sacramento 000 000 200 000 2 -- 4 10 1 WP: Andy LaRoche (1-0) LP: David Pfeiffer (1-2) TIME: 4:33 ATT: 6,017
The Isotopes took the lead in the top of the 13th off Andy LaRoche, a River Cats position player who became the new reliever that inning. In the bottom of the 13th inning, Anthony Recker singled home two runs to give LaRoche and the Sacramento River Cats (AAA Athletics) a 4-3 victory on Wednesday afternoon. Albuquerque has dropped two straight games.
In the 3rd inning Ivan Ochoa drew a leadoff walk and it appeared it might go to waste when Ivan DeJesus Jr. foul popped out and Jerry Sands struck out until Ochoa stole second base and scored on Russ Mitchell's single. Mitchell went to second base on an error on the play, Jamie Hoffmann was hit by a pitch and John Lindsey drew a walk to load the bases before a wild pitch brought Mitchell home for a 2-0 Isotopes lead.
Albuquerque clung to that lead until the 7th inning. Chris Carter drew a leadoff walk, LaRoche singled and an out later, former-Isotope Jai Miller singled home Carter. LaRoche went to third base on that single and scored on Recker's sacrifice bunt.
LaRoche became the eighth River Cat pitcher when he moved from second base to the pitcher's mound to start off the 13th inning. Hoffmann singled, stole second base and scored on A.J. Ellis' ground-rule double, the first extra base hit of the game for either club.
In the bottom of the 13th, Carter singled and LaRoche reached on an error. Michael Taylor was intentionally walked to load the bases and Miller reached on a fielder's choice with Carter out at home. Recker then singled home LaRoche and Taylor with the game tying and game winning runs.
The quiet Isotopes offense on the afternoon wasted a great outing from Isotopes starter Alberto Bastardo, who went 5 1/3 innings and allowed just three hits and no runs.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Jerry Sands: 0x6 (.267), 2 K Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 1x6 (.299), 3 K
'TOPES NOTES: Division-leader Round Rock plated a run in the top of the 1st inning and made it hold up through the rest of the game in a 1-0 victory at Fresno. Round Rock's win, combined with the Isotopes' loss this afternoon, put Albuquerque a season-worst 11 games out of first place and the elimination number dropped into the single digits (9). . . . Jamie Hoffmann's 13th inning single extended his hitting streak to 15 games. A hit in his next game will tie him with the pair of 16-game hitting streaks from Trayvon Robinson for the longest hitting streak of the season. . . . Albuquerque pitching has not given up a homer in a season-high three straight games. . . . John Lindsey has a 12 game hitting streak, the fourth longest Isotope hitting streak of the season. . . . The Isotopes are 5-4 in extra inning contests in 2011, have lost their last three contests at Raley Field, and have allowed their opponents to plate the game winning runs in their last at-bats nine times this season. . . . Albuquerque hopes to get in the win column against the River Cats on Thursday evening. Probables are RHP John Ely (7-5, 5.56) for the Isotopes and RHP Travis Banwart (6-9, 5.20) for the River Cats.
Filed 08/17/2011

August 16, 2011 - Isotopes (63-61)
Raley Field Albuquerque 000 002 001 -- 3 6 1 Sacramento 410 000 02x -- 7 11 0 WP: Graham Godfrey (12-3) LP: Joey Newby (2-6) SV: Jordan Norberto (2) HR: ABQ Jamie Hoffmann (21) off Norberto (9th inning, S) TIME: 2:48 ATT: 10,016
The Sacramento River Cats (AAA Athletics) raced out to a 5-0 lead over the first two frames on their way to defeating the Isotopes 7-3 in the opener of a four-game series in West Sacramento. The loss snapped Albuquerque's three-game winning streak.
In the 1st inning, Sacramento's Jermaine Mitchell walked, Adrian Cardenas singled with Mitchell going to third base and Newby uncorked a wild pitch. Newby and Mitchell collided at home plate on the play as Mitchell scored. Kevin Kouzmanoff walked and Newby uncorked another wild pitch ahead of Josh Donaldson's groundout to plate Cardenas. Chris Carter doubled home Kouzmanoff before Newby left with a leg injury. Francisco Felix struck out Michael Taylor before hitting Andy LaRoche with a pitch. A wild pitch advanced both runners into scoring position and Anthony Recker's walk loaded the bases before Adam Rosales singled home Carter. LaRoche was nailed out at home plate on a throw from left-fielder Jerry Sands to catcher Tim Federowicz to end the inning with Sacramento leading 4-0.
A run scored on Donaldson's fielders choice in the 2nd inning to give the River Cats a 5-0 lead.
Albuquerque broke through on the scoreboard in the 6th inning off River Cats starter Graham Godfrey. Godfrey had set down 14 Isotope batters going back to the 1st inning when Joe Becker led off the 6th inning with a single and scored on Brad Coon's triple. Ivan DeJesus Jr. followed with a run scoring single.
Sacramento's Cardenas singled home a run and Kouzmanoff's fielders choice brought home another run as the River Cats led 7-2 in the 8th inning.
Jamie Hoffmann solo homered with two outs in the 9th inning for Albuquerque's final run of the game.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Tim Federowicz: 0x3 (.325), 1 BB Jerry Sands: 0x4 (.272), 3 K Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 1x4 (.302), 1 RBI (42), 1 K
'TOPES NOTES: As far as the innings pitched column of the box score is concerned, Isotopes starter Joey Newby tied a franchise record for the shortest starting outing (1/3 of an inning). When it comes to batters faced, Newby did not establish a franchise record. Alberto Bastardo left a start due to a injury earlier this season on June 5th at Round Rock after having faced 3 batters. Newby lasted five batters, tying him for the second fewest batters faced. In that 1/3 of an inning, Newby allowed 4 runs, 2 hits, 2 walks, fanned none and had two wild pitches. . . . Albuquerque's elimination number dropped to 11 with their loss and PCL American Conference Southern Division leader Round Rock's extra inning victory. Round Rock also extended their division lead over Albuquerque to 10 games. . . . Jamie Hoffmann waited until the last minute to extend his hitting streak tonight. His 9th inning solo homer was his only hit of the game and it was good enough to extend his hitting streak to 14 games, tied for the second longest Isotope hitting streak of the season with Jay Gibbons, two behind the pair of 16-game Trayvon Robinson hitting streaks before Robinson was traded away. . . . Hoffmann has also homered in back-to-back contests. . . . The Isotopes are 0-5 when Joey Newby has started the game. . . . Albuquerque and Sacramento play an afternoon contest Wednesday. Probables are LHP Alberto Bastardo (3-1, 5.43) for the Isotopes and LHP Josh Outman (7-3, 3.95) for the River Cats.
Filed 08/16/2011

August 15, 2011 - Isotopes (63-60)
Chukchansi Park Albuquerque 032 010 110 -- 8 16 1 Fresno 010 003 000 -- 4 6 2 WP: Mike Parisi (4-1) LP: Shane Loux (5-12) HR: ABQ Jerry Sands (23) off Loux (3rd inning, S) ABQ Jamie Hoffmann (20) off Loux (3rd inning, S) TIME: 2:59 ATT: 4,750
Mike Parisi had a solid outing, working six innings while allowing four runs (three earned) and 6 hits in earning his third straight victory, and the Isotopes built a 6-1 lead at the halfway point and eventually won 8-4 over the Fresno Grizzlies (AAA Giants) in the series finale in Fresno. Albuquerque has won three straight games. Albuquerque got off to a good start in the 2nd inning. Jamie Hoffmann reached on an error, Tim Federowicz singled and Damaso Espino followed with a single to drive in Hoffmann. Mike Parisi's sacrifice bunt failed as Federowicz was forced out at third base and Ivan Ochoa singled home Espino. Joe Becker followed with a single to drive in Parisi while Ochoa was tagged out at home also trying to score as the Isotopes took a 3-0 lead.
Fresno plated a run when as they grounded into a double play in the 2nd inning, and Jerry Sands solo homered in the 3rd inning. What seems common lately when Sands homers is that a teammate follows with a round-tripper and that indeed occurred as Hoffmann followed with a solo homer to extend the Isotope lead to 5-1.
Russ Mitchell reached on an error and later scored on Hoffmann's single in the 5th inning to give Albuquerque a 6-1 lead and Fresno made things interesting in the bottom of the 6th inning, plating three runs to trail 6-4.
Mitchell doubled and scored on Hoffmann's double in the 7th inning, and in the 8th inning, Ivan DeJesus Jr. singled, Ochoa was hit by a pitch and Becker laid down a sacrifice bunt to move both runners into scoring position. Jay Gibbons walked to load the bags and Mitchell reached on a fielder's choice with DeJesus Jr. scoring on the play for the final run of the game.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Tim Federowicz: 3x5 (.351), 1 2B (3) Jerry Sands: 1x5 (.276), 1 R, 1 HR (23), 1 RBI (71) Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 1x2 (.302), 1 R
'TOPES NOTES: Last week it was Russ Mitchell receiving accolades, and this week it is Jamie Hoffmann who was named the PCL Batter of the Week for the week ending August 14th. Hoffmann hit .556 (15x27) with 3 homers and 13 RBI during the week. Hoffmann is the third Isotope in a row to win a PCL weekly award (Mitchell, Dana Eveland the pitcher award two weeks ago). . . . Albuquerque took three games in the series and 31,747 attended for a per-game average of 7,937. Albuquerque has now won four road series' this season. With this only four-game series of 2011 completed between the Isotopes and Grizzlies, Fresno leads the all-time series 19-17 including 11-9 in games played at Chukchansi Park. Fresno comes to Albuquerque in the 2012 season for four games. . . . Albuquerque's victory was actually beneficial to their playoff chances unlike the previous couple of evenings. Division-leader Round Rock lost, so not only did Albuquerque move from 10 games to 9 games back, the Isotopes elimination number remained at 13. . . . Jerry Sands has been part of a consecutive Isotope homer barrage five times this season, including three times with Jamie Hoffmann. . . . With Hoffmann's 20th homer, he joins Sands and Trayvon Robinson as the only 2011 Isotopes to reach the 20 homer mark. Four other Isotopes join the trio in the 10 or more homer category this season. . . . Hoffmann had four hits in the game, was a triple short of hitting for the cycle, and extended his hitting streak to 13 games. . . . Wade Miley of the Reno Aces (AAA Diamondbacks) is the PCL Pitcher of the Week. Miley won his only start of the award week and had a 1.00 ERA (9IP, 3H, 1 R, 1 BB, 9K) in a complete game effort. . . . The Isotopes have just one more series against Pacific Conference foes in 2011 and they begin that with a series opener in West Sacramento on Tuesday evening against the Sacramento River Cats (AAA Athletics). Probables in the opener are RHP Joey Newby (2-5, 5.36) for the Isotopes and RHP Graham Godfrey (11-3, 2.72) for the River Cats.
Filed 08/15/2011

August 14, 2011 - Isotopes (62-60)
Chukchansi Park Albuquerque 201 024 000 -- 9 16 0 Fresno 010 000 241 -- 8 14 3 WP: Dana Eveland (12-6) LP: Dan Runzler (2-3) SV: Travis Schlichting (3) HR: FRE Bill Hall (3) off Eveland (2nd inning, S) FRE Bill Hall (4) off Pfeiffer (8th inning, 2R) FRE Hector Sanchez (1) off Pfeiffer (8th inning, 2R) TIME: 3:20 ATT: 4,606
Dana Eveland tossed seven strong innings and Albuquerque's big lead around the halfway point of the game helped them stave off a seven-run Fresno Grizzlies (AAA Giants) late-game rally in a 9-8 victory over Fresno on Sunday evening in Fresno.
In the 1st inning, Brad Coon drew a leadoff walk and went to second base on an error during a pickoff attempt. Ivan DeJesus Jr. walked and an out later, Russ Mitchell singled Coon home. Another out later, AJ Ellis delivered a single to drive in DeJesus Jr. to give Albuquerque a 2-0 lead.
Bill Hall solo homered in the 2nd inning as Fresno got on the scoreboard.
DeJesus Jr. singled, went to third base on Mitchell's double and scored on Jamie Hoffmann's groundout in the 3rd inning and in the 5th inning, Sands doubled and scored on Hoffmann's single. Hoffmann stole second base and later scored on Ivan Ochoa's single.
Albuquerque took a 9-1 lead in the 6th inning. Eveland and DeJesus Jr. singled and Sands tripled them home. Hoffmann doubled home Sands and after Ellis walked, Ochoa singled home Hoffmann.
The Grizzlies started their late-game rally in the 7th inning when Hector Sanchez doubled home a run before later scoring on a groundout.
Fresno went homer happy in the 8th inning with two-run homers from Hall and Sanchez, and in the 9th inning, Fresno made things too uncomfortable for Albuquerque. Emmanuel Burriss singled and stole second base. Former-Isotope Edgar Gonzalez singled to put runners on the corners and a wild pitch brought Burriss home. Brett Pill flew out for the first out of the inning with Gonzalez tagging up and going to third base. Hall, who had homered twice in the game, was intentionally walked and Tyler Graham grounded into a double play to end the game.
Eveland took over the PCL lead in wins with his 12th victory after allowing 3 runs and 7 hits in 7 innings.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Jerry Sands: 3x5 (.277), 2 R, 1 2B (16), 1 3B (3), 2 RBI (70), 1 K Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 2x5 (.301), 3 R, 1 BB, 2 K
'TOPES NOTES: Even though the Isotopes have won their last two games, they are still creeping towards playoff elimination. Division-leader Round Rock has won three straight games and they are now the PCL club with the best record at 72-50. Albuquerque remains 10 games back and the elimination number decreased to 13. . . . The Isotopes are 21-11 in one-run contests in 2011. . . . Jamie Hoffmann hit safely to extend his hitting streak to 12 games and his stolen base snapped a streak of 9 Isotopes contests without a stolen base. . . . Dana Eveland's 12 wins are one win away from tying an Isotopes franchise record for most victories in a season. . . . Jerry Sands was a homer short of hitting for the cycle. . . . The series concludes on Monday evening. Probables are RHP Mike Parisi (3-1, 7.43) for the Isotopse and RHP Shane Loux (5-11, 4.69) for the Grizzlies.
Filed 08/14/2011

August 13, 2011 - Isotopes (61-60)
Chukchansi Park Albuquerque 001 120 402 -- 10 13 0 Fresno 010 000 102 -- 4 9 1 WP: John Ely (7-5) LP: Justin Dowdy (2-6) TIME: 3:31 ATT: 9,605
Isotopes starter John Ely tossed six innings of four-hit, one-run ball and his teammates put double digits on the scoreboard without even having to knock the ball out of the park in a 10-4 victory over the Fresno Grizzlies (AAA Giants) on Saturday evening. Albuquerque snapped a two-game losing streak but still ended up closer to playoff elimination. After the Grizzlies plated the first run of the game on a wild pitch in the bottom of the 2nd inning, Albuquerque tied the game in the 3rd inning. Ivan Ochoa singled, advanced to second base on Ely's sacrifice bunt and later scored on Jay Gibbons' single.
Albuquerque took the lead in the 4th inning when Jerry Sands and Jamie Hoffmann walked, Tim Federowicz singled to load the bases and Ochoa grounded into a double play with Sands racing home.
Albuquerque extended the lead to 4-1 in the 5th inning. Brad Coon singled, Ivan DeJesus Jr. and Gibbons walked to load the bags, and after Russ Mitchell popped out by the infield fly rule, Sands doubled home Coon and DeJesus Jr.
Albuquerque's big inning was the 7th inning when they plated four runs to lead 8-1. DeJesus Jr. got things started wtih a walk, went to second base on a wild pitch and scored on Gibbons' single. Mitchell reached on an error and an out later, Hoffmann doubled home Gibbons. Federowicz sacrifice flied out to bring home Mitchell and Ochoa singled home Hoffmann.
Hector Sanchez singled home a run for Fresno after the 7th inning stretch.
In the 9th inning, Hoffmann and Federowicz singled with one out and Ochoa doubled home Hoffmann before pinch-hitter John Lindsey sacrifice flied out to drive in Federowicz for a 10-2 lead and Fresno plated the final two runs of the game in the bottom of the 9th inning.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Tim Federowicz: 2x4 (.313), 1 R, 1 RBI (9), 1 K Jerry Sands: 1x4 (.271), 1 R, 1 2B (15), 2 RBI (68), 1 BB, 1 K Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 0x3 (.299), 2 R, 3 BB, 3 K
'TOPES NOTES: Even though the Isotopes won tonight, they still ended up closer to playoff elimination. Division-leader Round Rock won their game tonight so the Isotopes remained 10 games out of first place but the elimination number decreased from 15 to 14. . . . The Isotopes are 20-3 when plating 10 runs or more in a game. . . . Jamie Hoffmann extended his hitting streak to 11 games, tying him for the third longest Isotope hitting streak of the season. . . . Albuquerque went homerless, snapping a streak of 10 games with a homer and Isotopes pitching did not allow a homer, snapping a streak of 9 games allowing a homer. . . . Barry Zito started for Fresno on a MLB rehabilitation assignment and left the game in the 3rd inning with a injured foot right after Jay Gibbons' run scoring single that tied the game. . . . The Isotopes and Grizzlies meet again at Chukchansi Park on Sunday evening. Probables are LHP Dana Eveland (11-6, 3.84) for the Isotopes and LHP Dan Runzler (2-2, 3.94) for the Grizzlies.
Filed 08/13/2011

August 12, 2011 - Isotopes (60-60)
Chukchansi Park Albuquerque 402 300 100 -- 10 16 3 Fresno 520 008 00x -- 15 18 1 WP: Steve Edlefsen (2-4) LP: Roman Colon (1-1) HR: ABQ Ivan DeJesus Jr. (4) off Romero (1st inning, S) ABQ Jamie Hoffmann (19) off Ray (4th inning, 3R) FRE Edgar Gonzalez (12) off Bastardo (1st inning, 2R) FRE Edgar Gonzalez (13) off Bastardo (2nd inning, 2R) FRE Conor Gillaspie (10) off Bastardo (1st inning, 3R) FRE Brandon Belt (8) off Colon (6th inning, 3R) TIME: 3:46 ATT: 12,786
In a Triple-A matchup of the famous Dodgers/Giants rivalry, the Fresno Grizzlies (AAA Giants) roared from behind to take the lead with an eight-run 6th inning and took the opener from the Isotopes 15-10 in front of a sellout crowd in Fresno. Albuquerque has dropped two straight games.
Things seemed to get off on the right foot for Albuquerque. Ivan DeJesus Jr. led off the game with Albuquerque's second leadoff homer of the season. AJ Ellis singled, Jay Gibbons doubled, and Russ Mitchell walked to load the bases. Jerry Sands sacrifice flied out to bring home Ellis and Jamie Hoffmann doubled home Jay Gibbons. After Joe Becker walked, the newest Isotope Ivan Ochoa singled home Mitchell for a 4-0 Isotopes lead.
In the bottom of the 1st inning, former-Isotope Edgar Gonzalez two run homered and Conor Gillaspie three-run homered as the Grizzles led 5-4. Gonzalez added a two-run homer, his second of the game, in the 2nd inning to extend Fresno's lead to 7-4.
In the 3rd inning, Ochoa drew a two-out walk, advanced to second base on a wild pitch and scored on pinch-hitter Tim Federowicz's ground-rule double. DeJesus Jr. and Ellis drew walks to load the bases and Gibbons singled home Federowicz while DeJesus Jr. was thrown out at home plate for the final out of the inning.
Albuquerque regained the lead in the 4th inning. Mitchell singled, Sands reached on an error and Hoffmann followed with a three-run homer for a 9-7 Isotopes lead.
The wheels fell off on the Isotopes night in the 6th inning. Emmanuel Burriss and Gonzalez singled and both executed what ended up a worthless double-steal as Brandon Belt quickly launched a three-run homer for the go-ahead runs. Later in the inning, Hector Sanchez two-run singled, Grizzles starter Steve Edlefsen bunt-singled home a run, and Gonzalez and Brett Pill singled home runs as the Grizzlies led 15-9.
The Isotopes scored their final run in the 7th inning when Gibbons singled home Ivan DeJesus Jr. with two outs.
Isotopes starter Alberto Bastardo pitched two innings in his return from the disabled list and allowed 7 runs (6 earned) and 8 hits.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Tim Federowicz: 1x1 (.286), 1 R, 1 2B (2), 1 RBI (8) Jerry Sands: 0x4 (.272), 1 R, 1 RBI (66), 1 K Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 3x4 (.302), 2 R, 1 HR (4), 1 RBI (41), 1 BB
'TOPES NOTES: The Dodgers purchased the contract of IF Justin Sellers on Friday to take the Dodgers' roster spot of Dee Gordon who was placed on the disabled list with a bruised right shoulder. Sellers, who hit .304 with 14 homers and 49 RBI in 89 games with the Isotopes, made his MLB debut on Friday evening against the Astros at Dodger Stadium and went 0x3. P Alberto Bastardo came off the Disabled List to make tonight's start and P Randy Keisler was placed on the Disabled List with a strained right hamstring. IF Ivan Ochoa joined the Isotopes from Class-AA Chattanooga. . . . The Isotopes are a season worst 10 games behind division-leader Round Rock with time running out on the season. Albuquerque's elimination number (combination of Round Rock wins and Albuquerque losses it takes to eliminate Albuquerque from playoff contention) stands at 15. The Isotopes' season record also fell to the .500 mark at 60-60 for the first time since April 10th. The development marks quite a tailspin dive from when Albuquerque was a season-best 12 games above the .500 mark on June 21st. . . . Albuquerque has lost their last four contests played against Fresno. . . . The Isotopes had 16 hits, the most in a road game this season and Isotopes pitching allowed the most hits in a road game to an opponent (18) and the 34 combined hits was the most in a road game this season. . . . Jamie Hoffmann extended his hitting streak to 10 games. . . . Albuquerque allowed a season-worst five stolen bases to an opponent. . . . Isotopes pitching has allowed a homer in a season high 9 straight games. . . . Isotopes manager Lorenzo Bundy was ejected by Home Plate umpire Matt Schaufert in the midst of Albuquerque's horrible 6th inning. It was Bundy's fourth ejection of the season. . . . Albuquerque hopes to get back in the win column on Saturday evening. Probables are RHP John Ely (6-5, 5.76) for the Isotopes and Fresno is expected to send LHP Barry Zito (2-0, 2.40) to the bump in a MLB rehabilitation assignment start.
Filed 08/12/2011

August 10, 2011 - Isotopes (60-59)
Isotopes Park Salt Lake 002 204 200 -- 10 13 0 Albuquerque 000 301 300 -- 7 9 0 WP: Eric Junge (7-9) LP: Randy Keisler (6-7) SV: Michael Kohn (10) HR: SLC Jeremy Moore (11) off Pfeiffer (6th inning, 2R) SLC Jeremy Moore (12) off Felix (7th inning, 2R) SLC Gil Velazquez (7) off Pfeiffer (6th inning, 2R) ABQ Jerry Sands (22) off Junge (6th inning, S) ABQ John Lindsey (10) off Junge (4th inning, 3R) TIME: 2:59 ATT: 8,023
For the third time in this four game series, the Salt Lake Bees (AAA Angels) built a fairly sizeable lead in about the first half of the game and Albuquerque's comeback fell short by three runs in a 10-7 loss in the series finale at "The Lab".
In the 3rd inning, Salt Lake got run-scoring singles from Alexi Amarista and Hank Conger and Rian Kiniry doubled home two runs in the 4th inning to give the Bees a 4-0 lead.
In the bottom of the 4th inning, Jerry Sands and Jamie Hoffmann singled with two outs and John Lindsey followed with a three-run homer as the Isotopes closed in at 4-3.
Salt Lake took a five run lead in the 6th inning with two-run homers from Jeremy Moore and Gil Velazquez.
Sands solo homered for Albuquerque in the bottom of the 6th inning and Salt Lake's Moore had a two-run inside-the-park homer in the 7th inning to extend Salt Lake's lead to 10-4.
In the bottom of the 7th inning, Tim Federowicz drew a leadoff walk, went to second base on Damaso Espino's single and took third base on a wild pitch. Joe Becker drew a walk and Ivan DeJesus Jr.'s sacrifice flied out to bring home Federowicz. Jay Gibbons followed with a two-run double to drive in Espino and Becker.
Isotopes starter Randy Keisler pitched 3 innings, allowing four runs and four hits.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Tim Federowicz: 1x3 (.259), 1 R, 1 BB Jerry Sands: 2x4 (.276), 2 R, 1 HR (22), 1 RBI (65) Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 0x3 (.296), 1 RBI (40), 1 K
'TOPES NOTES: The Dodgers placed IF Dee Gordon on the Disabled List with a right shoulder contusion. The Dodgers have not made a roster move yet to replace Gordon on the active roster. Speculation is leaning towards Justin Sellers being the player promoted. . . . The Dodgers named their July Dodger Pride award winners. Dana Eveland is the pitcher award winner at the Triple-A level for the third time this season. Eveland made five starts during July and went 4-1 with a 1.75 ERA and earned a PCL Pitcher of the Week award for the week ending July 31st. Despite Eveland's excellent performance this season with the Isotopes and the three Dodger Pride awards, Eveland has yet to get a taste of the big leagues with the Dodgers this season. The July Dodger Pride hitter award winner at the Triple-A level is Justin Sellers. Sellers hit .333 (23x69) with 6 doubles, 4 homers and 16 RBI in July and if speculation is correct, Sellers could be making his MLB debut in the next few days. . . . PCL American Conference Southern division leader Round Rock lost in 14 innings so the Isotopes remain 9 games back in the division. . . . Albuquerque and Salt Lake finished their only four game series of the season. Salt Lake took three of the games and 29,268 attended the series for a per-game average of 7,317. All-time, Salt Lake leads the series 20-15 and Salt Lake has won 12 of the 19 games played all-time at Isotopes Park. . . . The Isotopes went 3-5 on their eight game homestand. . . . John Lindsey extended his hitting streak to 11 games and Jamie Hoffmann extended his hitting streak to 9 games. . . . Isotopes defense allowed a season-worst four stolen bases to an opponent in the game and Albuquerque pitching has allowed a homer in a season-worst eight straight games. . . . Jeremy Moore's inside-the-park homer was the first one for an opponent since Round Rock's Collin DeLome on July 16, 2010 at Isotopes Park. The Isotopes are in an inside-the-park homer drought with the last one having been in May 2009. . . . The Isotopes and the rest of the PCL have the final day off of the season Thursday before Albuquerque completes play against Pacific Conference foes with an eight game California road trip. Despite pitching two innings tonight, RHP Francisco Felix (3-2, 6.97) is still listed as Albuquerque's probable starter for the series opener in Fresno against the Fresno Grizzlies (AAA Giants). The Grizzlies are expected to send RHP Felix Romero (0-4, 5.06) to the Chukchansi Park mound.
Filed 08/10/2011

August 9, 2011 - Isotopes (60-58)
Isotopes Park Salt Lake 020 100 210 -- 6 9 0 Albuquerque 330 221 80x -- 19 24 0 WP: Mike Parisi (3-1) LP: Matt Palmer (7-10) HR: SLC Cole Armstrong (9) off Parisi (7th inning, S) SLC Jeremy Moore (10) off Parisi (4th inning, S) ABQ Jamie Hoffmann (17) off Palmer (1st inning, 3R) ABQ Jamie Hoffmann (18) off Bulger (7th inning, S) ABQ Justin Sellers (14) off Ketchner (7th inning, S) ABQ Jerry Sands (21) off Bulger (7th inning, 2R) ABQ Ivan DeJesus Jr. (3) off Ketchner (7th inning, GS) TIME: 3:25 ATT: 5,160
A trio of Isotopes put up monster numbers in the game. Jamie Hoffmann was 5x5 with a pair of homers and 4 RBI, Ivan DeJesus Jr. grand-slam homered and drove in six, and Jerry Sands homered and drove in four runs. The Isotopes battered Salt Lake Bees (AAA Angels) pitching for 19 runs and 24 hits in a 19-6 victory on Tuesday evening to snap a two game losing streak. Division-leader Round Rock also won, so the destruction at "The Lab" only served to inflate personal stats and did not do anything to get Albuquerque closer to Round Rock as the Isotopes remain 9 games back in the division with 26 games left to play.
In the 1st inning, Brad Coon singled, DeJesus Jr. walked and two strikeouts later, Hoffmann homered over the center field wall to give Albuquerque a 3-0 lead.
Salt Lake got two of those runs back in the 2nd inning on Jeremy Moore's run-scoring double and a two-base wild pitch that Isotopes starter Mike Parisi uncorked and then spectated while Moore realized no one (Parisi) was covering home plate and raced home to score.
Albuquerque extended their lead in the bottom half of the 2nd inning. Joe Becker doubled with one out and scored on Coon's single. DeJesus Jr. singled, Jay Gibbons drew a walk and Sands doubled Coon and DeJesus Jr. in for a 6-2 lead.
Salt Lake's Moore solo homered in the 4th inning as the Bees got as close to the Isotopes as they would get for the rest of the game.
In the bottom half of the 4th inning, DeJesus Jr. infield singled and Gibbons singled into center field. Sands reached on a fielders choice with DeJesus Jr. out at third base. Hoffmann followed with a single to left-center field that scored Gibbons and Sands scored on Justin Sellers' sacrifice flyout.
In the 5th inning, Tim Federowicz walked, Joe Becker doubled and an out later, DeJesus Jr. singled them both home.
Bees sloppiness in the 6th inning resulted in a run. Hoffmann singled, went to second base on a wild pitch, took third base on a passed ball and scored on Federowicz's double to left field fence to make it 11-3.
Salt Lake made it 11-5 in the 7th inning. Cole Armstrong led off the inning with a solo homer. Pinch-hitter Rian Kiniry tripled and scored on Alexi Amarista's groundout.
After the 7th inning stretch, Albuquerque erupted for eight runs to ensure the Bees had no chance to make a six run comeback. Jay Gibbons doubled and scored on Sands' homer to left field. Hoffmann followed with a homer to center field in almost the same spot as his first homer and then one of the light banks providing illumination to the home plate area went out. The game was delayed 15 minutes while technicians troubleshooted the problem and got the light bank working again. The short delay did not kill the Isotopes momentum as Sellers belted a homer to left field for the third homer in a row. AJ Ellis drew a walk, Federowicz singled up the middle and Becker singled to load the bags with no outs. After Coon struck out, DeJesus Jr. hit a grand-slam moonshot over the left-center field scoreboard and possibly out of the boundaries of Isotopes Park and into the parking lot of the CNM community college. Gibbons struck out and Sands flew out to end the inning with a 19-5 lead.
Salt Lake's Jeff Baisley doubled to Isotopes Hill, went to third base on a groundout and scored on another groundout for the final run of the game.
Isotopes starter Parisi allowed 5 runs and 7 hits in 7 innings as he picked up his third victory of the season.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Tim Federowicz: 3x5 (.250), 2 R, 1 2B (1), 1 RBI (7), 1 BB, 1 K Jerry Sands: 2x6 (.272), 2 R, 1 2B (14), 1 HR (21), 4 RBI (64), 2 K Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 4x5 (.299), 3 R, 1 HR (3), 6 RBI (39), 1 BB
'TOPES NOTES: The Isotopes are no strangers to light bank issues. Tonight's delay was the first one due to light bank failure since September 1, 2007 when a game against Oklahoma City at Isotopes Park was suspended due to a light bank failure. The Isotopes first franchise home postponement, just days into their inaugural 2003 season home schedule, was due to failure of some light banks. . . . Justin Sellers hit his 14th homer tonight, tying him with his 2010 Isotopes homer total for the most homers he has hit in a single season as a professional. . . . Jerry Sands, Jamie Hoffmann and Sellers had Albuquerque's the first back-to-back-to-back homers of the season. . . . Hoffmann tied a franchise record with 5 hits in the game and he was the third Isotope to accomplish the feat this season (Trayvon Robinson, Russ Mitchell). Hoffmann also had a team season-high 11 total bases and turned in his third multi-homer game of the season including two on this homestand alone!. . . . Hoffmann and Sellers extended their hitting streaks to 8 games. . . . The 19 runs scored was the third most runs scored in a game in franchise history. . . . If Jerry Sands homers, there is likely to be another home run involved either before or after Sands in the lineup. The Isotopes have had consecutive homers of 2 or more on five occasions and Sands was involved in four of those including twice in the last four nights. . . . The Isotopes tied several franchise records: four homers in an inning, 24 hits in a game, and 11 extra base hits in a game. . . . The Isotopes also set a franchise record: 46 total bases, eclipsing the former mark of 40 set in 2009. . . . Ivan DeJesus Jr. tied a team season high with 6 RBI in a game (Russ Mitchell). . . . Every Isotopes batter had at least one run scored in the game and only AJ Ellis went hitless in the game. . . . Tim Federowicz failed to homer in his fourth straight game, but he did double his Triple-A career hit totals from three to six with his 3-hit game. . . . The series wraps up Wednesday evening. Probables are LHP Randy Keisler (6-6, 5.10) for the Isotopes and RHP Eric Junge (6-9, 4.83) for the Bees.
Filed 08/09/2011

August 8, 2011 - Isotopes (59-58)
Isotopes Park Salt Lake 020 150 001 -- 9 16 0 Albuquerque 010 020 120 -- 6 11 2 WP: Jerome Williams (6-2) LP: John Ely (6-5) SV: Ryan Brasier (2) HR: SLC Paul McAnulty (11) off Ely (4th inning, S) SLC Paul McAnulty (12) off Newby (5th inning, 3R) ABQ Tim Federowicz (3) off Williams (7th inning, S) TIME: 3:08 ATT: 7,173
John Ely, freshly back from his short stint with the Dodgers, made the start Monday and allowed 7 runs and 11 hits in 4 1/3 innings and the Isotopes dug too deep of hole early and fell to the Salt Lake Bees (AAA Angels) 9-6.
Freddy Sandoval singled home a run and Jeremy Moore stole home as the Bees plated their first two runs of the game in the top of the 2nd inning.
Jamie Hoffmann doubled and scored on AJ Ellis' single in the bottom half of the 2nd inning to trim the defecit to a run at 2-1.
Paul McAnulty solo homered in the 4th inning and McAnulty's three run homer was part of a five-run 5th inning as the Bees jumped out to a 8-1 lead.
In the bottom of the 5th inning, Justin Sellers ground-rule doubled and later scored on Tim Federowicz's groundout. Joe Becker then doubled and scored on Brad Coon's double.
Federowicz solo homered in the 7th inning and in the 8th inning, Sellers two-run doubled to make it a 8-6 game.
Salt Lake's Alexi Amarista tripled and scored on Jeff Baisley's single in the 9th inning to close out the scoring in the game.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Tim Federowicz: 1x4 (.158), 1 R, 1 HR (3), 2 RBI (6), 2 K Jerry Sands: 2x4 (.271), 2 K Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 0x4 (.290), 1 BB
'TOPES NOTES: Russ Mitchell became the first Isotopes batter in 2011 to win the PCL Hitter of the Week. Mitchell hit .467 (14x30) with 3 homers and 13 RBI during the award week. Mitchell was also the last Isotope to win the Hitter of the Week award (last August). . . . With the loss, the Isotopes remain 9 games back in the division as division-leader Round Rock also lost. . . . Tim Federowicz has homered in his last three games and all three of his career hits at the Triple-A level have been homers. . . . The Isotopes have lost their last four games played against the Bees, including the last three games played at Isotopes Park. . . . Jamie Hoffmann and Justin Sellers each hit safely to extend their hitting streaks to 7 games. . . . Salt Lake's Jeremy Moore was the first Isotope opponent to steal home since Oklahoma City's Oswaldo Navarro in the first game of a doubleheader on 7/21/11. . . . Brandon Dickson of the Memphis Redbirds (AAA Cardinals) is the PCL Pitcher of the Week. Dickson made two starts and went 1-0 with a 1.80 ERA. In 15 innings, Dickson allowed 13 hits, 3 runs, walked 2 and struck out 7. . . . The Isotopes on Tuesday evening look to snap their two game losing streak as well as avoid their season mark falling to the .500 mark. Probables are RHP Mike Parisi (2-1, 7.88) for the Isotopes and RHP Matt Palmer (7-9, 6.79) for the Bees.
Filed 08/08/2011

August 7, 2011 - Isotopes (59-57)
Isotopes Park Salt Lake 330 202 100 -- 11 12 1 Albuquerque 001 403 000 -- 8 9 0 WP: Matt Meyer (1-1) LP: Dana Eveland (11-6) SV: Michael Kohn (9) HR: SLC Hank Conger (5) off Eveland (2nd inning, 3R) SLC Efren Navarro (5) off Pfeiffer (7th inning, S) ABQ Tim Federowicz (2) off Bell (4th inning, 3R) TIME: 3:22 ATT: 8,912
Isotopes All-star starter Dana Eveland had his worst outing of the 2011 campaign, allowing 10 runs and 10 hits in 5 1/3 innings as the Salt Lake Bees (AAA Angels) defeated the Isotopes 11-8 in the opener of a series at "The Lab" on Sunday evening.
The Bees scored three runs in the 1st inning and Hank Conger three-run homered in the 2nd inning to extend the lead to 6-0.
Albuquerque got on the scoreboard in the 3rd inning. AJ Ellis singled, went to second base on a wild pitch and scored on Brad Coon's single.
Conger singled home two runs to extend Salt Lake's lead to 8-1 in the 4th inning and the Isotopes cut somewhat into the defecit in the bottom half of the inning. Jay Gibbons and Russ Mitchell singled before Jerry Sands grounded into a double play with Mitchell out at second base and Gibbons advancing to third base. Jamie Hoffmann tripled Gibbons home and Ellis walked ahead of Tim Federowicz's three-run homer.
Conger drew a bases-loaded walk and Jeff Baisley was hit by a pitch to bring home another run in the 6th inning. The Isotopes plated three runs in the bottom half of the inning. Federowicz was hit by a pitch with one out, Justin Sellers singled and Coon walked to load the bases. Ivan DeJesus Jr. singled home Federowicz and Gibbons lifted a sacrifice fly to drive in Sellers. Mitchell singled home Coon to cut the Bees lead to 10-8.
Efren Navarro's 7th inning solo homer closed out the scoring in the game.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Tim Federowicz: 1x3 (.133), 2 R, 1 HR (2), 3 RBI (4), 2 K Jerry Sands: 0x4 (.267), 1 BB, 1 K Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 1x5 (.295), 1 RBI (33), 1 K
'TOPES NOTES: P Tim Sexton was assigned to Class-A Great Lakes on Sunday. . . . With tonight's loss, Dana Eveland snapped a four-game winning streak and a five-game streak of quality start outings. . . . Tim Federowicz has homered in the last two games in which he has appeared in. . . . The series continues Monday evening. Probables are RHP Mike Parisi (2-1, 7.88) for the Isotopes and RHP Jerome Williams (5-2, 4.21) for the Bees.
Filed 08/07/2011

August 6, 2011 - Isotopes (59-56)
Isotopes Park Tacoma 052 000 000 -- 7 13 1 Albuquerque 04(11) 500 00x -- 20 18 1 WP: Ramon Troncoso (2-2) LP: Chris Seddon (7-6) HR: TAC Carlos Peguero (9) off Felix (3rd inning, 2R) TAC Johan Limonta (7) off Felix (2nd inning, GS) ABQ Russ Mitchell (13) off Roe (3rd inning, 3R) ABQ Russ Mitchell (14) off Roe (4th inning, 3R) ABQ Jerry Sands (20) off Roe (3rd inning, 2R) ABQ Jamie Hoffmann (16) off Seddon (2nd inning, 3R) ABQ Jamie Hoffmann (16) off Roe (3rd inning S) ABQ Joe Becker (3) off Roe (4th inning, S) TIME: 3:13 ATT: 12,469
Albuquerque's offense was at its best Saturday evening, putting a season-high 20 runs on the scoreboard and belting six homers in the game, led by a pair of homers from Russ Mitchell and Jamie Hoffmann in a 20-7 rout of the Tacoma Rainiers (AAA Mariners) in the series finale at "The Lab". Albuquerque snapped a two-game losing streak with the win and stayed 9 games back in the division.
The Isotopes survived giving up a second inning grand slam homer to Johan Limonta, part of a five run Rainiers outburst to snap the scoreless game.
In the bottom half of the 2nd inning, John Lindsey walked, Jerry Sands doubled and Jamie Hoffmann followed with a three-run homer. Damaso Espino walked, took second base on a wild pitch, went to third base on Joe Becker's groundout and scored on Justin Sellers' single.
Carlos Peguero added a two run homer in the 3rd inning as Tacoma led 7-4 and the rest of the game was all Isotopes.
Albuquerque had a franchise-record tying 11 run inning in their half of the 3rd inning. Mitchell doubled, John Lindsey walked and Jerry Sands singled home Mitchell. Hoffmann singled to load the bags and Espino singled home Lindsey and Sands. Becker singled home Hoffmann and Brad Coon singled to re-load the bases. An out later, AJ Ellis reached on a fielder's choice with Espino scoring and Coon out at second base. Mitchell three-run homered, Lindsey singled and Sands two-run homered. Hoffmann followed with his second homer of the game.
Albuquerque added their final five runs in the 4th inning. Becker led with a homer, Coon and Sellers walked and Ellis singled home Coon. Mitchell then hit his second three-run homer of the game.
Isotopes starter Francisco Felix allowed 7 runs and 8 hits in 3 innings and did not earn the decision in the game.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Jerry Sands: 3x5 (.272), 3 R, 1 HR (20), 3 RBI (60), 1 K
'TOPES NOTES: The Rainiers and Isotopes split their only four game series of the season. 39,095 attended for a per-game average of 9,774. All-time, Albuquerque leads the series 19-17 and the Isotopes will get to check out newly renovated Cheney Stadium in Tacoma in 2012. . . . The crowd of 12,469 was the fifth largest Isotopes Park crowd of 2011 and the 37th largest regular season crowd in Isotopes Park history. . . . Russ Mitchell set an Isotopes season best with 6 RBI in a game and Mitchell and Jamie Hoffmann established season highs in individual total bases (10). . . . Not only did the Isotopes set season highs with 6 homers, 20 runs and 38 team total bases in a game, they tied franchise records for runs in an inning (11) and hits in an inning (10). . . . John Lindsey hit safely to extend his hitting streak to 10 games. . . . The Isotopes have back-to-back homered four times in 2011 and Jerry Sands was part of that duo in three of the occurances. . . . Jamie Hoffmann turned in his second multihomer game of the season. . . . The last pair of Isotope teammates to have multihomer games in the same game was Dee Brown (3 homers) and Mitch Jones (2 homers) on May 22, 2009 against Salt Lake. . . . The Isotopes are down to 13 home games left in the regular season. The Salt Lake Bees (AAA Angels) come to town to finish off Albuquerque's current homestand. Probables in the opener Sunday evening are Isotopes All-Star LHP Dana Eveland (11-5, 3.32) and RHP Trevor Bell (2-2, 4.34) for the Bees.
Filed 08/06/2011

August 5, 2011 - Isotopes (58-56)
Isotopes Park Tacoma 023 030 050 -- 13 11 1 Albuquerque 105 100 011 -- 9 12 5 WP: Jarrett Grube (2-3) LP: Randy Keisler (6-6) HR: TAC Jose Yepez (2) off Keisler (2nd inning, 2R) TAC Matt Tuiasosopo (12) off Keisler (3rd inning, S) TAC Carlos Peguero (8) off Colon (8th inning, 2R) TAC Mike Wilson (12) off Keisler (5th inning, 2R) ABQ Tim Federowicz (1) off Kelley (8th inning, S) ABQ Justin Sellers (13) off French (1st inning, S) ABQ John Lindsey (9) off French (3rd inning, 3R) TIME: 3:38 ATT: 10,474
The Tacoma Rainiers (AAA Mariners) used a five-run 8th inning to turn a close game into a comfortable lead and put double-digits on the scoreboard for the second consecutive night in defeating the Isotopes 13-9 on Friday evening. Albuquerque has dropped two straight games and fell to 9 games back in the division, tying for the most games out in the division this season.
Justin Sellers led off Albuquerque's at-bats with a homer in the 1st inning and Jose Yepez answered with a two-run homer in the top of the 2nd inning to give Tacoma a 2-1 lead. Tacoma added three more runs in the 3rd inning using a fielder's choice, an error and Matt Tuiasosopo's solo homer.
The Isotopes took a 6-5 lead in the bottom of the 3rd inning. Sellers walked, Ivan DeJesus Jr. singled and both runners advanced into scoring position on Jay Gibbons' groundout. Russ Mitchell singled home Sellers and DeJesus Jr., Jerry Sands drew a walk and John Lindsey three-run homered.
Sellers tripled and scored on a fielder's choice to extend the Albuquerque lead to 7-5 in the 4th inning and Mike Wilson's two-run 5th inning homer was part of a three run inning as Tacoma took a 8-7 lead.
Tacoma's Carlos Peguero two-run homered, Alex Liddi singled home a run and Wily Mo Pena doubled home two runs in the 8th inning as the Rainiers broke open the game at 13-7.
Albuquerque's Tim Federowicz hit his first Triple-A homer in the 8th inning and in the 9th inning, Mitchell tripled and scored on a Sands groundout for the final run of the game.
Isotopes starter Randy Keisler took the loss after allowing 8 runs (7 earned) and 6 hits in 5 innings.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Tim Federowicz: 1x4 (.083), 1 R, 1 HR (1), 1 RBI (1) Jerry Sands: 0x4 (.265), 1 R, 1 RBI (57), 1 BB, 1 K Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 1x4 (.296), 1 R, 1 BB
'TOPES NOTES: The Dodgers optioned P John Ely to Albuquerque when the Dodgers decided to purchase the contract of P Nathan Eovaldi from Class-AA Chattanooga to make a Saturday start. . . . Former-Isotope Travyon Robinson made his MLB debut with the Seattle Mariners on Friday evening in Anaheim. Robinson made a great home-run saving catch in the 3rd inning, struck out in his first at-bat off Angels starter Jered Weaver before singling off Weaver into left field for his first MLB hit. Robinson later grounded into a double play. . . . Albuquerque set a season-worst mark with five errors in the game and just one more error would have tied the franchise record for a game. Ivan DeJesus Jr. had three of those, possibly tying the franchise record for most errors by a single player in a game. . . . John Lindsey hit safely to extend his hitting streak to 9 games and he has homered in back-to-back contests. . . . Justin Sellers' leadoff homer snapped a almost-a-year drought for the Isotopes in that feat. The last Isotope with a leadoff homer was Trent Oeltjen on August 29, 2010 against Oklahoma City. . . . The Isotopes and Rainiers play their final regular season matchup on Saturday evening. Probables are RHP Francisco Felix (3-2, 5.96) for the Isotopes and former-Isotope LHP Chris Seddon (7-5, 5.80) for the Rainiers.
Filed 08/05/2011

August 4, 2011 - Isotopes (58-55)
Isotopes Park Tacoma 006 301 020 -- 12 20 1 Albuquerque 013 000 000 -- 4 11 2 WP: Anthony Vasquez (4-2) LP: Tim Sexton (3-6) HR: TAC Alex Liddi (22) off Sexton (3rd inning, 2R) TAC Alex Liddi (23) off Pfeiffer (6th inning, S) TAC Alex Liddi (24) off Corcoran (8th inning, 2R) TAC Wily Mo Pena (23) off Sexton (3rd inning, S) TAC Wily Mo Pena (24) off Pfeiffer (4th inning, 3R) ABQ John Lindsey (8) off Vasquez (2nd inning, S) ABQ Jay Gibbons (8) off Vasquez (3rd inning, 2R) TIME: 2:51 ATT: 8,601
Unfortunately for Isotopes pitching, Thursday night was the Alex Liddi and Wily Mo Pena show at Isotopes Park. Liddi homered three times and Pena homered twice and both combined for nine of the 12 Tacoma Rainiers (AAA Mariners) runs in a 12-4 victory over Albuquerque. The Isotopes snapped a two-game winning streak with the loss yet stayed eight games back in the division when division-leader Round Rock lost.
John Lindsey solo homered in the 2nd inning as the Isotopes were first on the scoreboard.
Tacoma rocketed into the lead in the 3rd inning, plating six runs highlighted by Liddi's two-run homer and Pena following with a solo homer.
In the bottom of the 3rd inning, Brad Coon singled and scored on Jay Gibbons' homer. Russ Mitchell singled, advanced to second base on an error during the play, went to third base on Jerry Sands' single and scored on Jamie Hoffmann's single as the Isotopes trailed 6-4.
Pena three-run homered in the 4th inning to give Tacoma a 9-4 lead and Liddi solo homered in the 6th inning to extend it to 10-4.
Liddi's two-run homer in the 8th inning closed out the scoring in the game.
Isotopes starter Tim Sexton took the loss and closed in on the possibility of tying a franchise record in his next outing. In 3 innings, Sexton allowed 8 hits, 6 runs, 2 walks and fanned one Tacoma batter.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Jerry Sands: 1x4 (.269) Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 0x3 (.297), 2 BB, 1 K
'TOPES NOTES: Trayvon Robinson did not play in the game as the Seattle Mariners called him up. Robinson is expected to make his MLB debut on Friday evening when Seattle visits the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. . . . John Lindsey extended his hitting streak to 8 games. . . . Alex Liddi tied an Isotope franchise record for most homers hit by an opponent against Isotopes pitching in a game (3) and Isotopes pitching tied a season-worst for most homers allowed in a game (5). . . . If the Isotopes thought they had a bad night, they only needed turn their attention up I-25 to Colorado Springs. The Nashville Sounds routed the Colorado Springs Sky Sox 19-0 in the 7-inning opener of a doubleheader. . . . The series continues Friday evening. Probables are LHP Randy Keisler (6-5, 4.63) for the Isotopes and LHP Luke French (8-7, 5.49) for the Rainiers.
Filed 08/04/2011

August 3, 2011 - Isotopes (58-54)
Isotopes Park Tacoma 201 000 000 -- 3 8 0 Albuquerque 002 040 00x -- 6 9 0 WP: Mike Parisi (2-1) LP: Forrest Snow (0-1) SV: Travis Schlichting (2) HR: TAC Alex Liddi (21) off Parisi (1st inning, 2R) ABQ Jerry Sands (19) off Snow (5th inning, 3R) TIME: 2:40 ATT: 7,551
Jerry Sands' 5th inning homer gave the Isotopes the lead and Albuquerque went on to defeat the Tacoma Rainiers (AAA Mariners) 6-3 in the series opener at "The Lab" on a soggy Wednesday evening. Alex Liddi two-run homered in the 1st inning and Carlos Peguero added a run-scoring single in the 3rd inning as Tacoma led 3-0. In the home half of the 3rd inning, Joe Becker singled and Brad Coon laid down a sacrifice bunt. Ivan DeJesus Jr. drew a walk and both runners advanced a base on a wild pitch. After Jay Gibbons struck out, Russ Mitchell doubled them both home.
In the 5th inning, Gibbons singled with two outs, Mitchell singled and Sands belted his three-run homer to give the Isotopes the lead. Jamie Hoffmann singled, stole second base and scored on John Lindsey's double for a 6-3 lead.
Isotopes starter Mike Parisi had a quality start, tossing 6 innings of 3-run, 6-hit ball.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Tim Federowicz: 0x4 (.000), 2 K Jerry Sands: 1x4 (.270), 1 R, 1 HR (19), 3 RBI (56) Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 0x2 (.300), 1 R, 2 BB
'TOPES NOTES: IF John Lindsey was activated from the Disabled List and IF Corey Smith was sent to Class-AA Chattanooga. . . . The Isotopes have won two straight games and remain 8 games back of division-leader Round Rock. . . . Lindsey hit safely in his return from the Disabled List to extend his hitting streak to 7 games. Ivan DeJesus Jr. went hitless in two at-bats to snap a 7-game hitting streak. . . . Jerry Sands has homered in back-to-back games and his 19 homers are the most for him in any season for a single club (he combined for 35 homers with Class-A Great Lakes (18 HR) and Class-AA Chattanooga (17 HR) in 2010 so the 19 homers are not a single-season career high). . . . Trayvon Robinson went 0x2 (.289) with a pair of walks and a strikeout in his first game at Isotopes Park as a member of the Tacoma Rainiers. . . . The series continues Thursday evening. Probables are RHP Tim Sexton (3-5, 6.42) for the Isotopes and LHP Anthony Vasquez (3-2, 3.24) for the Rainiers.
Filed 08/03/2011

