2013 Albuquerque Isotopes Unofficial Web Page

2013 News and Game Summary Archive
August 29, 2013 - Isotopes (74-66)
Isotopes Park Round Rock 000 020 102 -- 5 10 1 Albuquerque 000 530 02x -- 10 13 1 WP: Sean White (6-6) LP: Evan Meek (6-9) HR: RR Joey Butler (11) off Fife (5th inning, 2R) RR Joey Butler (12) off Johnson (9th inning, 2R) ABQ Eliezer Alfonzo (3) off Meek (4th inning, 2R) ABQ Nick Buss (16) off Meek (5th inning, 2R) ABQ Justin Sellers (6) off Pimentel (8th inning, S) TIME: 3:08 ATT: 14,588
The Isotopes finished their 2013 home schedule on Thursday evening and Eliezer Alfonzo, Nick Buss and Justin Sellers all homered and combined to drive in seven of the Isotopes' 10 runs in a 10-5 victory over the Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers).
The Isotopes plated five runs in the 4th inning. Scott Van Slyke singled and scored on Alfonzo's two-run homer. An out later, Alex Castellanos singled, Brian Barden was hit by a pitch and Justin Sellers tripled them both home. Drew Butera's groundout brought home Sellers.
Joey Butler two-run homered as the Express tallied their first runs on the scoreboard in the 5th inning.
In the bottom of the 5th inning, Tony Gwynn Jr. singled, stole second base and scored on Van Slyke's double. An out later, Buss two-run homered to increase his PCL-leading RBI total to 99.
Mike Bianucci singled home a run in the 7th inning for Round Rock and the Isotopes added their final two runs in the bottom of the 8th inning. Sellers solo homered, Butera reached on a throwing error and scored on Dee Gordon's double.
Butler added his second two-run homer of the evening in the 9th inning for the Express' final runs.
Isotopes Starter Line: Stephen Fife 4.1 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 5 BB, 2 K, 1 HR, 6.03 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Scott Van Slyke: 3x4 (.348), 2 R, 1 2B (17), 1 RBI (48), 1 K, HBP Alex Castellanos: 1x4 (.263), 1 R, 2 K
'TOPES NOTES: The Isotopes finished with a season attendance mark is 567,301 and contrary to media reports saying it was the worst attended season in franchise history, it was not. Albuquerque drew 563,686 in 2007 so the 567,301 mark is the second worst season attendance in team history. At 7,990, it was the first time Albuquerque has averaged less than 8,000 fans per game for the season. 6,361,188 fans have come through the turnstiles in the 11 seasons of play. Despite this year's attendance mark, Albuquerque is on target to finish third in the PCL in league attendance for the sixth season in a row. . . . The crowd of 14,588 was the second largest home crowd of 2013 and 12th largest regular season crowd in Isotopes Park history. . . . Albuquerque is 7-4 in regular-season home-game finales. . . . The Isotopes took three out of the four games in the series with the Express and 37,807 attended for a per-game average of 9,452. For the 16-game season series with the Express, the Isotopes won 9 out of the 16 games (5-3 at Isotopes Park, 4-4 in Round Rock). All-time, Albuquerque leads the series 74-70 (45-27 at Isotopes Park and 29-43 at Dell Diamond). The Isotopes went 7-2 in their final homestand of the season. . . . Albuquerque went 42-30 at Isotopes Park in 2013. . . . Two more PCL clubs will be missing the postseason -- the Tacoma Rainiers (AAA Mariners) and Tucson Padres (AAA Padres) were both eliminated from playoff contention Thursday. The Salt Lake Bees (AAA Angels) became the second team to make the playoffs as they won the PCL Pacific Conference Northern Division. . . . The Tucson Padres (AAA Padres) played their final home game in Tucson Thursday evening and lost a heartbreaker when the Reno Aces (AAA Diamondbacks) plated two runs with two outs in the top of the 9th inning to take a 2-1 victory. The Tucson franchise will move to El Paso for the 2014 season. A team nickname for El Paso is yet to be announced and the El Paso team will be an Isotopes division foe. . . . Chris Owings of the Reno Aces (AAA Diamondbacks) is the 2013 PCL Most Valuable Player. In 120 games so far this season, Owings hit .329 with 12 homers and 74 RBI and was named the 2013 PCL Rookie of the Year earlier in the week. No Isotopes were among the top nine finishers and others getting votes from the PCL field managers and media representatives included Wilmer Flores (Las Vegas), Efren Navarro (Salt Lake), Dean Anna (Tucson), George Springer (Oklahoma City), Michael Choice (Sacramento), Corey Dickerson (Colorado Springs), Brandon Laird (Oklahoma City) and Brock Peterson (Memphis). . . . . The Isotopes conclude their 2013 season with a four game series in New Orleans against the New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Marlins). Probables in the opener Friday evening are RHP Angel Castro (8-4, 3.51) for the Isotopes and RHP Sam Dyson (1-3, 2.61) for the Zephyrs.
Filed 08/29/2013

August 28, 2013 - Isotopes (73-66)
Isotopes Park Round Rock 010 000 000 00 -- 1 6 0 Albuquerque 000 000 001 01 -- 2 8 1 WP: Kelvin De La Cruz (3-1) LP: Ryan Feierabend (6-5) HR: RR Brendan Harris (2) off Patterson (2nd inning, S) TIME: 3:15 ATT: 8,599
The Isotopes were down to their last strike when Brian Barden knocked in the game-tying run and Albuquerque plated the winning run on a wild pitch in the 11th inning in their 2-1 victory over the Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) at "The Lab" on Wednesday night. With Albuquerque seven games over the .500 mark with 5 games left to play, the Isotopes guaranteed they will finish the season with a winning record. Brendan Harris solo homered with two outs off Isotopes starter Red Patterson in the 2nd inning and the Express held that slimmest of leads until the 9th inning. Alex Castellanos singled with one out, stole second base and after Matt Angle struck out, Barden took a 2-2 pitch and singled to drive in Castellanos with the game-tying run. In the bottom of the 11th inning, Castellanos tripled with one out. Angle grounded out before Sounds reliever Ryan Feierabend intentionally walked Barden before facing Drew Butera. Feierabend uncorked a wild pitch and Castellanos raced home with the game-winning run.
Isotopes Starter Line: Red Patterson 7 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 K, 1 HR, 3.03 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Onelki Garcia: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, 0 HR, 4.91 ERA Scott Van Slyke: 1x4 (.340), HBP Alex Castellanos: 3x4 (.263), 2 R, 1 3B (5), 1 K, SB (19), HBP
'TOPES NOTES: The Isotopes are 5-4 in extra inning contests and 16-26 in games decided by one run this season. . . . The 11 inning game tied for Albuquerque's longest home game of the season, innings-wise. . . . RHP Johnny Hellweg of the Nashville Sounds (AAA Brewers) was named the 2013 PCL Pitcher of the Year. Hellweg's current record is 11-5 with a 3.16 ERA. No Isotope pitchers finished in the top five in voting and other leading vote-getters were Sonny Gray (Sacramento), Bruce Billings (Sacramento), Michael Wacha (Memphis) and Brian Flynn (New Orleans). . . . The Isotopes play their final home game of the 2013 season on Thursday evening. Probables are RHP Stephen Fife (2-4, 6.27) for the Isotopes and RHP Evan Meek (6-8, 3.99) for the E-Train.
Filed 08/28/2013

August 27, 2013 - Isotopes (72-66)
Isotopes Park Round Rock 200 120 300 -- 8 10 0 Albuquerque 000 010 310 -- 5 10 0 WP: Scott Richmond (6-6) LP: Matt Magill (5-2) SV: Cory Burns (20) TIME: 2:57 ATT: 7,820
The Isotopes lost to the Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) 8-5 and division-leader Oklahoma City Redhawks won their contest, so the Redhawks claimed the 2013 PCL American Conference Southern Division title while the Isotopes and Express were both eliminated from playoff contention.
The Express plated a pair of runs in the 1st inning on Alex Buchholz's single and Chris McGuiness' groundout.