August 2, 2011 - Isotopes (57-54)
Zephyr Field Albuquerque 200 100 012 -- 6 10 1 New Orleans 102 000 010 -- 4 11 1 WP: Joey Newby (2-5) LP: Garrett Parcell (0-1) SV: Jon Link (11) HR: ABQ Russ Mitchell (12) off Sampson (1st inning, S) ABQ Jerry Sands (18) off Sampson (1st inning, S) TIME: 2:56 ATT: 2,333
Ivan DeJesus Jr. knocked in the game winning run in the 9th inning and Russ Mitchell added an insurance run as the Isotopes avoided being swept in the series with a 6-4 victory over the New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Marlins) on Tuesday morning in Metarie, Louisiana. Albuquerque snapped a four-game losing streak with the win.
Jerry Sands and Mitchell back-to-back solo-homered in the 1st inning to give Albuquerque a 2-0 lead.
The Zephyrs grounded into a double play to score a run in the 1st inning and Jose Lopez sacrifice flied out to bring home a run and Mike Cervanak doubled home a run in the 3rd inning as the Zephyrs led 3-2.
Corey Smith doubled and scored on Isotope starter Dana Eveland's single in the 4th inning to tie the game at 3-3.
Albuquerque finally regained the lead in the 8th inning when Russ Mitchell doubled and scored two outs later on an error. The Zephyrs tied the game in their half of the 8th inning on a fielder's choice.
Albuquerque took the lead for good in the 9th inning. Pinch- hitter Jay Gibbons singled and Brad Coon failed on his sacrifice bunt attempt, reaching first base when the Zephyrs got Gibbons out at second base. Coon stole second base and scored on DeJesus Jr.'s single. DeJesus Jr. stole second before coming around to score on Mitchell's two-out single.
Eveland allowed 3 runs and 8 hits in 6 innings.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Tim Federowicz: 0x4 (.000) Jerry Sands: 1x5 (.270), 1 R, 1 HR (18), 1 RBI (53) Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 1x5 (.303), 1 R, 1 RBI (32), 1 K
'TOPES NOTES: The Isotopes find themselves eight games out of the division lead after today's victory and division-leader Round Rock's shutout loss. . . . Recently-acquired Tim Federowicz made his Triple-A debut with the Isotopes at catcher today and went 0x4. . . . New Orleans took three out of the four games in the series and 23,925 attended for a per-game average of 5,981. Today's game marked the final 2011 regular season matchup between the two divisional foes and New Orleans won 9 out of the 16 games. All-time, Albuquerque leads the series 77-66. . . . The Isotopes snapped a five game losing streak to the Zephyrs, including four straight losses in games at Zephyr Field. . . . Russ Mitchell was a triple short of hitting for the cycle. . . . Jerry Sands and Mitchell's back-to-back 1st inning homers was the third time this season an Isotope duo has homered back-to-back. . . . Joey Newby's win in relief snapped a three-game losing streak. . . . Albuquerque does not seem to have much dislike for the alarm clock. They finished 2-1 in games that had the first pitch before noon local time. . . . The Isotopes start their final stretch of play against Pacific Conference opponents on Wednesday night at Isotopes Park. The Tacoma Rainiers (AAA Mariners) and recently traded Trayvon Robinson come to town for the only four game series of the season. Probables are RHP Mike Parisi (1-1, 9.90) for the Isotopes and LHP Mauricio Robles (1-2, 9.58) for the Rainiers.
Filed 08/02/2011

August 1, 2011 - Isotopes (56-54)
Zephyr Field Albuquerque 002 000 000 -- 2 7 0 New Orleans 000 004 00x -- 4 4 0 WP: Tom Koehler (7-6) LP: Ramon Troncoso (1-2) SV: Jose Ceda (24) HR: NRL Chris Aguila (18) off Troncoso (6th inning, GS) TIME: 2:46 ATT: 9,753
The Isotopes wasted an outstanding spot start from Francisco Felix and allowed just four hits to the New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Marlins) but all it took was a grand-slam homer from former Isotope Chris Aguila to defeat the Isotopes 4-2 on Monday evening in Metarie, Louisiana. Albuquerque has dropped their last four games and fell a season-worst nine games back in the division with 34 games left to play.
In the 3rd inning, AJ Ellis walked and scored on Justin Sellers' double. Isotopes starter Felix laid down a sacrifice bunt to get Sellers to third base and the newest Isotope, Brad Coon, doubled him home.
Isotopes reliever Ramon Troncoso relieved Felix in the 6th inning and allowed walks to Jorge Padilla and Joe Thurston to lead off the inning. Mike Cervenak singled and Aguila followed with his grand-slam homer.
Felix made the spot start in place of John Ely and gave the Isotopes 5 innings of one-hit, shutout ball.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Jerry Sands: 0x4 (.272), 1 K Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 1x3 (.305), 1 BB
'TOPES NOTES: Isotopes All-Star Dana Eveland is the PCL Pitcher of the Week. Eveland had a complete game, three-hit shutout victory last Thursday in Omaha against the Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals). Eveland is the third Isotope pitcher to win a weekly award this season. . . . John Ely was recalled by the Dodgers when the Dodgers placed rookie pitcher Rubby De La Rosa on the Disabled List. . . . Chris Aguila's grand slam homer was the second grand slam allowed to an opponent this roadtrip -- both allowed in the 6th inning -- and the fifth allowed this season by Isotopes pitching. . . . The Isotopes have scored seven runs during their four-game losing streak. . . . The PCL Hitter of the Week is Anthony Rizzo of the Tucson Padres (AAA Padres). Rizzo took it out on the league after his recent demotion from San Diego, hitting .536 (15x28) with 5 homers and 17 RBI. . . . The Isotopes send All-Star (and Pitcher of the Week) Dana Eveland to the mound on Tuesday morning as the Isotopes look to avoid being swept in a series for the second time this season. New Orleans is expected to send RHP Chris Sampson (7-0, 3.51) to the bump.
Filed 08/01/2011

July 31, 2011 - Isotopes (56-53)
Zephyr Field Albuquerque 000 300 000 -- 3 7 0 New Orleans 305 000 01x -- 9 12 0 WP: Sean West (5-7) LP: Randy Keisler (6-5) HR: ABQ Jay Gibbons (7) off West (4th inning, 3R) NRL Joe Thurston (7) off Keisler (1st inning, 2R) NRL Joe Thurston (8) off Colon (8th inning, S) NRL Jose Lopez (5) off Keisler (1st inning, S) TIME: 3:01 ATT: 5,989
It was not a good day for the Isotopes. Albuquerque lost two of their prospects, waited out a short rain delay, and then gave up eight early runs in a 9-3 loss to the New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Marlins) on Sunday evening for their third straight loss. Albuquerque is eight games out in the division, tying the season worst for most games back.
After a 34 minute weather delay to the start the game, New Orleans powered their way to a quick lead. In the 1st inning, Joe Thurston two-run homered and Jose Lopez followed with a solo homer.
Vinny Rottino two-run doubled, Tim Torres drew a bases-loaded walk and Zephyrs starter Sean West two-run singled in the 3rd inning as the Zephyrs extended the lead to 8-0.
After being retired in order in the first three innings, Albuquerque got something going in the 4th inning. Justin Sellers doubled, Ivan DeJesus Jr. walked and after a wild pitch moved both runners into scoring position, Jay Gibbons three-run homered.
Thurston added a solo homer, his second of the night, in the 8th inning to close out the scoring.
Isotopes starter Randy Keisler allowed 8 runs and 6 hits in 2 2/3 innings as he took the loss.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Jerry Sands: Ivan DeJesus Jr.:
'TOPES NOTES: Trayvon Robinson is no longer an Isotope as the Dodgers on Sunday traded Robinson to the Boston Red Sox for C Tim Federowicz, P Stephen Fife and P Juan Rodriguez. Boston then sent Robinson and OF Chih-Hsien Chiang to the Seattle Mariners for Erik Bedard and Josh Fields. Robinson was hitting .293 with 26 homers and 71 RBIs when he was traded. Federowicz, the Red Sox's 21st ranked prospect according to Baseball America, hit .277 with 8 homers and 52 RBI in 90 games at Double-A Portland (Maine) and is expected to be assigned to Albuquerque. Robinson was reported to have been assigned to the Mariners Triple-A Tacoma club, so he will be coming back to Albuquerque on Wednesday wearing a Rainiers suit. . . . Dee Gordon is also no longer an Isotope, having been recalled by the Dodgers when the Dodgers sent IF Rafael Furcal and cash to the St. Louis Cardinals for OF Alex Castellanos. P Roman Colon was activated from the Disabled List to take Gordon's roster spot on the Albuquerque roster. . . . Now that July is over, some July Isotope stats: 14-15 record (8-7 at home, 6-8 on the road), .280 team batting average, 5.44 team ERA, 157 runs scored, 16 stolen bases, and 37 homers. . . . Albuquerque pitching has allowed opponents to back-to-back homer five times this season and Joe Thurston's multi-homer game was the 9th opponent multi-homer game of the season. . . . The Isotopes have lost their last four games played against the Zephyrs. . . . Albuquerque's offense has been so anemic lately that they have scored all their runs the last three games on homers - one homer per game. . . . The series continues Monday evening and the game will be televised on the Cox Sports Television (Louisiana) regional sports network. Probables are RHP John Ely (6-4, 5.43) for the Isotopes and RHP Tom Koehler (6-6, 5.43) for the Zephyrs.
Filed 07/31/2011

July 30, 2011 - Isotopes (56-52)
Zephyr Field Albuquerque 000 010 000 0 -- 1 7 1 New Orleans 000 000 010 1 -- 2 8 0 WP: Jose Ceda (3-1) LP: Joey Newby (1-5) HR: ABQ Jerry Sands (17) off Villanueva (5th inning, S) TIME: 2:48 ATT: 5,850
The New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Marlins) cashed in on a 10th inning Isotope error to take a 2-1 victory over the Isotopes in the series opener on Saturday evening in Metarie, Louisiana. Albuquerque has dropped two straight games.
Jerry Sands solo homered in the 5th inning to give Albuquerque a 1-0 lead and the Isotopes held that slim margin until the 8th inning when Jose Lopez singled home former-Isotope Brad Davis.
In the bottom of the 10th inning, Mike Cervenak doubled and Jorge Padilla bunt singled. Isotopes reliever Joey Newby threw the ball away towards first base for an error allowing Cervanek to plate the game winning run.
The Isotopes lack of offense wasted a great effort from starter Tim Sexton. Sexton had a two-hit shutout going until he left after six innings of work.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Trayvon Robinson: 1x3 (.293), 1 BB, 2 K Jerry Sands: 1x4 (.276), 1 R, 1 HR (17), 1 RBI (52), 1 K Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 1x5 (.304), 2 K
'TOPES NOTES: The Isotopes may be losing Dee Gordon. The Dodgers appear to be ready to ship Rafael Furcal to the St. Louis Cardinals in a trade and plan to recall Gordon from the Isotopes. . . . Division-leader Round Rock lost their contest on Saturday so the Isotopes remain seven games back in the division. . . . Jay Gibbons went hitless in four at-bats to snap a 14-game hitting streak. . . . The 2 hour, 48 minute game was Albuquerque's shortest extra innings contest of the season. Albuquerque is now 5-3 in extra innings. . . . Albuquerque has allowed their opponents to score the game-winning runs in their last at-bats twice this roadtrip. . . . The series continues Sunday evening. Probables are LHP Randy Keisler (6-4, 3.86) for the Isotopes and LHP Sean West (4-7, 6.04) for the Zephyrs.
Filed 07/30/2011

July 29, 2011 - Isotopes (56-51)
Werner Park Albuquerque 001 000 000 -- 1 6 1 Omaha 101 014 30x -- 10 9 0 WP: Sean O'Sullivan (3-2) LP: Mike Parisi (1-1) HR: ABQ Justin Sellers (12) off O'Sullivan (3rd inning, S) OMA David Lough (6) off Parisi (1st inning, S) OMA Salvador Perez (1) off Troncoso (6th inning, GS) TIME: 2:56 ATT: 8,791
The Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) combined for eight runs in the 5th thru 7th innings to turn a 2-1 lead into a 10-1 rout of Albuquerque in the series finale on Friday evening in Omaha.
David Lough solo homered for Omaha in the 1st inning and Justin Sellers solo homered for Albuquerque's lone run in the 3rd inning to tie the game at 1-1.
Johnny Giavotella snapped the tie with a sacrifice fly in the home half of the 3rd inning and Jarrod Dyson doubled home a run in the 5th inning.
Salvador Perez grand-slam homered in the 6th inning and Clint Robinson, Perez and Irving Falu singled home runs in the 7th inning to close out the scoring.
Isotopes starter Mike Parisi allowed 6 runs and 4 hits in 5 innings as he took the loss.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 0x4 (.333), 1 K Jerry Sands: 1x3 (.276), 1 2B (12), 1 BB Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 1x4 (.306)
'TOPES NOTES: The Dodgers placed P Kenley Jansen on the disabled list with an irregular heartbeat and passed over the Isotopes in recalling former-Isotope P Josh Lindblom from Class-AA Chattanooga. . . . The Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) won their contest Friday evening so they extended their division lead over Albuquerque to 7 games. The Isotopes started the four-game series five games back. . . . The Isotopes and Zephyrs split the four game series and 24,825 attended at brand-new Werner Park for a per-game average of 6,206. Tonight's game marked the final regular season series matchup between the two clubs and Albuquerque won seven games in the 16-game season series (Isotopes went 4-4 at Isotopes Park and 3-5 at Werner Park). All-time, Albuquerque holds a 80-64 advantage. . . . Jay Gibbons hit safely to extend his hitting streak to 14 games. He is quickly approaching the pair of Trayvon Robinson 16-game hitting streaks that mark the longest team hitting streaks of the season. . . . Isotopes pitching has allowed four grand-slam homers this season. . . . The Isotopes finish their roadtrip with a four game series in Metarie, Louisiana against the New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Marlins). Probables in the opener are RHP Tim Sexton (3-5, 6.98) for the Isotopes and RHP Adalberto Mendez (1-7, 7.19) for the Zephyrs.
Filed 07/29/2011

July 28, 2011 - Isotopes (56-50)
Werner Park Albuquerque 000 020 000 -- 2 4 1 Omaha 000 000 000 -- 0 3 1 WP: Dana Eveland (11-5) LP: Luis Mendoza (7-4) TIME: 2:33 ATT: 8,009
Dana Eveland tossed a complete game, 3-hit shutout, struck out six Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) batters, and earned his PCL-leading 11th victory in a 2-0 victory in Omaha on Thursday evening. The Isotopes got the only runs they would need in the 5th inning. Jamie Hoffmann drew a leadoff walk, A.J. Ellis reached on an error to put runners on the corners and Justin Sellers grounded out to drive in Hoffmann. Ellis advanced to second base on Sellers' groundout, took third base on Dee Gordon's groundout and scored on Ivan DeJesus Jr.'s double.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 1x3 (.338) Trayvon Robinson: 0x4 (.293), 3 K Jerry Sands: 0x4 (.275), 3 K Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 1x4 (.307), 1 2B (16), 1 RBI (31), 1 K
'TOPES NOTES: P Francisco Felix, who the Dodgers loaned earlier in the season to Saltillo of the Mexican League, has returned and P Adam Dedeaux was transferred to rookie-level Ogden. . . . The Isotopes remained six games back of division-leading Round Rock as Round Rock won their game in 11 innings. . . . Albuquerque pitching has tossed four shutouts this season, including two against the Storm Chasers at Werner Park. . . . Dana Eveland tied an Isotope franchise record with 9 innings tossed in a start. Eveland's effort was the second Isotope complete game shutout of the season (John Ely), his second complete game of the season and his fourth straight winning decision. . . . The Isotopes had just four hits in the game and Jay Gibbons had one of those hits, extending his hitting streak to 13 games. . . . Albuquerque batters failed to homer tonight, snapping a streak of seven games with a homer. . . . The two clubs play their final 2011 regular season game Friday evening. Probables are RHP Mike Parisi (1-0, 9.00) for the Isotopes and RHP Sean O'Sullivan (2-2, 4.31) for the Storm Chasers.
Filed 07/28/2011

July 27, 2011 - Isotopes (55-50)
Werner Park Albuquerque 030 010 000 -- 4 10 0 Omaha 100 020 03x -- 6 8 0 WP: Brandon Sisk (3-1) LP: Roy Corcoran (0-1) SV: Jesse Chavez (12) HR: ABQ Joe Becker (2) off Suppan (2nd inningn, 3R) ABQ Jay Gibbons (6) off Suppan (5th inning, S) OMA Lorenzo Cain (12) off Ely (1st inning, S) TIME: 2:50 ATT: 3,717
The Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) plated three runs in the 8th inning to come from behind to defeat the Isotopes 6-4 on Wednesday evening.
Lorenzo Cain homered wtih two outs in the 1st inning as the Storm Chasers took the lead and in the Isotopes 2nd inning, Jerry Sands and Damaso Espino singled and Joe Becker three-run homered to give Albuquerque a 3-1 lead. Jay Gibbons added a solo homer in the 5th inning as Albuquerque extended their lead to 4-1.
In the bottom of the 5th inning, Johnny Giavotella tripled home a run before scoring on a wild pitch as the Storm Chasers closed in at 4-3.
In the bottom of the 8th inning, Clint Robinson doubled home two runs with one out to give Omaha the lead and Robinson scored on Kila Kaaihue's sacrifice flyout for an insurance run.
Isotopes starter John Ely did not earn a decision and worked 6 2/3 innings, allowing 3 runs and 5 hits.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 3x5 (.338) Trayvon Robinson: 0x4 (.296), 2 K Jerry Sands: 1x3 (.280), 1 R, 2 K Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 1x3 (.308), 2 BB
'TOPES NOTES: Division-leader Round Rock won Wednesday so the Isotopes dropped to six games back in the division. . . . Jay Gibbons hit safely to extend his hitting streak to 12 games, the third longest hitting streak of the season behind Trayvon Robinson's pair of 16-game hitting streaks. . . . Russ Mitchell tied a franchise record by drawing 4 walks in the game. The last Isotope with 4 walks in a game was AJ Ellis on June 6, 2009. . . . The series continues Thursday evening. Probables are Isotopes All-Star RHP Dana Eveland (10-5, 3.51) and Storm Chasers' RHP Luis Mendoza (7-3, 2.51) who about a week and a half ago had the PCL league office change the scoring on a 9th inning play that negated his no-hitter and made it an official one-hitter. . . .
Filed 07/27/2011

July 26, 2011 - Isotopes (55-49)
Werner Park Albuquerque 200 200 002 -- 6 9 1 Omaha 001 210 000 -- 4 10 0 WP: Travis Schlichting (5-3) LP: Everett Teaford (3-2) SV: Jon Link (10) HR: ABQ Russ Mitchell (11) off Teaford (9th inning, 2R) TIME: 2:58 ATT: 4,308
Russ Mitchell saw to it that the Isotopes would begin their roadtrip on a good note. Mitchell two-run homered in the 9th inning as Albuquerque snapped a two-game losing streak with a 6-4 victory over the Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) on Tuesday evening.
In the 1st inning, Justin Sellers led off the game with a single and Ivan DeJesus Jr. and Jay Gibbons drew walks. Mitchell foul popped out and Trayvon Robinson was hit by a pitch to plate Sellers. Jerry Sands singled DeJesus Jr. home. Jamie Hoffmann and Corey Smith then struck out to end the inning and leave the bases loaded.
Omaha's David Lough drove home a run in the 3rd inning and in the top of the 4th inning, A.J. Ellis singled and scored on Sellers' double. Sellers then scored on a wild pitch to give Albuquerque a 4-1 lead.
Jarrod Dyson singled home two runs for Omaha in the home half of the 4th inning and Lough tripled and scored on Lorenzo Cain's single in the 5th inning as the Storm Chasers tied the game at 4-4.
The game remained deadlocked until the 9th inning. DeJesus Jr. led off with a walk and an out later, Mitchell homered to left field for the eventual game winning runs.
Isotopes starter Randy Keisler allowed 8 hits and 4 runs (2 earned) in 7 innings.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Trayvon Robinson: 0x4 (.300), 1 RBI (71), 2 K Jerry Sands: 1x5 (.280), 1 RBI (51) Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 0x2 (.308), 2 R, 3 BB
'TOPES NOTES: Albuquerque closed to five games back of division-leading Round Rock with their victory and Round Rock's loss on Tuesday evening. . . . Jay Gibbons had two hits to extend his hitting streak to 11 games, tying him for second place among the longest team hitting streaks of the season. . . . The Isotopes are enjoying a season-best four-game road winning streak. . . . The series continues Wednesday evening. Probables are RHP John Ely (6-4, 5.52) for the Isotopes and RHP Jeff Suppan (9-5, 4.60) for the Storm Chasers.
Filed 07/26/2011

July 25, 2011 - Isotopes (54-49)
Isotopes Park New Orleans 003 410 001 -- 9 11 0 Albuquerque 000 030 200 -- 5 6 0 WP: Darin Downs (1-0) LP: Joey Newby (1-4) SV: Sandy Rosario (1) HR: NRL Mike Cervanak (10) off Link (9th inning, S) NRL Tim Torres (2) off Newby (4th inning, 2R) NRL Jose Lopez (4) off Newby (4th inningn, 2R) ABQ A.J. Ellis (2) off Koehler (5th inning, 3R) TIME: 3:02 ATT: 6,150
The New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Marlins) did not score out of the gate like yesterday, but they did start scoring not much later and built a 8-0 lead at the halfway mark of the game on their way to defeating the Isotopes 9-5 in the series finale Monday afternoon at "The Lab". Albuquerque has dropped two straight games as they prepare to go on the road for eight games.
Jose Lopez singled home a run and Mike Cervenak tripled home two runs in the 3rd inning as the Zephyrs led 3-0.
Tim Torres and Lopez each hit two-run homers in the 4th inning and Zephyrs starter Tom Koehler drew a bases loaded walk in the 5th inning to extend the New Orleans led to 8-0.
Albuquerque got on the scoreboard in their half of the 5th inning. Trayvon Robinson was hit by a pitch, Jamie Hoffmann drew a walk and A.J. Ellis homered.
Justin Sellers doubled home two runs in the 7th inning as Albuquerque trailed 8-5 and Cervenak solo homered in the 9th inning for New Orleans' final run.
Isotopes starter Joey Newby allowed 7 runs and 8 hits in 4 innings.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 0x5 (.333), 1 K Trayvon Robinson: 0x0 (.303), 1 R, 1 BB Jerry Sands: 1x4 (.282), 2 K Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 0x5 (.310), 1 K
'TOPES NOTES: P Justin Miller was released Monday and P Adam Dedeaux was added to the Isotopes roster from rookie-level Ogden. . . . A.J. Ellis, who had not homered since 2008 at either the minor league or MLB level, has homered twice in four days for the Isotopes. . . . The Isotopes and Zephyrs split the series and 36,320 attended for a per-game average of 9,080. Today's game marked the final game at Isotopes Park between the two clubs in 2011 and Albuquerque took five of the eight games. . . . Albuquerque went 4-4 on their just completed eight game homestand. . . . Jay Gibbons extended his hitting streak to 10 games. Ivan DeJesus Jr. went hitless in five at-bats to snap a 9-game hitting streak. . . . The Isotopes are 0-4 in games that Joey Newby came out of the bullpen to start. . . . Trayvon Robinson was ejected in the 5th inning by Third Base umpire Jason Millsap and Zephyrs starter Tom Koehler was ejected by Home Plate umpire Shaun Francis in the 5th inning. . . . A pair of former Isotopes won the PCL's Weekly Awards. Chris Aguila of the Zephyrs was the Hitter of the Week for hitting .517 (15x29) with 6 homers and 12 RBI. Frankie De La Cruz of the Nashville Sounds (AAA Brewers), the Pitcher of the Week, made two starts and went 1-0 with 1 1.38 ERA. In 13 innings, De La Cruz allowed 10 hits, 2 runs, 4 walks and struck out 15. . . . Albuquerque travels to Omaha for their final 2011 regular season series matchup. Probables in the opener are LHP Randy Keisler (6-4, 3.99) for the Isotopes and LHP Mike Montgomery (3-6, 5.33) for the Storm Chasers.
Filed 07/25/2011

July 24, 2011 - Isotopes (54-48)
Isotopes Park 6 1/2 innings, Lightning New Orleans 425 204 0 -- 17 18 0 Albuquerque 020 034 -- 9 14 2 WP: Elih Villanueva (5-8) LP: Tim Sexton (3-5) HR: NRL Elih Villaneuva (2) off Troncoso (6th inning, 2R) NRL Chris Aguila (16) off Sexton (1st inning, 2R) NRL Chris Aguila (17) off Sexton (6th inning, 2R) ABQ Russ Mitchell (10) off Villanueva (5th inning, 3R) ABQ Jerry Sands (16) off Valdez (6th inning, 2R) ABQ Damaso Espino (4) off Villanueva (2nd inning, 2R) TIME: 2:25 ATT: 7,348
Tim Sexton arguably had the worst starting outing in the history of the Isotopes. Sexton set some franchise-worsts and ended up pitching in-game batting practice to the New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Marlins) in New Orleans' 17-9 victory over Albuquerque in a game shortened to 6 1/2 innings due to lightning. Albuquerque snapped a four-game winning streak with the loss.
In the 1st inning with one out, Joe Thurston singled, and an out later, Mike Cervanek doubled to the left-field wall. The Isotopes set up a relay to try to nail Thurston at the plate but he scored and Cervanek was awarded home plate on an error on the play when the ball went into the Zephyrs dugout. Matt Dominguez drew a walk and former-Isotope Chris Aguila followed with a two-run homer.
The Zephyrs plated two runs in the 2nd inning to lead 6-0 before Albuquerque got on the scoreboard in their half of the frame. Corey Smith singled ahead of Damaso Espino's solo homer to center field.
Former-Isotope Brad Davis' three-run double highlighted a five run 3rd inning and the Zephyrs added two more runs in the 4th inning to lead 13-2.
In the 5th inning, Ivan DeJesus Jr. walked, Jay Gibbons singled to center field and Russ Mitchell homered to left-center field as the 'Topes trailed 13-5.
Matt Dominguez was hit by a pitch and Aguila followed with his second two-run homer of the game in the 6th inning. Ozzie Martinez doubled and an out later, Zephyrs starter Elih Villanueva homered over the center field wall.
Albuquerque answered the Zephyrs 4-run 6th inning with a four run outburst of their own in the bottom half. Dee Gordon shattered bat infield-singled and Ivan DeJesus Jr. banged the ball off the centerfield fence to double him home. An out later, Russ Mitchell bloop singled into right field to drive in DeJesus Jr. and Jerry Sands smoked a line drive homer to left field. Travis Schlichting set down the Zephyrs in order in the 7th inning and at the 7th inning stretch, the tarp came out with lightning strikes nearby and 44 minutes later the game was officially announced over as Mother Nature's electricity continued.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 3x4 (.339), 1 R Jerry Sands: 1x3 (.282), 1 R, 1 HR (16), 2 RBI (50), 1 BB, 1 K Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 1x3 (.317), 2 R, 1 2B (15), 1 RBI (30), 1 BB
'TOPES NOTES: Tim Sexton tossed 5 innings and allowed franchise record worsts of 17 hits (previous worst: 15) and 16 earned runs (previous worst: 12) allowed by a starter. Sexton did save the Isotopes bullpen many innings at the expense of inflating his own personal stats. Sexton has lost his last five pitching decisions. . . . The Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) snapped a five-game losing streak and with Albuquerque's loss, the Express extended their division lead over the Isotopes to 5 games. . . . The shortened contest was Albuquerque's fifth shortened contest at Isotopes Park in franchise history and eighth overall counting home and away regular season contests. . . . Ivan DeJesus Jr. and Jay Gibbons each hit safely to extend their hitting streaks to 9 games. . . . Albuquerque gave up the most runs to an opponent at home this season (17). . . . The loss snapped a four-game winning streak against the Zephyrs in games played at Isotopes Park. . . . Albuquerque and New Orleans conclude their series with a Monday afternoon game. Probables are RHP Joey Newby (1-3, 3.98) for the Isotopes and RHP Tom Koehler (6-6, 5.40) for the Zephyrs.
Filed 07/24/2011

July 23, 2011 - Isotopes (54-47)
Isotopes Park New Orleans 300 020 032 -- 10 10 0 Albuquerque 224 011 10x -- 11 15 3 WP: Mike Parisi (1-0) LP: Adalberto Mendez (1-7) SV: Roy Corcoran (1) HR: NRL Vinny Rottino (6) off Parisi (1st inning, S) NRL Mike Cervenak (9) off Parisi (1st inning, 2R) NRL Jose Lopez (3) off Parisi (5th inning, 2R) ABQ Justin Sellers (11) off Mendez (3rd inning, 2R) TIME: 3:29 ATT: 13,411
The Isotopes held off a late-game New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Marlins) five run rally to take a 11-10 victory in front of a Dukes Retro Night record-breaking crowd of 13,411. Albuquerque has won four straight games and now are four games back of the division-leading Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers).
The Isotopes spotted the Zephyrs three runs in the 1st inning. Vinny Rottino led off the game with a solo homer and not long after that, Mike Cervenak two-run homered.
In the home half of the 1st inning, Dee Gordon singled, Ivan DeJesus Jr. walked and Jay Gibbons singled home Gordon. DeJesus Jr. advanced to third base when Jerry Sands grounded into a double play before scoring on a wild pitch.
In the 2nd inning, Justin Sellers walked, Isotopes starter Mike Parisi laid down a sacrifice bunt and Gordon singled home Sellers. Gordon stole second base and scored on DeJesus Jr.'s single for a 4-3 Albuquerque lead.
Albuquerque got on the scoreboard again in the 3rd inning. Trayvon Robinson walked with one out and scored on Jamie Hoffmann's triple. A.J. Ellis singled to drive in Hoffmann and Sellers followed with a two-run homer to give Albuquerque a 8-3 advantage.
Jose Lopez two-run homered for New Orleans as the Zephyrs pulled to 8-5 before Albuquerque tallied for single runs in the 5th inning (Gordon RBI single), 6th inning (Hoffmann sacrifice flyout) and 7th inning (DeJesus Jr. single) for a 11-5 lead.
The Zephyrs plated three runs in the 8th inning and two more in the 9th inning to pull to a run down at 11-10 and had the bases loaded with one out when Lopez grounded into a double play to end the game.
In Parisi's Isotopes debut, the 5's were wild for Parisi with 5 innings pitched, 5 hits and 5 runs allowed. Parisi earned the win thanks to Albuquerque's large early lead.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 4x5 (.333), 3 R, 1 2B (10), 2 RBI (24), 1 SB (30) Trayvon Robinson: 1x3 (.303), 1 R, 2 BB, 1 K Jerry Sands: 0x3 (.281), 2 BB, 1 K Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 3x4 (.317), 1 R, 2 RBI (29), 1 BB, 1 K
'TOPES NOTES: The Isotopes are 6-1 on Dukes Retro Night with a two game winning streak. . . . The crowd of 13,411 was the second largest crowd of the season and the 13th largest regular season crowd in Isotopes Park history. . . . Inducted into the Albuquerque Professional Baseball Hall of Fame on Saturday in a pre-game ceremony that caused the start of the game to be delayed 18 minutes was former-Dukes Brian Traxler and Ted Power and former-Isotope and huge fan favorite Jason Wood. . . . Albuquerque's four-game winning streak ties their season long winning streak. . . . Justin Sellers has homered in back-to-back games. . . . The Isotopes are 20-10 in one-run contests in 2011. . . . Ivan DeJesus Jr. and Jay Gibbons each hit safely to extend their hitting streaks to 8 games. . . . The series continues Sunday evening. Probables are RHP Tim Sexton (3-4, 5.29) for the Isotopes and RHP Elih Villanueva (4-8, 5.20) for the Zephyrs.
Filed 07/23/2011

July 22, 2011 - Isotopes (53-47)
Isotopes Park New Orleans 002 015 020 -- 10 17 0 Albuquerque 410 220 03x -- 12 13 0 WP: Travis Schlichting (4-3) LP: Cesar Valdez (0-1) SV: Jon Link (9) HR: ABQ Justin Sellers (10) off Valdez (8th inning, S) ABQ A.J. Ellis (1) off Sampson (4th inning, 2R) ABQ Trayvon Robinson (26) off Sampson (1st inning, 3R) ABQ Jay Gibbons (5) off Valdez (8th inning, 2R) TIME: 3:21 ATT: 9,411
The Isotopes almost blew a great opportunity Friday evening. With division-leading Round Rock having lost earlier in the evening, the Isotopes blew their largest lead of the season (6 runs) yet got timely 8th inning hitting in powering their way to a 12-11 victory over the New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Marlins) in the series opener at "The Lab". Albuquerque has won three straight and closed to five games back of Round Rock in the division at the 100 game mark of the 144-game regular season.
The start of the game was delayed 54 minutes due to a pregame rain shower and Albuquerque got right to work when play started after the rain delay. In the bottom of the 1st inning, Dee Gordon led off with a double and scored on A.J. Ellis' double to Isotopes Hill. An out later, Russ Mitchell walked and Trayvon Robinson launched his team-leading 26th homer as the Isotopes led 4-0.
Gordon reached on a fielder's choice, stole second base and scored on Ellis' single in the 2nd inning to extend the lead to 5-0.
Jose Lopez doubled home two runs in the 3rd inning to get the Zephyrs on the scoreboard and the Isotopes matched those two runs in the 4th inning. Gordon once again reached on a fielder's choice, stole second base and scored on Ellis' two-run homer.
Former-Isotope Chris Aguila singled home a run in the 5th inning for New Orleans and Albuquerque took a 9-3 lead with two runs in their half of the 5th inning. Mitchell walked and scored on Robinson's triple to right-center field. Robinson then scored on Jamie Hoffmann's sacrifice flyout.
New Orleans made things too uncomfortable with a five-run 6th inning and in the 8th inning, Jesus Merchan singled home the game-tying run for New Orleans and Osvaldo Martinez singled in the go-ahead run as the Zephyrs led 10-9.
In Albuquerque's decisive 8th inning, Justin Sellers led off with a homer to tie the game. After Gordon struck out, Ellis singled on an infield hit ahead of Jay Gibbons' two-run homer which put the Isotopes ahead for good at 12-10.
Isotopes starter John Ely did not earn a decision after pitching 5 1/3 innings of 10-hit, 7-run ball.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 2x5 (.324), 3 R, 1 2B (9), 1 K, 2 SB (29) Trayvon Robinson: 2x5 (.303), 2 R, 1 3B (6), 1 HR (26), 4 RBI (70), 1 K Jerry Sands: 0x4 (.286)
'TOPES NOTES: The Isotopes have had a few nice days in the division race since Wednesday with their three game winning streak and Round Rock's three-game losing streak to shave three games off the division defecit. . . . A.J. Ellis homering is a fairly rare feat. Ellis hit his first homer in an Isotopes suit tonight (146 games played) and his last homer was in 2008 when the Las Vegas 51s were the Triple-A affiliate of the Dodgers. Ellis homered 4 times for Las Vegas that season. . . . Russ Mitchell went 0x3 to snap an eight-game hitting streak. . . . The Isotopes have 70 stolen bases on the season and Dee Gordon has 29 of those. . . . Dukes Retro Night is on Saturday night and ticket sales seem to indicate a chance for the largest Dukes Retro Night crowd since the promotion began in 2005. Berm seating -- usually only sold on gameday -- has been placed on sale early. The night also features the induction of Brian Traxler, Jason Wood and Ted Power into the Albuquerque Professional Baseball Hall of Fame. The Isotopes will be wearing mustard-yellow Dukes retro uniforms. . . . Probables in the contest are RHP Mike Parisi (No Record) making his first Isotopes appearance and RHP Adalberto Mendez (1-6, 6.67) for the Zephyrs.
Filed 07/22/2011

July 21, 2011 - Isotopes (52-47)
Isotopes Park Oklahoma City 010 000 0 -- 1 5 2 Albuquerque 110 004 x -- 6 12 0 WP: Dana Eveland (10-5) LP: Xavier Cedeno (0-1) HR: ABQ Jerry Sands (15) off Cedeno (1st inning, S) TIME: 2:08 ATT: 10,128
Isotopes starter Dana Eveland tossed 6 innings of four-hit, one run ball, struck out 7 Oklahoma City Redhawks (AAA Astros) batters, and became Albuquerque's first 10 game winner of the season in a 6-1 victory over the Redhawks in the nightcap of a doubleheader. Albuquerque swept the doubleheader with the victory and moved to 6 games back of division-leading Round Rock.
Jerry Sands solo homered in the 1st inning for the first run of the game and after Oklahoma City put a run on the board in the 2nd inning, Albuquerque regained the lead in their half of the 2nd inning. Jamie Hoffmann singled and took second base on a throwing error on the play and then scored on Corey Smith's single.
Albuquerque plated four runs in the 6th inning to turn a 2-1 game into a comfortable 6-1 lead. Sands singled and scored on Russ Mitchell's triple. Trayvon Robinson singled to drive in Mitchell and Robinson went to second base on a wild pitch before coming around to score on Hoffmann's single. Two outs later, Eveland walked and Justin Sellers doubled home Hoffmann.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Trayvon Robinson: 1x3 (.301), 1 R, 1 RBI (66) Jerry Sands: 2x3 (.292), 2 R, 1 HR (15), 1 RBI (48), 1 K Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 1x4 (.309), 1 K
'TOPES NOTES: The Dodgers signed free agent P Mike Parisi and assigned him to Albuquerque. If Parisi can regain the form of his 2008 season with the PCL's Memphis Redbirds (AAA Cardinals) -- 8-2 with a 3.86 ERA in 15 starts -- then the Isotopes should have a very solid starting rotation in order to try to make a playoff push. . . . All-Star Dana Eveland is the fifth Isotope to win 10+ games in a season in franchise history. . . . The Isotopes and Redhawks split the four game series and 25,125 attended for a per-gate average of 8,375. . . . Albuquerque and Oklahoma City concluded their 16-game regular season series tonight. In 2011, Albuquerque took 7 of the 16 games (3-5 at Isotopes Park, 4-4 in Oklahoma City) and all-time, the Redhawks hold a 75-68 advantage. . . . Albuquerque swept a doubleheader for the first time since July 6, 2010 (at Iowa). . . . There are a pair of fairly long hitting streaks - Russ Mitchell (8 games) and Ivan DeJesus Jr. (7 games). . . . The Isotopes open up a four-game series against the New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Marlins) on Friday evening that will close out the current homestand. Probables in the opener are RHP John Ely (6-4, 5.19) for the Isotopes and RHP Chris Sampson (6-0, 2.82) for the Zephyrs.
Filed 07/21/2011

July 21, 2011 - Isotopes (51-47)
Isotopes Park Oklahoma City 000 400 0 -- 4 8 0 Albuquerque 040 202 x -- 8 13 0 WP: Randy Keisler (6-4) LP: Sergio Perez (4-9) SV: Travis Schlichting (1) TIME: 2:19
Ivan DeJesus Jr. drove in three runs, including a key two-run single in the 4th inning that snapped a tied game as the Isotopes defeated the Oklahoma City Redhawks (AAA Astros) 8-4 in the opener of a doubleheader Thursday afternoon. Albuquerque snapped a two-game losing streak with the win.
The Isotopes took a good lead in the 2nd inning. Russ Mitchell singled and stole second base. Mitchell went to third base on Jerry Sands' groundout before scoring on Jamie Hoffmann's single. Hoffmann stole second base before coming around to score on A.J. Ellis' single. Isotopes starter Randy Keisler doubled home Ellis and Dee Gordon tripled home Keisler for a 4-0 lead.
In the 4th inning, the Redhawks tied the game at 4-4 on Anderson Hernandez's two-run triple, Tommy Manzella's run-scoring single and Oswaldo Navarro's steal of home plate.
In the home half of the 4th inning, Hoffmann doubled, Ellis walked, Keisler laid down a sacrifice bunt to move both runners into scoring position and after Gordon was intentionally walked to load the bags, DeJesus Jr. singled home Hoffmann and Ellis for a 6-4 Isotopes lead.
Albuquerque added their final two runs in the 6th inning. Gordon singled and scored on DeJesus Jr.'s double and Mitchell doubled home DeJesus Jr.
Keisler tossed 5 1/3 innings, allowing 7 hits and 4 runs and earned the victory.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 2x3 (.323), 1 R, 1 3B (6), 1 RBI (22), 1 BB Trayvon Robinson: 0x3 (.301), 1 BB, 1 K Jerry Sands: 1x3 (.286) Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 3x4 (.310), 1 R, 2 2B (14), 3 RBI (27)
'TOPES NOTES: On Wednesday, the PCL league office took rare action in overturning an official scorer's decision. Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) starter Luis Mendoza pitched a nine-inning no-hitter on Monday July 18th in Memphis. After the game, the official scorer reconsidered a crucial play in the 9th inning of that contest. Initially ruled an error when Memphis' Tyler Greene lined a ball to left field, the official scorer called it a hit before deciding again to call it an error. At Memphis' request, the league office reviewed the play, including video from Memphis' in-stadium production, and determined that the ruling should be a double and not a two-base error and thus Mendoza has to settle for a one-hitter. . . . Russ Mitchell tied a franchise record when he had a hit in his eighth straight at-bat when he singled in the 2nd inning. Mitchell reached on a fielder's choice in the 3rd inning to snap the string of at-bats with a hit. . . . The victory snapped a five-game losing streak in games played against the Redhawks. . . . Trayvon Robinson failed to homer so his consecutive game homer streak ends at four games. . . . Travis Schlichting became the sixth Isotope reliever to pick up a save in 2011. . . . Oswaldo Navarro became the first Isotopes opponent to steal home plate since Ben Copeland of Fresno did it on August 10, 2010 at Isotopes Park. . . . In former Isotopes news, OF Brett Carroll is back in the big leagues after the Milwaukee Brewers purchased his contract from the PCL's Nashville Sounds.
Filed 07/21/2011

Rain Wipes Out Isotopes/Redhawks Albuquerque finally got some much needed rain after the city hasn't received even a half an inch of rain since the beginning of the year. Most places around the city received a half-inch to three-quarters of an inch of rain. That rain, while good for the city, was not good for baseball as the third game of the series between the Oklahoma City Redhawks (AAA Astros) and Isotopes was postponed due to rain. It was Albuquerque's first home rainout in 2011 and the first home rainout since August 23, 2010. Overall, Albuquerque has had 10 home postponements in their almost nine full seasons of franchise history. The game will be made up as a doubleheader on Thursday starting at 4:35 PM MDT. Probables in game one are LHP Randy Keisler (5-4, 3.76) for the Isotopes and RHP Brad Hennessey (0-2, 6.59) for the Redhawks. In the nightcap, probables are LHP Dana Eveland (9-5, 3.62) for Albuquerque and LHP Xavier Cedeno (No Record) who will be making his Triple-A debut for the Redhawks. Division-leading Round Rock lost Wednesday so the Isotopes were able to make up half a game in the standings, now 7.5 games back of the Express. Filed 07/20/2011

July 19, 2011 - Isotopes (50-47)
Isotopes Park Oklahoma City 000 012 312 -- 9 15 1 Albuquerque 300 200 000 -- 5 8 2 WP: Casey Fien (2-2) LP: Tim Sexton (3-4) HR: OKC Koby Clemens (13) off Link (9th inning, 2R) ABQ Trayvon Robinson (25) off Van Hekken (4th inning, 2R) TIME: 2:57 ATT: 7,506
The Oklahoma City Redhawks (AAA Astros) plated runs in the 5th-9th innings and came back from a 5-0 defecit to defeat the Isotopes 9-5 on Tuesday evening at "The Lab". Albuquerque has lost two straight games and is fading in the PCL American Conference Southern Division standings.
In the 1st inning, Ivan DeJesus Jr. singled, Jerry Sands walked and Russ Mitchell doubled them both home. Mitchell went to third base on a throwing error on the play and scored on Trayvon Robinson's single.
The Isotopes extended the lead to 5-0 in the 4th inning when Mitchell drew a walk ahead of Robinson's two run homer.
J.B. Shuck tripled and scored on a groundout in the 5th inning, Jason Bourgeois singled home a run and Shuck sacrifice flied out in the 6th inning as the Redhawks trailed 5-3.
The Redhawks tallied for three runs to take a 6-5 lead in the 7th inning and used a wild pitch in the 8th inning to extend their lead to 7-5.
Koby Clemens two-run homered in the 9th inning for the final runs of the game.
Isotopes starter Tim Sexton. loser of his last four pitching decisions, tossed 6 innings, allowing 12 hits and 6 runs (5 earned).
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 0x4 (.319) Trayvon Robinson: 2x4 (.304), 1 R, 1 HR (25), 3 RBI (65), 1 K Jerry Sands: 0x3 (.286), 1 R, 1 BB, 1 K Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 1x4 (.302), 1 R, 1 K
'TOPES NOTES: P Merkin Valdez opted out of his contract and became a free agent. It should not take too long for him to find a spot on a big league roster considering he was one of Albuquerque's top relievers - 4-2 with 4 saves and a 3.58 ERA in 38 games (50 1/3 innings pitched). Valdez was the Triple-A level Dodger Pride pitcher award winner for June with a 2-1 record, 1 save, and a 0.54 ERA in that month. . . . The Isotopes are a season-worst 8 games behind the division-leading Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers). Round Rock won their fourth straight game tonight. . . . Trayvon Robinson has homered in four straight games, tying Jerry Sands' team season best mark established in April for the most consecutive games with a homer. . . . Albuquerque tied their season worst home losing streak (4 games), have seen their July home record fall below the .500 mark to 4-5, and the Isotopes have lost their last five games played against the Redhawks, all at Isotopes Park. . . . The Isotopes blew their largest lead of the season tonight (5 runs). . . . The series continues Wedesday evening. The Isotopes are expected to send LHP Randy Keisler (5-4, 3.76) to the mound to face Redhawks RHP Brad Hennessey (0-2, 6.59).
Filed 07/19/2011

July 18, 2011 - Isotopes (50-46)
Isotopes Park Oklahoma City 010 100 420 -- 8 10 2 Albuquerque 023 001 001 -- 7 12 1 WP: Sammy Gervacio (3-0) LP: Justin Miller (1-3) SV: Mickey Storey (2) HR: OKC JR Towles (2) off Newby (4th inning, S) OKC Tommy Manzella (7) off Miller (8th inning, 2R) ABQ Russ Mitchell (9) off Figueroa (2nd inning, 2R) ABQ Jerry Sands (14) off Figueroa (3rd inning, 2R) ABQ Trayvon Robinson (24) off Storey (9th inning, S) TIME: 3:11 ATT: 7,491
The Oklahoma City Redhawks (AAA Astros) had a go-ahead homer in the 8th inning and Trayvon Robinson's late heroics were not quite enough as the Redhawks snapped Albuquerque's three-game winning streak with a 8-7 victory in the series opener at "The Lab" on Monday evening.
Tommy Manzella doubled home a run in the 2nd inning for the Redhawks and Albuquerque took a 2-1 lead in the bottom half of the inning when Robinson walked ahead of Russ Mitchell's two run homer.
Albuquerque extended their lead in the 3rd inning. Dee Gordon reached on a fielder's choice and then stole second and third bases before scoring on a wild pitch. AJ Ellis drew a walk and scored when Jerry Sands broke out of a 0x16 post-All-Star-Break slump with a two-run homer.
JR Towles solo homered for the Redhawks in the 4th inning and Albuquerque got that run back in the 6th inning with Gordon back in the thick of things. Gordon singled, stole second base, went to third base on Ellis' groundout and scored on Jay Gibbons' single.
Oklahoma City tied the game at 6-6 in the 7th inning using J.B. Shuck's two-run double, Drew Locke's run-scoring triple and a Anderson Hernandez sacrifice flyout.
Manzella two-run homered in the 8th inning as the Redhawks took a two-run lead and all the Isotopes could muster in their final two at-bats was a Robinson bottom of the 9th inning two-out solo homer.
Isotopes starter Joey Newby went 5 2/3 innings, allowing 4 hits and 2 runs (1 earned). Newby walked 2 and struck out 4.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 2x5 (.324), 2 R, 3 SB (27) Trayvon Robinson: 2x4 (.301), 2 R, 1 HR (24), 1 RBI (62), 1 BB, 1 K Jerry Sands: 1x5 (.290), 1 R, 1 HR (14), 2 RBI (47), 1 K Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 0x0 (.303) - late game defensive replacement at SS
'TOPES NOTES: Division-leader Round Rock won their contest Monday night in extra innings, dropping Albuquerque to 7 games back in the division. . . . Russ Mitchell tied a franchise record with a 5-hit game. It was Mitchell's second game of four or more hits this season. . . . Trayvon Robinson has homered in three straight games. . . . Dee Gordon stole a team-high three stolen bases in the game. . . . Brad Mills of the Las Vegas 51s (AAA Blue Jays) is the PCL Pitcher of the Week. Mills won his one start of the week and tossed 8 innings of 1-hit, scoreless ball while walking 2 and striking out 6. . . . Brandon Belt of the Fresno Grizzlies (AAA Giants) is the PCL Hitter of the Week. Belt hit .462 (6x13) with a homer and 2 RBI. . . . A former Isotope won an International League weekly award. Val Pascucci of the Buffalo Bisons (AAA Mets) won the IL Hitter of the Week award after hitting .400 (6x15) with 3 homers and 10 RBI during the short award week. . . . The series continues Tuesday evening. Probables are RHP Tim Sexton (3-3, 5.06) for the Isotopes and LHP Andy Van Hekken (4-4, 2.97) for the Redhawks.
Filed 07/18/2011

July 17, 2011 - Isotopes (50-45)
Herschel Greer Stadium Albuquerque 000 340 002 -- 9 10 1 Nashville 210 010 010 -- 5 8 1 WP: John Ely (6-4) LP: Amaury Rivas (6-9) HR: ABQ Trayvon Robinson (23) off Rivas (5th inning, GS) NSH Eric Farris (5) off Ely (1st inning, S) TIME: 3:07 ATT: 3,154
Trayvon Robinson's grand-slam homer snapped a 3-3 tie and the Isotopes went on to defeat the Nashville Sounds (AAA Brewers) 9-5 in the series finale in Nashville on Sunday evening. The Isotopes have won three straight games.
Eric Farris led off Nashville's at-bats for the evening with a solo homer. Later in the inning, Taylor Green singled home a run. In the 2nd inning, Farris lifted a sacrifice flyout to plate a run to extend the Sounds led to 3-0.
Albuquerque got on the scoreboard in the 4th inning. Jay Gibbons started off the inning with a single and went to second base on Russ Mitchell's groundout. Robinson walked and Jamie Hoffmann reached on an error with Gibbons scoring. A.J. Ellis doubled home Robinson and Hoffmann as the Isotopes tied the game at 3-3.
In the 5th inning, Ivan DeJesus Jr. singled with one out, Gibbons and Mitchell drew walks to load the bags and Robinson cleared them with his team-leading 23rd homer as the Isotopes led 7-3.
Mat Gamel's groundout brought home a run for the Sounds in the 5th inning and Jordan Brown singled home a run in the 8th inning as Nashville closed to two runs down at 7-5.
The Isotopes plated insurance runs in the 9th inning. Gibbons got things started with a double and two outs passed before Hoffmann walked and Ellis singled home Gibbons. Joe Becker followed with a single that plated Hoffmann with the final run of the game.
Isotopes starter John Ely won his third decision in a row and allowed 4 runs (3 earned) and 5 hits in 5 innings.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 0x4 (.322), 1 BB Trayvon Robinson: 1x4 (.299), 2 R, 1 HR (23), 4 RBI (61), 1 BB, 2 K Jerry Sands: 0x1 (.292), 1 K Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 1x5 (.303), 1 R
'TOPES NOTES: If you think it took way too long for Albuquerque's first grand-slam homer of the season to occur, you would be right. Trayvon Robinson's grand slam homer was the latest first grand slam of the season in franchise history -- by date (July 17th), by team season homer count (114) and by team game of the season (95th). . . . Robinson has homered in back-to-back games. . . . Albuquerque took three out of the five games in the series with the Sounds and 23,000 attended at Herschel Greer Stadium for an average of 5,750 per gate. The Sounds and Isotopes played their final 2011 regular season game tonight and Albuquerque won 10 of the 16 games in the season series (5-3 at Isotopes Park and 5-3 at Greer Stadium). All-time, Nashville holds a 73-69 advantage. . . . Albuquerque has a three-game road winning streak, tying their longest road winning streak of the season. . . . Albuquerque returns home for an eight-game homestand Monday evening with the first four games against division bottom-dweller Oklahoma City Redhawks (AAA Astros). Probables in the opener are RHP Joey Newby (1-3, 4.15) for the Isotopes and RHP Nelson Figueroa (5-5, 5.61) for the Redhawks.
Filed 07/17/2011

July 16, 2011 - Isotopes (49-45)
Herschel Greer Stadium Albuquerque 100 001 100 -- 3 8 0 Nashville 000 100 001 -- 2 5 1 WP: Dana Eveland (9-5) LP: Sam Narron (4-4) SV: Justin Miller (3) HR: ABQ Corey Smith (7) off Hand (7th inning, S) ABQ Trayvon Robinson (22) off Narron (6th inning, S) TIME: 3:00 ATT: 8,044
Corey Smith and Trayvon Robinson solo homered and Albuquerque held off a 9th inning Nashville Sounds (AAA Brewers) rally to cap their best day on the road this season with a 3-2 victory over the Sounds. Combined with the win in the completion of a suspended game earlier today, Albuquerque won both games today and made up half a game in the standings to close to 6 games back of division leader Round Rock.
Albuquerque wasted no time taking a 1-0 lead in the 1st inning. Ivan DeJesus Jr. led off with a double, A.J. Ellis walked in his return to the Isotopes from the Dodgers and DeJesus Jr. scampered to third base when Jerry Sands grounded into a double play. Russ Mitchell singled into left field to drive in DeJesus Jr.
Caleb Gindl doubled, advanced to third base on Andy Gonzalez's sacrifice bunt and scored on Erick Almonte's single in the 4th inning as the Sounds got on the scoreboard.
Smith solo homered in the 6th inning and Robinson hit his team-leading 22nd homer in the 7th inning as Albuquerque led 3-1.
In the 9th inning with two outs, former-Isotope Mike Rivera walked and advanced to second base on defensive indifference. Brandon Boggs drew a walk and Jordan Brown singled home Rivera. Isotopes reliever Justin Miller entered the game and got pinch-hitter Taylor Green to strike out to end the game with the game-tying run on 2nd base.
Isotopes starter Dana Eveland earned his team-leading 9th victory after tossing 7 innings of one run, 3-hit ball.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Trayvon Robinson: 2x4 (.300), 1 R, 1 HR (22), 1 RBI (57) Jerry Sands: 0x4 (.294), 1 K Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 1x4 (.305), 1 R, 1 2B (12), 1 K
'TOPES NOTES: Isotopes C J.D. Closser was released today to free up roster room for A.J. Ellis, who was optioned from the Dodgers yesterday. Closser appeared in 69 games for the Isotopes and hit .297 with 10 homers and 39 RBI. . . . The Isotopes are 19-9 on one-run contests in 2011. . . . Justin Miller became the fifth different Isotope to earn a save this season. . . . Jerry Sands has been struggling since the All-Star Break, going 0x14 (.000) in four games with 3 strikeouts. Sands has seen his average dip from .319 to .294 during this short-term slump. . . . Trayvon Robinson's 22 homers tie him in third place with former-Isotope Jai Miller for the league lead in homers. . . . The Isotopes and Sounds play the rubber game of their five games in four days series on Sunday evening. Probables are RHP John Ely (5-4, 5.18) for the Isotopes and RHP Amaury Rivas (6-8, 4.41) for the Sounds.
Filed 07/16/2011

July 16, 2011 - Isotopes (48-45)
Herschel Greer Stadium Albuquerque 000 000 012 000 5 -- 8 13 4 Nashville 300 000 000 000 1 -- 4 13 0 WP: David Pfeiffer (1-1) LP: Frankie De La Cruz (3-6) HR: ABQ Russ Mitchell (8) off De La Cruz (13th inning, S) ABQ Jay Gibbons (4) off De La Cruz (13th inning, 3R) TIME: 4:36 ATT: 5,558
In the completion of a suspended game from Friday evening due to PCL curfew rules, the 13th inning was lucky for the Isotopes. Russ Mitchell homered in the frame to give the Isotopes the lead and Jay Gibbons homered for some insurance runs for an 8-4 victory over the Nashville Sounds (AAA Brewers). The victory snapped a four-game losing streak. After a 2 hour, 13 minute rain delay to begin the game, Nashville didn't take very long to jump on top 3-0. In the 1st inning, Caleb Gindl singled and former-Isotope Brett Carroll walked. Taylor Green singled home Gindl and Carroll scored on a throwing error on the play. Green scored when Gamel hit a comebacker to Isotope starter Randy Keisler who decided to try to get Taylor out at home plate but the tag was late allowing Taylor to score.
Albuquerque was held to just one hit through 7 innings and finally showed signs of life in the 8th inning. Damaso Espino came up with his second hit of the game with a single and pinch-hitter Jamie Hoffmann singled. Dee Gordon bunt singled to load the bases and after Ivan DeJesus Jr. flew out, Jay Gibbons singled home Espino. Hoffmann was tagged out at home plate on the play and Jerry Sands popped out to end the inning.
In the 9th inning, Trayvon Robinson singled and Russ Mitchell walked to lead off the inning. Justin Sellers sacrificed bunted them up a base and Espino singled them both home to tie the game at 3-3.
After the 11th inning was completed with both teams still deadlocked at 3-3, the game was suspended due to PCL curfew rules.
After both teams went scoreless in the 12th inning, Albuquerque took a big lead in the 13th inning. Mitchell led off the frame with a solo homer. An out later, Espino and Hoffmann walked and after Dee Gordon flew out, DeJesus Jr. singled home Espino. Gibbons followed with a three-run homer as the Isotopes scored five runs to lead 8-3. All the Sounds could muster in the bottom of the 13th inning was one run.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 2x7 (.328), 2 K Trayvon Robinson: 1x6 (.297), 1 R, 2 K Jerry Sands: 0x4 (.301), 1 K Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 2x6 (.307), 1 R, 1 RBI (24), 2 K, 1 SB (2)
'TOPES NOTES: The game was the first time in franchise history the Isotopes have had a game suspended due to curfew. . . . The Dodgers activated C Rod Barajas from the major-league disabled list and optioned C A.J. Ellis to Albuquerque. OF Marcus Thames will not be heading to the Isotopes as he was released after having been designated for assignment a few days ago when the Dodgers acquired OF Juan Rivera from the Blue Jays. . . . In news about former Isotope players, the Seattle Mariners organization (AAA Tacoma) released P Charlie Haeger. . . . Albuquerque tied a season-high with 4 errors in the game. . . . The Isotopes are 5-2 in extra inning contests in 2011. . . . Isotopes hitting coach John Valentin was ejected by Home Plate umpire Tripp Gibson in the 3rd inning arguing balls and strikes after Ivan DeJesus Jr. was called out on strikes.
Filed 07/16/2011

July 15, 2011 - Isotopes (47-45)
Herschel Greer Stadium Albuquerque 000 000 012 00 -- 3 8 4 Nashville 300 000 000 00 -- 3 11 0 SUSPENDED, PCL CURFEW RULES
One would think after almost nine seasons of play, the Isotopes club has seen just about everything. On Friday evening, a new franchise historic first occurred. The Isotopes and Nashville Sounds (AAA Brewers) were tied 3-3 going into the 12th inning when the game was suspended due to PCL curfew rules.
After about a 2 hour, 13 minute rain delay to begin the game, Nashville didn't take very long to jump on top 3-0. In the 1st inning, Caleb Gindl singled and former-Isotope Brett Carroll walked. Taylor Green singled home Gindl and Carroll scored on a throwing error on the play. Green scored when Gamel hit a comebacker to Isotope starter Randy Keisler who decided to try to get Taylor out at home plate but the tag was late allowing Taylor to score.
Albuquerque was held to just one hit through 7 innings and finally showed signs of life in the 8th inning. Damaso Espino came up with his second hit of the game with a single and pinch-hitter Jamie Hoffmann singled. Dee Gordon bunt singled to load the bases and after Ivan DeJesus Jr. flew out, Jay Gibbons singled home Espino. Hoffmann was tagged out at home plate on the play and Jerry Sands popped out to end the inning.
In the 9th inning, Trayvon Robinson singled and Russ Mitchell walked to lead off the inning. Justin Sellers sacrificed bunted them up a base and Espino singled them both home to tie the game at 3-3.
After the 11th inning was completed with both teams still deadlocked at 3-3, the game was suspended due to PCL curfew rules that state an inning cannot be started after 12:50 AM local time.
'TOPES NOTES: Tonight's game was the first time the Isotopes have had a game suspended due to curfew. . . . The Dodgers activated C Rod Barajas from the major-league disabled list and optioned C A.J. Ellis to Albuquerque. OF Marcus Thames will not be heading to the Isotopes as he was released after having been designated for assignment a few days ago when the Dodgers acquired OF Juan Rivera from the Blue Jays. . . . In news about former Isotope players, the Seattle Mariners organization (AAA Tacoma) released P Charlie Haeger. . . . The Isotopes and Sounds are scheduled to complete this suspended game at 4:45 pm MDT on Saturday before playing their regularly scheduled game for Saturday. Probables for the regular game, scheduled to last nine innings, are both PCL All-Stars - LHP Dana Eveland (8-5, 3.77) for the Isotopes and LHP Sam Narron (4-3, 3.83) for the Sounds.
Filed 07/15/2011

July 14, 2011 - DH2 - Isotopes (47-45)
Herschel Greer Stadium Albuquerque 000 110 0 -- 2 4 1 Nashville 110 200 x -- 4 8 0 WP: Mike Fiers (2-0) LP: Tim Sexton (3-3) SV: Donovan Hand (1) HR: ABQ Ivan DeJesus Jr. (2) off Fiers (4th inning, S) NSH Jordan Brown (3) off Sexton (2nd inning, S) NSH Jordan Brown (4) off Sexton (4th inning, S) NSH Andy Gonzalez (1) off Sexton (4th inning, S) TIME: 1:58 ATT: 6,244
In the nightcap of a doubleheader, the Nashville Sounds (AAA Brewers) practically homered their way to a victory. Isotopes starter Tim Sexton allowed three Sounds homers, including two to Jordan Brown, and those three homers provided more than the two runs the Isotopes were able to score in Albuquerque's 4-2 loss to Nashville. Albuquerque has dropped four straight games and fell to 6.5 games back of division-leading Round Rock.
Cabeb Gindl, who became the first Isotope opponent to hit for the cycle when the Sounds and Isotopes played in Albuquerque last week, plated the first run for the Sounds in tonight's game in the 1st inning. Gindl walked with one out, stole second base and advanced to third base on a throwing error on the stolen base attempt, and scored on Taylor Green's single. Brown hit the first of his two homers in the 2nd inning to give Nashville a 2-0 lead.
Ivan DeJesus Jr. solo homered in the 4th inning to get Albuquerque on the scoreboard and Nashville answered with a pair of back-to-back solo homers from Brown and Andy Gonzalez in their half of the 4th inning.
Albuquerque scored their final run of the game in the 5th inning. Justin Sellers drew a two-out walk, pinch-hitter Jay Gibbons singled Sellers to third base and Dee Gordon singled home Sellers.
Sexton allowed 4 runs and 7 hits in 4 innings.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 1x3 (.329), 1 RBI (21), 2 K Jerry Sands: 0x3 (.308), 1 K Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 1x3 (.306), 1 R, 1 HR (2), 1 RBI (23)
'TOPES NOTES: The Dodgers signed P Justin Miller as a free agent and assigned him to Albuquerque. When Miller makes his first appearance for the Isotopes in 2011, it will mark the start of his fourth stint with the team. He was with Albuquerque as a Marlins affiliate in 2007 and 2008 and with the Isotopes as a Dodgers affiliate in 2010. To make room for Miller on the active roster, P Ian Snell was suspended with the reason not given. It seems likely to be a team or organization related matter because Snell was not disclosed by the MLB Commissioner's Office as having violated Minor League Baseball's Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. . . . The Isotopes have played three doubleheaders -- all on the road -- in 2011 and in two of the three, the Isotopes have been swept. Albuquerque has a 1-5 record in doubleheader games played this season. . . . Albuquerque pitching has allowed back-to-back homers four times this season -- including twice to the Sounds -- and all four occurances have been in June or July. . . . Tim Sexton has lost his last three pitching decisions, including two of them in this current home-and-home series with Nashville. . . . The Isotopes look to snap their four game losing streak on Friday evening. Probables are LHP Randy Keisler (5-4, 3.62) for the Isotopes and RHP Josh Butler (5-5, 5.11) for the Sounds.
Filed 07/14/2011

July 14, 2011 - DH1 - Isotopes (47-44)
Herschel Greer Stadium Albuquerque 000 000 0 -- 0 3 0 Nashville 000 032 x -- 5 11 0 WP: Mike McClendon (3-1) LP: Joey Newby (1-3) TIME: 2:04
Former-Isotope pitcher Frankie De La Cruz and two Nashville Sounds (AAA Brewers) relievers held Albuquerque to three hits in a 5-0 shutout of the Isotopes in the opener of a doubleheader Thursday evening in Nashville.
Isotopes starter Joey Newby hurled four scoreless innings before running into trouble in the 5th inning. Brandon Boggs led off the inning with a hit by pitch. An out later, former-Isotope Brett Carroll singled to put runners on the corners and after David Pfeiffer releived Newby, Taylor Green singled home Boggs. Mat Gamel followed with a two-run single to drive in Carroll and Green.
Nashville plated their final two runs in the 6th inning when Eric Farris two-run doubled.
Newby allowed 2 runs and 6 hits in 4 1/3 innings.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 0x2 (.329), 2 BB, 1 K Trayvon Robinson: 1x3 (.300), 1 K Jerry Sands: 0x3 (.313) Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 0x2 (.305), 1 BB, 1 K
'TOPES NOTES: Dee Gordon went hitless in two at-bats to snap a 9-game hitting streak. . . . The Isotopes have been shut out five times in 2011. . . . Paul McAnulty of the Salt Lake Bees (AAA Angels) is the PCL Hitter of the Week. McAnulty hit .500 (16x32) with 2 homers and 13 RBI for the week. . . . Adalberto Mendez of the New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Marlins) is the PCL Pitcher of the Week. Mendez made two starts during the award week and did not earn a decision. In 11 innings, Mendez allowed 3 hits, 1 run, walked 3, struck out 10, and compiled a weekly ERA of 0.82.
Filed 07/14/2011

July 13, 2011 - 2011 Triple-A All-Star Game
Spring Mobile Ballpark International League 030 000 000 -- 3 6 1 Pacific Coast League 000 000 000 -- 0 3 1 WP: Zach Mcallister (Columbus - Indians) LP: Brad Mills (Las Vegas - Blue Jays) HR: IL Russ Canzler off Brad Mills (2nd inning, 3R) TIME: 2:41 ATT: 12,439 (Cap. 15,500)
A homer was all the runs scored in the game that ended up being a pitcher's duel as the International League All-Stars fell to Isotopes Manager Lorenzo Bundy's Pacific Coast League All-Stars 3-0 in the 2011 Triple-A All-Star Game in Salt Lake City, home of the Salt Lake Bees (AAA Angels).
In the 2nd inning with PCL starter Brad Mills (Las Vegas - Blue Jays) on the mound, Dayan Viciedo (Charlotte - White Sox) reached on an error and an out later, Matt Hague (Indianapolis - Pirates) drew a walk. After home-run derby winner Stefan Gartrell (Gwinnett - Braves) flew out for the second out of the inning, Russ Canzler (Durham - Rays) three-run homered to give the International League a 3-0 lead.
The PCL's best scoring opportunity came in the 7th inning with the IL's Shane Lindsay (Charlotte - White Sox) on the bump. Lindsay allowed a leadoff walk to Aaron Cunningham (Tucson - Padres) and two groundouts later, Konrad Schmidt (Reno - Dbacks) drew a walk. Lindsay was lifted for Chuck James (Rochester - Twins) who allowed a walk to J.B. Shuck (Oklahoma City - Astros) to load the bags. Former-Isotope Tony Abreu (Reno - Dbacks) struck out to end the inning and the threat.
Both of Albuquerque's representatives were fairly quiet in the game. Dana Eveland pitched the 4th inning for the PCL and in eight pitches, got a flyout and two groundouts to set the IL down in order. Trayvon Robinson started in left field and struck out in his first at-bat and grounded out in his second at-bat.
The IL star of the game was Canzler and the PCL star of the game was David Cooper (Las Vegas - Blue Jays) who singled and walked in his two at-bats during a tough night for PCL batters.
Tonight's IL victory gives them a 8-6 all-time advantage in Triple-A All-Star Games since the format was changed from A.L. affiliates vs. N.L. affiliates to International League vs. Pacific Coast League. Probably more importantly, the International League Governor's Cup champion will be the "home" team during the 2011 Triple-A National Championship Game that will be held at Isotopes Park on September 20th when the IL champion meets the Pacific Coast League champion.
Filed 07/13/2011

Travyon Robinson Falls Short At Home Run Derby Trayvon Robinson failed to get out of the first round at the 2011 Triple-A All-Star Game Home Run Derby. Isotopes manager Lorenzo Bundy pitched batting practice pitches to Robinson and Robinson was only able to hit two homers out of Spring Mobile Ballpark in Salt Lake City. With Robinson out of the competition, the excitement was between the Gwinnett Braves' Stefan Gartrell and Spanish Fork High School (Spanish Fork, UT) senior-to-be Kayden Porter in the finals. Gartrell outhomered the high- schooler Porter 7-5 in the final round to win the Home Run Derby. The Triple-A All-Star game is Wednesday evening at 7pm MDT and can be watched on MLB Network, found streamed at MILB.TV or heard on KNML-AM 610 The Sports Animal. Isotope representatives are manager Bundy, outfielder Robinson and pitcher Dana Eveland. The Isotopes rejoin as a team Thursday to begin a series in Nashville -- five games in four days with a doubleheader on Thursday. Filed 07/11/2011

July 10, 2011 - Isotopes (47-43)
Isotopes Park Nashville 115 000 020 -- 9 13 0 Albuquerque 000 010 022 -- 5 13 1 WP: Josh Butler (5-5) LP: Ian Snell (1-2) HR: NSH Caleb Gindl (12) off Troncoso (3rd inning, S) NSH Taylor Green (13) off Snell (3rd inning, GS) NSH Brett Carroll (15) off Snell (1st inning, S) ABQ Ivan DeJesus Jr. (1) off Butler (5th inning, S) TIME: 3:22 ATT: 9,672
It took almost 9 full seasons of play for Albuquerque fans to see the history that happened at Isotopes Park on Sunday night. Nashville Sounds (AAA Brewers) slugger Caleb Gindl became the first Isotopes opponent to hit for the cycle in a game and the Sounds built up a big early lead and cruised to a 9-5 victory over the Isotopes in the series finale. Albuquerque heads into the All-Star break with a two-game losing streak but remains five games back of Round Rock in the division.
Former-Isotope Brett Carroll solo homered in the 1st inning for Nashville and Gindl tripled and scored on Edwin Maysonet's single in the 2nd inning for a 2-0 lead.
The Sounds added five more in the 3rd inning on a Taylor Green grand-slam homer and Gindl's solo homer.
Ivan DeJesus Jr. solo homered for Albuquerque in the 5th inning as the Isotopes trailed 7-1.
Nashville plated their final two runs in the 8th inning to take a 9-1 lead and Albuquerque added some late-game runs starting in their half of the 8th inning. Jay Gibbons doubled, went to third base on a wild pitch and scored on Jamie Hoffmann's double. Corey Smith singled and advanced to second base on the throw when the Sounds nailed Hoffmann at home plate. Damaso Espino followed with a single to drive in Smith.
In the 9th inning, Dee Gordon tripled and scored on Ivan DeJesus Jr.'s single. DeJesus Jr. went to third base on Jerry Sands singled before scoring the final run of the game when Gibbons grounded into a double play.
Isotopes starter Ian Snell allowed 6 runs and 5 hits in 2 innings.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 3x5 (.332), 1 R, 1 3B (5) Trayvon Robinson: 0x1 (.299), 1 K Jerry Sands: 1x4 (.319), 1 BB, 3 K Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 2x4 (.309), 2 R, 1 HR (1), 2 RBI (22), 1 BB, 1 K
'TOPES NOTES: IF Juan Castro was removed from the Isotopes roster as he announced his retirement and took a job as Special Assistant, Baseball Operations and Player Development for the Dodgers. Castro was one of five players to play both for the Albuquerque Dukes and Albuquerque Isotopes. . . . The start of the game was delayed 31 minutes by a brief rain shower. It was the second night in a row for a delayed start with last night's game delayed by 28 minutes. . . . Pitching Coach Glenn Dishman served as manager for the Isotopes in tonight's game as Manager Lorenzo Bundy was in Phoenix as part of the coaching staff for the World Team at the 2011 Futures Game held at Chase Field. The U.S. Team beat the World Team 6-4 in the game featuring prospects. . . . The Sounds and Isotopes split the four game series 2-2 and 36,165 fans attended for a per-game average of 9,041. 65,075 turned out for the 7-game homestand that included the 4th of July fireworks promotion. . . . Nashville and Albuquerque completed their regular season series games at Isotopes Park tonight. Albuquerque took 5 of the 8 games. The Isotopes and Sounds finish up the 16-game regular season series after the All-Star break. . . . The Isotopes are 47-43 at the All-Star break and have had an above .500 record in six of the nine seasons of play and the 47 wins is tied for second-most wins at the All-Star break in franchise history. . . . Dee Gordon had three hits to extend his hitting streak to 9 games. . . . Isotopes pitching has allowed three grand-slam homers. All three of them happened in the 3rd inning and tonight's grand-slam was the first one allowed at Isotopes Park this season. . . . Albuquerque is 1-4 when Ian Snell starts the game. . . . The Isotopes have a three-day All-Star break to relax -- except for Manager Lorenzo Bundy, Outfielder Trayvon Robinson and Pitcher Dana Eveland who will be participating in the 2011 Triple-A All-Star Game in Salt Lake City on Wednesday evening. The game can be watched on MLB Network, streamed over the internet at MILB.TV, or you can hear it broadcast on the radio over the Isotopes' flagship station KNML-AM 610 The Sports Animal. . . . The Isotopes and Sounds better hope they are not sick of each other. Right after the break, the Isotopes and Sounds will play five games in four days in Nashville and it is the second straight year in which the Isotopes and Sounds have played a home-and-home series. The series begins with a doubleheader on a travel day to make up for a rained out game the last time Albuquerque was in Nashville as well as to play the regularly scheduled game for that day. Probables in game 1 are RHP Joey Newby (1-2, 4.15) for the Isotopes and former-Isotope RHP Frankie De La Cruz (3-5, 4.33) for the Sounds. In the nightcap, probables are RHP Tim Sexton (3-2, 4.77) for Albuquerque and RHP Mike Fiers (1-0, 1.29) for Nashville.
Filed 07/10/2011

July 9, 2011 - Isotopes (47-42)
Isotopes Park Nashville 000 002 001 -- 3 7 1 Albuquerque 000 010 000 -- 1 7 1 WP: Mike Fiers (1-0) LP: Tim Sexton (3-2) SV: Tim Dillard (1) HR: NSH Brett Carroll (14) off Sexton (6th inning, 2R) TIME: 2:50 ATT: 10,489
The Isotopes got great pitching for the fourth game in a row. Unfortunately they also scored just one run and that wasn't enough offense. The Nashville Sounds (AAA Brewers) defeated the Isotopes 3-1 in one of the lowest scoring games of the season at "The Lab" to snap Albuquerque's four game winning streak and the Isotopes fell to five games back of Round Rock in the division.
In the 5th inning, Dee Gordon bunt singled, advanced to third base on Ivan DeJesus Jr.'s single, and scored on Jay Gibbons' fielders choice as Albuquerque took a 1-0 lead.
It did not take long for that lead to evaporate. Former-Isotope Brett Carroll two-run homered in the 6th inning to give Nashville the lead and the Sounds added an insurance run in the 9th inning.
Albuquerque starter Tim Sexton pitched 7 innings, allowing 4 hits, the 2 runs on the homer, walked 1 and fanned 7.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 2x5 (.326), 1 R Trayvon Robinson: 0x3 (.300), 1 BB, 2 K Jerry Sands: 0x3 (.321), 1 BB Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 2x5 (.304)
'TOPES NOTES: The Isotopes placed IF John Lindsey on the Disabled List with a strained hamstring and activated OF Jay Gibbons from the Disabled List. P Mario Alvarez was released and P Roy Corcoran was transferred from Class-AA Chattanooga. Corcoran, who pitched for the Isotopes in 2007, will become the sixth player to play for Isotopes as a Marlins and Dodgers affiliated team. . . . Myja Peterson became the 5 millionth fan to attend an Albuquerque Isotopes game in franchise history when she came through the Isotopes Park turnstiles Saturday evening. The Isotopes' 4 millionth fan attended the August 26, 2009 game so it took 682 calendar days for the Isotopes to draw the next million fans. The event marks the second attendance milestone this week (July 4th - 16,059 largest Isotopes Park game attendance). . . . The start of the game was delayed 28 minutes by rain, the first weather delay of the so-far extremely dry season. . . . The loss snapped a five-game Isotopes winning streak against the Sounds in games played at Isotopes Park. . . . The Isotopes hope to get a victory in their final contest before the three day All-Star break. Probables are RHP Ian Snell (1-1, 9.45) for the Isotopes and RHP Josh Butler (4-5, 5.31) for the Sounds.
Filed 07/09/2011

July 8, 2011 - Isotopes (47-41)
Isotopes Park Nashville 000 100 000 -- 1 6 2 Albuquerque 004 300 00x -- 7 11 0 WP: John Ely (5-4) LP: Frankie De La Cruz (3-5) TIME: 2:35 ATT: 7,693
The Isotopes got superb starting pitching for the third game in a row. John Ely gave up a run and 6 hits in 7 innings while fanning 5 Nashville Sounds (AAA Brewers) batters in a 7-1 Isotopes victory. Albuquerque has won four straight games and closed to four games back of division leader Round Rock. It took until the third inning for the Isotopes to become the first team on the scoreboard and they did it all with two outs. Dee Gordon bunt singled and scored on Justin Sellers' double to the right field wall. Jerry Sands drew a walk and John Lindsey doubled to right-center field to drive in Sellers and Sands. Lindsey had to leave the game with a strained left hamstring and was replaced by Russ Mitchell. Mitchell came around to score on Trayvon Robinson's infield single with a throwing error as the Isotopes led 4-0.
Ely's lone run allowed came in the 4th inning when former-Isotope Brett Carroll singled, advanced to third base on Taylor Green's ground rule double and scored on Wil Nieves' groundout.
Albuquerque plated their final three runs of the game in the bottom half of the 4th inning. Ely singled with one out, Gordon singled and Sellers followed with a single with an error on the play to drive in Ely. Sands then singled into right field to plate Gordon and Sellers.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 2x5 (.324), 2 R, 1 K Trayvon Robinson: 1x3 (.303), 1 BB, 1 K Jerry Sands: 1x3 (.327), 1 R, 2 RBI (45), 2 BB Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 0x1 (.302)
'TOPES NOTES: The four-game winning streak ties Albuquerque's longest winning streak of the season. . . . Albuquerque recorded its 30th home victory tonight and is 30-15 at The Lab in 2011. . . . The Isotopes are currently enjoying a string of domination against the Sounds - five straight wins this season in games played at Isotopes Park. . . . There were two changes to the PCL All-Star squad Friday. New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Marlins) OF/C Vinny Rottino was added to the squad when the Marlins called up OF Bryan Petersen. Oklahoma City Redhawks (AAA Astros) OF J.B. Shuck was also added to the team when Redhawks P David Carpenter was promoted to the Astros. . . . The series continues Saturday night with fireworks after the game. Probables are RHP Tim Sexton (3-1, 5.10) for the Isotopes and RHP Mike Fiers (No Record) for the Sounds. Fiers will be making his first Triple-A start.
Filed 07/08/2011

July 7, 2011 - Isotopes (46-41)
Isotopes Park Nashville 001 000 000 -- 1 2 0 Albuquerque 100 201 10x -- 5 8 2 WP: Randy Keisler (5-4) LP: Amaury Rivas (6-8) HR: ABQ Trayvon Robinson (21) off Meadows (6th inning, S) ABQ Justin Selelrs (9) off Meadows (7th inning, S) TIME: 2:33 ATT: 8,311
The Isotopes opened their final series before the All-Star break on a great note. Randy Keisler was super, pitching 6 2/3 innings of 2 hit ball while allowing just an unearned run and All-Star Trayvon Robinson and Justin Sellers added solo homers to provide all the offense the Isotopes would need in a 5-1 victory over the Nashville Sounds (AAA Brewers). Albuquerque has won three straight games.
Dee Gordon once again helped the Isotopes get quickly on the scoreboard in the 1st inning. Gordon led off with a triple to left-center field and scored on a balk.
The Sounds tied up the game in the 3rd inning. Edwin Maysonet doubled, advanced to third base on Sounds starter Amaury Rivas' sacrifice bunt and scored on a Gordon throwing error.
Keisler's teammates did not take too long to get him back the lead. In the 4th inning, Jerry Sands singled and scored on John Lindsey's double to left-center field. Lindsey went to third base on Robinson's single before scoring on Jamie Hoffmann's sacrifice flyout.
Robinson solo homered in the 6th inning and Sellers added a solo homer in the 7th inning for the final runs of the game.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 2x4 (.322), 1 R, 1 2B (8), 1 3B (4) Trayvon Robinson: 2x4 (.303), 1 R, 1 HR (21), 1 RBI (56) Jerry Sands: 1x4 (.327), 1 R, 1 K
'TOPES NOTES: It was a very busy day off the field for the Isotopes. The Isotopes announced the 2011 Albuquerque Professional Baseball Hall of Fame inductees. Going into the hall this year is Albuquerque Dukes pitcher Ted Power, Albuquerque Dukes infielder Brian Traxler, and Albuquerque Isotopes infielder Jason Wood. Wood becomes the first Isotope-era player to enter the Hall of Fame and second Isotope-related Hall of Famer behind Mike Roberts who worked the radio broadcasts primarily for the Dukes but also called a few Isotope home games in his career. Induction night is July 23rd on Dukes Retro Night and the Isotopes will be wearing the mustard-yellow color Dukes throwback uniforms. . . . The other big news is that All-Star Trayvon Robinson will be participating in the Triple-A All-Star Game home run derby. Along with Robinson, the PCL will be represented by Bryan LaHair (Iowa Cubs) and Jeff Baisley (Salt Lake Bees). Representing the International League are Jorge Vazquez (Scranton/Wilkes Barre Yankees), Stefan Gartrell (Gwinnett Braves) and Dayan Viciedo (Charlotte Knights) and rounding out the field are two Utah high school players. . . . The Isotopes did not make up any ground in the division -- still five games back -- as the Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) also won their contest. . . . Baseball America released their midseason top-50 prospects list and Dee Gordon appears at number 21, the top Dodgers prospect on the list. The #1 prospect overall on the list is the Nationals' Bryce Harper. . . . Gordon made some Dodgers history before being sent back down to Albuquerque earlier this week. MLB.com reported there was a scoring change involving Gordon from last Friday's Dodgers/Angels interleague matchup. Gordon reached on a fielder's choice in the 7th inning and stole second base. Tony Gwynn Jr. walked and during a pickoff attempt to get Gwynn Jr. out at first base, Gordon went to third base. The initial ruling was a fielder's choice that allowed Gordon to reach third base until a scoring change a few days later made it a stolen base. Gordon stole home plate when Gwynn Jr. stole second base, making Gordon the first Dodger in 83 years (Harvey Hendrick in 1928) to steal second, third and home in the same inning. . . . Jamie Hoffmann went 0x1 with a walk to snap his 9-game hitting streak. . . . The two hits allowed was the fewest hits Isotopes pitching allowed in a home game this season. . . . The PCL made its first change to their All-Star game roster. Salt Lake Bees (AAA Angels) infielder Jeff Baisley was added to the roster when All-Star Brian Barden elected to opt out of his contract with the Texas Rangers organization (Round Rock Triple-A) and become a free agent. . . . The series continues Friday evening. Probables are RHP John Ely (4-4, 5.48) for the Isotopes and former-Isotope RHP Frankie De La Cruz (3-4, 3.94) for the Sounds.
Filed 07/07/2011

July 6, 2011 - Isotopes (45-41)
Isotopes Park Round Rock 000 000 021 -- 3 6 2 Albuquerque 320 150 00x -- 11 12 1 WP: Dana Eveland (8-5) LP: Derek Hankins (5-6) HR: ABQ Jerry Sands (13) off Hankins (2nd inning, S) TIME: 2:48 ATT: 5,366
Albuquerque's pitching All-Star Dana Eveland had his final tuneup before the Triple-A All-Star game and he was splendid, tossing 8 innings of 5 hit, 2 run (1 earned) ball with 7 strikeouts, and Albuquerque completed the short three-game series with a 11-3 victory over the Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers). The division-leading Express came to town 6 games up and left town 5 games ahead of the Isotopes.
Albuquerque was off and running in the 1st inning. Dee Gordon led off with a triple, Russ Mitchell walked and Jerry Sands doubled home Gordon and Mitchell. An out later, Trayvon Robinson walked and Jamie Hoffmann flied out with Sands tagging up to third base before scoring on a passed ball.
In the 2nd inning, Justin Sellers singled, took second on a wild pitch, advanced to third base on Gordon's groundout and scored on Mitchell's sacrifice flyout. Sands followed with a solo homer for a 5-0 Isotopes lead.
Sellers walked and later scored on Sands' single in the 4th inning and Albuquerque plated their final 5 runs in the 5th inning. Robinson walked and Hoffmann singled. An error on the play allowed Robinson to go to third base to put runners on the corners and JD Closser singled home Robinson. Corey Smith reached on an error and Sellers doubled home Hoffmann and Closser. Gordon's single then drove in Smith. After Mitchell struck out, Sands sacrifice flied out to drive in Sellers.
Julio Bordon tripled home a run before scoring on Omar Quintanilla's single in the 8th inning and a run scored on a groundout in the 9th inning as the Express tallied for their only three runs of the game.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 2x5 (.319), 1 R, 1 3B (3), 1 RBI (20) Trayvon Robinson: 1x3 (.300), 1 R, 2 BB, 2 K, 1 SB (8) Jerry Sands: 3x4 (.329), 2 R, 1 2B (11), 1 HR (13), 5 RBI (43), 1 K
'TOPES NOTES: The Dodgers named their Dodger Pride award winners for June. At the Triple-A level, RHP Merkin Valdez took the pitching honor. Valdez allowed 1 earned run and struck out 21 in 16 2/3 innings during June (0.54 ERA). Valdez was the first pitcher not named Dana Eveland to win the Triple-A Dodger Pride pitcher award this season. The Dodger Pride hitter award winner for the Triple-A level is PCL All-Star Trayvon Robinson. Robinson hit .359 (37x103) with 9 homers and 23 RBI in June and had a 16-game hitting streak during the month. . . . It appears the PCL schedulemakers have done another very good job of making the end of the season exciting. Round Rock is currently five games up and if the Isotopes can play good enough in the next month and a half or so to regain first place without getting a sizeable lead in the division, or if the Isotopes play just good enough to stay close to the Express, the division should be decided when the Isotopes and Express play each other 9 times in the final two weeks of the season. Albuquerque will host 5 games, while Round Rock will host the final 4 games of the regular season. . . . Albuquerque took two out of the three games in the series and 28,910 attended for a per-game average of 5,366. . . . Jerry Sands has homered in back-to-back games. For the second night in a row, Sands was a triple short of hitting for the cycle. . . . Jamie Hoffmann hit safely to extend his hitting streak to 9 games. . . . Dana Eveland leads the team with 8 victories and with the Isotopes going 10-7 in games he has started, Eveland became the first pitcher this season to have the club win double-digit games in games he started. . . . Albuquerque begins their last series before the All-Star break on Thursday night and the Nashville Sounds (AAA Brewers) are coming to town. Probables in the opener are LHP Randy Keisler (4-4, 4.08) for the Isotopes and RHP Amaury Rivas (6-7, 4.34) for the Sounds.
Filed 07/06/2011

July 5, 2011 - Isotopes (44-41)
Isotopes Park Round Rock 000 400 000 -- 4 8 1 Albuquerque 300 031 51x -- 13 17 2 WP: Ian Snell (1-1) LP: Scott Feldman (2-1) HR: RR Matt Kata (5) off Snell (4th inning, 3R) ABQ JD Closser (10) off Kirkman (6th inning, S) ABQ Jerry Sands (12) off Feldman (5th inning, S) ABQ John Lindsey (7) off Feldman (5th inning, S) TIME: 3:13 ATT: 7,485
Isotopes starter Ian Snell pitched well enough to keep his team in the game -- 4 runs and 6 hits in 6 innings -- and his teammates had timely enough hitting to give him his first Isotopes win in a 13-4 win over the Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers). Albuquerque's victory moved them six games back of the Express in the division. In the 1st inning, Russ Mitchell and Jerry Sands singled and John Lindsey walked to load the bases with one out. Trayvon Robinson reached on a fielder's choice with Mitchell scoring, Jamie Hoffmann singled home Sands, and JD Closser singled home Robinson as the Isotopes led 3-0.
Snell ran into trouble in the 4th inning, allowing a three-run homer to Matt Kata as part of a four run inning as the Express took a 4-3 lead.
Albuquerque regained the lead for good in the 5th inning. Dee Gordon singled, stole second and third bases and scored on Russ Mitchell's sacrifice flyout. Sands and Lindsey followed with back-to-back solo homers.
Closser solo homered in the 6th inning to extend Albuquerque's lead to 7-4.
The Isotopes added plenty of insurance runs in the 7th inning using a five-spot to lead 12-4. Sands doubled and scored on Lindsey's single. Robinson singled and two outs later, Corey Smith singled to load the bases before Justin Sellers singled home Lindsey and Robinson. Sellers went to second base on a wild pitch and then Express reliever Michael Kirkman balked to allow Smith to score. Kirkman was ejected for arguing the balk and Gordon greeted the new reliever with a single to drive in Sellers.
Closser sacrifice flied out to bring home Lindsey in the 8th inning with the final run of the game.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 2x5 (.317), 1 R, 1 RBI (19), 1 K, 2 SB (24) Trayvon Robinson: 1x5 (.300), 2 R, 1 RBI (55), 1 K Jerry Sands: 3x5 (.317), 3 R, 1 2B (10), 1 HR (12), 1 RBI (38)
'TOPES NOTES: The victory snapped Albuquerque's worst home losing streak of the season (4 games). . . . Revisiting last night's Isotopes Park all-time record crowd of 16,059 -- if Isotopes Park was considered a "city" for last night's game, "The Lab" would have been the 12th largest "city" in the state of New Mexico. . . . Every Isotopes starter had a hit in the game, and every starter except for Corey Smith had at least one RBI in the game. . . . In his first game back with the Isotopes, Dee Gordon picked right up where he left off by swiping two bases, his team-leading 23rd and 24th stolen bases of the season. The stolen bases snapped a streak of eight games in which the Isotopes failed to steal a base. . . . Jerry Sands was a triple shy of hitting for the cycle. . . . Jamie Hoffmann hit safely to extend his hitting streak to 8 games. . . . Kyle Blanks of the Tucson Padres (AAA Padres), who grew up in Moriarty, New Mexico, is the PCL Hitter of the Week. Blanks hit .520 (13x25) during the award week with 5 homers and 15 RBI. . . . Wade LeBlanc of the Tucson Padres (AAA Padres) won the PCL Pitcher of the Week award, making it a Tucson sweep of the PCL weekly awards. LeBlanc tossed 8 innings and won his only start of the week while allowing 2 hits, no runs (ERA: 0.00), 1 walk and 6 strikeouts. . . . The quick three-game series concludes Wednesday evening. Probables are LHP Dana Eveland (7-5, 3.99) for the Isotopes and RHP Derek Hankins (5-5, 6.03) for the Express.
Filed 07/05/2011

July 4, 2011 - Isotopes (43-41)
Isotopes Park Round Rock 111 105 022 -- 13 23 1 Albuquerque 402 103 000 -- 10 13 0 WP: Manny Delcarmen (3-2) LP: Ramon Troncoso (1-1) SV: Cody Eppley (7) HR: RR Joey Butler (5) off Sexton (2nd inning, S) RR Chris Davis (20) off Pfeiffer (6th inning, 2R) RR Chad Tracy (18) off Pfeiffer (6th inning, S) ABQ John Lindsey (6) off Tomko (1st inning, 2R) ABQ Russ Mitchell (7) off Delcarmen (6th inning, 2R) ABQ Damaso Espino (3) off Tomko (4th inning, S) TIME: 3:33 ATT: 16,059
Things were set up so well for the Isotopes on Monday. They were returning to their home field, they had snapped their franchise worse losing streak the night before, they were expected to play in front of the largest Isotopes Park crowd ever, and division-leader Round Rock was coming to town so the Isotopes could make up some ground in the division. Things did not play out well -- the Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) defeated the Isotopes 13-10 and added a game to their division lead (now at 7 games). The Isotopes did get their Isotopes Park record crowd of 16,059.
After Round Rock plated a run in the top of the 1st inning, Albuquerque responded in the bottom half. Justin Sellers singled, Russ Mitchell walked and Jerry Sands tripled to right field to drive them in. John Lindsey followed with a two-run homer to give Albuquerque a 4-1 lead.
Round Rock plated a run in the 2nd inning and 3rd inning to pull to 4-3 before Albuquerque scored again in the bottom of the 3rd inning. Mitchell singled, Sands walked and an out later, Trayvon Robinson grounded out with both runners moving up a base before Jamie Hoffmann singled them both home.
The two clubs exchanged single runs in the 4th inning. Omar Quintanilla singled home a run for Round Rock and Damaso Espino solo homered for Albuquerque as the Isotopes held a 7-4 lead.
In the 6th inning, Round Rock plated five runs on a Quintanilla two-run single, Chris Davis' two-run homer and Chad Tracy's solo homer as the Express led 9-7.
In the bottom of the 6th inning. Espino singled, Joe Becker doubled and Justin Sellers sacrifice flied out to drive in Espino. Mitchell followed with a two-run homer as Albuquerque led 10-9.
The Isotopes lost that lead in the 8th inning when Davis doubled home the game-tying run and Esteban German singled home the go ahead run. The Express added two insurance runs in the 9th inning for the final 13-10 score.
Isotopes starter Tim Sexton went 5 2/3 innings, allowing 12 hits and 5 runs and got a no decision.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Trayvon Robinson: 1x4 (.302), 1 BB Jerry Sands: 1x4 (.307), 2 R, 1 3B (2), 2 RBI (37), 1 BB
'TOPES NOTES: The Dodgers purchased the contract of IF Eugenio Velez from Albuquerque and optioned IF Dee Gordon to the Isotopes in order to get more playing time. In his first MLB stint, Gordon played in 22 games and hit .232 with 0 homers and 4 RBI. Gordon scored 11 runs and stole 8 bags. . . . The seven games back in the division are the most the Isotopes have been out of first place all season. Albuquerque has lost their last two games when they plated 10 or more runs in the game and is in the midst of a season-worst home losing streak (4 games). . . . Russ Mitchell has homered in back-to-back contests. . . . Albuquerque eclipsed the 100 homer mark this season (101) and have yet to grand-slam homer. There have been 57 solo homers, 34 two-run homers and 10 three-run homers. . . . Isotopes pitching gave up a season-worst 23 hits in a contest. . . . Albuquerque is now 4-4 on the 4th of July with a 1-2 record at home and a 3-game losing streak. . . . This is a very historic and milestone homestand. Tonight was the historic part with the largest Isotopes Park crowd ever (16,059) and later in the homestand a milestone will be reached when the 5 millionth fan comes through the turnstiles. . . . Tonight's record crowd moved the Isotopes Park 2003 opening crowd of 12,215 down the rankings to the 50th largest regular season or exhibition crowd in the history of Isotopes Park. . . . The series continues Tuesday evening. Probables are RHP Ian Snell (0-1, 10.93) for the Isotopes and rehabilitating RHP Scott Feldman (2-0, 3.23) for the Express.
Filed 07/04/2011

July 3, 2011 - Isotopes (43-40)
Werner Park Albuquerque 000 020 000 -- 2 5 1 Omaha 000 000 000 -- 0 6 1 WP: John Ely (4-4) LP: Jeff Suppan (7-5) SV: Jon Link (8) HR: ABQ Russ Mitchell (6) off Suppan (5th inning, 2R) TIME: 2:36 ATT: 9,023
John Ely, Merkin Valdez and Jon Link combined on a 6-hit shutout and the Isotopes snapped their franchise-worst 10-game losing streak with a 2-0 victory over the Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) on Sunday evening.
In the 5th inning, Jamie Hoffmann singled and scored on Russ Mitchell's homer for the only runs of the game.
Ely went 7 innings, allowing 4 hits and no runs while walking 2 and striking out 1.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Trayvon Robinson: 1x4 (.302) Jerry Sands: 0x4 (.309), 1 K Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 0x3 (.303)
'TOPES NOTES: With the victory tonight, Albuquerque avoided going winless for the first time on a road trip of more than 4 games. . . . Omaha took three out of the four games in the series. 31,145 attended at Werner Park for a per-game average of 7,786. Albuquerque returns to Omaha in late July to complete the 16-game regular season series with the Storm Chasers. . . . Three out of the four games in the series were decided by just one swing of the bat. Mike Aviles grand-slam homer in game 2 of the series was enough runs to give Omaha a victory in a shutout of the Isotopes, Johnny Giavotella's two run homer provided more than the one run the Isotoeps scored in game 3, and Russ Mitchell's two-run homer gave the Isotopes all the runs they would need in shuting out the Storm Chasers in game 4. . . . Isotopes pitching has three shutouts this season and John Ely was involved with two of them. One was a solo effort and one was a combined effort. . . . The Omaha Storm Chasers must be kicking themselves for moving into a more intimate ballpark. While the small regular nightly crowds fit nicely into new Werner Park, on nights like tonight the Storm Chasers are only able to draw 9,023 - the maximum capacity of the ballpark. It was not uncommon to draw 20,000 or more fans on the big 4th of July fireworks promotion in their former Rosenblatt Stadium home. The 9,023 drawn on Sunday night is the largest crowd Omaha has attracted in their new ballpark that has been open since April. . . . The Isotopes return home for a homestand to finish out play until the Triple-A All-Star break. The first three games -- a one game shorter series to sync up to the All-Star Break -- are against division leading Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers). The Express come to town knowing they will leave in first place since they are six games ahead of the Isotopes. A great series by the Isotopes can get them to striking distance of first place by the All-Star break. Probables in the opener are RHP Tim Sexton (3-1, 4.71) for the Isotopes and RHP Brett Tomko (4-3, 6.50) for the Express. The Isotopes announced Sunday that club, box, reserved and berm seats are sold out and the only tickets left to purchase (while still available) are standing room only tickets.
Filed 07/03/2011

July 2, 2011 - Isotopes (42-40)
Werner Park Albuquerque 010 000 000 -- 1 5 2 Omaha 002 011 00x -- 4 9 0 WP: Sean O'Sullivan (1-1) LP: Randy Keisler (4-4) SV: Jeremy Jeffress (2) HR: OMA Johnny Giavotella (7) off Keisler (3rd inning, 2R) TIME: 2:24 ATT: 8,801
The good news is that Isotopes starter Randy Keisler did not pitch too poorly - allowing 4 runs and 8 hits in 7 innings. The bad news is that the Isotopes could only plate one run in dropping their franchise-record 10th straight game by a final score of 4-1 to the Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals).
In the 2nd inning, Trayvon Robinson led off with a walk. Robinson advanced to second base on Russ Mitchell's groundout and scored on Jamie Hoffmann's single.
Omaha got on the scoreboard and got all the runs they would need with one swing of the bat in the 3rd inning. Joaquin Arias tripled and scored an out later on Johnny Giavotella's homer.
Giavotella sacrifice flied out in the 5th inning to drive in a run and Kila Kaaihue singled home the final run of the game in the 6th inning.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Trayvon Robinson: 0x3 (.303), 1 R, 1 BB, 3 K Jerry Sands: 0x4 (.318) Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 3x4 (.309)
'TOPES NOTES: The Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) won their game in extra innings so Albuquerque falls to a season-worst 6 games back in the division. The Isotopes started their worst losing streak with a 1.5 game lead in the division over Round Rock. The Isotopes face Round Rock in a three-game series at Isotopes Park starting July 4th. . . . For the second game in a row, none of the Isotope hits went for extra bases. . . . The Isotopes close out their horrible eight-game roadtrip on Sunday evening. Probables are RHP John Ely (3-4, 5.94) for the Isotopes and RHP Jeff Suppan (7-4, 4.88) for the Storm Chasers.
Filed 07/02/2011

July 1, 2011 - Isotopes (42-39)
Werner Park Albuquerque 000 000 000 -- 0 3 1 Omaha 004 000 02x -- 6 9 0 WP: Mike Montgomery (3-4) LP: Dana Eveland (7-5) HR: OMA Mike Aviles (9) off Eveland (3rd inning, GS) TIME: 2:35 ATT: 6,805
One of the Kansas City Royals' top prospects, Mike Montgomery, and two relievers totally dominated the Isotopes, scattering three hits and allowing no Isotope to reach second base, as the Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) blanked the Isotopes 6-0. Albuquerque tied a franchise record with their ninth straight defeat and lost another game in the standings, now five games back of the Round Rock Express.
Isotopes starter Dana Eveland got through two scoreless frames until he made one big mistake in the 3rd inning. Joaquin Arias singled, Irving Falu bunt singled, Johnny Giavotell walked and Mike Aviles delivered a grand-slam homer to put Omaha on the board at 4-0.
Omaha tacked on their final runs in the 8th inning, scoring a run on an error and another run on Arias' sacrifice flyout.
Eveland allowed 4 runs 7 hits in 6 innings and took the loss in his first start since being named a PCL All-Star.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Trayvon Robinson: 0x1 (.306), 2 BB Jerry Sands: 0x4 (.328), 2 K
'TOPES NOTES: None of the Isotopes' three hits went for extra bases. . . . Albuquerque has only had one other nine game losing streak (July 28-August 6, 2004). Despite the losing streak, Albuquerque is still three games above the .500 mark. . . . The Isotopes have been shut out four times this season and extended their season worst road losing streak to six games. . . . Jerry Sands went hitless in four at-bats to snap a 9 game hitting streak. . . . The Isotopes are a season worst 5 games out of first place. The previous mark for most games back in the division was 4.5 games on May 12th. . . . Albuquerque snapped a streak of 10 games with a homer when they went homerless tonight. . . . Mike Aviles was the second opponent hitter to grand slam homer against Isotope pitching this season. Both grand slam homers allowed coincidentally occurred in the 3rd inning. . . . The Isotopes look to find the win column and right the ship the rest of the series in Omaha before heading home to face division-leader Round Rock on Monday. Probables in Saturday evening's contest are LHP Randy Keisler (4-3, 4.11) for the Isotopes and RHP Sean O'Sullivan (0-1, 5.68) for the Storm Chasers.
Filed 07/01/2011

June 30, 2011 - Isotopes (42-38)
Werner Park Albuquerque 400 062 100 -- 13 13 2 Omaha 221 308 20x -- 18 15 2 WP: Kevin Pucetas (5-4) LP: Travis Schlichting (3-3) HR: ABQ Justin Sellers (8) off Pucetas (5th inning, 3R) ABQ Trayvon Robinson (19) off Mazzaro (1st inning, 3R) ABQ Trayvon Robinson (20) off Mazzaro (5th inning, 2R) ABQ Jamie Hoffmann (14) off Pucetas (6th inning, 2R) OMA Johnny Giavotella (6) off Snell (4th inning, 3R) OMA Mike Aviles (8) off Schlichting (6th inning, S) OMA Lorenzo Cain (9) off Snell (3rd inning, S) OMA Irving Falu (1) off Schlichting (6th inning, 3R) OMA Kila Kaaihue (6) off Snell (1st inning, 2R) TIME: 3:24 ATT: 6,516
The Isotopes got their first look at brand-new Werner Park in Papillon, Nebraska on Thursday evening and they must have thought they were playing at home, less the supportive fans. The Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) and Isotopes combined for 31 runs, 28 hits and 9 homers. Unfortunately, the Isotopes were on the losing end of an 18-13 final score. Albuquerque has dropped eight straight games, perilously close to tying the franchise losing streak record, and lost another game in the division with the loss.
The Isotopes got off to a good start in the 1st inning. Eugenio Velez led off the game with a double and scored an out later on Jerry Sands' single. JD Closser drew a walk ahead of Isotope All-Star Trayvon Robinson's three run homer for a 4-0 lead.
Kila Kaaihue two-run homered for Omaha in the bottom of the 1st inning and Omaha plated two more runs in the 2nd inning to tie up the game at 4-4.
Lorenzo Cain's solo homer in the 3rd inning gave the Storm Chasers the lead and Johnny Giavotellia's three-run homer in the 4th inning extended Omaha's lead to 8-4.
The Isotopes plated six runs in the 5th inning to regain the lead. Closser walked and Robinson homered for the second time in the game. Russ Mitchell walked, John Lindsey doubled and Jamie Hoffmann doubled home Mitchell. Justin Sellers followed with a three-run homer for a 10-8 Isotope lead.
Albuquerque tacked two more runs to the scoreboard in the 6th inning when Hoffmann homered with Mitchell on base.
Mike Aviles' solo homer, Irving Falu's three-run homer, and Kaaihue and Paulo Orlando's two-run singles plated eight runs in a 12-batter 6th inning as Omaha took command of the game at 16-12.
Albuqurque plated their final run in the 7th inning. Velez and Ivan DeJesus Jr. drew leadoff walks. Sands flew out with Velez tagging up to third base and Velez scored when Robinson reached on an error.
Omaha closed out the scoring in the game with two runs in their half of the 7th inning.
Isotopes starter Ian Snell allowed 8 runs (7 earned) and 6 hits in 4 innings.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Trayvon Robinson: 2x6 (.307), 2 R, 2 HR (20), 5 RBI (54), 3 K Jerry Sands: 3x6 (.339), 1 R, 1 2B (9), 1 RBI (35), 1 K Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 1x4 (.298), 2 BB, 2 K
'TOPES NOTES: IF John Lindsey was activated from the disabled list on Thursday and P Adam Dedeaux was transferred to rookie-level Ogden. . . . Until Albuquerque's current 8 game losing skid, the Isotopes were on track for the best June in franchise history. The Isotopes finished June with a 14-15 record, continuing the tradition of not having any June in franchise history with a better than .500 record. Albuquerque went 7-5 at home and 7-10 on road during the month. Other June statistics: .302 team batting average, 5.77 team ERA, 172 runs scored, 11 stolen bases, and 40 homers. . . . Trayvon Robinson has driven in five runs in a game twice this season. . . . It is no longer an automatic victory when the Isotopes score double-digit runs as tonight was the first loss in that situation (13-1 record). . . . Jerry Sands extended his hitting streak to 9 games with his 3-hit performance. . . . Albuquerque has a season-worst five-game road losing streak and the 18 runs is the most runs Isotopes pitching has allowed this season. The 13 runs was the most runs the Isotopes have scored on the road this season and the combined 31 runs was the most combined runs in a road game in franchise history. . . . The Isotopes established season highs with 9 combined homers in a game, 10 consecutive games with a homer and 5 homers allowed, and Albuquerque tied a season high with 4 homers hit in the game. . . . Due to an Isotopes Park franchise-record (or near franchise record) largest crowd expected on the 4th of July, the Isotopes have placed berm seating on sale and the Isotopes Park Box Office will be open Friday from 10am-5pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10am-4pm. . . . Albuquerque sends their pitching All-Star to the mound on Friday evening hoping to end the losing streak. LHP Dana Eveland (7-4, 3.86) is expected to face Omaha LHP Mike Montgomery (2-4, 5.83).
Filed 06/30/2011