Brendan Harris singled home a run in the 4th inning and in the 5th inning, Aaron Cunningham had a two-run single as the Express built their lead to 5-0.
Albuquerque found the runs column of the scoreboard in the bottom of the 5th inning. Matt Angle tripled and scored on Justin Sellers' single.
Buchholz grounded out to bring home a run in the 7th inning and McGuiness doubled home two-runs as the Express led 8-1.
After the 7th inning stretch, Albuquerque matched those three runs. All-PCL team member Nick Buss doubled and Alex Castellanos singled. Angle singled Buss home and an out later, John Baker singled Castellanos home. Dee Gordon's fielders choice brought home Angle.
The Isotopes plated their final run in the 8th inning. Scott Van Slyke walked, went to second base on a wild pitch, stole third and scored on Buss' sacrifice flyout.
Isotopes Starter Line: Matt Magill (L, 5-2) 6 IP, 8 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 7 K, 0 HR, 3.49 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Matt Magill: (L, 5-2) 6 IP, 8 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 7 K, 0 HR, 3.49 ERA Scott Van Slyke: 0x3 (.342), 1 R, 1 BB, 2 K, SB (8) Alex Castellanos: 2x4 (.258), 1 R, 1 K
'TOPES NOTES: With an update to last night's 50 cent hot dog promotion, 16,061 hot dogs were devoured by the 6,800 fans for a per-fan consumption of 2.36 hot dogs. The mark was the lowest of the three 2013 50 cent hot dog promotion nights and 57,173 combined hot dogs were consumed in the three evenings. . . . With the playoff elimination of Albuquerque and Round Rock, seven of the 12 clubs eligible to miss the PCL postseason have now been eliminated. It will be at least two days until the next PCL club learns that they will miss the postseason. . . . Matt Angle was a homer shy of hitting for the cycle. . . . Most of the Dodgers organization players for the 2013 Arizona Fall League were announced and none are current Isotopes -- yet. The Glendale Desert Dogs is the AFL club that features Dodger minor league players and Albuquerque native Brian Cavazos-Galvez (Class-AA Chattanooga) was named to the team as an outfielder, as well as shortstop Corey Seager (Class-A Advanced Rancho Cucamonga), and catchers Pratt Maynard (Class-A Advanced Rancho Cucamonga) and Chris O'Brien (Class-A Advanced Rancho Cucamonga). The Dodgers have four pitchers to be determined and sent to Glendale and that is where a chance exists that a current Isotope may be among the four. Glendale also features players from the Marlins, Reds, Twins and White Sox organizations. The AFL plays from October 8th to November 16th and the league is highly respected as 60 percent of prospects who have played in the AFL have eventually appeared in the major leagues. . . . Chris Owings of the Reno Aces (AAA Diamondbacks) was named the 2013 PCL Rookie of the Year. The award is voted on by PCL field managers and media representatives and honors a player's achievement in their first PCL season. Through August 26th, Owings played in 118 games and hit .331 with 12 homers and 73 RBIs. Owings is the third straight Aces player to earn the PCL Rookie of the Year award. Isotopes OF Nick Buss was not a top-six finisher for the award -- the other top vote-getters included Wilmer Flores (Las Vegas), Dean Anna (Tucson), George Springer (Oklahoma City), Michael Choice (Sacramento) and Corey Dickerson (Colorado Springs). . . . Albuquerque and Round Rock meet for game three of the series Wednesday night. Probables are RHP Red Patterson (7-4, 3.15) for the Isotopes and a former-Isotope, RHP Josh Lindblom (8-3, 2.85), for the Express.
Filed 08/27/2013

August 26, 2013 - Isotopes (72-65)
Isotopes Park Round Rock 010 200 200 -- 5 7 3 Albuquerque 212 001 00x -- 6 10 0 WP: Jonathan Sanchez (6-3) LP: Jake Brigham (5-5) SV: Javy Guerra (11) HR: RR Chris McGuiness (11) off Sanchez (4th inning, 2R) RR Aaron Cunningham (10) off Sanchez (7th inning, 2R) TIME: 3:07 ATT: 6,800
The Isotopes plated five runs over the first three frames and held off a Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) rally to win 6-5 in the series opener at "The Lab" on Monday evening. Division-leader Oklahoma City lost so Albuquerque's playoff elimination number remains 2 while division-foe Round Rock saw their playoff elimination number decrease to 1.
Elian Herrera singled, Tony Gwynn Jr. reached on a throwing error on a sacrifice bunt and Nick Buss doubled them home as Albuquerque led 2-0 after an inning of play.
Aaron Cunningham doubled home a run for the Express in the 2nd inning before Albuquerque matched that run in the bottom half of the frame. Matt Angle singled, Justin Sellers walked, and an out later, Dee Gordon singled home Angle.
Buss and Angle singled in the 3rd inning and both executed a double steal. A throwing error on the double steal allowed Buss to score while Angle went to third base and then Angle came around to score on Justin Sellers' sacrifice flyout as the Isotopes led 5-1.
Chris McGuiness two-run homered in the 4th inning as Round Rock pulled to 5-3.
Albuquerque added a run in the 6th inning that ended up being the game-winning run in the game. Herrera singled and advanced to second base on a throwing error on the play, stole third base and then scored on Gwynn Jr.'s single.
Cunningham added a two-run homer for Round Rock in the 7th inning to edge to 6-5 and the Express were unable to plate a run over the final two frames to tie the game.
Isotopes Starter Line: Jonathan Sanchez (W, 6-3) 6 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 8 K, 2 HR, 5.55 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Scott Van Slyke: 0x4 (.347), 3 K
'TOPES NOTES: The 2013 All-PCL team was announced Monday and Nick Buss was the lone Isotopes representative on the team. The Isotopes have had 15 total players named to the end-of-season All-PCL team in franchise history and at least one representative on the team for the last seven seasons. The complete 2013 All-PCL team: C Stephen Vogt (Sacramento-Oakland); 1B Efren Navarro (Salt Lake-Angels); 2B Dean Anna (Tucson-Padres); 3B Ryan Wheeler (Colorado Springs-Rockies); SS Chris Owings (Reno-Diamondbacks); OF Nick Buss (Albuquerque-Dodgers); OF Michael Choice (Sacramento-Athletics); OF Corey Dickerson (Colorado Springs-Rockies); DH Brock Peterson (Memphis-Cardinals); RHP Johnny Hellweg (Nashville-Brewers); LHP Brian Flynn (New Orleans-Marlins); RP Chris Hatcher (New Orleans-Marlins). Seven of the 12 players came from Pacific Conference clubs. . . . It was 50-cent hot dog night but no hot dogs consumed figure was released. If it is eventually announced, look for an update in the next day or two. . . . The PCL Hitter of the Week is former-Isotope Brett Hayes, now playing for the Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals). Hayes hit .381 (8x21) with 6 homers and 8 RBI for the week. . . . The PCL Pitcher of the Week is Taijuan Walker of the Tacoma Rainiers (AAA Mariners). Walker won both of his starts for the award week and compiled a 0.82 ERA by allowing 1 earned run in 11 innings of work. Walker allowed 9 hits, walked 6 and struck out 15. . . . The Isotopes and Express continue their series on Tuesday evening. Probables are RHP Matt Magill (5-1, 3.16) for the Isotopes and RHP Scott Richmond (5-6, 5.65) for the E-Train.
Filed 08/26/2013

August 25, 2013 - Isotopes (71-65)
Isotopes Park Nashville 000 041 410 -- 10 13 1 Albuquerque 100 030 010 -- 5 5 0 WP: Donovan Hand (3-1) LP: Blake Johnson (6-6) HR: NSH Stephen Parker (8) off Johnson (6th inning, S) TIME: 3:47 ATT: 11,568
The Isotopes battled to tie the game in the 5th inning before the Nashville Sounds (AAA Brewers) plated the next six runs to run away with a 10-5 victory over Albuquerque in the series finale on Sunday evening at a rainy "The Lab". The Isotopes playoff elimination number decreased to 2, meaning they will miss the PCL postseason if division-leader Oklahoma City win and the Isotopes lose in Monday's action.