Robinson, Eveland Are All-Stars! Even though Wednesday was an offday for the Isotopes and the rest of the PCL, the league office was busy naming the 2011 PCL All-Star squad for the July 13th contest in Salt Lake City. Lorenzo Bundy, manager of the PCL squad, will manage two of his players, OF Trayvon Robinson and P Dana Eveland. Robinson, named to the team by a vote of league fans, manager and media, is hitting .307 with 18 homers and 49 RBI and leads the Isotopes in a slew of offense categories: Games (74 of the 79 games the Isotopes have played), Hits (85), Triples (5), Homers (18), RBI (49), Total Bases (158), Walks (30), Strikeouts (90) and Robinson is the active team stolen base leader with 7 (behind Dee Gordon and tied with Trent Oeltjen -- Oeltjen and Gordon are both currently in the big leagues). Eveland was named to the squad by the PCL office. Eveland, 7-4 with a 3.86 ERA, also finds himself tops on the Isotopes in many statistical categories: Wins (7), Starter ERA (3.86), Games Started (15), Innings Pitched (91), Walks Allowed (41), Batters Struck Out (65) and Starter WHIP (1.41). Overall, fans, managers and the media voted 13 players to the team while 17 were selected by the league office. Here is the complete initial 2011 PCL All-Star Team, subject to change before the game due to injuries, callups, or player decisions to play or skip the game: Starters -------- C Anthony Recker (Sacramento River Cats) 1B Bryan LaHair (Iowa Cubs) 2B Johnny Giavotella (Omaha Storm Chasers) 3B Brian Barden (Round Rock Express) SS Cody Ransom (Reno Aces) OF Collin Cowgill (Reno Aces) - top vote getter OF Andrew Brown (Memphis Redbirds) OF Trayvon Robinson (Albuquerque Isotopes) DH Clint Robinson (Omaha Storm Chasers) P Brad Mills (Las Vegas 51s) P Andrew Kown (Fresno Grizzlies) P John Gaub (Iowa Cubs) P Willie Eyre (Sacramento River Cats) Reserves -------- C Konrad Schmidt (Reno Aces) C Welington Castillo (Iowa Cubs) IF Eric Sogard (Sacramento River Cats) IF Chris Davis (Round Rock Express) IF Tony Abreu (Reno Aces) IF David Cooper (Las Vegas 51s) IF Gil Velazquez (Salt Lake Bees) OF Bryan Petersen (New Orleans Zephyrs) OF Aaron Cunningham (Tucson Padres) P Dana Eveland (Albuquerque Isotopes) P Luis Mendoza (Omaha Storm Chasers) P Sam Narron (Nashville Sounds) P David Carpenter (Oklahoma City Redhawks) P Victor Garate (New Orleans Zephyrs) P Mark DiFelice (Nashville Sounds) P Jim Miller (Colorado Springs Sky Sox) P Josh Lueke (Tacoma Rainiers) Filed 06/29/2011

June 28, 2011 - Isotopes (42-37)
Principal Park Albuquerque 000 201 001 -- 4 8 1 Iowa 020 023 30x -- 10 17 1 WP: Casey Coleman (2-1) LP: Tim Sexton (3-1) HR: ABQ Eugenio Velez (2) off Coleman (6th inning, S) ABQ Trayvon Robinson (18) off Coleman (4th inning, 2R) IWA Marlon Byrd (1) off Dedeaux (7th inning, 3R) TIME: 3:00 ATT: 11,233
On Tuesday afternoon in Des Moines, the difference in the game was the 6 runs Isotopes relievers gave up as the Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) defeated the Isotopes 10-4 to sweep the series. Albuquerque has dropped a season-worst 7 straight games and fell to three games back in the division.
Brad Snyder singled home a run and Marwin Gonzalez brought home a run with a sacrifice flyout in the 2nd inning to give Iowa a 2-0 lead.
Jerry Sands singled and scored on Trayvon Robinson's two run homer in the 4th inning to tie up the game at 2-2.
Ty Wright sacrifice flied out and Gonzalez singled home a run in the 5th inning to give Iowa a 4-2 lead and the Isotopes pulled to 4-3 in the 6th inning with a Eugenio Velez solo homer.
Jonathon Mota two-run doubled and Tyler Colvin doubled home another run in the 6th inning and in the 7th inning, Marlon Byrd three-run homered to give Iowa a 10-3 lead.
The Isotopes plated their final run in the 9th inning when Ivan DeJesus Jr. singled with the bases loaded and two outs to drive in Robinson.
Isotopes starter Tim Sexton allowed 4 runs and 8 hits in 4 2/3 innings of work.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Trayvon Robinson: 2x3 (.307), 2 R, 1 HR (18), 2 RBI (49), 1 BB Jerry Sands: 1x4 (.331), 1 R, 1 K Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 2x5 (.299), 1 RBI (20), 1 K
DODGERS Rehab Report Jonathan Broxton: Did Not Play. It is being reported by MLB.com that Broxton will be shut down for three weeks after Broxton complained of pain in his elbow and an MRI showed that the bone bruise has not healed yet.
'TOPES NOTES: The Dodgers loaned P Francisco Felix to the Saltillo Saraperos of the Mexican League. It is not known if the Dodgers will get Felix back later this season. . . . Albuquerque and Iowa played their final game of the 2011 regular season today. Iowa handed Albuquerque their first series sweep since August 2008 in Tacoma and 33,260 attended the four games for a per-game average of 8,315. Iowa won 9 of the 16 games in the season series with the Isotopes going 6-2 at Isotopes Park and 1-7 at Principal Park. All-time, Iowa holds a 76-68 advantage. . . . The Isotopes have dropped their last six games played at Principal Park. . . . Justin Sellers went 0x5 to snap an 11-game hitting streak. . . . Albuquerque tied their season best mark for consecutive games with a homer (9 games) and their season worst mark for longest road losing streak (4 games). . . . Despite the seven game losing streak, the Isotopes have a much better record than the parent club Dodgers. The Isotopes have 6 more victories than the Dodgers and Albuquerque has done it in two fewer games played. . . . After a day off on Wednesday, the Isotopes will open up a four game series in Omaha, visiting the PCL's newest ballpark, Werner Park. Probables in the opener are RHP Ian Snell (0-1, 9.00) for the Isotopes and LHP Mike Montgomery (2-4, 5.83) for the Storm Chasers.
Filed 06/28/2011

June 27, 2011 - Isotopes (42-36)
Principal Park Albuquerque 010 030 010 000 000 -- 5 11 2 Iowa 003 100 100 000 001 -- 6 13 2 WP: John Gaub (3-1) LP: Mario Alvarez (1-2) HR: ABQ JD Closser (9) off Jackson (2nd inning, S) ABQ Jamie Hoffmann (13) off Parker (8th inning, S) IWA Tyler Colvin (5) off Ely (3rd inning, 3R) IWA Jonathon Mora (4) off Ely (4th inning, S) TIME: 4:52 ATT: 5,568
The Isotopes blew a golden opportunity to inch closer to first place in the division Monday evening. With the Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) losing earlier in the night, the Isotopes and Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) played into the night. In the 15th inning, Iowa pinch-hitter Chris Robinson knocked in the winning run to give Iowa a 6-5 victory. Albuquerque continues their season-worst losing streak (now at 6 games) and the loss didn't hurt Albuquerque in the standings but they could have moved from two games back to just a game back if they could have won the contest.
JD Closser solo homered in the 2nd inning to get the Isotopes off to a good start. Isotopes starter John Ely gave up a pair of homers in the 3rd and 4th innings to put Albuquerque in a hole. Tyler Colvin three-run homered in the 3rd inning and Jonathon Mota added a solo homer in the 4th inning for a 4-1 Iowa lead.
Albuquerque tied up the game at 4-4 in the 5th inning. Jamie Hoffmann walked and scored on Justin Sellers' single with an error on the play. Sellers went to third base on Ely's sacrifice bunt and scored on Eugenio Velez's single. Velez advanced to third base on Ivan DeJesus Jr.'s single and scored on Jerry Sands' double.
Bryan LaHair singled home the go-ahead run for Iowa in the 7th inning and Hoffmann was clutch in the 8th inning with a two-out solo homer to tie the game at 5-5. Hoffmann would not be around for the finish as he was ejected in the 11th inning after being called out on strikes.
In the bottom of the 15th inning with Mario Alvarez fresh on the mound in relief for Albuquerque, Marwin Gonzalez singled with one out, Mota reached on an error and pinch-hitter Robinson singled into center field with Gonzalez racing home from second base to plate the game winning run.
Ely allowed 4 runs and 6 hits in 6 innings for Albuquerque.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Trayvon Robinson: 0x7 (.303), 4 K Jerry Sands: 1x4 (.333), 1 2B (8), 1 RBI (34), 3 BB, 1 K Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 2x7 (.296), 1 K
DODGERS Rehab Report Jonathan Broxton: Did Not Play
'TOPES NOTES: Innings-wise, the 15 inning game was Albuquerque's longest road game -- and second longest game ever -- in franchise history. . . The 4 hour, 52 minute game was Albuquerque's longest road game in franchise history (time-wise). . . . A few season bests/worsts marks were achieved in the contest: most team at-bats (55), most individual at-bats in a game (7 - Ivan DeJesus Jr., JD Closser, Russ Mitchell, Trayvon Robinson), most strikeouts in a game (Robinson - 4), most team batter strikeouts in a game (19), most Isotope pitchers used in a game (6), and the Isotopes tied a season mark for most players used in the game (17). . . . The Isotopes are 4-2 in extra inning contests and 18-9 in one run contests in 2011. . . . Justin Sellers extended his hitting streak to 11 games, tying him with Trent Oeltjen for the second longest streak of the season. . . . Cody Ransom of the Reno Aces (AAA Diamondbacks) is the PCL Hitter of the Week. Ransom hit .462 (12x26) with 4 homers and 13 RBI. . . . Elih Villanueva of the New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Marlins) is the PCL Pitcher of the Week. Villanueva made two starts and lost one of them. In 14 innings, Villanueva allowed 7 hits and 2 runs while walking 5 and fanning 13 and had a 1.29 ERA for the award week. . . . The Isotopes desperately need a win to avoid the series sweep and also to snap out of their season-longest losing streak. The Isotopes will look to RHP Tim Sexton (3-0, 4.34) as the streak breaker, while the I-Cubs probable is RHP Casey Coleman (1-1, 3.91).
Filed 06/27/2011

June 26, 2011 - Isotopes (42-35)
Principal Park Albuquerque 000 000 102 -- 3 7 1 Iowa 033 000 20x -- 8 13 0 WP: Marco Carrillo (1-1) LP: Randy Keisler (4-3) HR: ABQ Jerry Sands (11) off Bibens-Dirkx (7th inning, S) IWA Welington Castillo (11) off Schlichting (7th inning, S) IWA Darwin Barney (1) off Keisler (2nd inning, 3R) IWA Bryan LaHair (21) off Schlichting (7th inning, S) TIME: 2:44 ATT: 8,362
The Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) plated a pair of early three run innings to build a sizeable lead and held it to hand Albuquerque their fifth straight loss, 8-3. Albuquerque dropped to two games back in the division.
Cubs starter Marco Carrillo singled with two outs, Fernando Perez walked and Darwin Barney hit a three-run homer as the Cubs led 3-0 in the 2nd inning.
Jonathan Mota and Carrillo singled home runs and another run scored on an error during a pickoff attempt as the Cubs extended their lead to 6-0.
Jerry Sands got the Isotopes on the scoreboard with a solo homer in the 7th inning.
Bryan LaHair and Welington Castillo back-to-back solo homered for Iowa in the bottom of the 7th inning to extend their lead to 8-1 and Albuquerque scored their final runs of the game in the 9th inning. Sands walked and went to second base on JD Closser's groundout. Russ Mitchell ground-rule doubled to bring home Sands and an out later, Corey Smith singled home Mitchell.
Isotopes starter Randy Keisler allowed 6 runs (5 earned) and 9 hits in 5 innings.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Jerry Sands: 1x3 (.336), 2 R, 1 HR (11), 1 RBI (33), 1 BB Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 0x4 (.297), 2 K
DODGERS Rehab Report Jonathan Broxton: Did Not Play
'TOPES NOTES: IF Russ Mitchell was activated off the Disabled List and OF Jay Gibbons was placed on the Disabled List. . . . Albuquerque has lost their last four games played at Principal Park. . . . Jerry Sands has homered in three straight games and has four homers in those last three games. . . . Randy Keisler took the loss today, snapping a four-game winning streak. It was Keisler's first loss since April 21st in Iowa. . . . Justin Sellers extended his hitting streak to 10 games. . . . The Isotopes are expected to send RHP John Ely (3-4, 5.94) to the mound to stop their season worst losing streak. The I-Cubs are expected to counter with RHP Jay Jackson (3-7, 7.34).
Filed 06/26/2011

June 25, 2011 - Isotopes (42-34)
Principal Park Albuquerque 102 000 000 -- 3 9 0 Iowa 000 211 00x -- 4 6 0 WP: Ramon Ortiz (6-3) LP: David Pfeiffer (0-1) SV: John Gaub (4) HR: ABQ Jerry Sands (10) off Ortiz (3rd inning, 2R) ABQ Jay Gibbons (3) off Ortiz (1st inning, S) TIME: 2:50 ATT: 8,097
The Albuquerque Isotopes led 3-0 early but let that lead get away in losing to the Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) 4-3 in the series opener in Des Moines on Saturday evening. The loss, Albuquerque's fourth in a row, hurt because it dropped them out of first place in the division.
Jay Gibbons solo homered in the 1st inning and Gibbons singled and scored on Jerry Sands' homer in the 3rd inning as the Isotopes led 3-0.
Iowa got on the scoreboard in the 4th inning. Brad Snyder and Bryan LaHair drew leadoff walks and Ty Wright doubled them both in.
Snyder singled home a run in the 5th inning to tie the game and in the 6th inning, Scott Moore was hit by a pitch, Chris Robinson sacrifice bunted him to second base and Jonathan Mota singled him home for the go-ahead run that eventually gave the Cubs the victory.
Isotopes starter Dana Eveland allowed 4 hits and 3 runs in 5 innings. Eveland walked 5 and fanned 4 batters.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Trayvon Robinson: 0x4 (.311), 3 K Jerry Sands: 1x3 (.336), 1 R, 1 HR (10), 2 RBI (32), SB (1) Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 0x5 (.305), 2 K
DODGERS Rehab Report Jonathan Broxton : Did Not Play
'TOPES NOTES: Lorenzo Bundy was named a coach on the Futures Game World squad in the game to be held during the MLB All-Star Weekend in Phoenix. After he coaches in that game featuring up and coming prospects, Bundy will travel to Salt Lake City to manage the PCL All-Stars in the Triple-A All-Star Game. . . . The Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) won their game with a run in the bottom of the 9th inning. Their victory, combined with the Albuquerque loss, dropped Albuquerque out of a first place tie with Round Rock and the Isotopes are now one game back. Albuquerque is not in first place for the first time since June 6th. . . . The four game losing streak is Albuquerque's longest of the season and the Isotopes are now 18-8 in one-run contests in 2011. . . . Jerry Sands has homers in back-to-back games and has three homers in his last two contests. . . . Eugenio Velez went hitless in four at-bats to snap a 9-game hitting streak. Justin Sellers hit safely to extend his hitting streak to 9 games. . . . Jay Gibbons was a triple shy of hitting for the cycle. . . . The series continues Sunday afternoon with the Isotopes hoping to get back into the win column. Probables are LHP Randy Keisler (4-2, 3.51) for the Isotopes and a pitcher to be named for the I-Cubs.
Filed 06/25/2011

June 24, 2011 - Isotopes (42-33)
Isotopes Park Oklahoma City 150 111 011 -- 11 10 0 Albuquerque 014 001 010 -- 7 14 3 WP: Nelson Figueroa (5-3) LP: Ian Snell (0-1) HR: OKC Drew Locke (4) off Troncoso (8th inning, S) OKC Collin DeLome (4) off Snell (1st inning, S) OKC Brian Esposito (1) off Snell (4th inning, S) ABQ Justin Sellers (7) off Figueroa (6th inning, S) ABQ Jerry Sands (7) off Figueroa (3rd inning, S) ABQ Jerry Sands (8) off Meszaros (8th inning, S) ABQ Trayvon Robinson (17) off Figueroa (3rd inning, S) TIME: 2:56 ATT: 8,904
The Oklahoma City Redhawks (AAA Astros) plated a lot of early runs and scored often thereafter to hand the Isotopes a 11-7 defeat. Albuquerque has dropped three straight games and moved from sole possession of first place into a tie for first place in the division standings.
Collin DeLome solo homered in the 1st inning and the Redhawks added five more runs in the 2nd inning -- Brian Esposito two-run double, J.B. Shuck two-run triple and a DeLome sacrifice fly -- to take a big 6-0 lead.
Albuquerque started cutting into the defecit in their half of the 2nd inning. JD Closser doubled and scored two outs later on Justin Sellers single. Albuquerque tacked four more runs on the scoreboard in the 3rd inning to trail 6-5. Eugenio Velez singled and scored on Ivan DeJesus Jr.'s double. An out later, Jerry Sands two-run homered and after another out, Trayvon Robinson followed with a solo homer.
The Redhawks tallied once in the 4th through 6th innings to extend their lead to 9-5.
In the bottom of the 6th inning, Sellers solo homered and the Redhawks answered that in the 8th inning with Drew Locke's solo homer.
Sands hit his second homer of the night in the 8th inning as Albuquerque trailed 10-7 and the Redhawks added their final run in the 9th inning.
Isotopes starter Ian Snell allowed 7 runs and 4 hits in 4 innings while walking 4 and fanning 2.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Trayvon Robinson: 1x4 (.316), 1 R, 1 HR (17), 1 RBI (47), 3 K Jerry Sands: 3x4 (.337), 2 R, 2 HR (9), 3 RBI (30), 1 K Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 1x5 (.315), 1 R, 1 2B (11), 1 RBI (19)
DODGERS Rehab Report Jonathan Broxton: Did Not Play
'TOPES NOTES: The Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) lost the completion of a suspended game and then won their regularly scheduled contest in order to move into a first place tie in the division with the Isotopes. . . . Albuquerque has lost three straight home games for the first time this season. . . . By dropping three of the four games in the series, the Isotopes lost their first home series of the season (and fifth series this season). 34,015 attended for a per-game average of 8,504. 70,177 attended the eight game homestand. . . . The Isotopes are in a tie for first place for the first time since June 15th and their division record is 12-12. . . . Albuquerque tied season highs in most combined homers in a game (7), most homers in an inning (2) and most team homers in a game (4). . . . There are a pair of Isotopes whose streaks are nearing 10 games. Eugenio Velez (9 games) and Justin Sellers (8 games) each extended their hitting streak tonight. . . . Jerry Sands was the fourth Isotope to turn in a multi-homer game this season and his 9 total bases ties Trent Oeltjen for the most total bases by an individual in a game this season. . . . The Isotopes hit the road for eight games and will not return home until July 4th. The first four games are in Des Moines, Iowa against the Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs). Probables are LHP Dana Eveland (7-4, 3.77) for the Isotopes and RHP Ramon Ortiz (5-3, 4.43) for the Cubs.
Filed 06/24/2011

June 23, 2011 - Isotopes (42-32)
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Isotopes Park Oklahoma City 002 000 051 -- 8 13 1 Albuquerque 020 010 003 -- 6 11 1 WP: Ross Wolf (1-2) LP: Travis Schlichting (3-2) SV: David Carpenter (8) HR: ABQ Corey Smith (6) off Chacin (2nd inning, 2R) ABQ Jay Gibbons (2) off Valdez (9th inning, S) TIME: 3:23 ATT: 10,210
The Isotopes allowed 5 runs in the 8th inning to lose their lead and their 9th inning comeback fell just short in a 8-6 loss to the Oklahoma City Redhawks (AAA Astros) on Thursday evening. Albuquerque has dropped two straight games.
Jamie Hoffmann doubled and advanced to third base on a wild pitch before scoring on Corey Smith's two run homer in the 2nd inning.
Brian Bogusevic singled home a pair of runs in the 3rd inning to tie the game at 2-2 and Albuquerque regained the lead in the 5th inning. Ivan DeJesus Jr. singled, went to second base on Jerry Sands' groundout and scored on JD Closser's single.
Albuquerque maintained that slim 3-2 lead until the 8th inning. Bogusevic and Robinson Cancel singled and Tommy Manzella doubled home Bogusevic. Anderson Hernandez singled home Cancel and Manzella. After Koby Clemens grounded out, Wladimir Sutil was hit by a pitch and Drew Locke singled to load the bases. Pinch-hiter Brandon Barnes sacrifice flied out to bring home Hernandez and Drew Locke was caught stealing. While Locke was in a rundown, Sutil raced home for the fifth run of the inning to give the Redhawks a 7-3 lead.
Cancel doubled home a run in the top of the 9th inning to extend Oklahoma City's lead to 8-3 before Albuquerque came up for their final at-bat. Jay Gibbons led things off with a solo homer. Eugenio Velez then struck out swinging but made it to first base on a wild pitch. Ivan DeJesus Jr. struck out swinging with Velez going to second base on another wild pitch. Sands singled home Velez and Closser singled. Trayvon Robinson walked to load the bases and Hoffmann sacrifice flied out to drive in Sands. A wild pitch moved both runners into scoring position before Smith struck out swinging to end the rally and the game.
After the rehabilitating Jonathan Broxton pitched a scoreless first inning, Tim Sexton pitched for Albuquerque and allowed 2 runs (1 earned) and 6 hits in 6 innings.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Trayvon Robinson: 1x4 (.317), 1 2B (9), 1 BB, 1 K Jerry Sands: 1x4 (.320), 1 R, 1 RBI (27), 1 BB, 1 K Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 2x5 (.319), 1 R, 1 K
DODGERS Rehab Report Jonathan Broxton: Started the game, went one inning and allowed a leadoff single to J.B. Shuck. Shuck stole second base before Broxton struck out Collin DeLome, Brian Bogusevic and Robinson Cancel in order to end the inning. Broxton lowered his ERA to 4.50 (1 run allowed in 2 innings) and tonight might be his last rehab appearance in Albuquerque before the Dodgers reactivate him.
'TOPES NOTES: The Round Rock Express (AAA Astros) made up a half-game on the Isotopes tonight and trail by a half-game in the division. The Express won the completion of a suspended game before dropping the regularly scheduled contest for Thursday. . . . The series (and homestand) concludes Friday evening and Albuqurque looks for a victory to not only maintain their division lead but also to earn a series split. Probables are RHP Ian Snell (0-0, 4.50) for the Isotopes and RHP Nelson Figueroa (4-3, 4.75) for the Redhawks.
Filed 06/23/2011

June 22, 2011 - Isotopes (42-31)
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Isotopes Park Oklahoma City 000 013 100 -- 5 10 0 Albuquerque 001 000 120 -- 4 8 0 WP: Wesley Wright (2-0) LP: John Ely (3-4) SV: David Carpenter (7) HR: OKC Tommy Manzella (6) off Ely (6th inning, 2R) OKC Koby Clemens (8) off Newby (7th inning, S) ABQ Jerry Sands (7) off Valdez (7th inning, S) ABQ Joe Becker (1) off Valdez (8th inning, 2R) TIME: 3:04 ATT: 6,526
A pair of late Isotope homers was not enough to complete a comeback rally as the Oklahoma City Redhawks (AAA Astros) edged the Isotopes 5-4 on Wednesday evening at "The Lab".
In the 3rd inning, Justin Seller singled, advanced to second base on Isotope starter John Ely's sacrifice bunt, and scored on Eugenio Velez's single as the Isotopes were first on the scoreboard at 1-0.
Back-to-back doubles from Drew Locke and Wladimir Sutil tied the game at 1-1 in the 5th inning and the Redhawks took the lead in the 6th inning, plating three runs highlighted by Tommy Manzella's two-run homer to lead 4-1.
Koby Clemens added a solo homer in the 7th inning for Oklahoma City as the Redhawks led 5-1.
Albuquerque's late game rally included Jerry Sands' solo homer in the 7th inning and Sellers singling and scoring two outs later on Joe Becker's two-run homer in the 8th inning to trail by a run at 5-4. The Isotopes went in order in the 9th inning to fail to to get the game-tying run on the scoreboard.
Ely took the loss and allowed 4 runs and 7 hits in 6 innings.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Trayvon Robinson: 0x4 (.318), 3 K Jerry Sands: 2x4 (.323), 1 R, 1 HR (7), 1 RBI (26), 2 K Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 0x1 (.316)
DODGERS Rehab Report Jonathan Broxton: Did Not Play
'TOPES NOTES: The Isotopes lost just half a game in their division lead as the Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) had their game in New Orleans suspended for the second night in a row. Mother Nature permitting, the Express and Zephyrs will be playing about 28 innings of baseball in the next two days as they resume two suspended games to completion and play two regularly scheduled games of 7 innings each. The outcomes could have a significant effect the current division standings depending on how well (or hopefully poorly) the Express do over the next two days. The Isotopes lead currently stands at one game over the Express. . . . Ivan DeJesus Jr. went hitless in one pinch-hit at-bat to snap a 9-game game hitting streak. . . . Albuquerque hopes to put a tally in the win column against the Redhawks on Thursday evening. Probables are RHP Tim Sexton (3-0, 4.88) for the Isotopes after the rehabilitating Jonathan Broxton pitches an inning or so to start the game and LHP Gustavo Chacin (2-4, 3.88) for the Redhawks.
Filed 06/22/2011

June 21, 2011 - Isotopes (42-30)
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Isotopes Park Oklahoma City 100 000 003 -- 4 7 2 Albuquerque 401 013 11x -- 11 17 1 WP: Randy Keisler (4-2) LP: Sergio Perez (4-6) HR: ABQ Corey Smith (5) off Meszaros (8th inning, S) ABQ Jamie Hoffmann (12) off Perez (3rd inning, S) TIME: 3:22 ATT: 8,375
The Isotopes got a balanced RBI attack - four Isotopes drove in a pair of runs each - and Randy Keisler tossed six scoreless innings of four-hit ball as Albuquerque defeated the Oklahoma City Redhawks (AAA Astros) 11-4 in the series opener at "The Lab" on Tuesday evening.
Jonathan Broxton started his rehabilitation assignment by starting for the Isotopes and pitched just the 1st inning. Broxton got Anderson Hernandez to ground out and Oswaldo Navarro to strike out before Brian Bogusevic drew a walk. Bogusevic stole second base and scored on Robinson Cancel's double. Koby Clemens ended the inning by striking out.
Albuquerque took the lead in their half of the 1st inning. Eugenio Velez drew a leadoff walk and stole second base. Ivan DeJesus Jr. grounded out with Velez going to third base and Jerry Sands reached on an error with Velez scoring. Trayvon Robinson walked and both scored on JD Closser's single. Corey Smith drove in Closser with a single for a 4-1 Isotopes lead.
Jamie Hoffmann solo homered in the 3rd inning and Keisler singled, advanced to third on Velez's single and scored on DeJesus Jr.'s fielder's choice in the 5th inning to extend the lead to 6-1.
Albuquerque added more runs to the scoreboard in the 6th inning. Robinson doubled, Closser singled and Hoffmann drew a walk to load the bases. Corey Smith infield-flied out ahead of Keisler's sacrifice flyout to bring home Robinson. Velez singled home Closser and Hoffmann for a 9-1 score.
Jay Gibbons reached on a fielder's choice in the 7th inning and worked his way around the basepaths to score on singles from Robinson and Closser.
Smith solo homered in the 8th inning for Albuquerque's 11th run and the Redhawks put up three runs on the scoreboard in the 9th inning to close out the scoring in the game.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Trayvon Robinson: 2x2 (.323), 2 R, 1 2B (8), 3 BB Jerry Sands: 1x4 (.315), 1 R, 1 2B (7), 1 BB, 1 K Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 1x5 (.319), 1 RBI (18), 1 BB, 1K
DODGERS Rehab Report Jonathan Broxton: Broxton started his rehab assignment by pitching the 1st inning and allowed a hit, a run, a walk and fanned 2. His ERA is 9.00. Broxton is expected to pitch again Thursday.
'TOPES NOTES: Albuquerque is at the halfway point of their season with the completion of tonight's game. The Isotopes are 42-30 with those 42 victories the most wins at the 72-game point in the nine years of franchise play. . . . The Isotopes added a half-game to their division lead. The Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) game in New Orleans was suspended due to rain and the game will not be resumed until Thursday and the regularly scheduled game between the two clubs will be played on Wednesday. . . . Jonathan Broxton is the sixth Dodger to be sent to Triple-A on a rehabilitation assignment in 2011. . . . Albuquerque is a season-high 12 games above the .500 mark and also have won their last four contests against the Redhawks in games played at Isotopes Park. . . . Ivan DeJesus Jr. extended his hitting streak to 9 games with his 8th inning single. . . . Randy Keisler fanned an Isotope pitching staff season-high 10 batters in the game, tied a franchise record for most innings pitched by a reliever in a game (6 innings) and set the franchise record for most strikeouts by a reliever in a game (10). Keisler won his fourth straight pitching decision tonight. . . . The Isotopes pitching staff combined to strike out a season-high 15 opponent batters. . . . The two teams play game two of the series Wednesday evening. Probables are RHP John Ely (3-3, 5.93) for the Isotopes and LHP Ryan Rowland-Smith (2-7, 6.46) for the Redhawks.
Filed 06/21/2011

June 20, 2011 - Isotopes (41-30)
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Isotopes Park Iowa 200 000 100 -- 3 9 1 Albuquerque 100 200 10x -- 4 7 3 WP: Dana Eveland (7-4) LP: Ramon Ortiz (5-3) SV: Jon Link (7) HR: ABQ Trayvon Robinson (16) off Ortiz (4th inning, 2R) TIME: 2:25 ATT: 5,996
Ivan DeJesus Jr. drove in a pair of runs with doubles and Trayvon Robinson added a two-run homer as the Isotopes completed the first half of their 2011 home schedule with a 4-3 victory over the Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) on Monday afternoon.
Marquez Smith singled home a run and Scott Moore lifted a run-scoring sacrifice fly as the Cubs built a 2-0 lead after their first at-bats of the game.
In the home half of the 1st inning, Eugenio Velez singled and scored on DeJesus Jr.'s double to halve the defecit at 2-1.
JD Closser drew a one out walk and trotted home on Robinson's homer to center field in the 4th inning as Albuquerque took a 3-2 lead.
Iowa plated a run on an error in the 7th inning to tie the game at 3-3 and the Isotopes took advantage of an error themselves to get the go-ahead run after the 7th inning stretch. Justin Sellers reached on an error, advanced to second base on a balk and scored on DeJesus Jr.'s second double of the game.
Isotopes starter Dana Eveland turned in his eighth straight quality start, going 7 innings and allowing 9 hits and 3 runs (1 earned). Eveland earned his team-leading 7th victory of the season.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Trayvon Robinson: 2x4 (.317), 1 R, 1 HR (16), 2 RBI (46), 1 K Jerry Sands: 0x4 (.318), 1 K Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 2x4 (.323), 2 2B (10), 2 RBI (17)
'TOPES NOTES: There were more Isotope transactions on Monday. IF Joe Becker was transferred from Class-A Great Lakes and P David Pfeiffer was transferred from Class-AA Chattanooga. IF Charlie Mirabal was transferred to Rookie-Ogden and the transaction of the Dodgers assigning P Jonathan Broxton to Albuquerque on a rehabilitation assignment was made official. . . . The Isotopes took three out of the four games in the series with the Cubs and 36,162 attended for a per-game average of 9,041. . . . The Isotopes and Cubs played their final game at Isotopes Park in 2011 (barring a matchup in the American Conference Championship playoffs) and Albuquerque won 6 of the 8 contests. All-time, Albuquerque holds a 41-31 advantage over the Cubs at Isotopes Park. Albuquerque has just four more games in Iowa to complete the regular season 16-game series and the Isotopes play those games to start the next roadtrip. . . . Albuquerque compiled a record of 25-11 through the first half of the 2011 home schedule. . . . The Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) also won their contest Monday, so Albuquerque maintains their 1 game lead in the division over the Express. . . . The Isotopes are 1-2 in day games during 2011 that had a first pitch before 12 noon. Albuquerque has only three more scheduled "brunch" games left to play in 2011, all on the road. . . . Ivan DeJesus Jr. extended his hitting streak to 8 games. . . . Isotopes hitting coach John Valentin was managing the team today and for the next few days as Manager Lorenzo Bundy went to Los Angeles. Former-Isotopes manager Tim Wallach's father passed away and Bundy is taking over Wallach's third-base coaching duties while Wallach is taking a short leave from the Dodgers. . . . Welington Castillo of the Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) is the PCL Hitter of the Week. Castillo hit .625 (10x16) with 3 homers and 12 RBI during the award week, including all three homers and 10 of those RBI in games against the Isotopes. . . . Brett Cecil of the Las Vegas 51s (AAA Blue Jays) is the PCL Pitcher of the Week. Cecil made two starts and won one game in which he tossed a complete game. In 16 innings while compiling a 1.69 ERA, Cecil allowed 11 hits, 4 runs (3 earned), walked 4 and struck out 16. . . . The Isotopes finish up their homestand with a four-game series against the Oklahoma City Redhawks (AAA Astros). Probables in the opener Tuesday evening are LHP Randy Keisler (3-2, 4.11) for the Isotopes and RHP Sergio Perez (4-5, 4.22) for the Redhawks.
Filed 06/20/2011

June 19, 2011 - Isotopes (40-30)
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Isotopes Park Iowa 001 101 401 -- 8 10 0 Albuquerque 011 021 000 -- 5 9 1 WP: Blake Parker (1-0) LP: Merkin Valdez (4-2) SV: John Gaub (2) HR: IWA Bobby Scales (8) off Dedeaux (9th inning, S) IWA Brad Snyder (8) off Snell (4th inning, S) IWA Bryan LaHair (19) off Snell (3rd inning, S) TIME: 3:16 ATT: 9,839
A two-run error plated the go-ahead runs as the Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) defeated the Isotopes 8-5 on Fathers Day evening to snap an Isotope five-game home winning streak.
Jerry Sands led off the 2nd inning with a walk, advanced to third base on Trayvon Robinson's single and scored on Damaso Espino's single.
Iowa tied up the game in the 3rd inning with a Bryan LaHair solo homer before Albuquerque regained the lead in the bottom of the 3rd inning. Isotopes starter Ian Snell drew a walk, went to third base on Ivan DeJesus Jr.'s double and scored on Jay Gibbons' groundout.
Iowa once again used the longball to tie up the game when Brad Snyder solo homered in the 4th inning.
Albuquerque took what seemed to be a commanding lead in the close ballgame by scoring twice in the 5th inning. Eugenio Velez and DeJesus Jr. drew one-out walks, Gibbons grounded out as both runners moved up a base and Sands cashed them in with a two-run single to right field.
Both teams exchanged single runs in the 6th inning. Marquez Smith doubled and scored on Ty Wright's single in the top half, Justin Sellers singled and scored on Isotope reliever Mario Alvarez's double to the left-center field wall in the bottom half of the frame.
The game turned in a Cubs victory in the 7th inning. Augie Ojeda singled and went to second base on Fernando Perez's groundout. Bobby Scales walked and after Merkin Valdez entered the game in relief of Alvarez for the Isotopes, Tyler Colvin popped out for the second out of the inning before LaHair two-run singled to tie the game at 5-5. LaHair went to second base on the throw and Smith was hit by a pitch. A wild pitch moved both runners into scoring position and it looked like the inning would be over when Snyder grounded to shortstop. Isotopes shortstop Sellers had a throwing error that allowed LaHair and Smith to score the go-ahead runs. Scales added a solo homer in the 9th inning for the final score.
Isotopes starter Ian Snell went 5 innings, allowing 2 runs and 4 hits and was in line for the victory until Iowa's 7th inning comeback spoiled that.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Trayvon Robinson: 1x4 (.314) Jerry Sands: 1x3 (.333), 1 R, 2 RBI (25), 2 BB, 1 K Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 3x4 (.317), 1 R, 1 2B (8), 1 3B (1), 1 BB, 1 K
'TOPES NOTES: The Dodgers recalled P Hong-Chih Kuo from his rehabilitation assignment, optioned P Ramon Troncoso to Albuquerque, and recalled C A.J. Ellis from the Isotopes. IF John Lindsey was placed on the Disabled List with a strained left calf and IF Corey Smith was transferred to Albuquerque from Class-AA Chattanooga. . . . The Isotopes announced Sunday that Dodgers reliever Jonathan Broxton will be joining the Isotopes on a rehabilitation assignment starting Tuesday when the Isotopes open up a series at "The Lab" against the Oklahoma City Redhawks. . . . Albuquerque's division lead was trimmed to one game with their loss and the Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) victory on Sunday. . . . The Isotopes are 5-4 in Father's Day contests and lost their first home Father's Day contest tonight (4-1 record at home). The loss snaps a four-game Father's Day winning streak. . . . The Isotopes did not allow a run in the 1st inning, snapping a streak of 7 games in which opponents scored in their first at-bats of the game. . . . Ivan DeJesus Jr. extended his hitting streak to 7 games and was a homer short of hitting for the cycle. . . . The series concludes with very early baseball on Monday - 11:05 am first pitch. Probables are LHP Dana Eveland (6-4, 3.87) for the Isotopes and RHP Ramon Ortiz (5-2, 4.48) for the I-Cubs.
Filed 06/19/2011

June 18, 2011 - Isotopes (40-29)
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Isotopes Park Iowa 3 1 0 600 000 -- 10 15 1 Albuquerque 0(11)2 000 00x -- 13 15 1 WP: Joey Newby (1-2) LP: Austin Bibens-Dirkx (3-4) SV: Jon Link (6) HR: IWA Welington Castillo (9) off Sexton (4th inning, 2R) TIME: 3:38 ATT: 12,794
The Isotopes one-up'ed themselves compared to last night's game. Last night, the Isotopes scored 11 of their runs with a pair of big innings. Tonight, the Isotopes scored 11 runs in just one inning and defeated the Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) by the same final score as last night, 13-10. Albuquerque has won three straight games.
Isotopes pitching allowed runs in the 1st inning to an opponent for the 7th straight game. Iowa's Welington Castillo doubled home a run, Brad Snyder sacrified flied out for another run, and Marquez Smith singled home a run as the Cubs led 3-0.
Castillo singled home a run in the top of the 2nd inning to give Iowa a 4-0 lead before the Isotopes put away the Cubs in the game with their franchise-record tying 11 runs and 10 hits in a single inning. John Lindsey led things off by getting plunked by a pitch. Trayvon Robinson singled and a wild pitch moved both runners into scoring position. Jamie Hoffmann singled home Lindsey and AJ Ellis singled home Robinson. Justin Sellers doubled home Hoffmann and Isotopes starter Tim Sexton walked to load the bags. Eugenio Velez delivered a two-run single (Ellis and Sellers scoring) and Ivan DeJesus Jr. delivered a run-scoring double with Sexton scoring. Jerry Sands singled in Velez and Lindsey was hit by a pitch for the second time in the inning to reload the bases. Robinson singled home DeJesus Jr. and Hoffmann two-run singled with Sands and Lindsey scoring. AJ Ellis singled home Robinson before Sellers lined out for the first out of the inning. Sexton struck out on a foul bunt and Velez grounded out to end the monster inning that saw 17 Albuquerque batters come to the plate.
Albuquerque made it 13-4 in the 3rd inning with a two-out rally. Lindsey singled before being lifted for a pinch-runner, JD Closser. Robinson singled to put runners on the corners and Closser raced home on a wild pitch. Hoffmann then singled home Robinson.
Iowa plated six runs in the 4th inning, which proved to be the final runs of the game. Castillo two-run homered, Scott Moore tripled home a run before later scoring on an error, and Fernando Perez two-run doubled.
Sexton pitched 3.2 innings, allowing 13 hits and 10 runs (7 earned).
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Trayvon Robinson: 3x3 (.315), 3 R, 1 RBI (44), 2 BB Jerry Sands: 1x5 (.333), 1 R, 1 RBI (23), 2 K Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 2x4 (.303), 1 R, 1 2B (7), 1 RBI (15), 1 BB
DODGERS Rehab Report Hong-Chih Kuo: Did Not Play
'TOPES NOTES: IF Russ Mitchell was placed on the Disabled List with left wrist inflammation and IF Charlie Mirabal was added back to the Isotopes active roster from Rookie-level Ogden. . . . The Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) also won their contest on Saturday evening, so the Isotopes lead in the division remains 2 games. . . . The crowd of 12,794 is the 30th largest regular season crowd in Isotopes Park history. . . . Albuquerque is back to tying their best high-water mark of 11 games above the .500 mark and their .580 winning percentage is second bast in the PCL. They are in a three-way tie for second place in the PCL with 40 victories -- only Sacramento has more victories (45). . . . The Isotopes have won a season-best five straight home contests. . . . Tim Sexton failed to win his fourth straight start. Sexton also set an Isotope season-worst with 13 hits allowed in a game by a starter. . . . Albuquerque and Iowa play game three of the series on Father's Day evening. Probables are RHP Ian Snell (0-0, 9.00) for the Isotopes and RHP Alberto Cabrera (1-2, 10.13) for the I-Cubs.
Filed 06/18/2011

June 17, 2011 - Isotopes (39-29)
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Isotopes Park Iowa 202 010 203 -- 10 13 0 Albuquerque 060 052 00x -- 13 16 2 WP: John Ely (3-3) LP: Jay Jackson (2-7) HR: IWA Tyler Colvin (2) off Ely (5th inning, S) IWA Welington Castillo (7) off Ely (7th inning, 2R) IWA Welington Castillo (8) off Dedeaux (9th inning, 3R) ABQ Trayvon Robinson (15) off Jackson (2nd inning, S) ABQ Jamie Hoffmann (11) off Carrillo (6th inning, 2R) TIME: 2:55 ATT: 7,533
The Isotopes offense had a pair of big innings, overcoming a great individual performance from Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) hitter Welington Castillo who homered twice and drove in 6 runs, as the Isotopes extended their winning streak to 2 games with a 13-10 victory over Iowa in a slugfest Friday evening at "The Lab".
Castillo sacrified flied out to drive in a run and Brad Snyder doubled home a run in the 1st inning as the Cubs led 2-0.
The Isotopes roared into the lead in the 2nd inning with their first big inning of the game. Trayvon Robinson led things off with a solo homer to center field. An out later, Damaso Espino tripled and scored on Justin Sellers' double. Isotopes starter John Ely drew a walk and Sellers stole third base to put runners on the corners. Eugenio Velez drove them both in with a triple before scoring on Ivan DeJesus Jr.'s double. Jay Gibbons singled home DeJesus Jr. as the Isotopes batted around and led 6-2.
Tyler Colvin tripled home a run and then scored on Bryan LaHair's groundout as the Cubs plated two runs in the 3rd inning and Colvin added a solo homer in the 5th inning to trail 6-5.
Albuquerque added lots of breathing room in the home half of the 5th inning with their second big-run inning of the game. Gibbons led off with a single, Jerry Sands walked, and Robinson singled to load the bags. Jamie Hoffmann drew a walk to bring home Gibbons and Espino sacrifice flied out to drive in Sands. Sellers singled Robinson home while Hoffmann raced home on Ely's sacrifice bunt. Velez singled to drive in Sellers for the final run of the inning in which the Isotopes once again batted around and plated five runs for a 11-5 lead.
Sands singled in the 6th inning and scored on Hoffmann's two-run homer as the Isotopes added their final runs of the game.
Castillo two-run homered in the 7th inning and added a two-out three-run homer in the 9th inning to make the final score more respectable for Iowa.
Ely saved the Isotopes bullpen in this high-scoring contest, tossing 113 pitches in 8 2/3 innings while allowing 11 hits, 9 runs (7 earned), 1 walk and 8 strikeouts. Adam Dedeaux was the only Isotopes reliever used, going the final 1/3 of the 9th inning, allowing 2 hits and 1 run.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Trayvon Robinson: 2x5 (.307), 2 R, 1 HR (15), 1 RBI (43), 2 K Jerry Sands: 1x4 (.342), 2 R, 1 BB, 2 K Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 3x5 (.297), 1 R, 1 2B (6), 1 RBI (14), 1 K
DODGERS Rehab Report Hong-Chih Kuo: Did Not Play. MLB.com is reporting Kuo has proclaimed himself ready to end his rehab assignment and he might be activated Sunday, so Kuo probably will not be making another rehab appearance with the Isotopes.
'TOPES NOTES: The Isotopes increased their PCL American Conference Southern Division lead to 2 games with their victory and a loss by the Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers). The two game division lead is Albuquerque's largest division lead of the season. . . . The Isotopes continue to find magic when they put up double-digit runs on the scoreboard -- 11-0 record -- and Friday is their best day of the week to win with 9 victories on a Friday. Albuquerque also has a season-best four-game home winning streak and the six-run 2nd inning was Albuquerque's highest scoring inning of the season. . . . Iowa's Tyler Colvin was a single shy of hitting for the cycle. . . . The series continues Saturday evening with fireworks following the game. Probables are RHP Tim Sexton (3-0, 3.25) for the Isotopes and RHP Austin Bibens-Dirkx (3-3, 6.79) for the Cubs.
Filed 06/17/2011

June 16, 2011 - Isotopes (38-27)
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Bricktown Ballpark Albuquerque 110 001 041 -- 8 15 2 Oklahoma City 100 000 100 -- 2 11 2 WP: Randy Keisler (3-2) LP: Sergio Perez (4-5) TIME: 3:40 ATT: 5,766
Ivan DeJesus Jr. doubled home two runs, part of a four-run 8th inning as the Isotopes turned a close lead into a more comfortable victory, eventually winning 8-2 over the Oklahoma City Redhawks (AAA Astros) in the series finale in Oklahoma City on Thursday evening. Albuquerque snapped a three-game losing streak with the victory.
Eugenio Velez led off the game with a single, stole second base and went to third base on a throwing error on the stolen base attempt, and scored on Jay Gibbons' single as Albuquerque quickly led 1-0.
Oklahoma City tied up the game at 1-1 in the bottom of the 1st inning before Albuquerque retook the lead in the 2nd inning. JD Closser singled and scored an out later on Russ Mitchell's double.
Albuquerque extended the lead to 3-1 in the 6th inning when Jerry Sands doubled and scored on Mitchell's double.
Brian Bogusevic singled home a run for Oklahoma City in the bottom of the 7th inning as the Redhawks inched to a run down at 3-2.
In the 8th inning that put the game away for Albuquerque, Mitchell drew a one out walk and then was nailed out at home plate on AJ Ellis' double. Pinch-hitter John Lindsey was intentionally walked and Velez singled home Ellis. DeJesus Jr. doubled home Lindsey and Velez and then scored on Gibbons' triple.
Albuquerque plated their final run in the 9th inning. Closser singled and scored on Ellis' double.
Isotopes starter Randy Keisler went 5 1/3 innings, allowing an unearned run and 6 hits.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Trayvon Robinson: 1x4 (.305), 1 BB, 2 K Jerry Sands: 1x5 (.347), 1 R, 1 2B (6), 2 K Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 2x5 (.283), 1 R, 1 2B (5), 2 RBI (13)
DODGERS Rehab Report Hong-Chih Kuo: Entered the game with one out and the bases loaded in the 6th inning and struck out both batters he faced to end the inning. In 1 2/3 innings of rehab work, Kuo has a 0.00 ERA (no runs allowed).
'TOPES NOTES: The first of several 2011 Triple-A All-Star Game announcements was made on Thursday - the managers and coaches for the Pacific Coast League and the International League. Three of the six spots are Isotopes or Isotopes-related. The manager of the PCL squad will be Lorenzo Bundy. Bundy has skippered the Isotopes to first-place in the American Conference Southern Division with a 38-27 record. One of the PCL coaches is former Isotopes pitching coach Rich Gale, who currently is the pitching coach for the Nashville Sounds. The other PCL coach is Tommy Gregg of the Omaha Storm Chasers. The IL manager is Mike Sarbaugh, manager of the Columbus Clippers and one of his coaches is former Isotope manager Dean Treanor, currently the manager of the Indianapolis Indians. The other IL coach is Rich Dotson, pitching coach for the Charlotte Knights. The PCL trainer is Brian Reinker of the Salt Lake Bees and the IL trainer is Mike Graus of the Gwinnett Braves. Bundy is the second Isotopes manager to manage the PCL All-Stars (Treanor in 2007) and the game will be hosted by the PCL and the Salt Lake Bees on July 13th. . . . The Isotopes are a full-game up on the Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) in the division as the Express lost a 1-0 contest in Nashville. . . . The Isotopes said goodbye tonight to Bricktown Ballpark for 2011. Oklahoma City won three of the five games in the series and 17,970 attended for a per-night average of 4,493. In Oklahoma City this year, each team won four games and all-time, Albuquerque is 29-42 at Bricktown Ballpark. The Redhawks play eight games in Albuquerque to close out the 16-game season series. . . . The Redhawks scored in the 1st inning in all five games in the series. . . . Albuquerque had seven doubles in the game, one short of tying the franchise record. . . . The 3 hour, 40 minute game was Albuquerque's longest 9-inning road game of the season. . . . The Isotopes return home for eight games, hoping to continue playing great at home and placing some room between them and second-place Round Rock in the division. First into town are the Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) and the probables Friday evening are RHP John Ely (2-3, 5.74) for the Isotopes and RHP Jay Jackson (2-6, 6.31) for the Cubs.
Filed 06/16/2011

June 15, 2011 - Isotopes (37-29)
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Bricktown Ballpark Albuquerque 010 000 000 -- 1 6 1 Oklahoma City 200 000 00x -- 2 5 1 WP: Andy Van Hekken (1-3) LP: Dana Eveland (6-4) SV: Jose Valdez (5) TIME: 2:31 ATT: 4,387
It was one of those games where you could show up for the first few innings and go home early and not miss a thing. Unfortunately for Albuquerque, they were not able to string much together in a 2-1 loss to the Oklahoma City Redhawks (AAA Astros). The Isotopes have lost three straight games and fell into a tie for first place in the division.
The 1st inning blahs hit Albuquerque once again in this contest. J.B. Shuck led off with a double and two outs later, Robinson Cancel singled home Shuck. Cancel stole second base and Tommy Manzella walked before Koby Clemens doubled home Cancel for a 2-0 Redhawks lead.
In the 2nd inning, Jerry Sands led off the inning with a double and scored two outs later on Jamie Hoffmann's single.
Albuquerque had just four more hits through the rest of the contest and their best opportunity to tie the game came in the 9th inning. Jay Gibbons singled to lead off the frame but was erased when Sands grounded into a double play. John Lindsey singled to get the game-tying run back on the basepaths before Russ Mitchell popped out to shortstop to end the game.
Isotopes starter Dana Eveland added another quality start to his Isotopes resume, allowing 2 runs and 5 hits in 6 innings while walking 4 and fanning 6 Redhawk batters.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Trayvon Robinson: Pinch runner, no at-bats Jerry Sands: 1x4 (.358), 1 R, 1 2B (5), 1 K
DODGERS Rehab Report Hong-Chih Kuo: Pitched the 7th inning, allowing a walk and strikeout.
'TOPES NOTES: P Hong-Chih Kuo joined the Isotopes on a rehabilitation assignment as he works on his anxiety disorder. Kuo is no stranger to the Isotopes, also having being sent to Albuquerque on a rehabilitation assignment in 2009. In another transaction Wednesday, P Tim Redding (2-7, 6.59 ERA) was released. . . . The Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) won their game in extra innings so they moved into a first place tie in the PCL American Conference Southern Division with the Isotopes. . . . Albuquerque pitching has allowed 1st inning runs to the Redhawks in all four games so far this series. . . . The Isotopes have tied their longest losing streak of the season (3 games). . . . Prior to tonight, Dana Eveland's last loss was May 8th against Memphis. The loss tonight snapped a three-game winning decision streak. . . . The Isotopes close their five-game series in Oklahoma City on Thursday, knowing that they've already lost the series but a victory in the finale would put pressure on Round Rock to win to keep pace atop the division or else leave Albuquerque in sole possession of first place. Probables are LHP Randy Keisler (2-2, 4.85) for the Isotopes and RHP Sergio Perez (4-4, 4.17) for the Redhawks.
Filed 06/15/2011

June 14, 2011 - DH 2 - Isotopes (37-28)
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Bricktown Ballpark Albuquerque 011 001 0 -- 3 7 0 Oklahoma City 200 021 x -- 5 6 1 WP: Nelson Figueroa (4-2) LP: Joey Newby (0-2) SV: David Carpenter (5) HR: OKC Brian Dopirak (6) off Snell (6th inning, S) TIME: 2:18 ATT: 3,663
The Oklahoma City Redhawks (AAA Astros) snapped a deadlocked game with a two-run single in the 5th inning and went on to win 5-3 in the nightcap to sweep the Isotopes in the doubleheader.
With two outs in the 1st inning, Oklahoma City's Tommy Manzella doubled home two runs as the Redhawks built a 2-0 lead.
The Isotopes eroded that defecit over the next two innings. In the 2nd inning, JD Closser singled and stole second base. Trayvon Robinson drew a walk and was erased from the basepaths on Jamie Hoffmann's fielder's choice. An error on the play allowed Hoffmann to go to second base while Closser scored. In the 3rd inning, Isotopes starter Joey Newby doubled, took third on a passed ball and two outs later, scored on Jerry Sands' single to tie the game at 2-2.
In the 5th inning for the Redhawks, Drew Locke singled and Wladimir Sutil bunt singled. Newby uncorked a wild pitch as both runners advanced a base. Anderson Hernandez was intentionally walked to load the bases and Brian Bogusevic singled home Locke and Sutil to give the Redhawks a 4-2 lead.
Eugenio Velez drew a bases loaded walk in the 6th inning to plate Hoffmann as the Isotopes inched to a run down at 4-3 and Oklahoma City answered in the bottom of the 6th inning with a Brian Dopirak solo homer to get back to a two-run advantage at 5-3.
Newby went 5 innings, allowing 4 runs and 5 hits. Former major-leaguer Ian Snell made his Isotopes debut with the final inning of relief and allowed the homer as his only hit and run, walked 1 and struck out 1.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Trayvon Robinson: 0x2 (.306), 2 BB, 2K Jerry Sands: 1x4 (.365), 1 RBI (22), 3 K Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 1x4 (.278)
'TOPES NOTES: Despite being swept in the doubleheader, the Isotopes remain a game up in the division over the Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) as the Express lost their contest on Tuesday evening. . . . The last time the Isotopes were swept in a twin-bill was August 6, 2010 at Isotopes Park against the Sacramento River Cats. . . . Trayvon Robinson went hitless in two at-bats to snap a 16-game hitting streak. . . . With the recent promotion of Dee Gordon to the Dodgers, the Isotopes have not been burning a lot of rubber on the basepaths. JD Closser's stolen base snapped a six game streak in which the Isotopes had not stolen a base. . . . The series continues Wednesday evening. Probables are LHP Dana Eveland (6-3, 3.95) for the Isotopes and LHP Andy Van Hekken (0-3, 4.09) for the Redhawks.
Filed 06/14/2011

June 14, 2011 - DH1 - Isotopes (37-27)
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Bricktown Ballpark Albuquerque 000 000 0 -- 0 4 0 Oklahoma City 100 100 x -- 2 7 0 WP: Daniel Meszaros (1-1) LP: Tim Redding (2-7) SV: Jose Valdez (4) TIME: 1:58
In the opener of a doubleheader, the Isotopes hitters could not string together any hits, scattering four hits, and were shutout in a 2-0 loss to the Oklahoma City Redhawks (AAA Astros). The loss snapped a four-game winning streak.
Oswaldo Navarro drew a bases-loaded walk in the 1st inning and Drew Locke doubled and later scored on a groundout in the 4th inning for the only runs of the game.
Isotopes starter Tim Redding had a decent effort in the contest, allowing the 2 runs and 6 hits in 5 innings.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Trayvon Robinson: 2x3 (.308), 1 K Jerry Sands: 0x3 (.373), 1 K Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 1x3 (.279), 1 2B (4)
'TOPES NOTES: Trayvon Robinson extended his hitting streak to 16 games, tying for the team season-best hitting streak he established earlier in the season. . . . The Isotopes have been shut out three times in 2011. . . . Tim Redding leads the Isotopes pitching staff with 7 losses. . . .
Filed 06/14/2011

June 13, 2011 - Isotopes (37-26)
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Bricktown Ballpark Albuquerque 002 100 100 -- 4 11 0 Oklahoma City 100 001 010 -- 3 10 2 WP: Tim Sexton (3-0) LP: Gustavo Chacin (2-3) SV: Jon Link (5) HR: ABQ Jerry Sands (6) off Chacin (3rd inning, 2R) ABQ Trayvon Robinson (14) off Chacin (4th inning, S) TIME: 3:01 ATT: 4,154
Tim Sexton went 6 innings, allowing 2 runs and 8 hits in winning his third straight start and Jerry Sands and Trayvon Robinson added homers as the Isotopes got their quick roadtrip off to a good start with a 4-3 victory over the Oklahoma City Redhawks (AAA Astros) on Monday evening. Albuquerque has won four straight games.
Oklahoma City took a quick 1-0 lead in the 1st inning. Brian Bogusevic singled, stole second base and scored on Robinson Cancel's single.
Albuquerque took the lead with one swing of the bat in the 3rd inning. Eugenio Velez singled with one out and scored on Sands' homer to center field. Robinson added a solo shot in the 4th inning to put Albuquerque up 3-1.
Tommy Manzella tripled and scored on Brandon Barnes' double in the 6th inning as Oklahoma City inched to a run down at 3-2 before Albuquerque extended the lead back to two runs in the 7th inning. Velez singled, went to second base on a pickoff attempt error and scored on John Lindsey's single.
The Redhawks' Barnes singled home Koby Clemens in the 8th inning for the final run of the contest.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Trayvon Robinson: 2x3 (.304) 1 R, 1 3B (5), 1 HR (14), 1 RBI (42), 1 BB, 1 K Jerry Sands: 1x5 (.393), 1R, 1 HR (6), 2 RBI (21), 3 K Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 1x4 (.277)
'TOPES NOTES: Randy Keisler was named the PCL Pitcher of the Week on Monday. Keisler won both of his starts for the award week, working 13 innings and allowing 10 hits, 1 run (ERA 0.69), 2 walks and fanning 10. Keisler is the second Isotope to win a Pitcher of the Week award in 2011 (John Ely is the other). . . . Dodger Pride winners for May were announced and at the Triple-A level, P Dana Eveland and IF Dee Gordon were the winners. Eveland has won the award in both April and May. In May, Eveland went 2-2 with a 4.17 ERA in six starts. Gordon hit .315 with seven doubles, two triples and 18 RBI in 50 games with the Isotopes before his recent promotion to the Dodgers. . . . The Isotopes increased their division lead to a game and a half over the Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) with their victory and the Express' loss. The 1.5 game lead is the most the Isotopes have led the division by this season. Albuquerque is also 11 games above the .500 mark, the most above the high-water mark that they have been all season. . . . Trayvon Robinson extended his hitting streak to 15 games and a hit in his next game will tie his team season-best hitting streak of 16 games. . . . Collin Cowgill of the Reno Aces (AAA Diamondbacks) is the PCL Hitter of the Week. Cowgill hit .481 (13x27) with a homer and 5 RBI. . . . The Isotopes and Redhawks play a doubleheader on Tuesday. Probables in the opener are RHP Tim Redding (2-6, 6.82) for the Isotopes and RHP Nelson Figueroa (3-2, 5.22) for the Redhawks. In the nightcap, RHP Joe Newby (0-1, 3.00) is expected to face a pitcher to be named for the Redhawks.
Filed 06/13/2011

June 12, 2011 - Isotopes (36-26)
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Isotopes Park Nashville 011 700 500 -- 14 21 0 Albuquerque 042 300 52x -- 16 22 2 WP: Merkin Valdez (4-1) LP: Donovan Hand (1-3) HR: NSH Erick Almonte (2) off Dedeaux (7th inning, S) NSH Caleb Gindl (7) off Ely (4th inning, S) NSH Taylor Green (9) off Ely (4th inning, S) NSH Taylor Green (10) off Alvarez (7th inning, 2R) ABQ Russ Mitchell (5) off Wright (3rd inning, S) TIME: 3:59 ATT: 6,341
It was a game that hitters enjoyed very much, pitchers hated, and many single-game stats were bested. Jerry Sands knocked in the go-ahead run in the 8th inning as the Isotopes earned a 16-14 slugfest victory over the Nashville Sounds (AAA Brewers) on Sunday afternoon at "The Lab". Albuquerque has won three straight games and kept their precarious half-game division lead. The Isotopes spotted the Sounds a run in the 2nd inning before they got on the scoreboard themselves in the bottom half of the inning. JD Closser and Russ Mitchell drew walks and Closser came around to score on Trayvon Robinson's single. Jamie Hoffmann drove in Mitchell with a single and Justin Sellers singled to drive in Robinson. An out later, Eugenio Velez singled home Hoffmann as Albuquerque led 4-1.
Nashville scored another run in the 3rd inning before Albuquerque extended their lead in the bottom of the 3rd inning. Mitchell solo homered with one out and Robinson, Hoffmann and Sellers followed with consecutive singles that drove in Robinson for a 6-2 lead.
The Isotope lead evaporated in the 4th inning when Nashville scored seven runs, highlighted by back-to-back solo homers from Taylor Green and Caleb Gindl and a Mat Gamel bases-loaded double that cleared them.
Albuquerque tied up the game in the bottom of the 4th inning. AJ Ellis singled, Sands walked and Ellis tagged up to third base on Closser's flyout. Mitchell singled to plate Ellis and Robinson doubled home Sands and Mitchell.
Both teams had a big-run 7th inning. Nashville plated five runs to lead 14-9 using Erick Almonte's solo homer, Green's second homer of the game (a two-run homer), and run-scoring singles from Edwin Maysonet and former-Isotope Brett Carroll.
After the 7th inning stretch, Velez doubled with one out and after Ellis flew out, Sands and Closser drew walks to load the bags. Mitchell two-run singled to drive in Velez and Sands. Robinson knocked in Closser with a single. Hoffmann singled home Mitchell and pinch-hitter John Lindsey singled home Robinson to tie the game at 14-14.
Nashville went quietly in the top of the 8th inning before Albuquerque went to work in the bottom half to score the go-ahead and insurance runs. Velez doubled, Ellis laid down a sacrifice bunt to get Velez to third base and Sands drove him in with a double. An out later, Mitchell singled home Sands.
Isotopes starter John Ely went 3 1/3 innings, allowing 12 hits, 9 runs (7 earned), walked none, struck out 2 and allowed two homers.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Trayvon Robinson: 5x6 (.299), 3 R, 1 2B (7), 4 RBI (41) Jerry Sands: 2x4 (.412), 3 R, 1 2B (4), 1 RBI (19), 2 BB, 1 K Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 0x2 (.278)
'TOPES NOTES: P Francisco Felix was placed on the Disabled List with a lumbar strain. . . . For getting blown out of the series opener, the Isotopes sure roared back to claim the final three games of the series. 31,987 attended at Isotopes Park for a per-game average of 7,997. . . . Albuquerque set new season highs for hits in a game (22), hits allowed (21), most combined runs in a game (30), most homers allowed in a game (4) and longest 9-inning game of the season (3 hours, 59 minutes). . . . Trayvon Robinson tied a franchise record with 5 hits in the game and he extended his hitting streak to 14 games. . . . Russ Mitchell tied a franchise record with four runs scored in the game. . . . The Isotopes tied a franchise record for most combined hits in the game (43) but set the franchise record for combined hits in a 9-inning contest since the other occurance of the record was an extra-innings contest. . . . Albuquerque is a season-high 10 games above the .500 mark and tied their season-best mark of three straight home victories. . . . Albuquerque heads on the road for a quick four-day, five-game series against the Oklahoma City Redhawks (AAA Astros). It will be the Isotopes' last 2011 regular season trip to Oklahoma City and will feature one scheduled doubleheader on Tuesday to make up for an off-day during the first time the Isotopes were in town in order for the Oklahoma/Oklahoma State University college baseball series to be played at Bricktown Ballpark. Probables in the opener Monday evening are RHP Tim Sexton (2-0, 3.32) for the Isotopes and LHP Gustavo Chacin (2-2, 3.86) for the Redhawks.
Filed 06/12/2011

June 11, 2011 - Isotopes (35-26)
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Isotopes Park Nashville 001 000 001 -- 2 6 0 Albuquerque 000 111 20x -- 5 9 0 WP: Randy Keisler (2-2) LP: Amaury Rivas (4-6) HR: NSH Mat Gamel (11) off Link (9th inning, S) TIME: 2:48 ATT: 8,180
Randy Keisler tossed seven innings of one-run, four-hit ball and Trayvon Robinson drove in three runs as the Isotopes defeated the Nashville Sounds (AAA Brewers) 5-2 on Saturday afternoon at "The Lab". Albuquerque has won two straight games and is back in sole possession of first place in the division.
Sounds starter Amaury Rivas singled home the first run of the game in the 3rd inning and Albuquerque tied the game at 1-1 in the 4th inning. With the bases loaded and one out, Keisler sacrifice flied out to drive in Mitchell.
The bases were once again loaded with one out in the 5th inning when Albuquerque took the lead. Trayvon Robinson drew a walk that brought in Ivan DeJesus Jr.
Albuquerque continued their streak of innings with a score in the 6th inning when Justin Sellers was hit by a pitch and later scored on DeJesus Jr.'s single.
In the 7th inning, JD Closser singled, Mitchell drew a walk and Robinson doubled them both home for a 5-1 Isotopes lead.
Mat Gamel solo homered for Nashville in the 9th inning to wrap up the scoring in the game.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Trayvon Robinson: 1x2 (.284), 1 2B (6), 3 RBI (37), 2 BB, 1 K Jerry Sands: 2x4 (.404), 1 BB Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 2x4 (.284), 1 R, 1 RBI (11), 1 BB
'TOPES NOTES: The PCL American Conference Southern Division leader Isotopes and second place Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) played leapfrog in the standings on Saturday. The Express won the completion of a suspended game, moving a half-game up on the Isotopes. Albuquerque's victory moved the Isotopes into a first place tie until the Express lost their regularly scheduled game for Saturday which allowed Albuquerque to go in sole possession of first place by a half-game. . . . IF Charlie Mirabal was trasferred off the Isotopes roster to Rookie-level Ogden to free up roster room for IF Juan Castro to be activated. . . . Albuquerque is a season-high 9 games above the .500 mark. . . . Trayvon Robinson extended his hitting streak to 13 games with his two-run 7th inning double. . . . Isotopes manager Lorenzo Bundy was ejected for the third time this season in the 6th inning for protesting the call on a 5th inning inning-ending double play in a close game in which Damaso Espino was called out at first base. . . . The series concludes Sunday afternoon. Probables are RHP John Ely (2-3, 5.01) for the Isotopes and former-Isotope RHP Frankie De La Cruz (1-4, 4.21) for the Sounds.
Filed 06/11/2011

June 10, 2011 - Isotopes (34-26)
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Isotopes Park Nashville 001 200 300 0 -- 6 11 2 Albuquerque 014 001 000 1 -- 7 16 0 WP: Merkin Valdez (3-1) LP: Sean Green (0-1) HR: NSH Mat Gamel (10) off Schlichting (7th inning, 2R) ABQ Trayvon Robinson (13) off Green (10th inning, S) ABQ Justin Sellers (6) off Narron (3rd inning, S) ABQ John Lindsey (5) off Narron (3rd inning, 2R) TIME: 3:17 ATT: 9,094
It was lucky number 13 for Trayvon Robinson. Robinson secured an Isotopes victory in the 10th inning with a walkoff homer as the Isotopes remained in a first-place tie with a 7-6 victory over the Nashville Sounds (AAA Brewers) on Friday evening at "The Lab".
John Lindsey reached on an error and later scored on Jamie Hoffmann's sacrifice flyout in the 2nd inning as the Isotopes were first on the scoreboard.
Zelous Wheeler tripled and scored on Sounds starter Sam Narron's sacrifice flyout in the 3rd inning to tie the game before Albuquerque regained the lead in the bottom half of the inning. Justin Sellers solo homered and an out later, Ivan DeJesus Jr. singled. AJ Ellis singled DeJesus Jr. to third base and Jerry Sands returned to the Isotopes with a sacrifice flyout to bring home DeJesus Jr. Lindsey followed with a two-run homer as the Isotopes led 5-1.
Nashville plated two runs in the 4th inning and Albuquerque scored again in the 6th inning. Consecutive one-out singles from Hoffmann, Sellers and pinch-hitter Eugenio Velez brought home Hoffmann.
Mat Gamel two-run homered as the highlight of a three-run 7th inning as Nashville knotted the game at 6-6.
Robinson led off the bottom of the 10th inning and delivered his lucky 13th homer of the season.
Dana Eveland turned in a quality start for the Isotopes, going 6 innings and allowing 6 hits and 3 runs.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Trayvon Robinson: 1x5 (.282), 1 R, 1 HR (13), 1 RBI (34) Jerry Sands: 1x3 (.395), 1 2B (3), 1 RBI (18), 1 BB, 1 K Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 2x5 (.275), 1 R, 2 K
'TOPES NOTES: Due to the weather forecasts for winds to bring back forest fire smoke (Wallow fire in eastern Arizona) with poor air quality to Albuquerque on Saturday and Sunday evenings, the Isotopes announced a game time change for Saturday's contest. Instead of starting at 7:05 PM, the game will start at 4:35 PM with gates opening at 3:30 PM. Fireworks will still follow the Saturday game, winds permitting. Sunday's contest gametime remains unchanged at 1:35 PM. . . . The Dodgers outrighted IF Juan Castro and OF Jay Gibbons to Albuquerque on Friday. . . . Mother Nature is once again keeping Albuquerque in a tie for first place after Friday's action. The resumption of a suspended game between the Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) and Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) was moved to Saturday instead of being resumed Friday due to weather forecasts for rain. The two clubs just played their regularly scheduled contest for Friday with the Express winning the game in extra innings to keep pace with Albuquerque. If Round Rock, up 8-1 in the 4th inning, wins the resumed contest, they will go in front of Albuquerque by a half-game and may stay in first place or fall back into second place depending on how the Express and Isotopes do in their Saturday regularly-scheduled contests. . . . Albuquerque is 4-1 in extra inning contests and 16-5 in one-run contests. . . . Trayvon Robinson's homer extended his hitting streak to 12 games, the second longest Isotope hitting streak of the season behind his 16-game hitting streak earlier in the season. . . . Albuquerque has had two walkoff homers in 2011 and 13 total in franchise history. . . . Saturday afternoon's probables are LHP Randy Keisler (1-2, 5.96) for the Isotopes and RHP Amaury Rivas (4-5, 4.36) for the Sounds.
Filed 06/10/2011

June 9, 2011 - Isotopes (33-26)
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Isotopes Park Nashville 605 021 000 -- 14 20 0 Albuquerque 000 000 001 -- 1 8 0 WP: Mark DiFelice (2-1) LP: Tim Redding (2-6) SV: Chase Wright (1) HR: NSH Caleb Gindl (5) off Redding (1st inning, 2R) NSH Caleb Gindl (6) off Redding (3rd inning, 3R) NSH George Kottaras (4) off Redding (1st inning, 2R) TIME: 2:38 ATT: 8,372
Isotopes starter Tim Redding allowed 11 runs over the first three innings and Albuquerque scored in their last at-bat in a 14-1 loss to the Nashville Sounds (AAA Brewers) in the series opener at "The Lab" on a hazy Thursday evening. Despite the loss, Albuquerque is tied for first place in the division.
Caleb Gindl and George Kottaras each two-run homered in a six-run 1st inning for the Sounds.
Gindl homered for the second time in the game, a three-run homer, as part of a five run 3rd inning as Nashville extended their lead to 11-0.
With the bases loaded in the 5th inning, Mat Gamel singled home a pair of runs and in the 6th inning, Brandon Boggs singled home a run as Nashville led 14-0.
It took until the 9th inning for Albuquerque to avoid being shut out for the third time this season. JD Closser doubled with one out and an out later, Trayvon Robinson singled him home.
In Redding's worst outing of the season, he went 2 2/3 innings, allowing 11 runs, 10 hits, walked 1, struck out 4 and gave up all three Sounds homers.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Trayvon Robinson: 1x4 (.284), 1 RBI (33), 1 K Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 1x4 (.267)
'TOPES NOTES: The Dodgers purchased the contract of OF Trent Oeltjen on Thursday and optioned OF Jerry Sands to Albuquerque. P Alberto Bastardo was also placed on the disabled list, presumably due to the sprained left ankle he suffered in the first inning of a game in Round Rock Sunday that limited his outing to just 1/3 of an inning. . . . Mother Nature prevented the Isotopes from falling into second place in the PCL's American Conference Southern Division with tonight's loss. Second-place Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers)' contest in Iowa was suspended in the 4th inning due to rain with Round Rock up big, 8-1. If Round Rock holds the lead and wins that game when it is resumed Friday, Round Rock will go back in first place by a half-game for at least a few hours pending Friday evening's regularly scheduled contest outcomes. . . . Albuquerque gave up the most hits to an opponent (20) and had their largest losing margin (13 runs) of the season. . . . Trayvon Robinson's 9th inning RBI single extended his hitting streak to 11 games, tying him with Trent Oeltjen for the second longest Isotope hitting streak of the season. Robinson holds Albuquerque's longest 2011 hitting streak of 16 games. . . . Tim Redding leads the club with 6 losses and he established an Isotope season-worst by allowing 3 homers in a game. Redding also came 1 earned run short of tying the franchise record for earned runs allowed in a game. . . . Albuquerque hopes to add a tally to the win column Friday evening. Probables are LHP Dana Eveland (6-3, 3.90) for the Isotopes and LHP Sam Narron (4-2, 3.13) for the Sounds.
Filed 06/09/2011

June 7, 2011 - Isotopes (33-25)
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Dell Diamond Albuquerque 110 200 020 -- 6 12 0 Round Rock 000 020 001 -- 3 10 0 WP: Tim Sexton (2-0) LP: Derek Hankins (5-4) HR: ABQ JD Closser (8) off Hankins (4th inning, S) ABQ John Lindsey (4) off Hankins (4th inning, S) ABQ Trayvon Robinson (12) off Hankins (2nd inning, S) RR Doug Deeds (6) off Sexton (5th inning, 2R) TIME: 2:53 ATT: 7,926
Isotopes starter Tim Sexton allowed 2 runs in 5 2/3 innings as he picked up his second Triple-A victory and JD Closser, John Lindsey and Trayvon Robinson added solo homers in Albuquerque's 6-3 victory over the Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers). Albuquerque has won two straight games and vaulted into first place ahead of the Express with the victory.
Albuquerque rapidly took a 1-0 lead in the 1st inning. Leadoff batter Eugenio Velez tripled and scored on Jamie Hoffmann's groundout.
Robinson solo homered in the 2nd inning and Lindsey and Closser back-to-back solo homered in teh 4th innnig as Albuquerque built a 4-0 advantage.
Matt Kata singled ahead of Doug Deeds' homer in the 5th inning as Sexton allowed his only runs of the game.
Albuquerque went up 6-2 in the 8th inning. Velez, Hoffmann and Oeltjen started off the frame with singles to load the bases and Lindsey grounded into a double play, bringing home Velez. Closser then singled home Hoffmann.
Joey Butler drew a bases-loaded walk in the 9th inning to tally Round Rock's final run of the game.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Trayvon Robinson: 2x4 (.284), 1 R, 1 HR (12), 1 RBI (32), 1 K, 1 SB (7)
'TOPES NOTES: The Isotopes are in first place in the PCL American Conference Southern Division for the first time since they were tied with other clubs on April 16th and the first time they've been in first place outright since April 13th. The Isotopes were as much as 4.5 games out of first place (May 12th) until they closed in to striking distance and finally regained the division lead with tonight's win. . . . Albuquerque took three out of the four games with Round Rock and 36,166 attended for a per-game average of 9,042. . . . Albuquerque went 6-6 on their season-longest 12-game roadtrip and 80,855 total came out to the ballparks in New Orleans, Memphis and Round Rock. . . . Trayvon Robinson extended his hitting streak to 10 games tonight. It is his second hitting streak of 10+ games this season and is currently the third longest team hitting streak of the year. . . Albuquerque is back to a season-high tying 8 games above the .500 mark. . . . John Lindsey and JD Closser were the first Isotope hitters to homer back-to-back in 2011. . . . The Isotopes and the rest of the PCL have Wednesday off and Albuquerque starts a quick four-game homestand on Thursday. Probables are RHP Tim Redding (1-5, 5.79) for the Isotopes and RHP Mark DiFelice (1-1, 2.29) for the Nashville Sounds (AAA Brewers). There has been no word from the Isotopes club or stories run in the local media to say if the Isotopes have been in contact with the PCL league office to determine how the smoke drifting into Albuquerque from a large Arizona forest fire may affect the series -- i.e. how much smoke or haze is acceptable to play in and if the smoke cloud rolls in and gets stronger around gametime or during a game, what degree of smoke/haze might call for postponement or suspension of a game in progress.
Filed 06/07/2011

June 6, 2011 - Isotopes (32-25)
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Dell Diamond Albuquerque 012 203 300 -- 11 14 0 Round Rock 000 000 000 -- 0 7 0 WP: Randy Keisler (1-2) LP: Zach Jackson (4-2) HR: ABQ Trent Oeltjen (8) off Jackson (3rd inning, 2R) TIME: 3:08 ATT: 9,065
Randy Keisler and two Isotope relievers combined on a seven-hit shutout and Trent Oeltjen homered and drove in five total runs in an Albuquerque 11-0 victory over the Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers). The victory moved Albuquerque to a half-game back of the Express in the division standings.
Albuquerque's first run came in the 2nd inning. JD Closser singled and Russ Mitchell walked. Trayvon Robinson singled to load the bases and Jamie Hoffmann grounded into a double play with Closser scoring.
AJ Ellis walked ahead of Oeltjen's two run homer in the 3rd inning as Albuquerque led 3-0.
In the 4th inning, Justin Sellers doubled with one out, advanced to third base on Eugenio Velez's groundout and scored on Ellis' double. Oeltjen singled home Ellis for a 5-0 lead.
The Isotopes took a breather until the 6th inning. Hoffmann and Velez singled and Oeltjen was hit by a pitch to load the bases with two outs. John Lindsey drew a walk to bring home Hoffmann and Closser two-run singled with Velez and Oeltjen scoring.
Albuquerque struck again in the 7th inning. Hoffmann and Sellers drew consecutive one out walks, Velez doubled Hoffmann home and Ellis walked to load the bags. Oeltjen ground-rule doubled to drive in Sellers and Velez with the final runs of the game.
Keisler went 6 innings, allowing 6 hits and no runs. Travis Schlichting and Merkin Valdez finished out the game, only allowing one more hit over the next 3 frames.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Trayvon Robinson: 1x5 (.280), 1 K
'TOPES NOTES: The Dodgers activated a trio of players from the major-league disabled list on Monday and it precipitated a lot of roster moves that affect the Isotopes or may soon affect the Isotopes. Marcus Thames, Blake Hawksworth and Juan Uribe all came off the disabled list. P John Ely and IF Ivan DeJesus Jr. were both optioned back to Albuquerque. IF Dee Gordon had his contract purchased by the Dodgers and appeared in Monday evening's contest as a pinch-runner in the 9th inning and scored a run. Former Isotopes Juan Castro and Jay Gibbons were both designated for assignment and might end up with the Isotopes if they clear waivers. Finally, IF Charlie Mirabal was transferred to Albuquerque from Rookie-level Ogden. . . . The Isotopes have pitched two shutouts in 2011. The 11-run winning margin was their largest shutout win of the season. . . . Trent Oeltjen was a triple shy of hitting for the cycle and was the fourth Isotope to drive in 5 in a game this season. . . . Albuquerque is 9-0 when they score 10 runs or more in a game. . . . Mike Carp of the Tacoma Rainiers (AAA Mariners) is the PCL Hitter of the Week. Carp hit .515 (17x33) with 4 homers and 11 RBI during the award week. . . . Willie Eyre of the Sacramento River Cats (AAA Athletics) is the PCL Pitcher of the Week. Eyre appeared in four games and saved all of them, allowing no runs in 4 innings pitched. . . . The Isotopes close out their season-longest 12 game roadtrip on Tuesday evening. A victory will put Albuquerque in first place by a half-game as they head home and the worst case scenario is that Albuquerque leaves Texas a game and a half back in the standings. Probables are RHP Tim Sexton (1-0, 3.38) for the Isotopes and RHP Derek Hankins (5-3, 6.79) for the E-train.
Filed 06/06/2011

June 5, 2011 - Isotopes (31-25)
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Dell Diamond Albuquerque 100 100 000 -- 2 4 0 Round Rock 140 300 00x -- 8 11 0 WP: Neil Ramirez (4-1) LP: Francisco Felix (3-2) HR: ABQ JD Closser (7) off Ramirez (4th inning, S) RR Chad Tracy (10) off Felix (4th inning, 2R) TIME: 2:47 ATT: 7,332
Isotopes starter Alberto Bastardo left the game very early and the Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) plated eight early runs to put Albuquerque in a large early hole. Albuquerque went on to lose the game 8-2 to snap a three-game road winning streak and the Isotopes dropped to 1.5 games back of the Express in the division standings.
Albuquerque got things off to a good start. Dee Gordon led off the game with a single, went to third base on Eugenio Velez's double and scored an out later on John Lindsey's groundout.
In the bottom of the 1st inning, Bastardo got Julio Borbon to ground out. Esteban German bunt singled with Bastardo fielding the ball awkwardly along the third base line. Bastardo seemed fine pitching to Chris Davis. Davis singled into right field with German racing to third base. Bastardo fell to the ground in foul territory near the third base bag backing up the play and had to leave with a left ankle sprain. Francisco Felix entered the game and gave up a double to Chad Tracy that brought German home to tie the game at 1-1.
Felix ran into more trouble in the 2nd inning. Matt Kata drew a leadoff walk, Joey Butler doubled and Kevin Cash followed with a two-run double. Borbon laid down a sacrifice bunt to advance Cash to third base and German was hit by a pitch before Davis two-run doubled to give the Express a 5-1 lead.
Albuquerque scored their final run in the 4th inning when JD Closser solo homered.
The Express added their final three runs to the scoreboard off Felix in the 4th inning. Borbon doubled with one out and went to third base on German's groundout before scoring on Davis' double. Tracy followed with a two-run homer.
Bastardo's official line was 1/3 of an inning with 2 hits allowed, 1 run, no walks and no strikeouts.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 1x4 (.315), 1 R, 1 K Trayvon Robinson: 1x4 (.282), 1 2B (5), 1 K
'TOPES NOTES: Alberto Bastardo tied an Isotope franchise record established by three prior Isotope hurlers for the shortest starting outing. His franchise record-tying outing of one third of an inning is distinct in that he was the first one that left due to injury rather than from ineffective pitching or the suspension of a game due to weather. . . . Francisco Felix tossed 3 1/3 innings, the longest relief appearance of the season for Albuquerque. . . . Today's loss snapped a three-game Isotope winning streak at Dell Diamond. . . . Trayvon Robinson has put together an eight-game hitting streak, a streak that started around the time he broke out of his massive hitting slump. . . . Game three of the series is Monday evening. Probables are LHP Randy Keisler (0-2, 8.10) for the Isotopes and LHP Zach Jackson (4-1, 5.75) for the Express.
Filed 06/05/2011

June 4, 2011 - Isotopes (31-24)
Dell Diamond Albuquerque 031 000 103 -- 8 15 0 Round Rock 000 000 210 -- 3 8 1 WP: Tim Redding (2-5) LP: Tommy Hunter (1-1) HR: ABQ Russ Mitchell (4) off Hunter (2nd inning, 2R) RR Chad Tracy (9) off Newby (8th inning, S) TIME: 3:00 ATT: 11,843
The Isotopes may have seemed to figure out their road woes. Albuquerque jumped early on a MLB rehabilitator and held off a late Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) rally to take a 8-3 victory over the Express. Albuquerque has won a season-high three straight road games and moved to a half-game back of the division-leading Express.
Round Rock's Tommy Hunter, on a rehab assignment before rejoining the Rangers, was on the hill when Albuquerque got on the scoreboard in the 2nd inning. JD Closser singled and scored on Russ Mitchell's two run homer. Trayvon Robinson singled, went to second base on Damaso Espino's groundout and scored on Dee Gordon's single as the Isotopes led 3-0.
Hunter was replaced in the 3rd inning when the Isotopes added another run to the scoreboard. Eugenio Velez singled, Trent Oeltjen bunt-singled, Velez tagged up and went to third base on John Lindsey's flyout and scored on Closser's fielder's choice.
Albuquerque made it 5-0 in the 7th inning using back-to-back doubles from Oeltjen and Lindsey to score the run.
Round Rock started making a late game rally in their half of the 7th inning with two runs (Doug Deeds double and a groundout) and scored again in the 8th inning on Chad Tracy's solo homer to get two runs down at 5-3.
Albuquerque had a great 9th inning to put the game away. Justin Sellers singled and Gordon and Velez both bunt singled to load the bases with no outs. Oeltjen two-run singled (Sellers and Gordon scoring) and Lindsey grounded into a double play with Velez scoring. Closser flew out to end the inning with Albuquerque scoring three runs to lead 8-3.
Tim Redding started for the Isotopes and gave up 2 runs and 7 hits in 6 innings as he earned his second victory of the season.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 4x5 (.316), 1 R, 1 RBI (18), 1 SB (22) Trayvon Robinson: 1x4 (.283), 1 R, 2 K
'TOPES NOTES: Albuquerque had their busiest transaction day since May 19th. With injuries to infielder Rafael Furcal and pitcher Jon Garland, the Dodgers placed both of them on the major-league disabled list and recalled P John Ely and IF Ivan DeJesus Jr. from Albuquerque. Marcus Thames also had his rehabilitation assignment transferred from the Isotopes to Class-AA Chattanooga. . . . Dee Gordon had four hits in a game for the second time this season. . . . Tim Redding's victory snapped a three-game losing streak. . . . The Isotopes played in front of their largest road crowd of the season (11,843). . . . The series continues Sunday afternoon as the Isotopes hope to win their fourth straight and move into first place in the PCL American Conference Southern Division. Probables are LHP Alberto Bastardo (3-1, 4.44) for the Isotopes and RHP Neil Ramirez (3-1, 3.50) for the Express.
Filed 06/04/2011

June 3, 2011 - Isotopes (30-24)
Autozone Park Albuquerque 000 201 000 -- 3 6 0 Memphis 000 010 100 -- 2 7 2 WP: Dana Eveland (6-3) LP: Nick Additon (1-2) SV: Merkin Valdez (4) HR: ABQ Marcus Thames (2) off Additon (4th inning, S) ABQ John Lindsey (3) off Additon (6th inning, S) MEM Pete Kozma (1) off Eveland (5th inning, S) TIME: 2:58 ATT: 8,341
Dana Eveland tossed seven innings of five hit, two-run ball and Marcus Thames and John Lindsey added solo homers as the Isotopes left Memphis with a 3-2 victory over the Memphis Redbirds (AAA Cardinals). Thames, on a rehabilitation assignment, homered with two outs in the 4th inning to snap the scoreless game. Jamie Hoffmann followed with a walk, Lindsey lucked out when a foul ball was dropped for an error and then made the Redbirds pay with a single. Russ Mitchell followed with a run scoring single to bring home Hoffmann as the Isotopes led 2-0. Pete Kozma solo homered in the 5th inning to get Memphis on the scoreboard and Lindsey extended the Isotopes lead back to two runs with a homer in the 6th inning.
Memphis plated their final run in the 7th inning on a groundout.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Trayvon Robinson: 1x4 (.283), 1 K Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 0x5 (.268), 1 K
DODGERS Rehab Report Marcus Thames: batted third and played in left field. Went 1x3 (.176) with a homer (2), a run scored and a RBI (4). Thames was pinch-hit for and replaced defensively in the 7th inning.
'TOPES NOTES: The Dodgers outrighted P Travis Schlichting to Albuquerque on Friday in the lone Isotopes transaction. A corresponding move on the Isotopes roster has not been made yet in order to put Schlichting on the active roster. . . . After starting out the series 0-2, the Isotopes won the final two games to earn a series split with the Redbirds. 22,459 attended at Autozone Park for a per-game average of 5,615. . . . The Isotopes have improved to 15-5 in one run contests. Both of Albuquerque's victories in the series were by one run. . . . To prove how hard the Isotopes have found the road to be, the two-game winning streak is tied for the longest road winning streak of the season. . . . Dana Eveland continues to lead the pitching staff in victories - now at 6 wins, and Eveland is on a three-game winning streak. . . . The Isotopes conclude their 12-game road trip with a four-game series against division-leading Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers). As the series gets underway Saturday evening, the Express hold a 1.5 game advantage over the Isotopes in the standings. Probables are RHP Tim Redding (1-5, 5.79) for the Isotopes and RHP Tommy Hunter (1-0, 0.00) pitching on a rehabilitation assignment.
Filed 06/03/2011

June 2, 2011 - Isotopes (29-24)
Autozone Park Albuquerque 010 030 100 -- 5 11 1 Memphis 010 010 101 -- 4 9 0 WP: Tim Sexton (1-0) LP: Mitchell Boggs (0-2) SV: Jon Link (4) HR: ABQ Trent Oeltjen (7) off Boggs (2nd inning, S) MEM Andrew Brown (9) off Sexton (5th inning, S) TIME: 3:24 ATT: 5,312
Marcus Thames, on a MLB rehabilitation assignment, had a go-ahead two-run double and Albuquerque survived a 9th inning Memphis Redbirds (AAA Cardinals) rally to take a 5-4 victory on Thursday evening in Memphis. The Isotopes snapped a three-game losing streak with the victory. Trent Oeltjen solo homered for Albuquerque in the 2nd inning and Donovan Solano sacrifice flied out for Memphis in the bottom half of the inning to tie the game at 1-1. In the 5th inning, AJ Ellis doubled but was erased from the basepaths when Isotopes starter Tim Sexton reached on a fielder's choice. Dee Gordon singled and Eugenio Velez reached on a fielder's choice forceout with Gordon out at second base. Thames doubled home Sexton and Velez before scoring on Oeltjen's double as Albuquerque took a 4-1 lead.
Andrew Brown solo homered for the Redbirds in the bottom of the 5th inning to bring Memphis to two runs down at 4-2.
JD Closser ground-rule doubled and later scored on Velez's single in the 7th inning as Albuquerque led 5-2.
Mark Hamilton grounded into a double play to bring a run home for Memphis in the 7th inning and in the 9th inning, Adron Chambers singled, Freddie Bynum bunt singled and an error on Isotopes reliever Jon Link allowed Chambers to advance to third base. Brown grounded into a fielder's choice with Chambers scoring and Bynum out at second base. Hamilton walked and was replaced by pinch-runner Aaron Luna. Nick Stavinoha grounded out to put both runners in scoring position with the tying run on third base. Link then got Matt Carpenter to strike out swinging to end the game.
Sexton earned his first Triple-A victory and pitched 5 innings and allowed 6 hits and 2 runs.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 2x4 (.304), 1 BB
DODGERS Rehab Report Marcus Thames: batted third and played the whole game in left field. Went 1x4 (.143) with 1 R, 1 2B (1), 2 RBI (3) and 1 K.
'TOPES NOTES: The Isotopes closed to 1.5 games back of the division-leading Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) as the Express lost on Thursday evening. The New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Marlins) won their game, so they remain tied with the Isotopes for second place in the division. . . . Trent Oeltjen has homered in back-to-back contests. . . . The series in Memphis concludes Friday evening. It is Albuquerque's final tuneup before heading to division-leader Round Rock for four games that could vault Albuquerque into first place if they can cure their road woes in Texas. Probables are LHP Dana Eveland (5-3, 4.05) for the Isotopes and LHP Nick Additon (1-1, 3.32) for the Redbirds.
Filed 06/02/2011

June 1, 2011 - Isotopes (28-24)
Autozone Park Albuquerque 000 010 000 -- 1 5 2 Memphis 320 310 02x -- 11 12 0 WP: Brandon Dickson (2-6) LP: John Ely (2-3) HR: ABQ Trent Oeltjen (6) off Dickson (5th inning, S) MEM Adron Chambers (4) off Ely (1st inning, S) MEM Adron Chambers (5) off Ely (2nd inning, 2R) TIME: 2:57 ATT: 4,312
The road continues to be tough for Albuquerque. The Memphis Redbirds (AAA Cardinals) plated eight runs over the first four frames and held Albuquerque to just five hits in a 5-1 victory over the Isotopes. Albuquerque has dropped three straight games.
Memphis quickly put three runs on the scoreboard in the 1st inning. Adron Chambers led off the game for the Redbirds with a homer off Isotopes starter John Ely. An out later, Andrew Brown tripled and scored on Mark Hamilton's single. Nick Stavinoha followed with a double that brought Hamilton home.
Chambers two-run homered in the 2nd inning, and in the 4th inning, Memphis added three more runs to lead 8-0.
Trent Oeltjen's solo homer in the 5th inning prevented the Isotopes from being shutout in the contest.
Redbirds starter Brandon Dickson singled home a run in the 5th inning and Hamilton added a two-run double in the 8th inning.
Ely tossed four innings, allowing 9 hits and 8 runs (6 earned).
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 0x4 (.299) Trayvon Robinson: 2x3 (.284), 1 BB Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 0x3 (.286), 1 BB, 1 K
DODGERS Rehab Report Marcus Thames: Appeared as a pinch hitter in the 5th inning and struck out in his lone pinch-hit at-bat.
'TOPES NOTES: With the Isotopes loss and division-leader Round Rock Express' (AAA Rangers) victory on Wednesday, the Isotopes fell to 2.5 games back in the division. . . . The Isotopes have lost their last four games played at Autozone Park and lost to the Redbirds by their largest losing margin of the season (10 runs). . . . Albuquerque looks to snap their losing streak in game three of the series Thursday evening. Probables are RHP Tim Sexton (0-0, 3.27) for the Isotopes and RHP Mitchell Boggs (0-1, 1.69) for the Redbirds.
Filed 06/01/2011

May 31, 2011 - Isotopes (28-23)
Autozone Park Albuquerque 000 301 000 -- 4 11 1 Memphis 201 101 23x -- 10 12 1 WP: Brian Broderick (1-0) LP: Joey Newby (0-1) HR: ABQ Trayvon Robinson (11) off Walters (4th inning, 3R) MEM Nick Stavinoha (8) off Dedeaux (8th inning, 3R) TIME: 3:11 ATT: 4,494
The Isotopes had a good start of their series in Memphis by matching the Memphis Redbirds (AAA Cardinals) in the early part of the game. The Redbirds then surged for six runs over the 6th through 8th innings to take the opener 10-4.
Mark Hamilton singled home a run and Nick Stavinoha grounded out to plate a run in the 1st inning, and in the 3rd inning, Hamilton doubled and scored on Stavinoha's single as the Redbirds built a 3-0 lead.
That lead was wiped out with one swing of the bat in the 4th inning. Jamie Hoffmann reached on a fielder's choice, Russ Mitchell singled and Trayvon Robinson three-run homered.
Aaron Luna sacrifice flied out in the home half of the 4th inning to give Memphis the lead back, and Albuquerque re-tied the game in the 6th inning. JD Closser singled, advanced to third base when Mitchell reached on an error and AJ Ellis sacrifice flied out to drive in Closser.
Memphis took the lead back for good in the 6th inning when Luna doubled home a run. The Redbirds plated two more runs in the 7th inning on a Donovan Solano sacrifice flyout and Ramon Vazquez's RBI single, and Stavinoha three-run homered in the 8th inning for the final runs of the game.
Isotopes starter Alberto Bastardo allowed 4 runs and 6 hits in 4 innings.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 3x5 (.306), SB (20) Trayvon Robinson: 1x4 (.278), 1 R, 1 HR (11), 3 RBI (31), 1 K Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 0x5 (.297), 1 K
DODGERS Rehab Report Marcus Thames: batted third and played in left field. Went 0x2 (.111) with 2 walks and a strikeout before being replaced by Trent Oeltjen in the bottom of the 7th inning.
'TOPES NOTES: The only movement in the PCL American Conference Southern Division on Monday came from the bottom. The top three teams in the division all lost. The Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) lost to the bottom-dwelling Oklahoma City Redhawks (AAA Astros) so the Redhawks made up a game and are 7 games back. The Zephyrs and Isotopes both lost, so each team remains tied with each other at 1.5 games back of the Express. . . . Trayvon Robinson has homered in his last three games in which he has had an at-bat. . . . Now that May is in the books, here are some Isotope May stats: 15-14 record (11-5 at home, 4-9 on the road), .284 team batting average and 5.45 team ERA, 145 runs scored, 29 stolen bases, and 30 homers. . . . Andrew Brown of the Memphis Redbirds (AAA Cardinals) is the PCL Hitter of the Week. Brown hit .520 (13x25) with 3 homers and 11 RBI. . . . Matt Palmer of the Salt Lake Bees (AAA Angels) is the PCL Pitcher of the Week. Palmer won his only start of the week and tossed 6 2/3 scoreless innings while allowing 4 hits, 3 walks and he fanned 11. . . . The series continues Wednesday evening. Probables are RHP John Ely (2-2, 4.39) for the Isotopes and RHP Brandon Dickson (1-6, 4.60) for the Redbirds.
Filed 05/31/2011

May 30, 2011 - Isotopes (28-22)
Zephyr Field Albuquerque 001 001 000 -- 2 8 0 New Orleans 100 100 10x -- 3 6 2 WP: Peter Andrelczyk (2-0) LP: Tim Redding (1-5) SV: Jose Ceda (15) HR: NRL Osvaldo Martinez (2) off Redding (4th inning, S) NRL Bryan Petersen (6) off Redding (1st inning, S) TIME: 2:31 ATT: 3,219
Tim Redding tossed a complete game and only allowed three runs but he ended up with the loss as his teammates were only able to plate two runs in a 3-2 defeat to the New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Marlins) in the series finale on Memorial Day afternoon in Metarie, Louisiana. New Orleans' early game runs included a leadoff homer from Bryan Peterson and an Osvaldo Martinez 4th inning solo homer while Albuquerque tallied for their first run in the 3rd inning. Justin Sellers walked, advanced to second base on Redding's sacrifice bunt and scored on Eugenio Velez's single. The Isotopes tied up the game at 2-2 in the 6th inning. John Lindsey singled and scored on a fielding error during A.J. Ellis' double.
New Orleans scored what proved to be the game winning run in the 7th inning when Joe Thurston singled, stole second base and scored on former-Isotope Chris Aguila's single.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 1x5 (.298), 2 K Trayvon Robinson: 0x0 (.278)
DODGERS Rehab Report Marcus Thames: batted third and played in Left Field. Went 0x4 (.143) with a strikeout and was replaced defensively by Trayvon Robinson in the 7th inning.
'TOPES NOTES: P Joey Newby was transferred from Class-AA Chattanooga to Albuquerque on Monday. Newby was a starter/reliever with the Lookouts and had a 2-1 record with a 3.74 ERA with Chattanooga. . . . The Zephyrs took three out of the four contests against the Isotopes and 22,230 attended at Zephyr Field for a per-game average of 5,558. Albuquerque has lost three series' so far in 2011, all on the road. . . The Isotopes, usually being the king of one run contests so far this season with a 13-5 record, certainly were not kings of the one run contests in this series. Albuquerque went 1-2 in one-run games this series. . . . Memorial Day contests have not been too kind to Albuquerque in the recent past. Albuquerque is 3-6 in Memorial Day contests, including 0-5 on the road and the Isotopes have dropped their last four Memorial Day games. . . . Despite the loss, Albuquerque lost no ground in the division race. Albuquerque remains 1.5 games behind the Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) as the Express also lost their game Monday. The Zephyrs with their victory moved into a tie for second-place with the Isotopes in the division. . . . Tim Redding had Albuquerque's fourth complete game of the season. Redding leads the staff with 5 losses and has lost his last 3 pitching decisions. . . . The Isotopes continue their 12-game roadtrip with a four-game series in Memphis against the Memphis Redbirds (AAA Cardinals). Probables in the opener at Autozone Park on Tuesday evening are LHP Alberto Bastardo (3-1, 4.05) for the Isotopes and RHP PJ Walters (2-3, 5.81) for the Redbirds.
Filed 05/30/2011

May 29, 2011 - Isotopes (28-21)
Zephyr Field Albuquerque 001 004 100 -- 6 11 0 New Orleans 100 200 011 -- 5 9 1 WP: Dana Eveland (5-3) LP: Frank Mata (1-3) SV: Jon Link (3) HR: ABQ Marcus Thames (1) off Villanueva (3rd inning, S) ABQ Trayvon Robinson (10) off Mata (7th inning, S) TIME: 3:22 ATT: 4,894
Ivan DeJesus Jr.'s two-run single was part a 6th inning Isotope surge to take the lead and Albuquerque held off a late-game New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Marlins) rally to take a 6-5 victory on Sunday afternoon in Metarie, Louisiana.
The Zephyrs scored their first run in the 1st inning when Mike Cervenak doubled and came around to score on a pair of wild pitches. The rehabilitating Marcus Thames solo homered to center field in the 3rd inning as the Isotopes tied the game at 1-1.
New Orleans regained the lead in the bottom of the 4th inning with two runs before the Isotopes took the lead in the 6th inning. Russ Mitchell singled and an out later, Damaso Espino drew a walk. Isotopes starter Dana Eveland sacrifice bunted out while both runners advanced a base. Dee Gordon reached on a throwing error with Mitchell scoring and Gordon proceeded to steal second base to get into scoring position. DeJesus Jr. singled home Espino and Gordon to give the Isotopes their go-ahead runs. Jamie Hoffmann singled and Trent Oeltjen was hit by a pitch to load the bases and a passed ball brought DeJesus Jr. home as Albuquerque led 5-3.
Trayvon Robinson added a solo homer in the 7th inning to extend the Isotope led to 6-3 and the Zephyrs mounted a late game comeback with runs in the 8th and 9th innings to pull to 6-5 before stranding the game tying run at second base when the game ended on a flyout.
Eveland allowed 3 runs and 4 hits in 6 innings. He walked one and tied an Isotope starter season-high with 8 strikeouts.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 1x4 (.301), 1 R, 1 BB, 1 SB (19) Trayvon Robinson: 2x5 (.278), 1 R, 1 HR (10), 1 RBI (28) Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 2x5 (.319), 1 R, 2 RBI (10)
DODGERS Rehab Report Marcus Thames: Batted third and played in left field defensively. Went 1x3 (.333) with a homer (1), an RBI (1) and a run scored. Replaced by Jamie Hoffmann in the bottom of the 5th inning.
'TOPES NOTES: The Dodgers placed P Kenley Jansen on the disabled list and didn't replace him with anyone from Albuquerque. Former-Isotope P Josh Lindblom had his contract purchased from Class-AA Chattanooga and former-Isotope P Travis Schlichting was designated for assignment to free up 40-man roster room for Lindblom. . . . The Isotopes stayed in second place, 1.5 games back of the Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) because Round Rock also won their contest Sunday with a 9th inning comeback. The Zephyrs moved out of a second place tie with the Isotopes and into third place in the American Conference Southern Division standings. . . . With today's victory, the Isotopes snapped a five-game losing streak to the Zephyrs in games played at Zephyr Field. . . . Trayvon Robinson has homered in back-to-back games. . . . Dana Eveland leads the pitching staff with five victories. . . . Jon Link's third save makes him the fourth Isotope to earn 3 saves. . . . The series concludes with a Memorial Day afternoon matchup. Probables are RHP Tim Redding (1-4, 6.19) for the Isotopes and RHP Todd Doolittle (2-1, 4.18) for the Zephyrs.
Filed 05/29/2011

May 28, 2011 - Isotopes (27-21)
Zephyr Field Albuquerque 020 200 000 -- 4 8 2 New Orleans 102 010 01x -- 5 10 0 WP: Victor Garate (2-0) LP: Francisco Felix (3-1) SV: Jose Ceda (14) HR: ABQ Jamie Hoffmann (10) off Sampson (2nd inning, 2R) ABQ Trayvon Robinson (9) off Sampson (4th inning, 2R) TIME: 2:59 ATT: 4,776
Two swings of the Isotopes' bats were not good enough to secure a victory in Metarie, Louisiana Saturday evening. The Zephyrs plated the game winning run in the bottom of the 8th inning to take a 5-4 victory over the Isotopes. Albuquerque has dropped two straight games.
New Orleans was first on the scoreboard in the 1st inning with back-to-back doubles from Bryan Petersen and Osvaldo Martinez bringing home a run.
Trent Oeltjen was hit by a pitch and scored on Jamie Hoffmann's two-run homer in the 2nd inning as Albuquerque led 2-1.
Martinez and Josh Kroeger both doubled home a run in the 3rd inning as the Zephyrs regained the lead at 3-2 and Albuquerque took back the advantage at 4-3 in the 4th inning. JD Closser drew a one out walk and scored on Trayvon Robinson's homer.
The Zephyrs used an Isotope error to score a run in the 5th inning to knot the game at 4-4 and then won the game in the 8th inning. Jesus Merchan drew a leadoff walk, Zephyrs reliever Victor Garate laid down a sacrifice bunt to advance Merchan to second base. Petersen was intentionally walked and Martinez doubled home Merchan with the run that proved to be the game winning run.
Tim Sexton started for Albuquerque and allowed 4 runs (3 earned) and 8 hits in 5 innings.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 0x5 (.302), 1 K Trayvon Robinson: 2x4 (.275), 1 R, 1 HR (9), 2 RBI (27), 1 K, 1 SB (6) Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 2x4 (.313), 1 BB
DODGERS Rehab Report Marcus Thames: Did Not Play
'TOPES NOTES: The Dodgers assigned OF Marcus Thames to Albuquerque on a rehabilitation assignment. IF Russ Mitchell reported to the Isotopes Saturday and IF Corey Smith was transferred from Albuquerque to Class-AA Chattanooga. . . . With the loss, the Isotopes did not lose any ground (1.5 games back) to the division leading Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers). With the Zephyrs victory, New Orleans moved into a second place tie with the Isotopes in the division. . . . The final two games of the series will be day games. Probables on Sunday afternoon are LHP Dana Eveland (4-3, 4.00) for Albuquerque and RHP Elih Villanueva (4-5, 6.37) for New Orleans.
Filed 05/28/2011