Dee Gordon scored Albuquerque's first run of the game in the 1st inning. Gordon singled to center, stole second, went to third base on Justin Sellers' groundout and scored on Tony Gwynn Jr.'s double on a ball that was deflected by the Sounds pitcher.
The Sounds plated four runs in the 5th inning to take a 4-1 lead. Nashville starter Johnny Hellweg singled home a run, Sean Halton drew a bases loaded walk and Hunter Morris singled home two runs.
The Isotopes battled for three runs in the home half of the 5th inning to tie the game at 4-4. Gwynn Jr. and Scott Van Slyke walked, both advanced a base on a wild pitch, Alex Castellanos was hit by a pitch to load the bases and Brian Barden cleared them with a triple.
Nashville's Stephen Parker solo homered in the 6th inning to give Nashville the lead back and the Sounds tacked four more runs to the scoreboard in the 7th inning. Robinzon Diaz had a run-scoring single and Parker had a three-run triple.
The Sounds plated their final run in the 8th inning when Kentrain Davis scored while Halton was grounding into a double play.
Albuquerque's final run of the game was tallied in the bottom of the 8th inning. Barden singled, Drew Butera walked, and Elian Herrera was hit by a pitch with no outs and Barden scored while Gordon was grounding into a double play.
Isotopes Starter Line: Matt Palmer 4.2 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 5 BB, 3 K, 0 HR, 3.87 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Onelki Garcia: 0.0 IP (1 batter), 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, 0 HR, 5.68 ERA Scott Van Slyke: 0x2 (.354), 1 R, 3 BB, 1 K Alex Castellanos: 0x3 (.255), 1 R, 3 K, HBP
'TOPES NOTES: The Isotopes 2013 End-of-Season awards were announced before Sunday's game. Nick Buss won the MVP and Fan Favorite awards, Steve Cilladi won the Mr. Hustle award and shared the Most-Community Minded Player award with Damaso Espino. Scott Van Slyke was Power Hitter of the Year, Justin Sellers was Defensive Player of the Year and Angel Castro was Pitcher of the Year. Espino is a two-time award winner (having won the Most-Community Minded Player award also in 2011) and this year's Most-Community Minded Player was the first time two players have shared the same award in a season. . . . The Isotopes are in a tie for second place with the Round Rock Express in the division, 7 games back of the Oklahoma City Redhawks with eight games left to play. . . . With the loss, Albuquerque could not sweep a five-game series for the first time in franchise history and the Isotopes' 10-game winning streak against the Sounds in games at Isotopes Park dating back to 2012 came to an end. . . . 47,845 attended the five-game series at "The Lab" for a per-game average of 9,569. Tonight's game was the final game between the Isotopes and Sounds in 2013 and Albuquerque won 12 of the 16 games. All-time, Albuquerque leads the series 92-82, including 48-39 in Albuquerque and 44-43 in Nashville. With the Isotopes moving to the Pacific Conference in 2014, the Isotopes and Sounds will only play each other for four games in each upcoming season. . . . While the Isotopes club remains mum on at least releasing the home portion of their 2014 PCL schedule as this season winds down, the Reno Aces may have announced something to their fans that could hint at something about the 2014 Isotopes. The Aces announced their home schedule in April features four series' (16 games) starting April 4th and the Isotopes were listed first among the four clubs who the Aces will play at Aces Ballpark in April 2014. Given the order of the clubs and the date of the first home game, it appears very likely the Isotopes will open their first season as a member of the PCL Pacific Conference in Reno. . . . On Sunday, the Colorado Springs Sky Sox became the fifth PCL club to be eliminated from the PCL postseason. . . . The Isotopes conclude their 2013 home schedule with a four game series starting Monday evening with a 50-cent hot dog night. Probables in the opener against the Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) are LHP Jonathan Sanchez (5-3, 5.34) for the Isotopes and RHP Jake Brigham (5-4, 4.51) for the E-train. Both clubs have a playoff elimination number of 2.