May 27, 2011 - Isotopes (27-20)
Zephyr Field Albuquerque 001 010 001 -- 3 7 1 New Orleans 123 000 00x -- 6 11 1 WP: Peter Andrelczyk (1-0) LP: John Ely (2-2) TIME: 2:56 ATT: 9,341
The New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Marlins) plated all of their runs in the first three innings off Isotopes starter John Ely and the Isotopes were unable to overcome that early defecit in a 6-3 loss to the Zephyrs in the roadtrip opener Friday evening.
Matt Dominguez drew a bases-loaded walk in the 1st inning and in the 2nd inning, Zephyrs starter Sean West singled home a run and later scored when Osvaldo Martinez grounded into a double play as the Zephyrs led 3-0.
Albuquerque got on the scoreboard in the 3rd inning. Ivan DeJesus Jr. singled wtih two outs and scored on Eugenio Velez's double.
Joe Thurston doubled home a run and Oscar Salazar and West singled home runs in the 3rd inning as the Zephyrs led 6-1.
The Isotopes squandered a good opportunity to cut into the defecit in the 5th inning. Isotopes reliever Randy Keisler walked, Trayvon Robinson and DeJesus Jr. singled to load the bases. Velez sacrifice flied out to bring Keisler home. John Lindsey popped out and Jamie Hoffmann reached on a fielder's choice with DeJesus Jr. out at second base to kill the rally that looked like it has the potential to score more than just the single run.
Albuqureque added their last run in the 9th inning. Robinson walked and scored on DeJesus Jr.'s double.
Ely lasted only the initial three innings, allowing 6 runs (5 earned) and 9 hits. Ely walked 2 and struck out no Zephyr batter.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Trayvon Robinson: 1x4 (.269), 1 R, 1 BB, 2 K Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 4x5 (.300), 1 R, 2 2B (3), 1 RBI (8)
'TOPES NOTES: The Dodgers recalled IF Casey Blake from his rehabilitation assignment on Friday, despite Blake appearing in four games and hitting .143 (2x14) with a run scored, a triple, 2 walks and 8 strikeouts. The Dodgers optioned IF Russ Mitchell to Albuquerque. . . . Albuquerque is now 1.5 games back in the division after tonight's loss and Round Rock Express' (AAA Rangers) victory on Friday. . . . The Isotopes have lost their last four contests played at Zephyr Field. . . . JD Closser went hitless in one at-bat to snap an eight game hitting streak. . . . The series continues Saturday evening. Probables are RHP Tim Sexton (0-0, 1.50) for the Isotopes and RHP Chris Sampson (1-0, 0.00) for the Zephyrs.
Filed 05/27/2011

May 26, 2011 - Isotopes (27-19)
Isotopes Park Colorado Springs 200 200 000 -- 4 8 0 Albuquerque 110 100 02x -- 5 8 1 WP: Mario Alvarez (1-1) LP: Eric Stults (1-4) SV: Jon Link (2) HR: CSP Mike Jacobs (7) off Bastardo (1st inning, 2R) ABQ JD Closser (6) off Stults (8th inning, 2R) TIME: 3:08 ATT: 6,308
JD Closser's two run homer in the 8th inning powered the Isotopes to a 5-4 victory over the Colorado Springs Sky Sox (AAA Rockies) in the series finale on Thursday night at "The Lab". Albuquerque has won two straight games. Mike Jacobs two run homered in the 1st inning as the Sky Sox quickly led 2-0. In the bottom of the 1st inning, Dee Gordon drew a leadoff walk, stole second and third base and scored on Eugenio Velez's groundout.
The Isotopes were denied from scoring many times in the 2nd inning yet came away with a run to tie the game at 2-2. Ivan DeJesus Jr. and Closser singled before Damaso Espino reached on a fielder's choice with DeJesus Jr. out at home plate. Closser moved up to third base and Espino to 2nd base before Isotopes starter Alberto Bastardo reached on a fielder's choice with Closser out at home plate. Gordon followed with a single that was able to plate Espino.
A groundout and an error brought home a pair of runs as the Sky Sox led 4-2 in the 4th inning.
In the bottom of the 4th inning, Gordon sacrifice flied out to bring home Closser, who had walked to lead off the inning.
The Sky Sox held their one run lead until the 8th inning. Jamie Hoffmann singled with one out and Closser launched his homer an out later to put the Isotopes ahead. Isotopes reliever Jon Link put down the Sky Sox in order in the 9th inning to preserve the Isotope win.
Bastardo allowed 4 runs (3 earned) and 6 hits in 6 innings while walking 3 and fanning 8 Sky Sox batters.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 1x2 (.311), 1 R, 2 RBI (17), 1 BB, 2 SB (18) Trayvon Robinson: 0x1 (.270) Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 1x4 (.255), 1 K
DODGERS Rehab Report Casey Blake: Blake batted second and played defensively at Third Base. Blake went 0x3 (.143) with a strikeout and had his second fielding error of the rehab assignment. Blake was replaced by Corey Smith in the field in the top of the 5th inning.
'TOPES NOTES: The division-leading Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) won their contest on Thursday night, so the Isotopes stay a half-game back in the division with the victory. The American Conference Southern Division is currently the tightest race in the PCL. . . . Albuquerque took three out of the four games in the series with the Sky Sox and 28,897 attended for a per-game average of 7,224. For the eight game homestand against the Reno Aces (AAA Diamondbacks) and Sky Sox in which Albuquerque went 6-2, the Isotopes drew 62,932. . . . Tonight's matchup was the final 2011 regular season matchup between the Isotopes and Sky Sox. Colorado Springs holds an all-time advantage of 30-28, including 17-15 in games at Isotopes Park. . . . The Isotopes finished the first stretch of games against Pacific Conference opponents and went 9-7. Albuquerque finishes their matchups against Pacific Conference foes with a stretch of 16 games in August. . . . Albuquerque is 12-3 in one run contests. Five of the eight games in the just-completed homestand were decided by one run, all Isotope victories. . . . P Steven Jackson, released by the Isotopes last week, was inked to a contract by the Cincinnati Reds and assigned to their Triple-A affiliate Louisville. . . . The Isotopes are a season-best eight games above the .500 mark. . . . JD Closser extended his hitting streak to 8 games. Trent Oeltjen went hitless in three at-bats to snap a 7-game hitting streak. . . . Dee Gordon has swiped two bases in a game three times this season, including both of those bases in the same inning twice. . . . After having game three of the series off, former La Cueva High School and UNM player Jordan Pacheco went 0x3 as the Sky Sox catcher with a walk and a strikeout. Pacheco is hitting .265 on the season. . . . The Isotopes embark on their longest roadtrip of the season, 12 games. The first four games are in Metarie, Louisiana against the New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Marlins). Probables in the opener are RHP John Ely (2-1, 3.78) for the Isotopes and LHP Sean West (0-1, 8.10) for the Zephyrs.
Filed 05/26/2011

May 25, 2011 - Isotopes (26-19)
Isotopes Park Colorado Springs 210 010 011 0 -- 6 7 3 Albuquerque 000 114 000 1 -- 7 15 3 WP: Francisco Felix (3-0) LP: Rex Brothers (3-2) HR: CSP Charlie Blackmon (10) off Redding (5th inning, S) CSP Rex Brothers (1) off Felix (9th inning, S) TIME: 3:35 ATT: 8,314
The Isotopes game on Wednesday evening was starting to feel like a repeat of Tuesday's game. The Isotopes held the same 6-5 lead going into the 9th inning and the Colorado Springs Sky Sox (AAA Rockies) had a solo homer to tie the game. Unlike last night, the Isotopes only allowed that run in the top of the 9th inning and not 10 runs in the frame like the night before and Eugenio Velez singled home the game winner in the bottom of the 10th inning to give Albuquerque a 7-6 victory over the Sky Sox. The Isotopes climbed to a half-game back in the division with the victory. Chris Nelson doubled home a run and scored on Josh Fields' single in the 1st inning and Nelson singled home a run in the 2nd inning as the Sky Sox led 3-0.
Albuquerque got on the scoreboard in the bottom of the 4th inning. Velez tripled to Isotopes hill and scored on Trent Oeltjen's double to left-center field.
After Charlie Blackmon solo homered for Colorado Springs in the top of the 5th inning, the Isotopes got that run back in the bottom half of the inning. AJ Ellis doubled, went to third base on Isotope starter Tim Redding's sacrifice bunt, and scored on Dee Gordon's single.
Albuquerque took a 6-4 lead in the 6th inning with a four run frame. Velez singled, stole second base and went to third base on Oeltjen's groundout. John Lindsey reached on an error with Velez racing home on the play. Jamie Hoffmann singled and Trayvon Robinson reached on an error to load the bags. AJ Ellis walked to bring Lindsey home to tie the game and pinch-hitter JD Closser delivered a two-run single to drive in Hoffmann and Robinson.
Matt Macri doubled home a run in the 8th inning and pinch-hitter Jeff Salazar homered in the 9th inning to spoil Isotope reliever Francisco Felix's save opportunity as the Sky Sox knotted the game at 6-6.
In the bottom of the 10th inning with two outs, Gordon bunt singled and Blake singled to put runners on the corners before Velez singled to center to drive in Gordon with the game winning run.
Redding allowed 4 runs (3 earned) and 4 hits in 6 innings.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 2x6 (.309), 1 R, 1 RBI (15), 3 K Trayvon Robinson: 1x5 (.272), 1 R, 2 K Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 0x1 (.255)
DODGERS Rehab Report Casey Blake: batted second in the lineup and played the whole game at Third Base. Blake went 1x6 (.182) with 4 K's and committed an error.
'TOPES NOTES: P Randy Keisler was activated from the Disabled List on Wednesday and P Wilkin De La Rosa was sent to Class-AA Chattanooga. . . . Albuquerque is 3-1 in extra inning contests in 2011 and has three walkoff wins (and four last at-bat game winning run scored victories) so far through seven of this eight game homestand. . . . The series (and homestand) concludes on Thursday evening. Probables are LHP Alberto Bastardo (3-1, 3.98) for the Isotopes and RHP Andrew Graham(0-1, 7.16) for the Sky Sox.
Filed 05/25/2011

May 24, 2011 - Isotopes (25-19)
Isotopes Park Colorado Springs 002 100 20(10) -- 15 16 0 Albuquerque 400 101 00 0 -- 6 10 1 WP: Rex Brothers (3-1) LP: Merkin Valdez (2-1) HR: CSP Charlie Blackmon (9) off Dedeaux (9th inning, 3R) ABQ JD Closser (5) off Vargas (1st inning, 3R) TIME: 3:38 ATT: 7,106
It was the longest game of the season for the Isotopes on two fronts. The Isotopes and Colorado Springs Sky Sox (AAA Rockies) clashed in Albuquerque's longest 9-inning game of the season (3 hours, 38 minutes). It became a long game emotional-wise when apparent Isotope closer Merkin Valdez entered the game looking to seal a one-run victory and instead gave up eight runs as a part of a 10-run 9th inning and the Sky Sox claimed a 15-6 victory.
Things started out great for the Isotopes against Sky Sox (and former Isotope) starter Claudio Vargas. Dee Gordon and the rehabilitating Casey Blake drew walks and Eugenio Velez grounded out with both baserunners moving up a base. Trent Oeltjen singled home Gordon and JD Closser launched a three-run homer to give Albuquerque a quick 4-0 lead.
The Sky Sox plated two runs in the 3rd inning and Jordan Pacheco grounded out to bring home a run in the 4th inning as the Sky Sox trailed by a run at 4-3.
In the home half of the 4th inning, AJ Ellis drew a walk, Isotopes starter Dana Eveland laid down a sacrifice bunt and Gordon doubled home Ellis.
Albuquerque added another run in the 6th inning to lead 6-3. Ellis singled, took second base on a wild pitch and scored on pinch-hitter John Lindsey's double.
A pair of sacrifice flyouts got the Sky Sox to a run down at 6-5 in the 7th inning and in the Isotopes' disastrous 9th inning, Eric Young Jr. greeted Valdez with a leadoff single. Charlie Blackmon popped out and Chris Nelson was hit by a pitch. Matt Macri doubled home Young Jr. and Josh Fields was intentionally walked to load the bases. Eliezer Alfonzo singled home Nelson and with the bases still loaded, Pacheco singled home Macri. Willy Taveras doubled, bringing home Fields and Alfonzo. Pinch-hitter Matt Pagnozzi singled, driving in Pacheco and Taveras. Adam Dedeaux replaced Valdez on the mound and after Young Jr. singled for the second time in the inning, Blackmon three-run homered for the final runs of the inning.
Eveland turned in a quality start of 6 innings with 5 hits and 3 runs allowed.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 1x4 (.308), 1 R, 1 2B (7), 1 RBI (14), 1 BB Trayvon Robinson: 0x4 (.274), 2 K Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 0x4 (.260), 2 K
DODGERS Rehab Report Casey Blake: Blake hit second in the lineup and played Third Base in the field. Blake went 1x2 (.200) with a run scored, had a double (1), walked twice and struck out once. Blake was replaced defensively by Corey Smith in the top of the 7th inning.
'TOPES NOTES: Trayvon Robinson is in the midst of a huge slump that has seen his batting average dip from .319 to .274 -- 55 points. The last game in which Robinson got a hit was May 16th when he went 1x3 and Robinson has gone hitless in six contests starting May 17th. From the May 16th contest to present, Robinson is 1x25 (.040) with 12 strikeouts. . . . The Isotopes gave up the most runs (15) in a game and had the largest losing margin (9) of the season. Albuquerque tied a franchise record with 10 runs allowed in an inning. . . . Merkin Valdez's eight earned runs allowed was the most by a reliever in 2011 and the mark fell two short of tying a franchise record. . . . Former La Cueva High School and UNM player Jordan Pacheco caught for the Sky Sox and went 1x5 with a run scored and 2 RBI. . . . Game three of the series is Wednesday evening. Probables are RHP Tim Redding (1-4, 6.43) for the Isotopes and RHP Alan Johnson (1-2, 6.90) for the Sky Sox.
Filed 05/24/2011

May 23, 2011 - Isotopes (25-18)
Isotopes Park Colorado Springs 010 000 030 -- 4 7 2 Albuquerque 010 002 11x -- 5 12 0 WP: Wilkin De La Rosa (3-0) LP: Edgmer Escalona (1-1) SV: Merkin Valdez (3) HR: CSP Ian Stewart (5) off Sexton (2nd inning, S) ABQ John Lindsey (2) off Muecke (6th inning, S) TIME: 3:01 ATT: 7,169
Tim Sexton had a splendid Triple-A debut on the hill and Damaso Espino singled home the game-winning run in the 8th inning as the Isotopes defeated the Colorado Springs Sky Sox (AAA Rockies) 5-4 in the series opener at "The Lab" on Monday evening.
After Ian Stewart solo homered for the Sky Sox in the top half of the inning, Albuqureque plated a run in the bottom of the 2nd inning to tie the game at 1-1. Jamie Hoffmann singled, advanced to third base on Ivan DeJesus Jr.'s single and scored on Espino's sacrifice flyout to deep center field.
John Lindsey homered to left-center field with one out in the 6th inning. Hoffmann followed with a single, advanced to second base on DeJesus Jr.'s single and scored on Espino's single to left field as the Isotopes led 3-1.
Dee Gordon singled, stole second base and scored on Lindsey's double to the left field wall in the 7th inning for a 4-1 Isotopes lead.
Albuquerque's lead vanished in the 8th inning when the Sky Sox plated three runs to tie the game at 4-4.
The Isotopes regained the lead for good in their half of the 8th inning. Trayvon Robinson drew a one out walk, stole second base and scored on Espino's single into left field.
Sexton tossed 6 innings and allowed one run and 3 hits. Sexton walked none and fanned 3 Sky Sox batters.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 1x5 (.309), 1 R, 1 SB (16) Trayvon Robinson: 0x3 (.281), 1 R, 1 BB, 2 K, 1 SB (5) Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 2x4 (.283)
DODGERS Rehab Report Casey Blake: played at Third Base defensively and went 0x3 (.000) with 2 strikeouts. Corey Smith replaced him defensively in the 6th inning.
'TOPES NOTES: With the victory and Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) defeat on Monday, the Isotopes are a half-game back in the American Conference Southern Division. The New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Marlins) also won Monday so they remain tied with Albuquerque in second place in the standings. . . . Casey Blake is the 21st Dodger (18th different player) to come to Albuquerque on a rehabilitation assignment since the Isotopes and Dodgers partnered in 2009. . . . On the second of three 50 cent Hot Dog nights, 32,469 hot dogs were consumed by Isotope fans for a per-fan average of 4.53. . . . The Isotopes are a season-high 7 games above the .500 mark and are 10-3 in one run contests. . . . Former La Cueva High School Bear and UNM Lobo Jordan Pacheco played catcher for the Sky Sox and went 0x3 with a walk. . . . Brett Lawrie of the Las Vegas 51s (AAA Blue Jays) is the PCL Hitter of the Week. Lawrie hit .500 (13x26) with 3 homers and 11 RBI during the award week. . . . Eric Junge of the Salt Lake Bees (AAA Angels) is the PCL Pitcher of the Week. Junge made and won his only start of the week, tossing 7 scoreless innings while giving up 4 hits, a walk and fanning 5. . . . The series continues Tuesday evening. Probables are LHP Dana Eveland (4-3, 3.94) for the Isotopes and former-Isotope RHP Claudio Vargas (0-2, 10.80) for the Sky Sox.
Filed 05/23/2011

May 22, 2011 - Isotopes (24-18)
Isotopes Park Reno 000 010 000 -- 1 3 1 Albuquerque 000 200 01x -- 3 7 0 WP: John Ely (2-1) LP: Barry Enright (1-2) HR: RENO Cody Ransom (11) off Ely (5th inning, S) ABQ Eugenio Velez (1) off Enright (4th inning, S) TIME: 2:09 ATT: 5,549
John Ely cruised through the Reno Aces (AAA Diamondbacks) lineup on Sunday afternoon. Ely allowed 3 hits and 1 run and tossed Albuquerque's first nine-inning complete game of the season in a 3-1 victory. In the 4th inning, Dee Gordon tripled and scored on Ivan DeJesus Jr's sacrifice flyout to right field. Eugenio Velez followed with a solo homer to right field as Albuquerque led 2-0. Ely's only mistake on the scoreboard was allowing Cody Ransom's solo homer in the 5th inning.
The Isotopes closed out the scoring in the 8th inning when Gordon singled, advanced to second base on DeJesus Jr.'s sacrifice bunt, took third on Velez's flyout and scored on Trent Oeltjen's bunt single.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 2x4 (.313), 2 R, 1 3B (2) Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 0x2 (.262), 1 RBI (7)
'TOPES NOTES: The Dodgers recalled IF Rafael Furcal from his rehabilitation assignment and Furcal was activated from the major-league disabled list with Juan Uribe going on the Dodgers' disabled list. Just as Furcal leaves the Isotopes, the Isotopes announced IF Casey Blake will begin a rehabilitation assignment with the Isotopes starting on Monday evening. Blake went on the major-league disabled list April 29 with a staph infection in his left elbow . . . The game lasted 2 hours and 9 minutes, the shortest Isotopes nine-inning game of the season. . . . Albuquerque took three out of the four games in the series and 34,035 attended the series for a per-game average of 8,509. The Isotopes and Aces played their final game of the 2011 regular season against each other today and all-time, Albuquerque leads the series 9-3 including 6-2 in games at Isotopes Park. . . . John Ely was the first Isotope starter to toss 9 innings in a game and have a 9-inning complete game since Charlie Haeger accomplished both feats in a victory on 7/28/09 vs Oklahoma City. . . . The Isotopes and Colorado Springs Sky Sox (AAA Rockies) begin a four-game series on Monday evening. For the second time in three games, the Isotopes' starter will be making his Triple-A Debut. RHP Tim Sexton (No Record) is expected to face Sky Sox LHP Josh Muecke (2-3, 5.93).
Filed 05/22/2011

May 21, 2011 - Isotopes (23-18)
Isotopes Park Reno 200 110 000 -- 4 6 1 Albuquerque 000 000 000 -- 0 9 1 WP: Kevin Mulvey (3-3) LP: Mario Alvarez (0-1) HR: RENO Collin Cowgill (8) off Alvarez (1st inning, 2R) RENO Cody Ransom (10) off Alvarez (4th inning, S) TIME: 3:07 ATT: 11,104
The Isotopes were unable to come up with a walkoff win for the third night in a row. In fact, they were unable to even plate a run! The Isotopes offense had nine singles but were unable to string anything together to get a run as Reno Aces (AAA Diamondbacks) starter Kevin Mulvey and two relievers combined to blank Albuquerque 4-0. The loss snapped a three-game winning streak.
In the 1st inning, Evan Frey drew a leadoff walk and came home on Collin Cowgill's two run homer to left field.
Cody Ransom added a solo homer to center field in the 4th inning and Frey bunt singled, stole second and came around to score on Brandon Allen's double to the right field wall in the 5th inning for the final run of the game.
The closest the Isotopes got to scoring a run was the 4th inning. John Lindsey singled and two outs later, JD Closser singled and smartly took second base on a throwing error by the right fielder. Justin Sellers was intentionally walked to get to Isotopes starter Mario Alvarez and Alvarez proceeded to strike out on three pitches to leave the bases loaded.
Alvarez tossed 4 2/3 innings in his Triple-A debut and allowed all four runs, 4 hits, walked 5 and struck out 2.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 0x5 (.308) Trayvon Robinson: 0x4 (.287), 3 K Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 3x3 (.275), 1 BB
DODGERS Rehab Report Rafael Furcal: did not play in the game; the Dodgers official website is reporting he is with the Dodgers in Chicago and may be activated from the disabled list soon
'TOPES NOTES: The shutout was Albuquerque's first at Isotopes Park in 2011 and the first home shutout since May 25, 2010 when the Reno Aces shut them out. The Isotopes have been shut out twice in 2011. . . . JD Closser went homerless to end his consecutive games with a homer streak at three games. . . . The Isotopes won their last four contests against Reno at Isotopes Park until tonight's loss. . . . Tonight's four runs combined was the lowest scoring game at Isotopes Park this season. The four runs eclipses the mark of five combined runs that the Aces and Isotopes had in game one of the series on May 19th. . . . Reno's Wily Mo Pena went hitless to snap his PCL-best road game hitting streak at 21 games. . . . The series concludes Sunday afternoon. Probables are RHP John Ely (1-1, 4.36) for the Isotopes and RHP Barry Enright (1-1, 6.55) for the Aces.
Filed 05/21/2011

May 20, 2011 - Isotopes (23-17)
Isotopes Park Reno 031 010 001 -- 6 10 0 Albuquerque 100 200 211 -- 7 12 0 WP: Merkin Valdez (2-0) LP: Kyler Newby (2-2) HR: RENO Collin Cowgill (7) off Redding (5th inning, S) RENO Cole Gillespie (2) off Redding (2nd inning, 3R) ABQ JD Closser (4) off Torra (4th inning, 2R) ABQ Jamie Hoffmann (9) off Rodriguez (8th inning, S) TIME: 2:59 ATT: 10,009
Trent Oeltjen singled home the game-winning run in the bottom of the 9th inning and Albuquerque won their second straight game in walkoff fashion with a 7-6 victory over the Reno Aces (AAA Diamondbacks) on Friday evening at "The Lab".
Back-to-back two out doubles from Oeltjen and Corey Smith plated Albuquerque's first run in the 1st inning.
Reno took the lead in the 2nd inning with one swing of the bat. Wily Mo Pena tripled, Andy Tracy walked and Cole Gillespie followed with a three run homer.
A groundout plated another run for the Aces in the 3rd inning as Reno led 4-1.
The Isotopes scored a pair of runs in the 4th inning to trail by a run. Hoffmann singled, stole second base and scored an out later on JD Closser's two run homer.
Collin Cowgill solo homered in the 5th inning as Reno led 5-3 and the Isotopes tied the game right after the 7th inning stretch. Pinch-hitter Ivan DeJesus Jr. drew a two-out walk, Dee Gordon followed with a walk and Eugenio Velez singled home DeJesus Jr. Gordon advanced to second on the play and then raced home on Oeltjen's single.
Hoffmann solo homered in the 8th inning to give Albuquerque a 6-5 lead, but that lead did not stand in the 9th inning as the Aces tallied for a run to tie the game at 6-6.
In the bottom of the 9th inning, pinch-hitter John Lindsey singled with one out, Gordon followed with a single and Velez flew out for the second out of the inning. Justin Sellers entered as a pinch-runner for Lindsey and Oeltjen singled him home with the game winning run.
Tim Redding started for the Isotopes and allowed 5 runs and 8 hits in 6 2/3 innings of work.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 1x4 (.319), 1 R, 1 BB Trayvon Robinson: 0x4 (.295), 1 K Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 0x0 (.216), 1 R, 1 BB
DODGERS Rehab Report Rafael Furcal: did not play in the game
'TOPES NOTES: Two young pitchers joined the Isotopes pitching staff on Friday. P Adam Dedeaux came up from the Arizona League Dodgers while P Timothy Sexton was promoted from the Class-A Great Lakes Loons. In a paper move, IF Joe Becker was transferred to Rookie-Ogden. . . . Things are going pretty good for Albuquerque lately. They are on a three-game winning streak, they tied a season-best high water mark at six games over .500, and they are now 1.5 games back in the division since the Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) lost Friday evening. . . . JD Closser has homered in his last three games. Jamie Hoffmann has gone yard in his last two games. . . . The series continues with game three on Saturday evening. Probables are RHP Mario Alvarez (No Record) making his Triple-A debut for the Isotopes and RHP Kevin Mulvey (2-3, 8.65) for the Aces.
Filed 05/20/2011

May 19, 2011 - Isotopes (22-17)
Isotopes Park Reno 010 010 000 -- 2 10 0 Albuquerque 110 000 001 -- 3 7 0 WP: Travis Schlichting (3-1) LP: Jason Urquidez (2-2) HR: ABQ Jamie Hoffmann (8) off Urquidez (9th inning, S) TIME: 2:31 ATT: 7,373
Jamie Hoffmann provided excitement to a Thursday evening crowd of 7,373 at "The Lab". Hoffmann's walkoff homer gave the Isotopes a 3-2 victory over the Reno Aces (AAA Diamondbacks) in the series opener.
Dee Gordon methodically plated Albuquerque's first run in the 1st inning. Gordon singled, stole second base and advanced to third base on AJ Ellis' flyout before scoring on a wild pitch.
Mark Hallberg sacrificed flied out as Reno tied the game in the 2nd inning before Albuquerque regained the lead in their half of the inning. Hoffmann singled, stole second base, took third base on Trayvon Robinson's groundout and scored on Justin Sellers' single.
Cole Gillespie singled home a run as the Aces tied the game at 2-2 in the 5th inning and the game remained that way until the 9th inning.
Hoffmann did not waste any time in giving the Isotopes the victory, leading off the bottom of the 9th inning with a homer into the Isotopes bullpen behind the left field fence.
Dana Eveland had the longest Isotope starter outing of the season yet nothing to show for it since he wasn't the pitcher of record when Hoffmann homered. Eveland allowed 2 runs and 8 hits in 8 innings.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 2x3 (.321), 1 R, 1 SB (15) Trayvon Robinson: 0x3 (.303), 1 K Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 0x4 (.216), 3 K
DODGERS Rehab Report Rafael Furcal: did not play in the game
'TOPES NOTES: The Isotopes had a slew of transactions on Thursday, placing Thursday among one of the most active roster shakeup days of the season. The Dodgers placed P Vicente Padilla on the major-league disabled list with right forearm discomfort and recalled reliever Ramon Troncoso from Albuquerque. IF Corey Smith came off the Isotopes' disabled list while P Roman Colon went on the disabled list with a broken right foot. P Mario Alvarez was added from Rookie-level Ogden. Alvarez pitched for Class-AA Chattanooga earlier in the season and was sent to Ogden in a paper move to free up roster space on the Lookouts roster when a transaction was made in May. P Steven Jackson was released. Jackson made two starts for Albuquerque and had a 0-2 record with a 15.88 ERA. . . . Jamie Hoffmann's walkoff homer was the 12th in franchise history. It has also been quite some time since the Isotopes celebrated in walkoff homer fashion -- almost two years. Blake DeWitt three run homered in the 10th inning on May 27, 2009 to complete a game that was suspended due to rain the previous night vs. the Colorado Springs Sky Sox. . . . While the game provided excitement at the end, it was overall not as thrilling for the fans as it wasn't the traditional Isotopes Park slugfest. The five combined runs was the lowest run output in a game at Isotopes Park so far this season. . . . The Isotopes moved into sole possession of 2nd place in the division with their victory tonight. The Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) won, keeping Albuquerque 2.5 games back in the division and the New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Marlins) lost so they dropped out of a second place tie with the Isotopes and into third place at 3.5 games back of the Express. . . . Reno's Wily Mo Pena hit safely to extend his PCL-best road hitting streak to 20 games. . . . The series continues on Friday evening with RHP Tim Redding (1-4, 6.37) on the mound for Albuquerque and the Aces are expected to send RHP Matt Torra (2-0, 5.08) to the bump.
Filed 05/19/2011

May 17, 2011 - Isotopes (21-17)
Kino Stadium Albuquerque 010 022 030 003 -- 11 14 0 Tucson 100 101 500 001 -- 9 17 2 WP: Francisco Felix (2-0) LP: Aaron Poreda (2-1) SV: Jon Link (1) HR: ABQ JD Closser (3) off Hefner (2nd inning, S) ABQ Rafael Furcal (1) off Hefner (5th inning, 2R) TUC Matt Clark (7) off Ely (4th inning, S) TIME: 4:37 ATT: 1,722
Albuquerque played their longest game of the season (both innings-wise and time-wise) in front of the smallest crowd of the season but the effort was worth it as John Lindsey's two-run single in the top of the 12th inning highlighted a three-run inning as the Isotopes defeated the Tucson Padres (AAA Padres) 11-9 in Tucson on Tuesday evening.
Tucson scored a run in the 1st inning and JD Closser solo homered in the 2nd inning to tie the game at 1-1.
Matt Clark solo homered, his third game in a row with a homer, as the Padres regained the lead before Albuquerque took the lead back in the 5th inning. Justin Sellers singled and scored on the MLB rehabber Rafael Furcal's two run homer.
Albuquerque built the lead to 5-2 in the 6th inning by tallying two more runs. Trayvon Robinson reached on an error, Closser and AJ Ellis drew walks to load the bases with two outs, and Sellers singled home Robinson and Closser.
Tucson plated a run in the 6th inning and then had a big five-run inning in the 7th inning to apparently put the game away at 8-5.
Albuquerque had different ideas in the 8th inning about conceding the contest. Closser drew a leadoff walk and an out later, Sellers singled. Jamie Hoffmann followed with a single to drive in Closser and both runners advanced into scoring position before Dee Gordon singled home Sellers. Ivan DeJesus Jr.'s single drove in Hoffmann to tie the game at 8-8 and it remained that way until the 12th inning.
In the deciding 12th inning, Ellis was hit by a pitch with one out. Sellers singled and Hoffmann flied out for the second out of the inning. Gordon walked to load the bags and DeJesus Jr. hit an infield chopper that Padres second baseman Robbie Hudson flipped to shortstop Alex Cintron for the inning-ending forceout. Gordon was ruled safe on the play and Ellis scampered home with the deadlock-breaking run. Hudson was tossed arguing the ruling. Lindsey followed with a single to bring home Sellers and Gordon as Albuquerque led 12-8.
Tucson made things a little too interesting in their half of the inning with Isotopes reliever Jon Link entering the game. Cedric Hunter singled and advanced to second base on a wild pitch. Luis Durango singled with Hunter moving on to third base and Cintron sacrifice flied out to bring home Hunter. Aaron Cunningham walked and Anthony Rizzo grounded out to put runners on 2nd and 3rd with two outs. Jesus Guzman was intentionally walked to load the bases and Padres reliever Aaron Poreda struck out to end the threat and the game.
Isotopes starter John Ely's effort was but a distant memory by the time the marathon game ended. Ely went 6 1/3 innings, allowing 6 runs and 10 hits.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 1x2 (.313), 1 R, 1 RBI (13), 1 BB, 1 K Trayvon Robinson: 0x4 (.309), 1 R, 3 K Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 2x7 (.242), 2 RBI (6), 1 K
DODGERS Rehab Report Rafael Furcal: played shortstop defensively and hit leadoff again, going 1x3 (.385) with a run, a homer (1), two RBI (6), and a walk. Dee Gordon replaced Furcal at shortstop in the bottom of the 7th inning.
'TOPES NOTES: The 4 hour, 37 minute marathon was Albuquerque's longest road game in franchise history, time-wise. . . . The two teams split their only four game series of the season and 11,122 attended for a per game average of 2,781. All-time including the two different Tucson franchises (Sidewinders and Padres), Tucson leads the series 19-8 including a 9-6 advantage in games played in Tucson. . . . The Isotopes went 3-5 on the roadtrip and 30,770 fans attended in Las Vegas and Tucson. . . . Albuquerque is 2-1 in extra inning contests and has won six of their contests in 2011 when they've plated the game winning runs in their last at-bat. . . . Justin Sellers had a four hit game, the sixth Isotope to turn in a four-hit effort this season. . . . JD Closser has homered in back to back games. . . . Tucson used seven of the 12 pitchers on their active roster. In contrast, the Isotopes used just five pitchers. . . . After the Isotopes and the rest of the PCL take Wednesday off, play resumes on Thursday as the Isotopes open up an eight-game homestand. Probables in the opener against the Reno Aces (AAA Diamondbacks) are LHP Dana Eveland (4-3, 4.28) for the Isotopes and LHP Zach Kroenke (4-0, 6.21) for the Aces.
Filed 05/17/2011

May 16, 2011 - Isotopes (20-17)
Kino Stadium Albuquerque 002 100 001 -- 4 8 0 Tucson 341 002 00x -- 10 11 0 WP: Wade LeBlanc (3-0) LP: Steven Jackson (0-2) HR: ABQ JD Closser (2) off Burke (9th inning, S) ABQ Trayvon Robinson (8) off LeBlanc (4th inning, S) TUC Anthony Rizzo (11) off Jackson (1st inning, 2R) TUC Anthony Rizzo (12) off Jackson (2nd inning, 3R) TUC Matt Clark (6) off Troncoso (3rd inning, S) TIME: 2:52 ATT: 1,816
A night after putting up double digits against the Tucson Padres (AAA Padres), the Padres returned the favor, defeating the Isotopes 10-4 in front of the smallest crowd the Isotopes have played in front of this season (1,816) at Kino Stadium in Tucson.
Anthony Rizzo was "Superman" for the Padres in the first two innings. Rizzo two run homered as part of a three-run 1st inning and added a three run homer in a four-run 2nd inning as the Padres quickly led 7-0.
Albuquerque got on the scoreboard in the 3rd inning. AJ Ellis singled, advanced to third base on pinch-hitter Joe Becker's single and scored on the MLB rehabilitating Rafael Furcal's single. Ivan DeJesus Jr.'s groundout then plated Becker.
Tucson scored a run in the 3rd inning but the Isotopes got that run back in the 4th inning on Trayvon Robinson's solo homer.
The Padres scored their final two runs in the 6th inning and Albuquerque capped the scoring in the game in the 9th inning with JD Closser's solo homer.
Steven Jackson started for Albuquerque and allowed 7 runs and 7 hits in 2 innings.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 1x1 (.310) Trayvon Robinson: 1x3 (.319), 1 R, 1 HR (8), 1 RBI (25) Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 1x4 (.231), 1 RBI (4), 1 K
DODGERS Rehab Report Rafael Furcal: played defensively at shortstop and went 1x3 (.400) with a RBI (4) and a strikeout. Dee Gordon replaced Furcal at shortstop in the bottom of the 5th inning.
'TOPES NOTES: The Isotopes have been moving a little bit within the division the last two days. With yesterday's victory, the Isotopes moved back into a tie for second place with the New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Marlins), both teams 3.5 games back of the division leading Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers). On Monday, the Isotopes loss combined with a Zephyrs victory moved Albuquerque back into third place, remaining 3.5 games back of the Express who also lost and the Zephyrs pulled to 2.5 games back of the Express. . . . Steven Jackson's 2 inning start was the shortest Albuquerque starter outing of the season. . . . Mike Carp of the Tacoma Rainiers (AAA Mariners) is the PCL Hitter of the Week. Carp hit .452 (14x31) with 5 homers and 14 RBI during the award week. . . . Travis Banwart of the Sacramento River Cats (AAA Athletics) is the PCL Pitcher of the Week. Banwart made two starts, going 1-0 with a 0.66 ERA (13.2 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 13 K). . . . The Isotopes finish their road trip on Tuesday evening. Probables are RHP John Ely (1-1, 3.65) for the Isotopes and RHP Jeremy Hefner (0-3, 6.48) for the Padres. Albuquerque can salvage a split of the series with a victory.
Filed 05/16/2011

May 15, 2011 - Isotopes (20-16)
Kino Stadium Albuquerque 133 001 002 -- 10 14 1 Tucson 101 000 102 -- 5 8 0 WP: Alberto Bastardo (3-1) LP: Matt Buschmann (0-1) HR: ABQ Damaso Espino (2) off Buschmann (2nd inningn, 2R) TUC Matt Clark (5) off Link (9th inning, 2R) TIME: 2:44 ATT: 3,160
The Isotopes must have felt like Kino Stadium in Tucson was Isotopes Park. The Isotopes plated a Isotopes Park-esque 10 runs, including seven of those runs early on for a comfortable lead, in their 10-5 defeat of the Tucson Padres (AAA Padres) on Sunday evening.
The rehabilitating Rafael Furcal led off the game with a double, advanced to third base on Ivan DeJesus Jr.'s groundout, and scored on Eugenio Velez's single as Albuquerque quickly led 1-0.
Tucson's rehabilitating MLB player, Orlando Hudson, doubled and later scored on Anthony Rizzo's single to tie the game at 1-1 before Albuquerque plated three runs in the 2nd inning. Trayvon Robinson doubled and scored on JD Closser's single. Damino Espino followed with a two run homer.
Albuquerque put three more runs on the scoreboard in the 3rd inning to lead 7-1. DeJesus Jr. doubled, Velez singled, and after Velez was caught stealing, Trent Oeltjen and Jamie Hoffmann drew walks to load the bases. Closser doubled home DeJesus Jr. and Oeltjen while Espino singled home Hoffmann.
Tucson plated a run in the bottom of the 3rd inning and the score remained 7-2 until the 6th inning.
Velez singled home a run in the 6th inning and Tucson's Robbie Hudson doubled home a run in the 7th inning as Albuquerque still held a 8-3 lead.
In the 9th inning, Velez singled, Oeltjen doubled and Hoffmann walked to load the bags with one out. Robinson drove in Velez and Oeltjen with a single to make it 10-3 Albuquerque.
Matt Clark's two-run pinch-hit homer for Tucson in the bottom of the 9th inning closed out the scoring in the game.
Isotopes starter Alberto Bastardo went 7 innings and allowed 7 hits and 3 runs.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Trayvon Robinson: 3x5 (.318), 1 R, 1 2B (4), 2 RBI (24), 1 K Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 1x4 (.227), 1 R, 1 2B (1), 1 BB
DODGERS Rehab Report Rafael Furcal: Furcal played shortstop and batted at the top of the lineup. Went 1x4 (.429) with a run, a double (1) and a walk. Had his second defensive fielding error in as many nights and was replaced defensively in the bottom of the 8th inning.
'TOPES NOTES: The 10 runs scored and 14 hits was the most for Albuquerque in a road game so far in 2011. . . . The Isotopes roster remained intact on Sunday even though the Dodgers had a transaction. The Dodgers placed P Blake Hawksworth on the Disabled List and recalled P Javy Guerra from Class-AA Chattanooga. . . . Apparently scoring double digits is a guarantee of success for the 2011 Isotopes. The Isotopes are 7-0 when they score 10 or more runs. . . . The victory snapped a three game losing streak in games played in Tucson against Tucson PCL franchises, dating back to the Tucson Sidewinders. . . . Eugenio Velez had 4 hits in the game, becoming the fifth Isotope to have four hits in a game this season. . . . Albuquerque and Tucson play game three of their series on Monday evening. Probables are RHP Steven Jackson (0-1, 7.36) for the Isotopes and LHP Wade LeBlanc (2-0, 4.93) for the Padres.
Filed 05/15/2011

May 14, 2011 - Isotopes (19-16)
Kino Stadium Albuquerque 010 102 000 -- 4 7 1 Tucson 022 010 20x -- 7 9 1 WP: Jon Leicester (2-0) LP: Tim Redding (1-4) SV: Luis Perdomo (5) HR: TUC Jesus Guzman (3) off Redding (5th inning, S) TIME: 3:12 ATT: 4,424
The Isotopes are finding life on the road against Pacific Conference opponents tough. After dropping three out of the four games in Las Vegas, the Isotopes headed to Tucson to begin a four-game series on Saturday evening. The Isotopes lost the opener 7-4 to the Tucson Padres (AAA Padres) and lost ranking in the division with the loss.
In the 2nd inning, A.J. Ellis drew a one out walk. After Justin Sellers struck out, Isotopes starter Tim Redding singled and the rehabbing Rafael Furcal singled home Ellis as Albuquerque took their only lead of the game.
In the 2nd inning, Guillermo Quiroz singled home a run and Anthony Contreras brought home a run with a sacrifice fly as Tucson led 2-1. Tucson added two more runs on a Jesus Guzman RBI single and a Matt Clark sacrifice flyout in the 3rd inning to lead 4-1.
Ellis, Redding and Furcal were once again in the thick of things in the 4th inning to halve the Padres lead at 4-2. Ellis drew a leadoff walk, Redding laid down a sacrifice bunt to advance Ellis to second base and Furcal once again brought him home with a single.
Guzman solo homered in the 5th inning as Tucson led 5-2 before Albuquerque pulled to a run down at 5-4 in the 6th inning. Ellis reached on an error to lead off the frame, Justin Sellers doubled and pinch-hitter Ivan DeJesus Jr. grounded out to bring home Ellis. Furcal then grounded out to plate Sellers.
Anthony Rizzo's two run single in the 7th inning ended up putting the game away for Tucson.
Redding allowed 5 runs and 7 hits in 5 innings for the Isotopes.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 0x1 (.305) Trayvon Robinson: 0x5 (.307) Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 0x1 (.222), 1 RBI (3)
DODGERS Rehab Report Rafael Furcal: batted leadoff and played Shortstop. Furcal committed a fielding error, the lone Isotope error in the game, and at the plate went 2x3 (.667) with 3 RBI (3) and 1 BB. Furcal was replaced defensively by Dee Gordon in the 7th inning.
'TOPES NOTES: Rafael Furcal is no stranger to rehabbing in Albuquerque. Furcal has has had a rehabilitation assignment in Albuquerque in 2010 and 2011. . . . The division-leading Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) also lost Saturday so the Isotopes lost no ground to them. The Isotopes entered play tied for second place with the New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Zephyrs) and New Orleans won their contest Saturday, moving to 2.5 games back of the Express and dropping the Isotopes to third place at 3.5 games back of the Express. . . . The Isotopes and Padres continue their series Sunday evening. Probables are LHP Alberto Bastardo (2-1, 4.01) for the Isotopes, while the Padres will send a fresh face, RHP Matt Buschmann (No Record), to the mound. Buschmann is just up from the Padres Class-AA San Antonio Missions but it will not be his Triple-A debut as he played in a few contests at the AAA level in 2009 and 2010.
Filed 05/14/2011

May 13, 2011 - Isotopes (19-15)
Cashman Field Albuquerque 050 011 010 -- 8 11 0 Las Vegas 000 000 120 -- 3 7 3 WP: Dana Eveland (4-3) LP: Scott Richmond (2-2) HR: LVG Brett Lawrie (8) off Valdez (7th inning, S) TIME: 3:07 ATT: 10,202
In front of a sellout crowd at Cashman Field in Las Vegas, Isotopes starter Dana Eveland tossed six innings of scoreless four-hit ball and his teammates gave him 7 runs of support as the Isotopes avoided being swept in the series with a 8-3 victory over the Las Vegas 51s (AAA Blue Jays) on Friday evening. The victory also snapped a three-game losing streak and a four-game road losing streak. Albuquerque won the game with their big five-run 2nd inning. Jamie Hoffmann got things started with a walk and then stole second base. After Trayvon Robinson struck out and JD Closser flied out, AJ Ellis and Justin Sellers drew walks to load the bases and Dee Gordon doubled home Hoffmann and Ellis. Eugenio Velez singled home Sellers and Gordon. Velez took second base on an error on the play and after Trent Oeltjen walked, John Lindsey drove in Velez with a double.
Robinson scored on a play with two errors in the 5th inning and Hoffmann sacrifice flied out to drive in Velez in the 6th inning as the Isotopes led 7-0.
Brett Lawrie solo homered for the 51s in the 7th inning as Las Vegas avoided the shutout.
Oeltjen doubled and scored on Lindsey's single in the 8th inning for Albuquerque's final run of the game and Manny Mayorson singled home two runs in the home half of the 8th inning for the final runs of the game.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 2x5 (.307), 1 R, 2 2B (6), 2 RBI (12) Trayvon Robinson: 1x4 (.320), 1 R, 1 BB, 2 K, 1 SB (4)
'TOPES NOTES: The Dodgers purchased the contract of IF Juan Castro from Albuquerque on Friday and optioned IF Ivan DeJesus Jr. to Albuquerque. The Dodgers did not have to designate a player for assignment to make 40-man roster room for Castro because they transferred C Hector Gimenez from the 15-day to the 60-day MLB disabled list. . . . MLB.COM is reporting that Rafael Furcal will be sent to Albuquerque on a rehabilitation assignment starting Saturday evening when the Isotopes play the Tucson Padres (AAA Padres) in Tucson. . . . The victory was a milestone win for the Isotopes franchise - the 600th regular season victory in franchise history. Albuquerque is 600-580 all-time in the regular season. . . . While the Isotopes won and the division-leading Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) lost, the Isotopes are still in a second place tie in the division 3.5 games back of the Express because the New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Marlins) also won. . . . The Isotopes lost the series to Las Vegas, 3 games to 1, for their second series loss of the season with both on the road. 19,648 attended the series at Cashman Field for a per-game average of 4,912. . . . Tonight marked the final regular season meeting between the 51s and Isotopes. All-time, Albuquerque holds a 25-11 advantage, including 13-7 at Cashman Field. . . . Dana Eveland leads the Isotopes pitching staff with 4 victories. . . . The Isotopes conclude their road trip with four games against the Tucson Padres (AAA Padres) starting Saturday evening. Probables are RHP Tim Redding (1-3, 5.93) for the Isotopes and RHP Jon Leicester (1-0, 2.67) for the Padres.
Filed 05/13/2011

May 12, 2011 - Isotopes (18-15)
Cashman Field Albuquerque 100 100 001 -- 3 7 2 Las Vegas 000 200 02x -- 4 5 0 WP: Winston Abreu (3-3) LP: Jon Link (1-2) SV: Wil Ledezma (2) HR: ABQ Jamie Hoffmann (7) off MacDonald (4th inning, S) ABQ Justin Sellers (5) off Ledezma (9th inning, S) TIME: 2:57 ATT: 4,813
The Las Vegas 51s (AAA Blue Jays) snapped a 2-2 tie with two runs in the 8th inning and Albuquerque's 9th inning rally fell short as the 51s handed the Isotopes their third straight defeat, 4-3.
For the second game in a row, the Isotopes were first on the scoreboard. Eugenio Velez doubled with one out and later scored on John Lindsey's single. Jamie Hoffmann added a solo homer in the 4th inning as Albuquerque led 2-0.
The 51s tied the game in their half of the 4th inning. Mike McCoy reached on an error and Dewayne Wise singled. Both runners advanced into scoring position on a wild pitch and Travis Snider sacrifice flied out to bring home McCoy. Eric Thames then singled home Wise.
The game remained tied at 2-2 until the 8th inning when Las Vegas took the 4-2 advantage. Danny Perales singled and advanced to second base on Manny Mayorson's sacrifice bunt. McCoy drew a walk and Wise singled to drive in Perales. McCoy stole third base before scoring on a wild pitch.
Justin Sellers solo homered to lead off the 9th inning as Albuquerque edged to a run down at 4-3. Dee Gordon bunted out, Velez was hit by a pitch, Trent Oeltjen struck out, Lindsey drew a walk to put Velez in scoring position and then Hoffmann struck out to end the rally and the game.
John Ely had a good 7-inning outing, allowing no earned runs (2 runs), and 3 hits.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 2x5 (.303) Trayvon Robinson: 0x2 (.322), 2 BB, 1 K, 1 SB (3)
'TOPES NOTES: The division-leading Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) won, while second place teams Albuquerque and New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Marlins) lost, so the Express increased their division lead to 4.5 games. The Isotopes are the furthest back in the division that they have been all season. . . . The Isotopes have lost a season-worst 3 straight games and 4 straight road games. . . . AJ Ellis was hit by a pitch twice in the game, coming one HBP short of tying a PCL record for a game. . . . Albuquerque concludes the only series against the 51s in 2011 on Friday night. LHP Dana Eveland (3-3, 5.03) is expected to take the mound for Albuquerque as the Isotopes look to avoid being swept in the series. The 51s are expected to send RHP Scott Richmond (2-1, 6.67) to the bump.
Filed 05/12/2011

May 11, 2011 - Isotopes (18-14)
Cashman Field Albuquerque 210 000 100 -- 4 10 1 Las Vegas 120 110 11x -- 7 10 2 WP: Brett Cecil (3-1) LP: Steven Jackson (0-1) SV: Danny Farquhar (5) HR: LVG Brett Lawrie (7) off Colon (8th inning, S) TIME: 2:58 ATT: 2,194
The game started out good for the Isotopes, but by about mid-game, the Las Vegas 51s (AAA Blue Jays) started to pull away and claim a 7-4 victory at Cashman Field on Wednesday evening. Albuquerque has dropped two straight games.
In the 1st inning, Juan Castro and Trent Oeltjen singled with one out and John Lindsey doubled them both home for a 2-0 lead.
Las Vegas scored a run on a groundout in the bottom of the 1st inning and Albuquerque tallied again in the 2nd inning. JD Closser led off with a walk, advanced to second and third bases on consecutive groundouts and scored when Eugenio Velez reached on an error.
In the bottom of the 2nd inning, an error allowed a run to score and a run scoring on a groundout tied the game at 3-3.
Mike McCoy singled home a run in the 4th inning and Brian Jeroloman singled home a run in the 5th inning as the 51s started to pull away at 5-3.
Albuquerque scored a run in the 7th inning to pull to a run down at 5-4. Joe Becker singled, took second base on Velez's sacrifice bunt and scored on Castro's single.
Jeroloman singled home a run in the home half of the 7th inning to extend Las Vegas' lead back to two runs and Brett Lawrie solo homered in the 8th inning for an insurance run.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 0x1 (.299), 1 K Trayvon Robinson: 1x3 (.328), 1 3B (4), 1 BB, 1 K
'TOPES NOTES: The Dodgers recalled P Scott Elbert on Wednesday to take the place of Hong-Chih Kuo who went on the major-league disabled list with an anxiety disorder. P Steven Jackson (0-1, 7.15 ERA in 3 starts with Class-AA Chattanooga) was brought up from Class-AA and started for the Isotopes in tonight's game. Jackson allowed 4 runs (3 earned) and 4 hits in 3.2 innings. IF Corey Smith was placed on the disabled list and IF Joe Becker was added from Rookie-Ogden. . . . The Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) won their contest in extra innings, dropping Albuquerque to 3.5 games back in the division and into a two-way tie with the New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Marlins) for second place in the division. . . . The Isotopes are on a season-worst 3-game losing streak. . . . Eugenio Velez went hitless in four at-bats to snap his 5 game hitting streak. Until tonight, he had hit safely in every game he has appeared in an as Isotope. . . . Apparently people in Las Vegas go there to gamble or watch casino entertainment shows rather than watch the 51s. The Isotopes have played in front of their smallest crowds of the season in the last two nights (2,439 last night followed by an even smaller 2,194 crowd tonight). . . . Albuquerque hopes to finally win a game in Vegas this roadtrip when they clash with the 51s again on on Thursday evening. Probables are RHP John Ely (1-1, 4.50) for the Isotopes and RHP Michael MacDonald (1-1, 6.83) for the 51s.
Filed 05/11/2011

May 10, 2011 - Isotopes (18-13)
Cashman Field Albuquerque 000 000 000 -- 0 6 3 Las Vegas 010 400 02x -- 7 9 0 WP: Luis Perez (2-1) LP: Alberto Bastardo (2-1) HR: LVG Adam Loewen (6) off Bastardo (2nd inning, S) TIME: 2:37 ATT: 2,439
A pair of Las Vegas 51s (AAA Blue Jays) pitchers shut out the Isotopes and a former-pitcher gave the 51s the only run they would need in a 7-0 victory over Albuquerque in the series opener Tuesday evening in Las Vegas.
Adam Loewen, a former pitcher with the Baltimore Orioles who converted to being a position player in 2009, launched a solo homer in the 2nd inning.
The 51s added four more runs in the 4th inning. Jason Lane doubled, advanced to third base on Loewen's groundout and scored on Ryan Budde's sacrifice fly. Brian Jeroloman and Manny Mayorson singled and Mike McCoy drew a walk to load the bases with two outs and Jonathan Diaz teached on an error with Jeroloman scoring on the play. Brett Lawrie singled home Mayorson and McCoy. Las Vegas added two more runs in the 8th inning for the final 7-0 score.
Alberto Bastardo tossed 6 innings for Albuquerque with only 2 of the 5 runs he gave up being earned. Bastardo allowed 6 hits, walked 3 and struck out 4.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 1x3 (.302) Trayvon Robinson: 0x3 (.327), 1 K
'TOPES NOTES: The shutout was the first time Albuquerque has been shut out this season. . . . The Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) lost their game Tuesday night, snapping their five game winning streak. The Isotopes loss blew an opportunity to trim Round Rock's 2.5 game division lead over the Isotopes to 1.5 games. . . . The Isotopes lost their first game in which Alberto Bastardo started. Prior to tonight, the Isotopes were 5-0 in games that Bastardo started. . . . The series continues Wednesday evening. Probables are RHP Francisco Felix (1-0, 6.16) for the Isotopes and LHP Brett Cecil (2-1, 7.41) for the 51s.
Filed 05/10/2011

May 9, 2011 - Isotopes (18-12)
Isotopes Park Memphis 010 011 000 -- 3 6 0 Albuquerque 000 201 10x -- 4 13 2 WP: Wilkin De La Rosa (2-0) LP: Adam Ottavino (0-3) SV: Scott Elbert (3) HR: MEM Andrew Brown (3) off Redding (2nd inning, S) ABQ John Lindsey (1) off Ottavino (4th inning, S) ABQ Trayvon Robinson (7) off Ottavino (6th inning, S) TIME: 2:51 ATT: 10,125
Corey Smith's 7th inning RBI single snapped a 3-3 tie and was the eventual game-winning RBI as the Isotopes concluded their homestand with a 4-3 victory over the Memphis Redbirds (AAA Cardinals) on Monday afternoon. Andrew Brown solo homered in the 2nd inning as Memphis led 1-0. John Lindsey led off the 4th inning with his first homer of the year. Trayvon Robinson doubled, advanced to third base on AJ Ellis' groundout and scored on Justin Sellers' sacrifice fly to right field as the Isotopes led 2-1. Memphis scored a run on a groundout in the 5th inning to tie the game at 2-2 and Matt Carpenter singled home a run in the 6th inning as Memphis led 3-2.
Robinson solo homered in the 6th inning to knot the game at 3-3 and in the 7th inning, Eugenio Velez doubled and scored on Smith's single for the run that stood as the game winner.
Tim Redding started for the Isotopes and gave up all three runs (only one run earned) and 5 hits in 6 innings. Redding struck out 8 Redbirds.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 2x4 (.301), 1 K Trayvon Robinson: 2x4 (.336), 2 R, 1 2B (3), 1 HR (7), 1 RBI (22) Scott Elbert: (S, 3) 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 Bb, 2 K, 0 HR, 5.02 ERA
'TOPES NOTES: The Isotopes won three out of the four games in the series with the Redbirds with all three Isotopes victories decided by one run. A season-best four-game series mark of 39,419 was achieved for a per-game average of 9,855. . . . The Isotopes won five out of the eight games in their homestand and drew 59,906 fans. . . . There were two Isotope ejections in the game, both by Home Plate umpire Dan Oliver. Justin Sellers was ejected in the 9th inning after being called out on strikes to end the 8th inning and Manager Lorenzo Bundy earned his second early shower of the season when he was tossed in the 8th inning after Isotopes reliever Wilkin De La Rosa balked. . . . Wily Mo Pena of the Reno Aces (AAA Diamondbacks) is the PCL Hitter of the Week. Pena hit .520 (13x25) with 5 homers and 8 RBI as he became the first player in 2011 to earn his second PCL player of the week award. . . . Andrew Kown of the Fresno Grizzlies (AAA Giants) is the PCL Pitcher of the Week. Kown won both of his starts for the week, tossing 13 innings of 10 hit, 2 run ball while fanning 13 and compiling a 1.38 ERA for the award week. . . . The Isotopes start just over two weeks of play against Pacific Conference opponents. In PCL scheduling, American Conference (like the Isotopes) and Pacific Conference opponents play each other for just one four game series and the home field alternates each season. Albuquerque hits the road for an eight game homestand to Las Vegas and Tucson. Probables in the opener on Tuesday night in the Sin City are LHP Alberto Bastardo (2-0, 4.23) for the Isotopes and LHP Luis Perez (1-1, 5.96) for the Las Vegas 51s (AAA Blue Jays). The 51s were the Dodgers top farm club for many seasons until the Dodgers inked a deal with the Isotopes in 2009.
Filed 05/09/2011

May 8, 2011 - Isotopes (17-12)
Isotopes Park Memphis 140 000 001 -- 6 11 1 Albuquerque 000 301 000 -- 4 6 4 WP: Lance Lynn (2-3) LP: Dana Eveland (3-3) SV: Victor Marte (3) HR: MEM Aaron Luna (2) off Eveland (2nd inning, S) MEM Nick Stavinoha (5) off Eveland (2nd inning, 2R) TIME: 3:15 ATT: 9,382
The Memphis Redbirds (AAA Cardinals) plated five runs over the first two innings and Albuquerque was unable to come back from that early defecit in a 6-4 loss on Mother's Day afternoon at "The Lab". The loss snapped a three-game winning streak.
The Redbirds scored a run in the 1st inning on a passed ball and plated four more runs in the 2nd inning, highlighted by a solo homer from Aaron Luna and a two-run homer from Nick Stavinoha.
Albuquerque got on the scoreboard in the 4th inning. Memphis starter Lance Lynn was wild, walking Trent Oeltjen, Jamie Hoffmann and Trayvon Robinson to lead off the inning. JD Closser sacrifice flied out to bring home Oeltjen and Eugenio Velez doubled home Hoffmann and Robinson.
AJ Ellis doubled with two outs and scored on Velez's single in the 6th inning as Albuquerque pulled to 5-4 and the Redbirds added an insurance run in the 9th inning for the final game score.
Dana Eveland started for the Isotopes and allowed 5 runs (4 earned) and 7 hits in 4 1/3 innings of work.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 2x4 (.294), SB (14) Trayvon Robinson: 0x3 (.330), 1 R, 1 BB, 2 K
'TOPES NOTES: It was a busy day at the ballpark. The day started with a the first celebrity charity softball game held at Isotopes Park between the teams of USA Network's "In Plain Sight" TV show and AMC's "Breaking Bad" TV show with a mix of local and other celebrities participating. $10,000 was raised for the Albuquerque YDI organization and the "In Plain Sight" team beat the "Breaking Bad" team 5-4. During the game, the Isotopes hosted their first "Bark In the Park" promotion where dog owners were invited to take in an Isotopes game with their dogs. 152 dogs participated in the promotion. Of course, it was also Mother's Day with countless mothers watching the game with their families. . . . The Isotopes are 3-6 in Mother's Day contests (2-5 record at Isotopes Park). . . . Albuquerque committed a season-worst 4 errors in the game and turned a season-best 4 double plays. . . . Trent Oeltjen went hitless in 3 at-bats to snap a 11-game hitting streak, the second longest Isotope hitting streak of the season. The current longest hitting streak belongs to Eugenio Velez and John Lindsey (3 games). . . . The Isotopes went homerless, snapping a streak of nine games with a homer. . . . The Isotopes remain winless in Sunday games (0-3). It is the the only day of the week without a victory. The defeat also snapped a four-game winning streak against the Redbirds in games played at Isotopes Park. . . . The Isotopes conclude their homestand with an afternoon game against the Redbirds on Monday. Probables are RHP Tim Redding (1-3, 7.03) for Albuquerque and RHP Adam Ottavino (0-2, 1.53) for Memphis.
Filed 05/08/2011

May 7, 2011 - Isotopes (17-11)
Isotopes Park Memphis 000 140 100 -- 6 8 1 Albuquerque 030 102 001 -- 7 9 0 WP: Travis Schlichting (2-1) LP: Victor Marte (0-2) HR: MEM Tony Cruz (4) off Ely (4th inning, S) MEM Nick Stavinoha (4) off Troncoso (7th inning, S) ABQ Justin Sellers (4) off Valdes (2nd inning, 3R) TIME: 3:00 ATT: 12,870
In the 9th inning of a tied game with a season-high crowd of 12,870 waiting for the post-game fireworks show, the Isotopes quickly took care of business. Dee Gordon scored on an error to give the Isotopes a 7-6 victory over the Memphis Redbirds (AAA Cardinals) on Saturday evening. Albuquerque has won three straight games.
John Lindsey doubled, Damaso Espino singled and Justin Sellers followed with a three-run homer as Albuquerque raced to a 3-0 lead in the 2nd inning.
The two clubs swapped a single run in the 4th inning. Tony Cruz solo homered for Memphis while back-to-back doubles from Espino and Sellers plated Albuquerque's run.
Memphis scored four runs in the 5th inning to take a 5-4 lead and Albuquerque regained the lead in the 6th inning. The Isotopes quickly loaded the bases when Espino and Sellers drew walks and Isotopes reliever Ramon Troncoso was hit by a pitch. Espino scored on a wild pitch to tie the game before Trayvon Robinson was called out on strikes for the first out. Gordon grounded out plating Sellers with the go-ahead run and Trent Oeltjen was intentionally walked before Corey Smith grounded out to kill the rally.
Nick Stavinoha solo homered in the 7th inning as the Redbirds tied the game at 6-6 and both teams remained deadlocked going to the bottom of the 9th inning.
In the exciting bottom of the 9th inning, Gordon walked and Oeltjen laid down a sacrifice bunt. Redbirds First Baseman Stavinoha was unable to catch the putout throw for the out and Gordon raced around the bases with the game winning run on that sacrifice bunt and error.
John Ely was the Albuquerque starter and allowed 5 runs and 7 hits in 4 2/3 innings. Ely walked 3 and struck out 5.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 0x1 (.286), 1 R, 1 RBI (10), 1 BB Trayvon Robinson: 1x5 (.340), 1 K
'TOPES NOTES: There were a few Isotope transactions on Saturday. IF Juan Castro was activated from the Disabled List and P Roman Colon was activated from the Bereavement Leave list. P Jon Huber was released and IF Joe Becker was transferred to Rookie-level Ogden in a paper move. . . . While the Isotopes may be enjoying a three game winning streak and a season-best high water mark of 6 games above the .500 mark, they certainly aren't making any progress in moving into first place in the PCL American Conference Southern Division. The Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers), leaders in the division, are also on a three game winning streak. . . . The crowd of 12,870 is the 28th largest regular season crowd in the history of Isotopes Park. . . . Trent Oeltjen hit safely to extend his hitting streak to 11 games. . . . The rest of the series will consist of day contests and game three of the series is Mother's Day afternoon. Probables are LHP Dana Eveland (3-2, 4.55) for the Isotopes and RHP Lance Lynn (1-3, 4.40) for the Redbirds.
Filed 05/07/2011

May 6, 2011 - Isotopes (16-11)
Isotopes Park Memphis 025 000 000 -- 7 9 0 Albuquerque 020 220 20x -- 8 14 1 WP: Wilkin De La Rosa (1-0) LP: Brandon Dickson (1-3) SV: Scott Elbert (2) HR: MEM Andrew Brown (2) off Felix (2nd inning, 2R) ABQ Corey Smith (4) off Dickson (5th inning, 2R) ABQ Jamie Hoffmann (5) off Dickson (2nd inning, S) ABQ Jamie Hoffmann (6) off Dickson (7th inning, 2R) ABQ Trayvon Robinson (6) off Dickson (4th inning, S) TIME: 2:39 ATT: 7,042
The Isotopes took in-game batting practice off Memphis Redbirds (AAA Cardinals) starter Brandon Dickson. Albuquerque tallied six of their runs on four homers off Dickson and Jamie Hoffmann had two of those homers in the Isotopes' 8-7 defeat of the Redbirds in the series opener on Friday evening at "The Lab".
Matt Carpenter walked and scored on Andrew Brown's homer as Memphis was first on the scoreboard in the 2nd inning.
The Memphis lead evaporated in the home half of the 2nd inning when the Isotopes matched those two runs. Hoffmann solo homered and Trayvon Robinson singled, moved into scoring position on a wild pitch and scored on JD Closser's single.
Memphis put up a five-spot on the scoreboard in the 3rd inning to lead 7-2.
The Isotopes started chipping away at the defecit in the 4th inning. Robinson solo homered, Closser doubled and later scored on Isotope starter Francisco Felix's single.
Trent Oeltjen doubled and scored on Corey Smith's homer in the 5th inning as Albuquerque trailed by a run at 7-6.
The Isotopes finished their comeback and took the lead with one swing of the bat in the 7th inning. Smith doubled ahead of Hoffmann's second homer of the game.
Felix allowed all 7 Redbirds runs and 9 hits in 6 innings.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 0x5 (.288), 1 SB (13) Trayvon Robinson: 4x4 (.347), 2R, 1 2B (2), 1 HR (6), 1 RBI (21) Scott Elbert: (S, 2) 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, 0 HR, 5.40 ERA
'TOPES NOTES: The Dodgers made a move on Friday, but it did not affect the Isotopes roster. Los Angeles placed closer Jonathan Broxton on the disabled list and called up reliever Kenley Jansen from Class-AA Chattanooga. . . . With their two game winning streak, Albuquerque is back to tying their season-best high water mark at 5 games above .500. . . . Trent Oeltjen hit safely to extend his hitting streak to 10 games, the second longest Isotope hitting streak of the season. . . . For the second game in a row, Trayvon Robinson was close to hitting for the cycle. Last night, he was missing the double. Tonight, he was unable to come up with the triple to complete the cycle. Robinson has homered in back-to-back contests and he had his first four-hit effort of the season. . . . The Isotopes are 5-2 in one-run contests, had their largest comeback in a game this season (5 runs), had their most homers hit in a game (4), and have homered in a season-high eight straight games. . . . In their 17th home game of the season, the Isotopes saw their 100,000th fan of the season pass through the Isotopes Park turnstiles. . . . The series continues on Saturday evening with fireworks following the game. Probables are RHP John Ely (1-1, 3.55) for the Isotopes and LHP Raul Valdes (2-1, 6.29) for the Redbirds.
Filed 05/06/2011

May 5, 2011 - Isotopes (15-11)
Isotopes Park Omaha 002 020 004 -- 8 14 1 Albuquerque 001 120 50x -- 9 13 0 WP: Travis Schlichting (1-1) LP: Luis Mendoza (1-2) SV: Merkin Valdez (2) HR: ABQ Trayvon Robinson (5) off Mazzaro (4th inning, S) TIME: 2:54 ATT: 7,050
The Isotopes plated five runs in the 7th inning to snap a tied game and then held on in the 9th inning to defeat the Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) 9-8 in the series finale at "The Lab" on Thursday evening.
A wild pitch and Lorenzo Cain's RBI single gave the Storm Chasers a 2-0 lead in the 3rd inning.
Dee Gordon singled, stole second base and scored on A.J. Ellis's single in the 3rd inning and Trayvon Robinson solo homered in the 4th inning as Albuquerque tied the game at 2-2.
Omaha plated two runs in the top of the 5th inning before Albuquerque tallied for two runs in the bottom half to tie the game at 4-4. The newest Isotope Eugenio Velez singled, Gordon singled and Ellis laid down a sacrifice bunt to advance both runners into scoring position. Trent Oeltjen followed with a two-run single.
Albuquerque's big inning was the 7th inning. Gordon doubled and went to third base on Ellis' sacrifice bunt. Oeltjen was intentionally walked and Corey Smith drew a walk to load the bags. Jamie Hoffmann singled home Gordon and Oeltjen and Robinson was intentionally walked to re-load the bases. John Lindsey singled home Smith and Hoffmann and Closser drew a walk to once again reload the bases. Velez sacrifice flied out bring home Robinson with the final run of the inning as Albuquerque sent 10 batters to the plate and scored five runs to lead 9-4.
Isotopes reliever Scott Elbert was entering his second inning of work in the 9th inning when the Storm Chasers made the game too interesting. Mike Moustakas singled, Clint Robinson walked and Cain was hit by a pitch to load the bases with no outs. Irving Falu grounded out to bring home Moustakas and Lance Zawadzki singled home Ribonson and Cain. Merkin Valdez relieved Elbert and former-Isotope Lucas May reached on a fielder's choice with Zawadzki out at second base. Pinch-hitter Gregor Blanco walked and David Lough singled to drive in May as the Storm Chasers trailed by a run at 9-8 with two outs and Blanco at second base. Johnny Giavotella reached on a fielders choice with Lough out at second base to end the game.
Alberto Bastardo was the Isotopes starter and allowed 4 runs and 10 hits in 5 innings. Bastardo walked 3 and struck out 6.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 3x5 (.303), 3 R, 1 2B (4), 1 K, 1 SB (12) Trayvon Robinson: 3x3 (.319), 2 R, 1 3B (3), 1 HR (5), 1 RBI (20), 1 BB Scott Elbert: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, 0 HR, 5.84 ERA
'TOPES NOTES: IF Wilberto Ortiz was sent to Class-AA Chattanooga on Thursday, while IF Eugenio Velez was added from Extended Spring Training. . . . The Storm Chasers also had a transaction that will have a major effect on their team as they leave Albuquerque. The Royals recalled Eric Hosmer, the #1 prospect as rated by Baseball America. . . . The Storm Chasers and Isotopes split the four game series and 20,487 attended the four game series for a per-game average of 5,122. . . . Omaha and Albuquerque also played their last 2011 regular season game at Isotopes Park and each club won four games at Isotopes Park. Albuquerque still has to play 8 games in Omaha's brand-new Werner Park later in the 2011 season to conclude the 16-game regular season series. . . . Trent Oeltjen hit safely to extend his hitting streak to 9 games. . . . Albuquerque established a season-best mark with homers in their last 7 consecutive games. . . . Trayvon Robinson was a double short of hitting for the cycle. . . . Albuquerque is 5-0 in games that Alberto Bastardo has started. . . . The Isotopes open up a four game series on Friday evening to conclude the homestand. Probables in the opener against the Memphis Redbirds (AAA Cardinals) are RHP Francisco Felix (1-0, 4.15) for the Isotopes and RHP Brandon Dickson (1-2, 2.76) for the Redbirds.
Filed 05/05/2011

May 4, 2011 - Isotopes (14-11)
Isotopes Park Omaha 002 200 052 -- 11 19 0 Albuquerque 000 000 301 -- 4 6 2 WP: Mike Montgomery (2-1) LP: Tim Redding (1-3) HR: ABQ Jamie Hoffmann (4) off Texeira (9th inning, S) TIME: 3:27 ATT: 3,945
Right after the Isotopes scored three times to get back in the contest, the Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) plated five runs the very next half-inning to pull away and defeat the Isotopes 11-4. Albuquerque has lost their last two games.
Johnny Giavotell and Eric Hosmer singled home runs in the 3rd inning and former-Isotope Lucas May singled home two runs in the 4th inning as the Storm Chasers built a 4-0 lead.
Right after the 7th inning stretch, Albuquerque made it a game. Trent Oeltjen singled, Corey Smith doubled and Jamie Hoffmann walked to load the bases with no outs. Oeltjen scored on a wild pitch and Smith scored on John Lindsey's groundout. Hoffmann advanced to third base on JD Closser's groundout and scored on Damaso Espino's single as the Isotopes cut the defecit to a run at 4-3.
Omaha put the game away in the 8th inning when they sent 11 batters to the plate. Gregor Blanco, Lance Zawadzki and David Lough doubled home a run each and Giavotella singled home two runs in the inning.
The Storm Chasers added two more runs in the 9th inning before Hoffmann solo homered in the bottom of the 9th for Albuquerque to close out the scoring.
Tim Redding started for Albuquerque and allowed four runs (none of them earned) and 8 hits in 6 innings.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Trayvon Robinson: 0x3 (.297), 1 BB, 1 K
'TOPES NOTES: The Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) lost their contest tonight, keeping Albuquerque 1.5 games back in the division standings. . . . Trent Oeltjen hit safely to extend his hitting streak to 8 games. . . . The Isotopes gave up the most runs (11), hits (19) and losing margin (7 runs) in a game this season. . . . The Isotopes grounded into a season-worst 4 double plays. . . . The series concludes on Cinco de Mayo evening. Probables are LHP Alberto Bastardo (2-0, 3.57) for the Isotopes and RHP Vin Mazzaro (1-0, 4.66) for the Storm Chasers. Albuquerque needs a win to earn a split in the series.
Filed 05/04/2011

May 3, 2011 - Isotopes (14-10)
Isotopes Park Omaha 000 003 310 -- 7 10 0 Albuquerque 030 001 010 -- 5 7 3 WP: Danny Duffy (2-0) LP: Dana Eveland (3-2) SV: Jesse Chavez (3) HR: OMA Clint Robinson (8) off Eveland (6th inning, 3R) OMA Eric Hosmer (3) off Eveland (7th inning, 2R) ABQ Trent Oeltjen (5) off Duffy (2nd inning, 2R) TIME: 2:46 ATT: 6,458
The Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) powered their way to a victory at "The Lab" on Tuesday evening. The Royals scored all seven runs in the 6th through 8th innings and used a pair of homers to account for five of those runs in a 7-5 victory over the Isotopes.
In the 2nd inning, Corey Smith walked and scored on Trent Oeltjen's homer. JD Closser walked and then scored on AJ Ellis' double as the Isotopes built a 3-0 lead.
That lead was wiped out with one swing of the bat as Omaha's Clint Robinson three-run homered in the 6th inning.
Smith singled and later scored on Oeltjen's triple in the home half of the inning as Albuquerque regained the lead at 4-3.
Omaha plated three more runs in the 7th inning, keyed by Eric Hosmer's two run homer, and plated another run in the 8th inning to take a 7-4 lead.
The Isotopes plated their final run in the 8th inning when Jamie Hoffmann tripled and scored on a wild pitch.
Dana Eveland was the Albuquerque starter and allowed 6 runs (5 earned) and 6 hits in 6 1/3 innings of work.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 0x4 (.287), 2K Trayvon Robinson: 0x4 (.307), 2 K
'TOPES NOTES: The Dodgers recalled OF Jay Gibbons from his rehabilitation assignment. While the assignment lasted almost a calendar month (since Opening Day April 7th), Gibbons appeared in 14 actual games, hitting .288 with a homer and 10 RBI. P Wilkin De La Rosa joined the Isotopes bullpen after the Dodgers assigned him to Albuquerque. . . . The Isotopes dropped to 1.5 games back in the division after the Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) won their contest. . . . There were the first Isotope ejections of the 2011 campaign in the contest. Manager Lorenzo Bundy was ejected by Home Plate umpire Tripp Gibson in the 9th inning for arguing balls and strikes and First Baseman Corey Smith was ejected by Gibson in the 8th inning after being called out on strikes. . . . The series continues Wednesday evening. Probables are RHP Tim Redding (1-2, 9.33) for the Isotopes and LHP Mike Montgomery (1-1, 2.67) for the Storm Chasers.
Filed 05/03/2011

May 2, 2011 - Isotopes (14-9)
Isotopes Park Omaha 110 000 001 -- 3 10 2 Albuquerque 010 000 13x -- 5 9 1 WP: Scott Elbert (2-0) LP: Blaine Hardy (1-1) SV: Merkin Valdez (1) HR: ABQ JD Closser (1) off Hardy (7th inning, S) TIME: 2:44 ATT: 3,034
Too bad one of the better Isotopes finishes at "The Lab" so far in 2011 was seen by the smallest home crowd in franchise history. AJ Ellis' two-run 8th inning double snapped a deadlocked game as the Isotopes surged to a 5-3 victory over the Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) on Monday evening.
Omaha raced to a 2-0 lead. Johnny Giavotella sacrifice flied out in the 1st inning and former-Isotope Lucas May doubled home a run in the 2nd inning.
Albuquerque got on the scoreboard in the 2nd inning with two outs. JD Closser singled and scored on Ellis' double. Closser added a solo homer in the 7th inning to tie the game at 2-2, setting the stage for Albuquerque's late-game heroics.
In that deciding 8th inning, Trent Oeltjen bunt singled and stole second base. Closser was intentionally walked and a wild pitch advanced both runners into scoring position. Ellis delivered a double that brought them home and an out later, Dee Gordon drove in Ellis with a single.
Omaha was only able to plate one run in the 9th inning and didn't do so until there were two outs.
John Ely started for the Isotopes and had a quality start, going 6 1/3 innings, allowing 6 hits and 2 runs. Ely walked 3 and struck out 5.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 1x4 (.300), 1 RBI (9), 1 BB, 1 K, 2 SB (11) Trayvon Robinson: 0x5 (.321), 1 K Scott Elbert: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, 0 HR, 3.27 ERA
DODGERS Rehab Report Jay Gibbons: LF defensively, 0x3 (.288), 1 BB
'TOPES NOTES: There were a couple of transactions on Monday. IF John Lindsey returned from the Disabled List with a 0x3 performance and P Roman Colon was placed on the Bereavement list. With these transactions, the Isotopes are still playing short a man, with 23 men on a 24-man maximum active roster. . . . It took the Isotopes 9 seasons of play so far to reach their smallest home crowd. Prior to tonight's 3,034 attendance, the smallest crowd to watch the Isotopes at home was 3,461 on 4/10/07 against Iowa. . . . Trayvon Robinson went hitless in five at-bats to snap his team season-best 16 game hitting streak. The Isotope with the current longest hitting streak becomes Trent Oeltjen (6 games). . . . Oeltjen and Dee Gordon each swiped two bags in the game. The 4 steals on the night was the most for the Isotopes in a game so far in 2011. . . . The Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) won their contest on Monday night, keeping Albuquerque from moving into first place in the division. The Isotopes remain a half-game back. . . . Danny Duffy of the Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) is the PCL Pitcher of the Week. Duffy won his only start of the award week, tossing 6 innings of 1 hit, no run ball (ERA 0.00). Duffy walked none and fanned 8 batters. . . . Collin Cowgill of the Reno Aces (AAA Diamondbacks) is the PCL Hitter of the Week. Cowgill hit .640 (16x25) with 2 homers and 7 RBI during the award week. . . . The series continues Tuesday evening. Probables are LHP Dana Eveland (3-1, 3.86) for the Isotopes and the PCL Pitcher of the Week, LHP Danny Duffy (1-0, 0.90) for the Storm Chasers.
Filed 05/02/2011

Isotopes/Sounds Postponed Sunday afternoon's series finale between the Isotopes and Nashville Sounds (AAA Brewers) was postponed due to unplayable grounds as a result of heavy overnight rains. The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader on July 15th when Albuquerque makes their final regular season visit to Nashville. 18,692 attended the shortened 3-game series at Herschel Greer Stadium and the Isotopes won two out of the three contests. The Isotopes do not gain or lose ground in the PCL American Conference Southern Division as division- leader Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) was also postponed due to weather. Isotopes probable RHP John Ely (1-1, 3.79) will have his start moved to Monday evening when the Isotopes return home for an eight game homestand with the first four games against the Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals). Filed 05/01/2011

April 30, 2011 - Isotopes (13-9)
Herschel Greer Stadium Albuquerque 021 021 000 -- 6 10 1 Nashville 002 012 02x -- 7 12 3 WP: Zach Segovia (1-1) LP: Jon Link (1-1) SV: Mike DiFelice (1) HR: ABQ Damaso Espino (1) off Dillard (5th inning, 2R) NSH Mat Gamel (1) off Felix (3rd inning, 2R) NSH Brendan Katin (6) off Link (8th inning, S) TIME: 3:24 ATT: 5,775
On Saturday evening, the Isotopes suffered a heartbreaking loss to the Nashville Sounds (AAA Brewers). Mat Gamel went 5x5 and drove in five runs for the Sounds, including the game-winning RBI double in the 8th inning as Nashville surged to a 7-6 victory over Albuquerque. The loss snapped an Isotope four-game winning streak.
The Isotopes got off to a great start in the game. In the 2nd inning, Trent Oeltjen walked, Damaso Espino singled and Justin Sellers drew a walk to load the bases with no outs. Isotopes starter Francisco Felix sacrifice flied out to right field to drive in Oeltjen. Espino tagged up and advanced to third base before scoring on Dee Gordon's single.
In the 3rd inning, Jamie Hoffmann walked, stole second base, advanced to third base on a throwing error on the play and scored on Espino's single as Albuquerque led 3-0.
Taylor Green walked and scored on Gamel's homer as the Sounds edged to a run down at 3-2 after three innings of play.
Oeltjen doubled and scored on Espino's homer in the 5th inning as Albuquerque increased their lead to 5-2.
After Nashville plated a run in their half of the 5th inning, Albuquerque plated another run in the 6th inning. Consecutive singles from Gordon, Trayvon Robinson and Jay Gibbons brought Gordon home with a run.
Nashville scored the next four unanswered runs to win the game. Gamel doubled home two runs in the 6th inning, Brendan Katin solo homered in the 8th inning as the Sounds tied the game, and later in the inning Gamel doubled home former-Isotope Brett Carroll with the game-winning run.
Felix was the Isotopes starter and allowed 2 runs and 7 hits in 4 innings.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 3x4 (.302), 1 R, 1 RBI (8), 1 BB, SB (9) Trayvon Robinson: 1x5 (.342), 2 K, SB (2)
DODGERS Rehab Report Jay Gibbons: 1B defensively, 1x3 (.306), 1 RBI (10), 2 BB, 1K
'TOPES NOTES: Trayvon Robinson hit safely to extend his Isotopes-best 2011 hitting streak to 16 games. . . . With the loss, the Isotopes blew an opportunity to be in first place in the division. The Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) lost on Saturday, and if the Isotopes could have pulled out the victory, they would have been in first place by a half-game entering play Sunday. . . . Now that A;ril is in the books, here are some Isotopes stats for the month: 13-9 record (8-4 at home, 5-5 on the road); .293 team batting average; 5.30 team ERA; 154 runs scored; 27 homers, and 17 stolen bases. . . . The series concludes on Sunday afternoon before the Isotopes come home for an eight-game homestand. Probables are RHP John Ely (1-1, 3.79) for the Isotopes and RHP Josh Butler (1-1, 4.85) for the Sounds.
Filed 04/30/2011

April 29, 2011 - Isotopes (13-8)
Herschel Greer Stadium Albuquerque 000 200 002 -- 4 10 0 Nashville 000 100 000 -- 1 5 0 WP: Alberto Bastardo (2-0) LP: Zach Greinke (0-1) SV: Roman Colon (3) HR: ABQ Jamie Hoffmann (3) off Greinke (4th inning, 2R) TIME: 2:29 ATT: 9,116
Alberto Bastardo outdueled the MLB rehabilitating Zach Greinke and Jamie Hoffmann added a two-run homer as Albuquerque won their fourth straight game with a 4-1 victory over the Nashville Sounds (AAA Brewers) in Nashville on Friday evening.
Corey Smith singled with one out and scored on Hoffmann's homer in the 4th inning as Albuquerque led 2-0.
In the home half of the inning, Brendan Katin doubled and scored on former-Isotope Brett Carroll's single as the Sounds cut the defecit in half.
For the second game in a row against the Sounds, the Isotopes plated some 9th inning runs for insurance. Hoffmann singled to lead off the inning and then two outs later, Hoffmann stole second base and Wilberto Ortiz walked. With pinch-hitter Trent Oeltjen at the plate, Sounds reliever Justin James uncorked two wild pitches that brought Hoffmann home. Oeltjen tripled to drive in Ortiz before Dee Gordon struck out to strand Oeltjen at third base.
Bastardo tossed 7 1/3 innings for the Isotopes, allowing 5 hits, 1 run, 2 walks and 5 strikeouts. Greinke went 5 innings, allowing 7 hits, 2 runs, a walk and he fanned 7 Isotope batters.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 1x4 (.280), 1 BB, 1 K Trayvon Robinson: 1x4 (.351), 2 K
DODGERS Rehab Report Jay Gibbons: LF defensively, 1x4 (.304) with 1 K
'TOPES NOTES: The Dodgers called up IF Russ Mitchell from Albuquerque on Friday when the Dodgers placed IF Casey Blake on the Disabled List. The Isotopes played Friday's contest one player short of a full roster since no corresponding move was made to replace Mitchell. . . . Trayvon Robinson singled in the 5th inning to extend his hitting streak to 15 games, an Isotope season-best streak. . . . The Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) won their game in extra innings on Friday evening, so they held that slim half-game lead over the Isotopes in the division. . . . In addition to being in the midst of the longest winning streak of the season (4 games), the Isotopes are a season-best 5 games above the .500 mark. . . . Antonio Bastardo's 7 1/3 innings was the longest Isotope starting pitcher outing of the season. . . . The series continues Saturday evening. Probables are RHP Francisco Felix (1-0, 4.00 for the Isotopes and a former-Isotope, RHP Frankie de la Cruz (0-1, 1.85) for the Sounds.
Filed 04/29/2011

April 28, 2011 - Isotopes (12-8)
Herschel Greer Stadium Albuquerque 000 101 003 -- 5 8 0 Nashville 000 001 000 -- 1 4 1 WP: Tim Redding (1-2) LP: Amaury Rivas (3-2) HR: ABQ Corey Smith (3) off Rivas (4th inning, S) ABQ Jay Gibbons (1) off Rivas (6th inning, S) TIME: 2:31 ATT: 3,801
Corey Smith and Jay Gibbons homered in Albuquerque's 5-1 victory over the Nashville Sounds (AAA Brewers) in the series opener in Nashville on Thursday evening. Albuquerque has won their last three games and is a season-high 4 games over the .500 mark with the victory.
Smith solo-homered in the 4th inning and Gibbons added a solo homer in the 6th inning as Albuquerque led 2-0.
Nashville got their lone run in the bottom of the 6th inning. Pinch-hitter Brendan Katin doubled and later scored on Taylor Green's sacrifice flyout.
Albuquerque added insurance runs in the 9th inning. Smith singled and two outs later, AJ Ellis and Justin Sellers walked to load the bases. Pinch-hitter JD Closser drew another walk as Smith trotted home and Dee Gordon reached on an error with Ellis scoring. Trayvon Robinson followed with a single to drive in Sellers with the final run of the game.
Tim Redding started for Albuquerque and turned in a quality start. Over 6 frames, Redding allowed 4 hits, 1 run, walked none and struck out 3.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 0x5 (.282), 1 K Trayvon Robinson: 2x5 (.357), 1 RBI (19), 1 K Scott Elbert: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, 0 HR, 3.86 ERA
DODGERS Rehab Report Jay Gibbons: 1B defensively, 2x5 (.310), 1 R, 1 HR (1), 1 RBI (9)
'TOPES NOTES: After being optioned to Albuquerque earlier in the week, AJ Ellis appeared in his first game as an Isotope in 2011. To make room for AJ Ellis on the active Isotopes roster, C Keyter Collado was transferred to Rookie-Ogden. . . . The victory was great for Albuquerque. The Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) lost their game in extra innings so the Isotopes were able to move to a half-game back in the PCL American Conference Southern Division standings. Another scenario like tonight (Isotopes win, Express loss) and Albuquerque will be in sole possession of first place at the end of Friday's action. . . . Trayvon Robinson hit safely, extending his Isotopes season-long hitting streak to 14 games. . . . The series continues Friday evening. Albuquerque is expected to send LHP Alberto Bastardo (1-0, 4.70) to the mound while the Sounds will counter with RHP Zach Greinke (0-0, 6.75) who is on a MLB rehabilitation assignment.
Filed 04/28/2011

April 26, 2011 - Isotopes (11-8)
Isotopes Park New Orleans 200 021 030 -- 8 12 3 Albuquerque 303 400 03x -- 13 18 1 WP: Dana Eveland (3-1) LP: Adalberto Mendez (1-1) HR: NRL Bryan Petersen (3) off Elbert (8th inning, 3R) TIME: 3:02 ATT: 3,788
Damaso Espino was the hitting star for the Isotopes on Tuesday afternoon at Isotopes Park. Espino turned in a four hit game and drove in five runs in Albuquerque's 13-8 victory over the New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Marlins).
Albuquerque spotted the Zephyrs two runs in the 1st inning before they took a 3-2 lead in the bottom half of the inning. Dee Gordon and Trayvon Robinson singled ahead of Trent Oeltjen's single that drove in Gordon. Corey Smith reached on a fielder's choice with Robinson out at third base and Oeltjen tagged up and advanced to third base on Jamie Hoffmann's flyout. Espino followed with a single to drive in Oeltjen and Smith.
The Isotopes added three more runs to the scoreboard in the 3rd inning. Hoffmann doubled with one out and another out later, Espino singled home Hoffmann. Wilberto Ortiz doubled home Espino before scoring on Isotope starter Dana Eveland's single.
Albuquerque took what they thought was a commanding 10-2 lead with four more runs in the 4th inning. Robinson and Oeltjen singled and Smith doubled home Robinson. Hoffmann drew a walk to load the bases and Russ Mitchell grounded out to bring home Oeltjen. Espino followed with another two-run single, driving in Smith and Hoffmann.
New Orleans began a mid to late-game charge, plating two runs in the 5th inning and one in the 6th inning to trim the defecit to 10-5.
Bryan Petersen's three run homer got New Orleans close at 10-8 before the Isotopes added three insurance runs in the bottom half of the frame. Hoffmann doubled with one out, advanced to third base on Mitchell's groundout, and scored when Espino reached on an error. Ortiz reached on another error and pinch-hitter JD Closser singled home Espino and Ortiz.
Eveland picked up his team-leading third victory of the season after tossing 5 innings, allowing 4 runs (2 earned) and 6 hits.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 2x6 (.301), 1 R Trayvon Robinson: 2x5 (.354), 1 R Scott Elbert: 1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, 1 HR, 4.32 ERA
DODGERS Rehab Report Jay Gibbons: Did Not Play
'TOPES NOTES: Xavier Paul is no longer in the Dodgers organization. Designated for assignment by the Dodgers about a week ago when the Dodgers promoted OF Jerry Sands from Albuquerque, Paul was claimed off the waiver wire by the Pittsburgh Pirates and will be on the Pirates major league roster when he reports in the next few days. . . . Trayvon Robinson hit safely to extend his season-best Isotope hitting streak to 13 games. . . . The Isotopes won three out of the four games in the series with the Zephyrs. 27,798 attended the quick four game homestand for a per-game average of 6,950. . . . The Isotopes (and the rest of the PCL) have Wednesday off before opening a four-game roadtrip to Nashville. Probables in the opener are RHP Tim Redding (0-2, 13.14) for the Isotopes and RHP Amaury Rivas (3-1, 2.59) for the Nashville Sounds (AAA Brewers).
Filed 04/26/2011

April 25, 2011 - Isotopes (10-8)
Isotopes Park New Orleans 010 020 210 -- 6 9 0 Albuquerque 220 010 101 -- 7 15 1 WP: Merkin Valdez (1-0) LP: Steve Cishek (0-1) HR: NRL Joe Thurston (2) off Ely (2nd inning, S) ALB Russ Mitchell (3) off Koehler (5th inning, S) ALB Corey Smith (2) off Garate (7th inning, S) TIME: 3:03 ATT: 6,501
JD Closser's sacrifice fly in the bottom of the 9th inning drove in Corey Smith with the game-winning run as the Isotopes defeated the New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Marlins) 7-6 on Monday evening at "The Lab". It did not take the Isotopes long to get on the scoreboard. With one out in the 1st inning, Trayvon Robinson, Jay Gibbons and Smith all singled with Smith driving in Robinson. Trent Oeltjen singled to load the bases and Russ Mitchell sacrifice flied out to bring home Gibbons. Joe Thurston solo homered in the top of the 2nd inning for New Orleans before Albuquerque tacked two more runs on the scoreboard. Isotopes starter John Ely drew a one out walk, Dee Gordon followed with a walk and both runners tagged and advanced a base on Robinson's flyout. Gibbons ripped a double down the right field line to drive them both in for a 4-1 Topes lead.
New Orleans once again trimmed the defecit to a run in the 5th inning by tallying for two runs and Mitchell solo homered for the Isotopes in the bottom of the 5th inning to extend Albuquerque's lead back to two runs at 5-3.
New Orleans caught up to Albuquerque in the 7th inning when Thurston doubled home a run before scoring on former-Isotope Chris Aguila's single.
In the home half of the 7th inning, Smith solo homered as the Isotopes regained the lead.
The Zephyrs knotted up the game at 6-6 in the 8th inning by scoring a run and that set the stage for the bottom of the 9th inning Albuquerque heroics. Smith and Oeltjen singled and pinch-hitter Damaso Espino was hit by a pitch to load the bases with none out. JD Closser's sacrifice flyout brought home Smith with the game winning run.
John Ely, the just-named PCL Pitcher of the Week, started for the Isotopes and had a quality start -- 6 innings, 3 runs, and 6 hits.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 2x3 (.299), 1 R, 1 2B (3), 1 BB Trayvon Robinson: 1x4 (.350), 1 R, 1 BB, 2 K
DODGERS Rehab Report Jay Gibbons: LF defensively, 2x4 (.297), 1 R, 1 2B (2), 2 RBI (8) then was removed from the game in the top of the 8th inning when Jamie Hoffmann replaced him in left field
'TOPES NOTES: John Ely became the first Isotope to win a PCL Weekly Award in 2011 when Ely won the Pitcher of the Week. Ely won the award based on his efforts in the nightcap of a doubleheader Wednesday, coming down to one out of tossing Albuquerque's first no-hitter. Ely allowed a two-out hit to Marquez Smith and had to settle for the complete game 1-hit shutout. . . . The Dodgers activated C Dioner Navarro from the major-league Disabled List and optioned C AJ Ellis to Albuquerque. . . . Trayvon Robinson hit safely to extend his hitting streak to an Isotope season-best 12 games. . . . Albuquerque has three victories in 2011 where they scored the game-winning run in their last at-bat. . . . Corey Smith has homered in back to back contests. . . . While Robinson didn't win the PCL Hitter of the Week award, the award did go to a former-Isotope. Jai Miller of the Sacramento River Cats (AAA Athletics) went 12x27 (.571) with 4 homers and 8 RBI during the award week. . . . The series and quick four-game homestand wraps up with a 12:05 Tuesday afternoon contest at Isotopse Park. Probables are LHP Dana Eveland (2-1, 3.93) for the Isotopes and RHP Adalberto Mendez (1-1, 7.02) for the Zephyrs.
Filed 04/25/2011

April 24, 2011 - Isotopes (9-8)
Isotopes Park New Orleans 012 032 200 -- 10 18 2 Albuquerque 100 222 110 -- 9 14 1 WP: Dallas Trahern (2-0) LP: Travis Schlichting (0-1) SV: Jose Ceda (4) HR: NRL Chris Aguila (4) off Felix (3rd inning, 2R) NRL Joe Thurston (1) off Schlichting (5th inning, S) NRL Vinny Rottino (2) off Schlichting (5th inning, S) NRL Clint Sammons (3) off Huber (7th inning, 2R) ALB Justin Sellers (3) off Doolittle (7th inning, S) ALB Trayvon Robinson (4) off Trahern (4th inning, S) ALB Corey Smith (1) off Doolittle (6th inning, 2R) TIME: 3:23 ATT: 5,338
On Easter Sunday afternoon at Isotopes Park, it was home run derby time. The New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Marlins) homered four times for six runs, while the Isotopes added three homers for four runs. The Zephyrs won the contest 10-9 in front of a crowd of 5,338.
Dee Gordon manufactured the first Isotope run of the game in the 1st inning. Gordon drew a leadoff walk, stole second base, advanced to third base on Jay Gibbons' groundout, and scored on Corey Smith's single.
Former-Isotope (and Zephyrs starter) Dallas Trahern doubled home a run in the 2nd inning to tie the game and in the 3rd inning, former-Isotope Chris Aguila two-run homered to give New Orleans the lead.
Albuquerque knotted the game at 3-3 in the bottom of the 4th inning. Trayvon Robinson solo homered with one out and another out later, Justin Sellers walked, pinch-hitter Joe Becker and Gordon singled to load the bases, and Russ Mitchell drew a walk to bring Sellers home.
New Orleans regained the lead in the 5th inning. Vinny Rottino and Joe Thurston solo homered, Aguila tripled and scored on Josh Kroeger's single as the Zephyrs led 6-3.
Albuquerque edged to a run down at 6-5 in their half of the 5th inning. Smith singled and scored on Jamie Hoffmann's double. Hoffmann took third on Robinson's groundout and scored on a wild pitch.
The Zephyrs plated two runs in the 6th inning and the Isotopes got those runs back with one swing of the bat in their half of the frame. Mitchell singled and later came around to score on Smith's first homer of the season.
Jesus Merchan singled and scored on Clint Sammons homer in the 7th inning as New Orleans built a 10-7 advantage.
Albuquerque plated single runs in the 7th and 8th innings as their comeback attempt fell short. Sellers solo homered in the 7th inning and Mitchell singled, advanced to third base on Gibbon's single and scored when Smith grounded into a double play in the 8th inning.
Francisco Felix came out of the bullpen to start for Albuquerque and tossed 4 innings, allowing 5 hits, 3 runs, 3 walks and he fanned 3 New Orleans batters.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 1x5 (.281), 1 R, 1 RBI (7), 1 BB, 1 SB (8) Trayvon Robinson: 2x5 (.357), 1 R, 1 HR (5), 1 RBI (18) Scott Elbert: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 0 K, 0 HR, 1.23 ERA
DODGERS Rehab Report Jay Gibbons: LF defensively, 1x5 (.273), 1 K
'TOPES NOTES: The Isotopes are 3-3 on Easter Sunday and have lost their last two Easter Sunday contests. . . . Trayvon Robinson extended his season-best Isotope hit streak to 11 games with a two hit effort today. . . . The series continues on Monday evening. RHP John Ely (1-1, 3.46), who might be considered the favorite for the PCL Pitcher of the Week after coming within one out of tossing a no-hitter in his last start and had to settle for a one-hit shutout, is the probable for Albuquerque. New Orleans is expected to counter with RHP Tom Koehler (2-0, 1.00).
Filed 04/24/2011

April 23, 2011 - Isotopes (9-7)
Isotopes Park New Orleans 000 211 004 -- 8 14 4 Albuquerque 100 105 50x -- 12 13 0 WP: Alberto Bastardo (1-0) LP: Burke Badenhop (0-1) HR: NRL Mike Cervenak (2) off Bastardo (4th inning, 2R) NRL Ruben Gotay (3) off Colon (9th inning, 3R) ALB Russ Mitchell (2) off Badenhop (7th inning, S) TIME: 2:45 ATT: 12,171
Apparently Easter, fireworks and baseball go together splendidly! In front of Albuquerque's largest crowd of the season, 12,171, the Isotopes surged for 5 runs in each of the 6th and 7th innings in their 12-8 defeat of the New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Marlins) in the series opener at "The Lab" on Saturday evening.
In the bottom of the 1st inning, Dee Gordon singled, stole second base and scored on a wild pitch with an error as Albuquerque led 1-0.
Mike Cervenak two-run homered in the 4th inning to give the Zephyrs a 2-1 lead before Albuquerque tied it with a run in the bottom half of the frame. Jamie Hoffmann singled, advanced to third base on Trayvon Robinson's single and scored on JD Closser's groundout.
New Orleans plated a single run in the 5th and 6th innings to take a 4-2 lead before Albuquerque took over the lead and put the game away.
In Albuquerque's big 6th inning, Jay Gibbons reached on an error, Corey Smith and Hoffmann singled to load the bases with no outs. Robinson singled home Gibbons and Smith and Closser's single with an error on the play drove in Robinson and Hoffmann. Closser advanced to third base on Wilberto Ortiz's sacrifice bunt and scored on Trent Oeltjen's sacrifice flyout.
Albuquerque put five more runs on the scoreboard in the 7th inning. Russ Mitchell led off the frame with a homer and Gibbons, Smith and Hoffmann consecutive singled to load the bags. Robinson tripled to clear the bases before scoring on Closser's sacrifice flyout as the Isotopes led 12-4.
New Orleans delayed the fireworks show for Isotope fans by not going quietly in the 9th inning. Ruben Gotay's three-run homer keyed a four-run 9th inning rally as New Orleans fell short in their comeback.
Alberto Bastardo started for Albuquerque and earned his first victory of the season. Bastardo tossed 6 innings of 9-hit ball and allowed 4 runs, walked none and fanned 7 Zephyr batters.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 1x5 (.288), 1 R Trayvon Robinson: 3x4 (.353), 2 R, 1 3B (2), 5 RBI (17)
DODGERS Rehab Report Jay Gibbons: Gibbons returned to the lineup after missing the last few games while having eye doctor appointments. Gibbons played in left field defensively and went 2x4 (.286) with 2 runs and a walk.
'TOPES NOTES: In the lone Isotope transaction, P Randy Keisler was placed on the disabled list with a strained left groin. . . . Trayvon Robinson hit safely to extend his hitting streak to 10 games, an Isotope season-best hitting streak. . . . The Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) finally lost on Saturday evening so Albuquerque was able to make up one game in the standings, now 2.5 games back of the Express. . . . The Isotopes and Zephyrs meet again on Easter Sunday afternoon. Probables are RHP Francisco Felix (1-0, 2.25) for the Isotopes and former-Isotope Dallas Trahern (1-0, 3.18) for the Zephyrs.
Filed 04/23/2011

April 22, 2011 - Isotopes (8-7)
Principal Park Albuquerque 010 010 -- 2 4 1 Iowa 104 101 -- 7 13 0 WP: JR Mathes (1-0) LP: Tim Redding (0-2) HR: ALB Jamie Hoffmann (2) off Mathes (2nd inning, S) TIME: 1:54 ATT: 4,515
For the second night in a row, a big inning doomed the Isotopes and tonight the weather kept them from trying to mount a comeback as the Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) defeated the Isotopes 7-2 in a game shortened to 5 1/2 innings due to fog.
Iowa's Brad Snyder singled home the first run of the game in the 1st inning and Albuquerque's Jamie Hoffmann solo homered in the 2nd inning to tie the game at 1-1.
Iowa's big inning was the 3rd inning. Consecutive singles from Cubs starter JR Mathes, Tony Campana and Lou Montanez brought home a run. Snyder doubled home Campana and Bryan LaHair sacrifice flied out to drive in Montanez. An out later, Wellington Castro singled home Snyder for a 5-1 Iowa lead.
Iowa added a run in the 4th inning to lead 6-1.
Albuquerque plated their final run in the 5th inning. Russ Mitchell doubled, advanced to third base on Damaso Espino's groundout and scored on Justin Sellers' groundout.
Campana tripled and scored on Montanez's sacrifice fly in the 6th inning. Snyder flew out and LaHair doubled before the game was delayed due to fog and a half-hour later, the game was called giving Iowa the 7-2 victory.
Tim Redding started for the Isotopes and allowed 6 runs (5 earned) and 10 hits in 4 innings.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Trayvon Robinson: 2x3 (.319), 1 2B (1)
DODGERS Rehab Report Jay Gibbons: Did Not Play
'TOPES NOTES: Iowa won three out of the four games in the series and it was Albuquerque's first series loss of the season. 12,696 attended for a per-gate average of 4,232. . . . The Isotopes went 3-4 in their season-opening roadtrip and 29,764 attended the games in Oklahoma City and Des Moines. . . . Trayvon Robinson hit safely to extend his hitting streak to 9 games, tying him for the longest Isotope hitting streak of the season (Dee Gordon, Jerry Sands). . . . The Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) kept their winning streak alive, so the Isotopes dropped to 3.5 games back in the division. Albuquerque remains in second place in the division standings. . . . Albuquerque has had seven weather-shortened games in their franchise history and tonight's game was the first since last July when rain shortened games on consecutive days at Isotopes Park. . . . The Isotopes come home for the Easter weekend with a quick four-game series against the New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Marlins). Probables in the opener are LHP Alberto Bastardo (0-0, 3.86) for the Isotopes and RHP Jay Buente (0-0, 2.08) for the Marlins.
Filed 04/22/2011

April 21, 2011 - Isotopes (8-6)
Principal Park Albuquerque 000 202 000 -- 4 7 3 Iowa 036 000 00x -- 9 8 1 WP: Jay Jackson (1-0) LP: Randy Keisler (0-2) SV: Polin Trinidad (1) HR: IWA Lou Montanez (2) off Huber (3rd inning, GS) TIME: 2:51 ATT: 3,989
The Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) plated nine runs combined in the 2nd and 3rd innings and that was too deep of hole for the Isotopes to dig out of as the Isotopes lost 9-4.
Isotopes Third Baseman Russ Mitchell's throwing error in the 2nd inning brought home two of Iowa's three runs in the inning as the Cubs led 3-0.
Lou Montanez's grand slam homer, the first grand slam allowed by Isotopes pitching in 2011, keyed a six-run 3rd inning as Iowa led 9-0.
The rest of the scoring in the game belonged to Albuquerque. In the 4th inning, Mitchell singled and scored on Trent Oeltjen's triple. Later in the inning, Jamie Hoffmann sacrificed flied out to bring home Oeltjen.
In the 6th inning with two outs, Oeltjen walked, Corey Smith reached on an error and Hoffmann singled to load the bases. Trayvon Robison singled home Oeltjen and Smith for the final runs of the contest.
Isotopes starter Randy Keisler allowed 8 runs (5 earned) and 6 hits in 2.2 innings of work.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 2x5 (.296) Trayvon Robinson: 1x4 (.295), 2 RBI (12), 2 K Scott Elbert: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, 0 HR, 1.42 ERA
DODGERS Rehab Report Jay Gibbons: Did Not Play
'TOPES NOTES: The Dodgers, anticipating that P Vicente Padilla will be activated from the major-league Disabled List on Friday, optioned P Ramon Troncoso back to Albuquerque. . . . Trayvon Robinson singled to extend his hitting streak to 8 games. A safe hit in his next contest will tie him with Dee Gordon and Jerry Sands for the longest Isotope hitting streak of 2011. . . . The Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) keep winning. The Express won their 6th straight contest, dropping Albuquerque to 2.5 games back in the division. . . . Iowa's Bryan LaHair had a very short night. LaHair was called out on strikes to end the first inning and his argument with Home Plate umpire Mike Jarboe led to an ejection. . . . The Isotopes and Cubs look to get the final game of the series played on Friday evening. The forecast in Des Moines at gametime calls for temperatures in the mid 50's with a 30% chance of showers. Probables are RHP Tim Redding (0-1, 14.04) for the Isotopes and LHP JR Mathes (0-0, 4.50) for the I-Cubs.
Filed 04/21/2011