Filed 08/25/2013

August 24, 2013 - Isotopes (71-64)
Isotopes Park Nashville 301 000 120 -- 7 14 1 Albuquerque 202 400 13x -- 12 15 1 WP: Stephen Fife (2-4) LP: Aaron Laffey (6-8) SV: Javy Guerra (10) HR: NSH Eugenio Velez (2) off Fife (3rd inning, S) ABQ Eliezer Alfonzo (2) off Laffey (4th inning, 2R) ABQ Alex Castellanos (19) off Heckathorn (8th inning, 3R) TIME: 3:18 ATT: 11,802
After a one hour, 26 minute rain delay to start the game, the Isotopes offense scored double-digit runs, led by Scott Van Slyke and Alex Castellanos with three RBI apiece, as the Isotopes defeated the Nashville Sounds (AAA Brewers) 12-7 on Saturday evening at "The Lab". Division leader Oklahoma City won so even with the Isotopes victory, Albuquerque's playoff elimination number was reduced to 3.
The Sounds struck first with a three-run 1st inning. Runs scored on a passed ball, Blake Lalli's fielders choice groundout and Josh Prince's fielders choice groundout.
The Isotopes plated two runs of their own in the 1st inning. Dee Gordon was beaned with a pitch, stole second, went to third on Elian Herrera's groundout and scored on Scott Van Slyke's single. Consecutive singles from Eliezer Alfonzo and PCL All-Star Nick Buss brought home Van Slyke.
Former-Isotope Eugenio Velez solo homered in the 3rd inning to make it 4-2 before Albuquerque tied the game in the bottom half of the inning. Van Slyke doubled, went to third base on Alfonzo's groundout and scored on Buss's single. Buss stole second base before scoring on Brian Barden's single.
The Isotopes plated four runs in the 4th inning to take a 8-4 lead. Isotopes starter Stephen Fife singled with one out, Gordon singled and Herrera grounded out to advance both runners a base. Van Slyke tripled home Fife and Gordon before scoring on Alfonzo's two-run homer.
Nashville scored a run on an error in the top of the 7th inning and Albuquerque answered that run after the 7th inning stretch. Buss and Barden singled to lead off the inning and Buss went to third base when Angle grounded into a double play. Buss then scored on a balk.
Robinzon Diaz drove in a run on a fielders choice groundout and Kentrail Davis singled home a run as Nashville pulled to two runs down at 9-7 in the 8th inning.
The Isotopes added three more runs in the home half of the 8th inning. Tony Gwynn Jr. reached on a throwing error, stole second base and two outs later, Van Slyke was intentionally walked. Alex Castellanos followed with a three-run homer, his team-leading 19th homer, to make it the final score of 12-7.
Isotopes Starter Line: Stephen Fife (W, 2-4) 5 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 4 BB, 3 K, 1 HR, 6.29 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Onelki Garcia: (H, 2) 1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, 0 HR, 4.26 ERA Scott Van Slyke: 3x4 (.358), 4 R, 1 2B (16), 1 3B (2), 3 RBI (47), 1 BB Alex Castellanos: 1x1 (.257), 1 R, 1 HR (19), 3 RBI (61)
'TOPES NOTES: The Isotopes are 7 games back in the division with 9 games left to play. . . . Albuquerque is 19-1 when they score double-digit runs. . . . The Isotopes continue their dominance over the Sounds at "The Lab" -- 7-0 this season and 10 wins in a row against the Sounds in Albuquerque, dating back to last season. . . . Scott Van Slyke was a homer shy of hitting for the cycle and tied a franchise record with four runs scored in the game. . . . Stephen Fife earned his first winning decision since April 15th in Iowa. . . . With Oklahoma City's victory tonight, the New Orleans Zephyrs became the first team from Albuquerque's division to be eliminated from playoff contention, and the fourth team in the PCL this season. All four PCL division basement dwellers are now eliminated from playoff contention. Oklahoma City is the PCL club that is the closest to clinch a playoff spot first. . . . The series concludes Sunday evening with Albuquerque looking to sweep a five-game series for the first time in franchise history. Probables are RHP Matt Palmer (6-7, 3.72) for the Isotopes and RHP Johnny Hellweg (11-5, 2.97) for the Sounds.