April 20, 2011 - Isotopes (8-5)
Principal Park Albuquerque 000 120 0 -- 3 5 0 Iowa 000 000 0 -- 0 1 0 WP: John Ely (1-1) LP: Robert Coello (1-2) HR: ALB Trayvon Robinson (3) off Coello (5th inning, 2R) TIME: 1:45 ATT: 4,192
Oh so close! Major Isotopes franchise history was almost made in the nightcap of a doubleheader on Wednesday afternoon in Des Moines. John Ely came within one out of tossing Albuquerque's first no-hitter in franchise history and had to settle for the one-hit shutout in Albuqueque's 3-0 victory over the Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs). The two teams split the twinbill.
In the 4th inning, Justin Sellers walked, advanced to second base on Trent Oeltjen's sacrifice bunt and scored on Corey Smith's double as the Isotopes scored the only run they would need.
Wilberto Ortiz was hit by a pitch and later scored on Trayvon Robinson's homer as Albuquerque extended the lead to 3-0.
In the 7th inning, Ely struck out Bryan LaHair and Bobby Scales before Marquez Smith whacked a double just inside the third base bag down the left field line to break up the no-hitter. Ely settled down by inducing Matt Camp to ground out to end the game.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Trayvon Robinson: 1x3 (.300), 1 R, 1 HR (3), 2 RBI (10), 1 BB, 2 K
DODGERS Rehab Report Jay Gibbons: Did Not Play
'TOPES NOTES: There were no Isotope transactions today, but there was a Dodger one. MLB Commissioner Bud Selig has removed operation of the club from its owner Frank McCourt and put it into the hands of a to-be-determined trustee while MLB looks into the health of the club's finances and operations. McCourt received a $30 million loan from Fox last week to help meet payroll and other team expenses according to the Los Angeles Times and because it was structured as a personal loan, the loan did not have to be approved by the Commissioner's Office and that might have raised the ire of the Commissioner to take action on Wednesday. There should be no effect on the Isotopes because it probably would be unprecedented if the Dodgers were to break their player development contracts with the Isotopes club and other Dodgers affiliated minor league clubs and not field any minor league teams to save money. . . . There have been 9 Isotope franchise 1-hitters and John Ely's was only the second solo 1-hit effort (Scott Elbert - 6/25/09 rain shortened to 5.5 innings). Ely's 97-pitch, 6 2/3 innings no-hit bid tied for the second longest in franchise history. It was also the first Isotope complete game shutout since Elbert's effort cited above. . . . Ely has tossed two complete games as an Isotope, including a rain-shortened 7-inning effort last season. . . . Treyvon Robinson's homer today extended his hitting streak to 7 games. . . . The Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) won again their contest today, their fifth in a row, to drop Albuquerque to 1.5 games back in the division. The Isotopes continue to hang onto second place in the division. . . . The Isotopes and I-Cubs play game three of their series on Thursday evening. Probables are LHP Randy Keisler (0-1, 8.31) for the Isotopes and a pitcher to be named for the I-Cubs.
Filed 04/20/2011

April 20, 2011 - Isotopes (7-5)
Principal Park Albuquerque 000 010 0 -- 1 2 0 Iowa 000 120 x -- 3 5 0 WP: Austin Bibens-Dirkx (1-1) LP: Dana Eveland (2-1) SV: Chris Carpenter (1) TIME: 1:55
Dana Eveland tossed Albuquerque's first complete game of the season but it was a tough game for the Isotopes offense as the Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) held the 'Topes to 2 hits. Albuquerque's dropped the first game of a doubleheader to the Cubs 3-1 in Des Moines on Wednesday afternoon. In the 4th inning, Scott Moore was hit by a pitch with two outs and scored on Marquez Smith's double as Iowa led 1-0.
The Isotopes were able to generate their only run of the game in the 5th inning. Russ Mitchell drew a leadoff walk and Trayvon Robinson singled. Mitchell was erased from the basepaths when JD Closser reached on a fielder's choice and Eveland drew a walk to load the bases. Dee Gordon followed with a sacrifice flyout to bring home Robinson.
Iowa closed out the scoring in their half of the 5th inning. Tony Campana doubled, scored on Lou Montanez's triple and Scales doubled home Montanez.
Eveland allowed the three runs and 5 hits in 6 innings and fanned 8 Cubs batters.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 0x2 (.286), 1 RBI (6), 1 K Trayvon Robinson: 1x1 (.297), 1 R, 2 BB
DODGERS Rehab Report Jay Gibbons: Did Not Play
'TOPES NOTES: After Corey Smith's super Isotope debut with the four hit game and 3 RBI, Smith was a quiet 0x3 in this first game of a doubleheader. . . . Dana Eveland struck out an Isotope staff season high 8 batters in a game. . . . Eveland's complete game was the first Isotope complete game since July 25, 2010 when John Ely tossed a 7-inning rain-shortened complete game at Isotopes Park against the Nashville Sounds (AAA Brewers) in an Albuquerque 14-2 victory.
Filed 04/20/2011

Isotopes/I-Cubs Rained Out The series opener in Des Moines, Iowa between the Isotopes and Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) was postponed due to rain. The game will be made up as a doubleheader on Wednesday starting at 11:05 am MDT and the game can be heard on the radio on KNML-AM 610 instead of the usual KTBL for weekday afternoon games. It was Albuquerque's first rainout of the season. With the Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) winning their fourth straight game on Tuesday evening, the Isotopes fell another half-game back in the division, now in second place at one full game back of the Express. Filed 04/19/2011

April 18, 2011 - Isotopes (7-4)
Redhawks Field at Bricktown Albuquerque 000 330 200 -- 8 9 1 Oklahoma City 201 000 300 -- 6 11 2 WP: Jon Link (1-0) LP: Jordan Lyles (0-2) SV: Ramon Colon (2) HR: ALB Jamie Hoffmann (1) off Lyles (4th inning, 3R) OKC Carlos Corporan (1) off Schlichting (7th inning, S) OKC Anderson Hernandez (1) off Schlichting (7th inning, 2R) TIME: 3:00 ATT: 2,890
Corey Smith made his Isotopes debut -- but not his Triple-A debut -- and had a four hit game and drove in 3 runs and Jamie Hoffmann added a homer in Albuquerque's 8-6 victory over the Oklahoma City Redhawks (AAA Astros) in the series finale on Monday evening. Albuquerque has won two straight games.
The Redhawks plated two runs in the first frame and one more in the 3rd inning to lead 3-0.
Albuquerque tied the game in the 4th inning. Trent Oeltjen singled with two outs, Smith doubled and Hoffmann followed with a three-run homer.
In the 5th inning, Trayvon Robinson led off with a triple, JD Closser walked, and pinch-hitter Randy Keisler doubled home Robinson. Two outs later, Oeltjen was intentionally walked to load the bags and Smith made the Redhawks pay with a two-run single as Albuquerque built a 6-3 lead.
The Isotopes plated their final two runs in the 7th inning. Dee Gordon reached on an error with one out and stole second base. Oeltjen reached on an error with Gordon scoring on the play. Oeltjen stole second base and scored on Smith's single.
Isotopes reliever Travis Schlichting gave up a solo homer to Carlos Corporan and a two-run homer to Anderson Hernandez in the 7th inning as Oklahoma City closed out their scoring in the game.
The Isotopes got to Jordan Lyles, the Astros #1 ranked prospect according to Baseball America, for 6 runs and 8 hits in 6 innings. Alberto Bastardo started for the Isotopes and allowed 3 runs and 6 hits in 4 innings while fanning 4 Redhawks.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 0x5 (.298), 1 R, 1 SB (6) Trayvon Robinson: 1x4 (.278), 1 R, 1 3B (1), 2 K
DODGERS Rehab Report Jay Gibbons: Did Not Play
'TOPES NOTES: The Dodgers excited many of their fans on Monday, purchasing the contract of OF Jerry Sands from the Isotopes and clearing 25-man roster room for Sands by designating OF (and former Isotope) Xavier Paul for assignment. IF Corey Smith was transferred from Class-AA Chattanooga to Albuquerque. . . . Albuquerque won two out of the three games in the series. 17,068 attended at Redhawks Field at Bricktown for a per-game average of 5,689. . . . The Isotopes do not seem to have a problem letting the opponent get on the scoreboard first. Albuquerque is 4-0 when the opponent scores first in a game. . . . Dee Gordon went hitless in five at-bats to snap a 9-game hitting streak, a season-best Isotope streak (Sands also had a 9-game streak that ended just before his promotion to the Dodgers). . . . Despite the victory, the Isotopes are in second place in the division. On Sunday, the Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) win their contest and the Isotopes were idle, causing the 'Topes to fall a half-game back in the division. The Express and Isotopes both won their contests Monday, keeping Albuquerque a half-game back. . . . Wily Mo Pena of the Reno Aces (AAA Diamondbacks) is the first PCL Hitter of the Week. Pena hit .429 (15x35) with 6 homers and 14 RBI during the award week. . . . Former-Isotope Chris Seddon of the Tacoma Rainiers (AAA Mariners) is the first PCL Pitcher of the Week. Seddon made two starts and didn't earn a decision but he did allow just 6 hits and no runs over 13 innings while walking 4 and fanning 10 batters, making his award week ERA 0.00. . . . The Isotopes bus to Des Moines from Oklahoma City and begin a four-game series against the Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) at Principal Park on Tuesday evening. Probables in the opener are LHP Dana Eveland (2-0, 3.65) for the Isotopes and RHP Austin Bibens-Dirkx (0-1, 10.80) for the I-Cubs.
Filed 04/18/2011

April 16, 2011 - Isotopes (6-4)
Redhawks Field at Bricktown Albuquerque 001 002 021 -- 6 10 0 Oklahoma City 000 130 100 -- 5 10 0 WP: Ramon Colon (1-0) LP: Gustavo Chacin (1-1) SV: Scott Elbert (1) HR: ALB Russ Mitchell (1) off Fien (8th inning, 2R) ALB Trent Oeltjen (4) off Chacin (9th inning, S) TIME: 3:00 ATT: 4,884
Albuquerque used some late-game longball heroics on Saturday afternoon at Redhawks Field at Bricktown in Oklahoma City. Russ Mitchell homered in the 8th inning to tie the game and Trent Oeltjen's solo homer in the 9th inning proved to be the game-winning run as Albuquerque defeated the Oklahoma City Redhawks (AAA Astros) 6-5 to snap a two-game losing streak.
The Isotopes were first on the scoreboard. In the 3rd inning, Trayvon Robinson and JD Closser singled, Isotopes starter Tim Redding laid down a sacrifice bunt to advance both runners into scoring position, and Dee Gordon brought home Robinson with a sacrifice flyout.
Jose Vallejo singled home a run for the Redhawks in the 4th inning to tie the game and the Redhawks plated three more runs in the 5th inning to take a 4-1 lead.
Albuquerque edged to a run down in the 6th inning. Jerry Sands drew a one out walk, advanced to second base on Jamie Hoffmann's single, took third base when Russ Mitchell drew a walk, and Sands and Hoffmann scored on Robinson's single.
Drew Locke singled home Koby Clemens in the 7th inning as the Redhawks increased their advantage to two runs at 5-3.
In the 8th inning, Hoffmann doubled and scored on Mitchell's homer and Oeltjen solo homered to lead off the 9th inning for the go-ahead run.
Scott Elbert entered the game for Albuquerque looking for the save and after a leadoff walk to Tommy Manzella, Brian Bogusevic grounded into a double play and Clemens popped out for the final out of the game.
Redding allowed 4 runs and 8 hits in 4.1 innings pitched. Redding walked 4, fanned 2, and trimmed his season ERA from 20.25 coming into the contest to 14.04 after his outing.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 1x4 (.333), 1 RBI (5), 1 K Jerry Sands: 0x3 (.400), 1 R, 1 BB Trayvon Robinson: 3x4 (.281), 1 R, 2 RBI (8), 1 K Scott Elbert: S (1), 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, 0 HR, 1.69 ERA
DODGERS Rehab Report Jay Gibbons: LF defensively until replaced in the 7th inning; went 0x4 (.250) with 1 K
'TOPES NOTES: The Dodgers recalled P Ramon Troncoso from Albuquerque after they placed P Hong-Chih Kuo on the major-league Disabled List. C JD Closser was transferred back to the Isotopes active roster from Rookie-Ogden. . . . Today's victory was Albuquerque's first day-game victory of the season (record now 1-2). . . . Albuquerque moved back into a tie for the division lead in the PCL American Conference Southern Division after having been in second place in the division for the first time this season after Friday loss. . . . Jerry Sands went hitless in three at-bats to snap a 9-game hitting streak. Dee Gordon hit safely to extend his hitting streak to 9 games, tying him with Sands for the longest Isotope hitting streak of the season. . . . After Sunday off for the Oklahoma/Oklahoma State college baseball game at Redhawks Field at Bricktown, the Isotopes and Redhawks conclude their three game series on Monday evening. Probables are LHP Alberto Bastardo (0-0, 1.69) for the Isotopes and RHP Jordan Lyles (0-1, 5.63) for the Redhawks. Lyles is Baseball America's #1 ranked Astros prospect.
Filed 04/16/2011

April 15, 2011 - Isotopes (5-4)
Redhawks Field at Bricktown Albuquerque 300 000 010 -- 4 7 1 Oklahoma City 300 022 00x -- 7 12 1 WP: Fernando Nieve (1-1) LP: John Ely (0-1) SV: Ross Wolf (1) HR: ALB Jerry Sands (5) off Escalona (8th inning, S) OKC Koby Clemens (2) off Ely (1st inning, 2R) TIME: 2:41 ATT: 9,294
In Albuquerque's first road game and divisional matchup of the season, the Isotopes raced to a quick three-run lead, but then the lumber went into a slumber and the Oklahoma City Redhawks (AAA Astros) made up that defecit and more in defeating the Isotopes 7-4. Albuquerque has dropped two straight games and fell out of first place in the PCL American Conference Southern Division.
In the 1st inning, Dee Gordon led off the game with a single and Jamie Hoffmann walked. An out later, Jerry Sands singled home Gordon. After Trent Oeltjen struck out, Russ Mitchell returned to the lineup and singled home Hoffmann. Joe Becker's single drove in Sands as the Isotopes led 3-0. After two singles to lead off the 2nd inning, Albuquerque's offense would go silent for the next 18 outs.
In the home half of the 1st inning, Oklahoma City's Koby Clemens two-run homered as part of a three run inning to tie the game.
While Albuquerque's bats were quiet, the Redhawks would take the lead and add insurance runs. Brian Bogusevic tripled home a run in the 5th inning and scored on Clemens' double and in the 6th inning, a run scored on an error and Bogusevic drove in a run as Oklahoma City led 7-3.
Sands solo-homered in the 8th inning for the final run of the game.
John Ely made his first Isotopes start of the season and allowed 7 runs (5 earned) and 11 hits in 6 innings while fanning 3.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 2x4 (.342), 1 R, 2 K Jerry Sands: 2x4 (.432), 2 R, 1 HR (5), 2 RBI (17), 1 K
DODGERS Rehab Report Jay Gibbons: Returned to the lineup in LF defensively, 0x4 (.300), 1 K
'TOPES NOTES: IF John Lindsey was placed on the Disabled List Friday with a strained right calf. IF Wilberto Ortiz was transferred from Class-AA Chattanooga to Albuquerque while IF Charlie Mirabal was transferred to Rookie-Ogden to free up roster room for Jamie Hoffmann who returned from the Dodgers. . . . Albuquerque is 7-2 all-time in their first road games of the season. . . . Jerry Sands continued his hitting streak, now at 9 games. Dee Gordon is right on his heels with a 8-game hitting streak. . . . The series continues on Saturday at noon - probables are RHP Tim Redding (0-1, 20.25) for the Isotopes and RHP Henry Villar (0-0, 27.00) for the Redhawks. After the game, the Oklahoma/Oklahoma State University college baseball "Bedlam Series" begins and continues on Sunday while the Isotopes and Redhawks will have Sunday off to play second fiddle to college baseball.
Filed 04/15/2011

April 14, 2011 - Isotopes (5-3)
Isotopes Park Iowa 002 500 300 -- 10 11 1 Albuquerque 020 200 002 -- 6 12 1 WP: Robert Coello (1-1) LP: Randy Keisler (0-1) HR: IWA Lou Montanez (1) off Keisler (4th inning, 2R) TIME: 3:28 ATT: 5,096
In Thursday afternoon's series finale at "The Lab", the Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) avoided the series sweep with a 10-6 victory over the Isotopes. Albuquerque snapped a three-game winning streak and the Isotopes moved into a three-way tie atop the PCL American Conference Southern Division.
Albuquerque got off to a good start in the 2nd inning. Damaso Espino was hit in the batting helmet with a pitch with one out. Joe Becker singled and Charlie Mirabal doubled home Espino and Becker for a 2-0 Albuquerque lead.
Iowa plated two runs in the 3rd inning to tie the game and put the game away with a five-run 4th inning, highlighted by Lou Montanez's two run homer.
Albuquerque plated two more runs in the 4th inning to cut the Cubs lead to 7-4. Keyter Collado singled, Becker doubled and Mirabal grounded out to bring home Collado. Isotopes reliever Ramon Troncoso followed with a single to drive in Becker.
Bobby Scales doubled with the bases loaded to clear the bags in the 7th inning as Iowa plated their final three runs, and in the 9th inning, Albuquerque added their final two runs of the game. Trent Oeltjen drew a one out walk and advanced to second base on defensive indifference. Jerry Sands tripled home Oeltjen before scoring on Jon Link's groundout. Link had entered the game defensively in Right Field in the 6th inning after Sands moved from Right Field to First Base.
Randy Keisler started for the Isotopes and allowed 7 runs and 8 hits in 3.2 innings.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 1x4 (.324), 1 BB Jerry Sands: 3x5 (.424), 1 R, 1 3B (1), 1 RBI (15) Trayvon Robinson: 1x5 (.214), 1 K Scott Elbert: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, 0 HR, 2.08 ERA
DODGERS Rehab Report Jay Gibbons: Did Not Play
'TOPES NOTES: With the rash of injuries in recent games, there have been a few transactions on Thursday. Not related to Isotopes injuries, the Dodgers activated P Jon Garland from the major-league Disabled List and optioned OF Jamie Hoffmann to Albuquerque. Related to Isotopes injuries, C Keyter Collado was activated from the Disabled List and C JD Closser was transferred to rookie-level Ogden. IF Juan Castro was placed on the Disabled List with a strained left oblique and IF Charlie Mirabal was transferred from rookie-level Arizona League Dodgers. . . . The Isotopes and I-Cubs wore Negro Leagues throwback uniform replicas in Thursday's game. . . . There were two more Isotope injuries in Thursday's contest. John Lindsey strained his right calf muscle and Damaso Espino was beaned with a pitch but stayed in the game as a baserunner and then left the game but exhibited no concussion symptoms. . . . Albuquerque took three out of the four games with the Cubs and 22,272 attended the four-game series for a per-game average of 5,568. 45,202 attended the eight game season-opening homestand at Isotopes Park. . . . The Isotopes are 0-2 in day games in 2011 and today's loss snapped a four-game winning streak against the Cubs in games played at Isotopes Park. . . . Jerry Sands had three hits, extending his team season-best hitting streak to 8 games or in his case, every games he has played as an Isotope. . . . The Isotopes hit the road for their first roadtrip of the 2011 campaign. The first stop is for a three-game series against the Oklahoma City Redhawks (AAA Astros). It is opening night for the Redhawks and the game is already sold out. Probables are RHP John Ely (No Record) for the Isotopes making his first Isotope start of the seaosn after having pitched for the Dodgers last weekend, while the probable for the Redhawks is RHP Fernando Nieve (0-1, 10.38). The Redhawks are in the basement of the division, two games back of the Isotopes, and the Redhawks club has Koby Clemens, son of former major-leaguer Roger Clemens on their roster.
Filed 04/14/2011

April 13, 2011 - Isotopes (5-2)
Isotopes Park Iowa 000 210 121 -- 7 15 0 Albuquerque 031 501 00x -- 10 14 0 WP: Francisco Felix (1-0) LP: Austin Bibens-Dirkx (0-1) SV: Ramon Colon (1) HR: ALB Trent Oeltjen (2) off Bibens-Dirkx (3rd inning, S) ALB Trent Oeltjen (3) off Bibens-Dirkx (4th inning, 2R) ALB Trayvon Robinson (2) off Bibens-Dirkx (2nd inning, 3R) TIME: 3:18 ATT: 4,690
In a game full of injuries for the Isotopes, the bright spots were provided by Trent Oeltjen who homered twice and drove in four runs and Trayvon Robinson who added a three run homer as the Isotopes defeated the Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) 10-7 on Wednesday evening at "The Lab". Albuquerque has won three straight games and retained their one game lead in the division.
In the bottom of the 2nd inning, Jerry Sands and JD Closser singled with one out and Robinson three-run homered.
Oeltjen solo homered in the 3rd inning to extend Albuquerque's lead to 4-0.
Iowa plated two runs in the 4th inning to cut the defecit in half at 4-2 before Albuquerque put up a 5-spot in their half of the 4th inning. Closser and Robinson singled, Justin Sellers was hit by a pitch to load the bases and the newest Isotope, Joe Becker, entered the game as a pinch-runner for Sellers. Isotopes reliever Francisco Felix singled home Closser and Robinson and Dee Gordon reached on a fielder's choice with Becker scoring. An out later, Oeltjen two-run homered as Albuquerque led 9-2.
Brian LaHair doubled home a run for Iowa in the 5th inning and Albuquerque answered that run in the 6th inning when Gordon doubled and scored on Oeltjen's single.
Iowa tried mounting a late game comback with a run in the 7th inning, two in the 8th inning and one in the 9th inning to turn a 10-3 game into a 10-7 final score.
Jon Link came out of the bullpen to start for Albuquerque and allowed 2 runs and 5 hits in 3.2 innings of work while fanning 3 I-Cubs.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 1x5 (.333), 2 R, 1 2B (2), 1 RBI (4) Jerry Sands: 1x4 (.393), 1 R, 1 K Trayvon Robinson: 2x4 (.217), 2 R, 1 HR (2), 3 RBI (6), 1 K
DODGERS Rehab Report Jay Gibbons: Did Not Play
'TOPES NOTES: IF Joe Becker joined the Isotopes from Class-A Rancho Cucamonga and went 1x2 with a run scored as a pinch-runner and mid-game defensive replacement at Second Base. . . . Russ Mitchell was hit by a pitch in the forearm in yesterday's game. Isotopes manager Lorenzo Bundy said there was no forearm fracture and added Mitchell would be out 2-3 games. . . . As for injuries in tonight's game, Justin Sellers was hit by a pitch and left the game with a contusion. JD Closser went from Catcher to Third Base and left the game after taking a hard grounder to the eye and Juan Castro left the game after straining his left oblique muscle while fouling off a pitch. Injuries were so bad in the contest that Jerry Sands had to eventually play at Third Base and Isotopes pitcher Tim Redding played in Right Field. . . . Albuquerque currently enjoys a four-game winning streak in games against the Cubs. . . . Trent Oeltjen and Trayvon Robinson have both homered in back-to-back games. . . . Jerry Sands went homerless, ending his consecutive game homer streak at four. Sands did hit safely to extend his hitting streak to 7 games -- all the games he has appeared in an Isotopes suit in 2011. . . . The Isotopes are looking for the series sweep on Thursday with a late morning (11:05 am MDT) contest featuring LHP Randy Keisler (0-0, 1.80) for the Isotopes and RHP Roberto Coello (0-1, 15.75) for the I-Cubs.
Filed 04/13/2011

April 12, 2011 - Isotopes (4-2)
Isotopes Park Iowa 020 001 000 -- 3 8 3 Albuquerque 203 411 43x -- 18 19 0 WP: Dana Eveland (2-0) LP: Thomas Diamond (0-1) HR: ALB Trayvon Robinson (1) off Diamond (3rd inning, 3R) ALB Jerry Sands (4) off Diamond (4th inning, 3R) ALB Trent Oeltjen (1) off Muyco (8th inning, 3R) TIME: 2:47 ATT: 7,252
Jerry Sands homered for the fourth straight game in a row and drove in five runs and the Isotopes used to longball to account for half of their runs in an 18-3 rout of the Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) on Tuesday evening at "The Lab". The Isotopes have won two straight and remain in first place by a game in the PCL American Conference Southern Division. After getting the I-Cubs out in order in the top of the 1st inning, the Isotopes offense was clicking out of the gate. Dee Gordon singled and stole second base. Juan Castro and Jay Gibbons drew walks to load the bags and John Lindsey sacrifice flied out to bring home Gordon. Jerry Sands reached on a fielder's choice ahead of Russ Mitchell's single to plate Castro for a 2-0 lead.
Iowa tied the game in the 2nd inning. Bryan LaHair singled and scored on Bobby Scales' triple. Scales then scored on Scott Moore's groundout.
Albuquerque regained the lead in the 3rd inning and started the rout. Sands walked with two outs, Mitchell was hit by a pitch and Trayvon Robinson followed with a three run homer to left-center field.
In the 4th inning, Gordon doubled, Castro walked and Gibbons singled home Gordon. An out later, Sands launched a homer to center field to give Albuquerque a 9-2 lead.
Gordon singled and scored on Castro's triple in the 5th inning to make it 10-2 Albuquerque.
Each of the teams tallied for a run in the 6th inning. LaHair doubled home a run for Iowa while Robinson reached on an error and scored on JD Closser's single for the Isotopes.
In the 7th inning, consecutive singles from Gordon, Castro and Trent Oeltjen brought home Gordon. Lindsey singled to load the bases and Sands doubled home Castro and Oeltjen. Justin Sellers sacrifice flied out to bring home Lindsey as Albuquerque led 15-3.
The Isotopes provided one more longball in the 8th inning to close out the scoring. Isotopes reliever Jon Huber singled, Castro doubled and Oeltjen homered to right field.
Isotopes starter Dana Eveland turned in Albuquerque's best starting pitching performance of the season, going a staff-best 7 innings into the game while allowing 3 runs, 6 hits and fanned 5 I-Cubs batters.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 4x6 (.360), 4 R, 1 2B (1), 1 K, 1 SB (5) Jerry Sands: 2x5 (.417), 2 R, 1 2B (2), 1 HR (4), 5 RBI (14), 1 BB Trayvon Robinson: 1x5 (.158), 2 R, 1 HR (1), 3 RBI (3), 3 K
DODGERS Rehab Report Jay Gibbons: LF defensively, 1x2 (.375), 1 R, 1 RBI (6), 2 BB - replaced in the 7th inning in LF by Trent Oeltjen
'TOPES NOTES: Another day, another transaction. The Dodgers officially placed IF Rafael Furcal on the major-league disabled list and recalled IF Ivan DeJesus Jr. from Albuquerque. . . . Russ Mitchell was hit by a pitch in the 3rd inning and left the game in the top of the 4th inning. . . . The 18 runs, 19 hits, 15-run winning margin, 9 extra bases and 35 total bases were Isotope season highs. . . . The 18 runs scored in a game was tied for the second most runs scored in a game in franchise history and was tied for the most runs scored by a team in the PCL (Tucson) in 2011. . . . Juan Castro was a homer shy of hitting for the cycle. . . . Castro and Dee Gordon tied a franchise record with 4 runs scored in a game. Gordon also became the first Isotope to turn in a 4-hit game in 2011. . . . The series continues Wednesday evening as the Isotopes find out if their bats are still hot or if the lumber was worn out. Probables are RHP Jon Link (0-0, 0.00) for the Isotopes and RHP Austin Bibens-Dirkx (0-0, 4.50) for the I-Cubs.
Filed 04/12/2011

April 11, 2011 - Isotopes (3-2)
Isotopes Park Iowa 000 100 210 1 -- 5 8 0 Albuquerque 000 002 200 2 -- 6 9 3 WP: Scott Elbert (1-0) LP: Scott Maine (0-1) HR: IWA Jonathon Mota (1) off Troncoso (7th inning, S) ALB Jerry Sands (3) off Ortiz (6th inning, 2R) TIME: 3:53 ATT: 5,234
Juan Castro doubled home the game-tying run in the bottom of the 10th inning and the MLB rehabilitation assignment player Jay Gibbons drove home the game winner with the bases loaded later in the inning as the Isotopes defeated the Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) 6-5 in the series opener at "The Lab" on Monday evening. Albuquerque remains in first place in the PCL American Conference Southern Division by a game with the victory. Iowa's Max Ramirez sacrifice flied out in the 4th inning to bring home the first run of the game.
In the 6th inning, Gibbons singled with one out and scored on Jerry Sands' third homer in three games as Albuquerque took a 2-1 lead.
Iowa regained the lead in the 7th inning. Jonathon Mota homered with two outs to tie the game and pinch-hitter Scott Moore drew a walk and scored on Tony Campana's double to give Iowa a 3-2 lead.
Albuquerque was quick to take the lead back in the home half of the 7th inning. Damaso Espino struck out but reached first base on a passed ball. Pinch-hitter John Lindsey was hit by a pitch and after Dee Gordon struck out, Ivan DeJesus Jr. singled home Espino with the game tying run. Gibbons walked to load the bases and Sands sacrifice flied out to bring home Lindsey for a 4-3 Isotope advantage.
Iowa tied the game in the 8th inning on Matt Camp's RBI double and the game remained knotted until the 10th inning. In the top of the 10th inning, Camp walked with one out, Mota reached on an error and Ty Wright walked to load the bags with one out. Campana singled home Camp and with the bags still loaded, Isotopes reliever Scott Elbert got Fernando Perez and Cubs reliever Scott Maine to strike out to end the threat.
In the bottom of the 10th inning, Trayvon Robinson drew a leadoff walk and Espino laid down a sacrifice bunt. Pinch-hitter Juan Castro doubled home Robinson and Gordon was hit by a pitch. DeJesus Jr. drew a walk to load the bases and Gibbons came through with the game-winning single to bring Castro home.
Alberto Bastardo made his first start for the Isotopes in 2011 and allowed 1 run and 3 hits in 5.1 innings of work.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 1x5 (.263), 4 K, 1 SB (4) Jerry Sands: 2x3 (.421), 1 R, 1 HR (3), 3 RBI (9), 1 BB Trayvon Robinson: 0x3 (.143), 1 R, 2 BB Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 1x4 (.235), 1 RBI (2), 2 BB, 1 K Scott Elbert: W (1-0), 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 3 K, 0 HR, 2.70 ERA
DODGERS Rehab Report Jay Gibbons: LF defensively, 3x4 (.357), 1 R, 1 RBI (5), 2 BB
'TOPES NOTES: The Dodgers recalled OF Jamie Hoffmann from the Isotopes on Monday and optioned P John Ely back to Albuquerque. Ely started for the Dodgers against the Padres at Petco Park on Sunday and allowed 4 runs and 6 hits in 5.2 innings. Ely walked 3, struck out 5 and allowed 2 homers in earning the losing decision. Dodgers infielder Rafael Furcal appeared to have broken his left thumb and may have to go on the disabled list. The Dodgers have not made official move with regards to Furcal so it is unknown if any Isotopes may be involved if Furcal is officially placed on the Disabled List. The Isotopes loaned P Oscar Villarreal to the Sultanes de Monterrey of the Mexican League and P Francisco Felix was added to the Isotopes roster. Villarreal is the second Isotope in 2011 (P Jesus Rodriguez in late March) to be loaned to a Mexican League team. . . . On the first of three 50-cent Hot Dog nights at Isotopes Park for 2011, 17,285 hot dogs were consumed for an average of 3.3 hot dogs per fan. . . . The Isotopes committed three errors in the game, the most so far of this early season. . . . Dee Gordon struck out 4 times in the game, the most for an Isotope so far this season. . . . The series continues on Tuesday evening. Probables are LHP Dana Eveland (1-0, 3.38) for the Isotopes and RHP Thomas Diamond (0-0, 4.50) for the I-Cubs.
Filed 04/11/2011

April 10, 2011 - Isotopes (2-2)
Isotopes Park Omaha 044 100 000 -- 9 10 0 Albuquerque 203 010 000 -- 6 6 0 WP: Steven Shell (1-0) LP: Tim Redding (0-1) SV: Louis Coleman (1) HR: OMA Mike Moustakas (1) off Redding (4th inning, S) ALB Jerry Sands (2) off Shell (5th inning, S) TIME: 3:01 ATT: 4,868
After scoring the first two runs of the game, the Isotopes allowed the next eight runs to the Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) and were unable to dig out of that six-run hole in losing to Omaha 9-6 on a windy Sunday afternoon at "The Lab". Each team won two games in the just-completed four game series.
The game started out promising for the Isotopes. In the 1st inning, Dee Gordon singled, stole second base and Ivan DeJesus Jr. drew a walk. Gordon and DeJesus Jr. executed a double steal ahead of Jamie Hoffmann's double to drive them in for a 2-0 Isotopes lead.
In the 2nd inning, Paulo Orlando doubled home two runs to tie the game and Irving Falu tripled home two runs to give the Storm Chasers a 4-2 lead.
In the 3rd inning, Manuel Pina and Orlando singled home runs, a run came home on Gregor Blanco's fielder's choice, and Falu sacrifice flied out to bring home a run as Omaha led 8-2.
In the home half of the 3rd inning, Trent Oeltjen walked and advanced to second base on a wild pitch. John Lindsey drew a walk and Hoffmann was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Russ Mitchell walked to bring home Oeltjen and Jerry Sands sacrifice flied out to bring home Lindsey. Justin Sellers walked to re-load the bags and JD Closser singled home Hoffmann. Mitchell was tagged out at home plate trying to plate a second run on the hit.
The Royals' #3 prospect in the farm system, Mike Moustakas, solo homered in the 4th inning to give Omaha a 9-5 lead and the Dodgers' #6 prospect, Sands, solo homered for Albuquerque in the 5th inning to close out the scoring in the game.
Tim Redding was the Isotopes starter and allowed 9 runs and 8 hits in 4 innings while fanning 5 Storm Chasers.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 1x4 (.286), 1 R, 1 BB, 1 K, 2 SB (3) Jerry Sands: 2x3 (.375), 1 R, 1 HR (2), 2 RBI (6) Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 0x4 (.231), 1 R, 1 BB, 3 K, 1 SB (1)
DODGERS Rehab Report Jay Gibbons did not play in the game
'TOPES NOTES: With the recall of P John Ely on Saturday, it was anticipated that C A.J. Ellis would be optioned to Albuquerque. Plans changed on Sunday when the Dodgers announced C Hector Gimenez would be going on the major-league Disabled List with knee pain and Ellis will remain with the Dodgers. In a transaction that did affect the Isotopes, P Alberto Bastardo was transferred from Rookie-level Ogden to Albuquerque and is expected to start for the Isotopes on Monday evening. . . . Despite the loss and the season record slipping to 2-2, Albuquerque still leads the PCL American Conference Southern Division by a game as the rest of the teams in the division are 1-3. . . . 22,930 attended the series for a per-game average of 5,733. . . . The Isotopes turned in their first error-free game of the season. . . . Jerry Sands has hit in all four games he has appeared in as an Isotope. . . . The Isotopes welcome the Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) for four games to wrap up Albuquerque's season-opening homestand. Probables for Monday evening's contest are LHP Alberto Bastardo (No Record) for the Isotopes and RHP Ramon Ortiz (No Record) for the I-Cubs. It is the first of three 50-cent hot dog nights in 2011.
Filed 04/10/2011

April 9, 2011 - Isotopes (2-1)
Isotopes Park Omaha 000 020 010 7 -- 10 9 2 Albuquerque 000 210 000 1 -- 4 10 2 WP: Kevin Pucetas (1-0) LP: Jon Huber (0-1) HR: OMA Lance Zawadzki (1) off Keister (5th inning, 2R) ALB Jerry Sands (1) off Duffy (4th inning, 2R) TIME: 3:16 ATT: 5,095
The Isotopes' hopes of a 144-0 campaign were dashed on Saturday evening at "The Lab". Omaha plated seven runs in the 10th inning to hand Albuquerque a 10-4 loss.
Jamie Hoffmann singled and scored on Jerry Sands' first Triple-A homer as Albuquerque led 2-0 in the 4th inning.
The Storm Chasers answered with Lance Zawadzki's two-run homer in the 5th inning to tie the game.
Albuquerque regained the lead in the 5th inning with two outs. Ivan DeJesus Jr. singled, Jay Gibbons walked and John Lindsey reached on an error with DeJesus Jr. scoring.
Albuquerque held the one run lead until the 8th inning when David Lough doubled and scored on Eric Hosmer's single.
Omaha took advantage of Isotope errors and wildness in the 10th inning. Zawadzki drew a leadoff walk and Lough laid down a sacrifice bunt. Hosmer walked and Zawadzki stole third base ahead of Mike Moustakas reaching on an error with Zawadzki scoring. Moustakas took second on an error and Clint Robinson was intentionally walked to load the bases. Johnny Giavotella walked to bring home Hossmer and former-Isotope Lucas May walked to bring home Moustakas. Paulo Orlando singled home Robinson and Giavotella and Zawadzki doubled home May and Orlando to cap the seven run outburst.
Albuquerque rallied for a run in the bottom of the 10th inning when DeJesus Jr. scored on Russ Mitchell's bases loaded fielder's choice but it was too little too late.
Randy Keisler started for the Isotopes and gave up 2 runs and 5 hits in 5 innings.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 0x0 (.300) - PR 9th inning then SS defensively in 10th inning Jerry Sands: 1x5 (.308), 1 R, 1 HR (1), 2 RBI (4) Trayvon Robinson: 1x5 (.182), 3 K Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 2x4 (.333), 2 R, 1 K Scott Elbert: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, 0 HR, 4.50 ERA
DODGERS Rehab Report Jay Gibbons: LF defensively, 0x3 (.200), 1 BB, 1 K then replaced by Trent Oeltjen in the 8th inning
'TOPES NOTES: The Dodgers recalled P John Ely from Albuquerque to make a spot start on Sunday against the Padres in San Diego. The Dodgers have yet to announce a corresponding 25-man roster move, but it is rumored C A.J. Ellis will be optioned to Albuquerque. In other Isotopes transaction news, P Carlos Monasterios was placed on the Disabled List with right elbow inflammation and P Merkin Valdez was added back to the active Isotopes roster from rookie-level Ogden. . . . The game was the first extra inning contest in the PCL in 2011. . . . The Isotopes were their Dodger-like blue home uniforms on Saturday because the blue uniforms in 2011 will be worn for both Saturday and Sunday home games rather than just for Sunday home games like in 2009 and 2010. . . . The series concludes Sunday afternoon. Probables are RHP Tim Redding (No Record) for the Isotopes and RHP Vin Mazzaro (No Record) for the Storm Chasers.
Filed 04/09/2011

April 8, 2011 - Isotopes (2-0)
Isotopes Park Omaha 103 110 000 -- 6 11 3 Albuquerque 420 103 00x -- 10 7 2 WP: Ramon Troncoso (1-0) LP: Jeff Suppan (0-1) HR: ALB Justin Sellers (1) off Suppan (2nd inning, 2R) ALB Justin Sellers (2) off Suppan (4th inning, S) TIME: 2:45 ATT: 5,225
Justin Sellers homered twice and Albuquerque put 10 runs on the scoreboard for the second night in a row in defeating the Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) 10-6 on Friday evening at "The Lab". Lance Zawadzki tripled and scored on Eric Hosmer's single in the 1st inning as Omaha got on the scoreboard. In the bottom half of the inning, Dee Gordon tripled, Sellers walked, and Jay Gibbons singled home Gordon. John Lindsey singled home Sellers and Trent Oeltjen drew a walk to load the bags. Russ Mitchell grounded into a double play with Gibbons scoring and Jerry Sands doubled home Lindsey as the Isotopes led 4-1.
Albuquerque extended the lead to 6-1 in the 2nd inning when JD Closser singled and scored on Sellers' first homer of the night.
Last night's lumber star for Omaha, Clint Robinson, drove home a pair of runs and scored on Johnny Giavotella's single as Omaha edged to two runs down at 6-4 in the 3rd inning.
An Isotope error in the top of the 4th inning allowed the Storm Chasers to close to a run down, but Albuquerque got that run back with a Seller solo homer in the home half of the frame.
Paulo Orlando singled home a run in the 5th inning as Omaha once again edged to a run down at 7-6.
The Isotopes put some breathing room between them and the Storm Chasers in the 6th inning. JD Closser walked and Gordon reached on an error to put runners on the corners. Gordon stole second base and an out later, Gibbons was intentionally walked to load the bases. Lindsey was hit by a pitch to bring Closser home and Oeltjen drew a walk to bring Closser home. Mitchell's fielder's choice plated Gibbons as the Isotopes led by the final score of 10-6.
Carlos Monasterios made his season debut start for the Isotopes and allowed six runs (four earned) and 9 hits in 4 innings.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 1x5 (.300), 2 R, 1 3B (1), 2 K, 1 SB (1) Jerry Sands: 1x4 (.375), 1 2B (1), 1 RBI Trayvon Robinson: 0x3 (.167), 1 BB, 2 K
DODGERS Rehab Report Jay Gibbons: 1x4 (.286), 2 R, 1 RBI (4), 1 BB, 1 K Gibbons started in left field and singled and drove in a run in the 1st inning and later scored when Russ Mitchell grounded into a double play. Gibbons flew out in the 2nd and 4th innings, was intentionally walked in the 6th inning and scored on Mitchell's fielder's choice later in the inning. Gibbons struck out in the 8th inning and was replaced defensively by Jamie Hoffmann in the top of the 9th inning.
'TOPES NOTES: Albuquerque has a four game winning streak dating back to the end of the 2010 season. . . . So far, it doesn't appear the 2011 Isotopes are worried about being outhit in the game or not the first to score as Omaha has done that to them the first two games in the series and the Isotopes have won both contests. . . . Trent Oeltjen went hitless in two at-bats to snap a nine-game hitting streak that he accumulated late in the 2010 season. . . . The series continues Saturday evening with a pair of lefties scheduled to face each other. LHP Randy Keisler (No Record) is scheduled for Albuquerque, while LHP Danny Duffy (No Record) is expected to take the bump for the Storm Chasers.
Filed 04/08/2011

April 7, 2011 - Isotopes (1-0)
Isotopes Park Omaha 013 000 010 -- 5 12 1 Albuquerque 041 005 00x -- 10 11 2 WP: Dana Eveland (1-0) LP: Mike Montgomery (0-1) HR: OMA Clint Robinson (1) off Eveland (2nd inning, solo) Clint Robinson (2) off Villarreal (8th inning, solo) TIME: 2:47 ATT: 7,742
The Dodgers #1 prospect Dee Gordon drove in three runs in his Isotopes debut and Jay Gibbons, on a rehabilitation assignment, added three runs as the Isotopes won their 2011 Opening Night game with a 10-5 victory over the Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) in front of 7,742 fans at Isotopes Park.
After spotting Omaha the first run of the game on a Clint Robinson solo homer, the Isotopes plated four runs in the bottom of the 2nd inning to take the lead. The inning started off promosing as John Lindsey and Jamie Hoffmann singled. Russ Mitchell lined into a double play with Hoffmann doubled off first base and Jerry Sands followed with a single to drive in Lindsey. Trayvon Robinson was hit by a pitch and Damaso Espino bloop singled up the center to drive in Sands. Espino advanced to second base on a wild pitch before Gordon singled to center to drive in Robinson and Espino as the Isotopes led 4-1.
Mike Moustakas singled home a run and an error later in the inning allowed two more runs to score as the Storm Chasers tied up the game at 4-4.
Albuquerque regained the lead in the home half of the 3rd inning. Gibbons and Lindsey led off the inning with walks and Hoffmann reached on a fielder's choice with Lindsey out at second base. Russ Mitchell sacrifice flied out to bring home Gibbons with the go-ahead run.
The Isotopes put the game away with a five-run 6th inning. Jerry Sands reached on a fielder's choice and Robinson and Espino singled to load the bases. Gordon singled home Sands and Ivan DeJesus Jr. singled home Robinson ahead of Gibbons' bases-clearing double as Albuquerque led 10-4.
Clint Robinson solo homered for the Storm Chasers in the 8th inning to close out the scoring.
Dana Eveland was the starter for the Isotopes and he went 5 1/3 innings, allowing 4 runs (2 earned) and 7 hits.
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Dee Gordon: 2x5 (.400), 1 R, 3 RBI (3), 2 K Jerry Sands: 2x4 (.500, 2 R, 1 RBI (1), 1 K Trayvon Robinson: 1x3 (.333), 2 R, 2 K Ivan DeJesus Jr.: 1x5 (.200), 1 R, 1 RBI (1), 1 K Scott Elbert: 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, 0 HR, 0.00 ERA
DODGERS Rehab Report Jay Gibbons: 1x3 (.333), 1 R, 1 2B, 3 RBI, 1 BB Gibbons was the DH in the game and walked and scored on Russ Mitchell's sacrifice fly in the 3rd inning and cleared the bases with a double in the 6th inning.
'TOPES NOTES: P Merkin Valdez was transferred to Rookie-level Ogden to make roster room for Ivan DeJesus Jr., who was optioned to Albuquerque from the Dodgers on Wednesday. . . . The Isotopes are 8-1 in season openers in franchise history, including 4-0 when the season opener is at home. In Isotopes Park openers, Albuquerque is 7-2. . . . The Pacific Coast League announced that Joe Marty, John Monroe and Elmer Smith will be the 2011 PCL Hall of Fame inductees. . . . The series continues Friday evening with Isotopes RHP Carlos Monasterios (NR) going against Omaha righty Jeff Suppan (NR).
Filed 04/07/2011

DeJesus Jr. Back to Albuquerque The Isotopes' "Opening Day" roster that the team released on Monday has undergone a change. The Dodgers actived Casey Blake from the Disabled List and optioned IF Ivan DeJesus Jr. to Albuquerque. DeJesus Jr. made the Dodgers out of Spring Training and then appeared in two games, going 0x7 with a walk and five strikeouts. Dodgers OF Jay Gibbons will be joining the Isotopes on a rehabilitation assignment starting Thursday. Gibbons has had some contact lens issues during the spring and he appears to have those ironed out so that he can see clearly again. The Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) announced that P Mike Montgomery will make the Thursday opening night start for them against the Isotopes. LHP Dana Eveland is the opening night starter for the Isotopes. Filed 04/06/2011

2011 Isotopes Unofficial Web Page is launched! Welcome to the launch of the 2011 Isotopes Unofficial Web Page. The potential Opening Day roster was announced by the Isotopes on Monday and the roster is already posted to this site along with any known transactions that got the roster to where it is today. There are many returning faces and eight players who are on the Dodgers 40-man roster (P Scott Elbert, P John Ely, P Carlos Monasterios, P Travis Schlichting, P Ramon Troncoso, IF Russ Mitchell, OF Jamie Hoffmann and OF Trayvon Robinson). Four of the players are Top-10 Dodgers prospects (IF Dee Gordon #1 prospect, P Scott Elbert #7 prospect, OF Jerry Sands #6 prospect and OF Trayvon Robinson #10 prospect). The Isotopes announced that the Thursday opening night starter against the Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) will be LHP Dana Eveland and that RHP Carlos Monasterios will start Friday. There will be new field staff for the Isotopes in 2011. Lorenzo Bundy is taking over as manager since Tim Wallach was promoted to be a Third Base Coach for Dodgers manager Don Mattingly. Joining Bundy on the staff are Pitching Coach Glenn Dishman, Hitting Coach John Valentin, Trainer Greg Harrel, Strength Coach Stephen Downey and Video Coordinator John Pratt. The Isotopes were able to reel in a big fish for 2011 - the Triple-A National Championship Game will be played at rotating sites instead of being in Oklahoma City and the Isotopes will be the first non-Oklahoma City host site of the event. The game, scheduled for September 20th at 6:05 PM MDT, will feature the champions of the International League and Pacific Coast League in a one-game playoff game to determine the overall Triple-A champion. Tickets are already on sale. In the 2010 Triple-A National Championship Game, the last one to be held annually in Oklahoma City, the Columbus Clippers (AAA Indians) of the International League defeated the Tacoma Rainiers (AAA Mariners) of the PCL 12-6 in front of 7,525 fans. The game was tied at 3-3 until Columbus scored nine combined runs in the 4th and 5th innings to make the game a blowout. The PCL saw a few changes during the offseason. The Oklahoma City Redhawks are now the top club of the Houston Astros while the Round Rock Express inked a pact to be the top club of the Texas Rangers. The Omaha Royals are moving into a new Sarpy County ballpark named Werner Park and took the opportunity through fan voting to change their name to the Omaha Storm Chasers. The affiliation with the Kansas City Royals remains the same. The Portland Beavers club was moved to Tucson as a temporary measure for the next two seasons or so until a possible new ballpark can pass through political hurdles and be built in Escondido, California. The club is known as the Tucson Padres and is still the Triple-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres. Finally, the PCL's headquarters moved from Colorado Springs where it had been located for the last 13 years to Round Rock during the offseason. The Dodgers signed a new high-class A affiliate for the 2011 season. Inland Empire used to be the affiliate but it is now the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes. All other Dodger affiliates remain the same for 2011. Filed 04/06/2011

2011 News and Game Summary Archive

September 16, 2011 - OMA wins 3-0

September 14, 2011 - OMA leads 2-0

September 13, 2011 - OMA leads 1-0

September 11, 2011 - SAC wins 3-2

September 10, 2011 - OMA wins 3-1

September 10, 2011 - series tied 2-2

September 9, 2011 - RENO leads 2-1

September 9, 2011 - OMA leads 2-1

Hoffmann, Parisi August Dodger Pride Winners

September 8, 2011 - OMA leads 2-0

September 8, 2011 - RENO leads 2-0

September 7, 2011 - OMA leads 1-0

September 7, 2011 - RENO leads 1-0

More Isotopes To MLB; Final Stats

September 5, 2011 - Isotopes (70-74)

September 4, 2011 - Isotopes (70-73)

September 3, 2011 - Isotopes (70-72)

September 2, 2011 - Isotopes (70-71)

September 1, 2011 - Isotopes (70-70)

August 31, 2011 - Isotopes (70-69)

August 30, 2011 - Isotopes (69-69)

August 29, 2011 - Isotopes (68-69)

August 28, 2011 - Isotopes (68-68)

2011 Isotopes Season Awards

August 27, 2011 - Isotopes (68-67)

August 26, 2011 - Isotopes (67-67)

August 25, 2011 - Isotopes (66-67)

August 24, 2011 - Isotopes (65-67)

August 23, 2011 - Isotopes (65-66)

August 22, 2011 - Isotopes (65-65)

August 21, 2011 - Isotopes (65-64)

August 20, 2011 - Isotopes (65-63)

August 19, 2011 - Isotopes (64-63)

August 18, 2011 - Isotopes (64-62)

August 17, 2011 - Isotopes (63-62)

August 16, 2011 - Isotopes (63-61)

August 15, 2011 - Isotopes (63-60)

August 14, 2011 - Isotopes (62-60)

August 13, 2011 - Isotopes (61-60)

August 12, 2011 - Isotopes (60-60)

August 10, 2011 - Isotopes (60-59)

August 9, 2011 - Isotopes (60-58)

August 8, 2011 - Isotopes (59-58)

August 7, 2011 - Isotopes (59-57)

August 6, 2011 - Isotopes (59-56)

August 5, 2011 - Isotopes (58-56)

August 4, 2011 - Isotopes (58-55)

August 3, 2011 - Isotopes (58-54)

August 2, 2011 - Isotopes (57-54)

August 1, 2011 - Isotopes (56-54)

July 31, 2011 - Isotopes (56-53)

July 30, 2011 - Isotopes (56-52)

July 29, 2011 - Isotopes (56-51)

July 28, 2011 - Isotopes (56-50)

July 27, 2011 - Isotopes (55-50)

July 26, 2011 - Isotopes (55-49)

July 25, 2011 - Isotopes (54-49)

July 24, 2011 - Isotopes (54-48)

July 23, 2011 - Isotopes (54-47)

July 22, 2011 - Isotopes (53-47)

July 21, 2011 - Isotopes (52-47)

July 21, 2011 - Isotopes (51-47)

Rain Wipes Out Isotopes/Redhawks

July 19, 2011 - Isotopes (50-47)

July 18, 2011 - Isotopes (50-46)

July 17, 2011 - Isotopes (50-45)

July 16, 2011 - Isotopes (49-45)

July 16, 2011 - Isotopes (48-45)

July 15, 2011 - Isotopes (47-45)

July 14, 2011 - DH2 - Isotopes (47-45)

July 14, 2011 - DH1 - Isotopes (47-44)

July 13, 2011 - 2011 Triple-A All-Star Game

Travyon Robinson Falls ShortAt Home Run Derby

July 10, 2011 - Isotopes (47-43)

July 9, 2011 - Isotopes (47-42)

July 8, 2011 - Isotopes (47-41)

July 7, 2011 - Isotopes (46-41)

July 6, 2011 - Isotopes (45-41)

July 5, 2011 - Isotopes (44-41)

Travyon Robinson Falls Short
At Home Run Derby