Filed 08/24/2013

August 23, 2013 - Isotopes (70-64)
Isotopes Park Nashville 000 100 501 -- 7 9 3 Albuquerque 200 200 14x -- 9 13 1 WP: Sean White (5-6) LP: Brent Leach (0-2) SV: Peter Moylan (4) HR: NSH Robinzon Diaz (4) off Castro (4th inning, S) NSH Kentrail Davis (2) off White (7th inning, 3R) TIME: 3:24 ATT: 8,349
The Isotopes plated four runs in the 8th inning to come from behind to defeat the Nashville Sounds (AAA Brewers) 9-7 to extend their winning streak to three games. Albuquerque's playoff chances still took a hit as their playoff elimination number decreased from 5 to 4 due to Oklahoma City's victory earlier in the night.
The Isotopes plated their first two runs on a rare play in the 1st inning. Elian Herrera doubled, Tony Gwynn Jr. and Scott Van Slyke drew walks to load the bases and PCL All-Star Nick Buss had a two-run sacrifice flyout as Nashville center fielder Kentrail Davis fell on Isotopes Hill making the catch allowing Herrera to tag up from third base and Gwynn Jr. from second base to score on the play.
Nashville's Robinzon Diaz solo homered in the 4th inning to get the Sounds on the scoreboard before Albuquerque took advantage of Nashville sloppy play in the home half of the frame to extend the Albuquerque lead to 4-1. Isotopes starter Angel Castro singled with two outs, Dee Gordon reached on a throwing error and Herrera reached on another throwing error with Castro and Gordon scoring on the error.
The Sounds plated five runs in the 7th inning to take a 6-4 lead. Hunter Morris doubled home two runs and Kentrail Davis followed with a three-run homer.
Gwynn Jr. tripled and scored on Van Slyke's single in the 7th inning as the Isotopes trailed 6-5.
Albuquerque completed the comeback with a four-run 8th inning. Brian Barden singled and two outs later, Gwynn Jr. singled and Van Slyke walked to load the bags. Buss doubled Barden and Gwynn Jr. home for the tying and go-ahead runs and Alex Castellanos singled to drive in Van Slyke and Buss with insurance runs as the Isotopes led 9-6.
Former-Isotope Eugenio Velez tripled home the final Nashville run in the 9th inning.
Isotopes Starter Line: Angel Castro 6 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 4 K, 1 HR, 3.51 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Scott Van Slyke: 2x3 (.350), 1 R, 1 RBI (44), 2 BB, SB (7) Alex Castellanos: 2x5 (.255), 2 RBI (58), 1 K
'TOPES NOTES: How relatively rare is a two-run sacrifice fly? It was Albuqurque's first and only one in almost 11 full seasons of play. In the MLB universe, using a major Internet search engine searching through news articles (so the list may not be entirely complete), three instances of a MLB two-run sacrifice fly since 2009 have been discovered. Mike Trout (Angels) did the feat in August 2012, Albert Pujols (Cardinals) did it in June 2009 and Nate McLouth (Braves) did it in September 2010. . . . Tonight's crowd of 8,349 pushed Albuquerque's 2013 home attendance mark over 500,000 (506,124). The Isotopes are on pace to barely set their lowest season attendance in franchise history, but fan appreciation nights the next two evenings might provide just enough draw to avoid having the lowest Isotopes Park season attendance. . . . Albuquerque had their 70th win of the season tonight in game 134, tying for fourth fastest to 70 wins in franchise history. The Isotopes have only failed to reach 70 wins in two of their 11 total seasons of play. . . . Angel Castro had his fourth straight quality start tonight. . . . The Fresno Grizzlies (AAA Giants) became the third PCL club this season to be eliminated from playoff contention (Reno, Nashville) when the division-leader Las Vegas 51s defeated them in extra innings. . . . When fans take in a game at Isotopes Park in 2013, they are watching a game at the third best landscaped field in the Pacific Coast League. The PCL began their end-of-season award announcements Friday with the 2013 PCL Sports Turf Manager of the Year. Eric Blanton, Manager of the Grounds for the Reno Aces, won the award for the third time in the last five seasons. In second place was last year's PCL Sports Turf Manager of the Year Garrett Reddehase of the Round Rock Express and Albuquerque's Director of Field Operations Casey Griffin came in third place. It was Griffin's first top-three finish of his career. Various PCL player and manager awards will be announced next week. . . . Albuquerque's series with Nashville continues Saturday evening. Probables are RHP Stephen Fife (1-4, 6.11) for the Isotopes and LHP Aaron Laffey (2-4, 7.61) for the Sounds. Laffey started the season with the Isotopes and exercised an contract opt-out clause in early July to search for a better opportunity to reach the big leagues.
Filed 08/23/2013

August 22, 2013 - Isotopes (69-64)
Isotopes Park Nashville 000 000 410 -- 5 10 0 Albuquerque 060 000 30x -- 9 11 0 WP: Red Patterson (7-4) LP: Zach Kroenke (5-15) SV: Kelvin De La Cruz (7) HR: NSH Kentrail Davis (1) off Johnson (7th inning, S) ABQ Eliezer Alfonzo (1) off Webb (7th inning, 3R) TIME: 3:03 ATT: 7,924
Red Patterson tossed six scoreless innings and had a no-hitter going through 4 2/3 innings in Albuquerque's 9-5 victory over the Nashville Sounds (AAA Brewers) on Thursday evening at "The Lab". It was Albuquerque's 800th regular season victory in franchise history and the Isotopes did not see their playoff elimination number decrease -- currently at 5 -- because the Redhawks lost. The Isotopes scored six runs in the 2nd inning. Eliezer Alfonzo singled, PCL All-Star Nick Buss was hit by a pitch and Alex Castellanos singled to load the bases. Justin Sellers cleared them with a triple and scored two outs later on Dee Gordon's single. Elian Herrera singled to put runners on the corners and after Herrera stole second base, Scott Van Slyke doubled home Gordon and Herrera. The Sounds mounted a threat to the Isotopes lead in the 7th inning with a four run inning -- Blake Davis tripled home two runs, Stephen Parker had a sacrifice flyoout and Kentrail Davis solo homered. After the 7th inning stretch, Gordon bunt-singled, stole second base, Van Slyke drew a walk and Alfonzo hit his first Isotopes homer, a three-run shot, as Albuquerque opened up the game to 9-4. Nashville scored their final run on a wild pitch in the 8th inning.
Isotopes Starter Line: Red Patterson (W, 7-4) 6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 6 K, 0 HR, 3.15 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Scott Van Slyke: 1x2 (.344), 1 R, 1 2B (15), 2 RBI (43), 2 BB Alex Castellanos: 1x2 (.253), 1 R, 2 BB
'TOPES NOTES: The 4 2/3 innings of a no-hitter that Red Patterson authored was not the deepest into a game that an Isotopes hurler has had a no-hitter this season. Matt Palmer also went 4 2/3 innings with a no-hitter in the 18-inning marathon in Iowa the day before the Triple-A All-Star Break. . . . The Isotopes closed to 7 games behind the Oklahoma City Redhawks in the division standings with 11 games left to play. . . . The series continues Friday evening. Probables are RHP Angel Castro (8-4, 3.54) for the Isotopes and RHP Alfredo Figaro (0-0, 2.25) for the Sounds.
Filed 08/22/2013

August 21, 2013 - Isotopes (68-64)
Isotopes Park Nashville 100 110 000 -- 3 10 0 Albuquerque 023 000 00x -- 5 7 0 WP: Matt Magill (5-1) LP: Jimmy Nelson (3-6) SV: Javy Guerra (9) TIME: 3:10 ATT: 8,202
Isotopes pitching struck out a season-best-tying 15 Nashville Sounds (AAA Brewers) batters in the game and Alex Castellanos and Drew Butera knocked in two runs apiece as the Isotopes snapped their season-worst eight game losing streak with a 5-3 victory over the Sounds. Division-leader Oklahoma City also won on Wednesday, so the Isotopes remained eight games back in the division and their playoff elimination number decreased to 5. Nashville needed just the first two batters of the game to put their first run on the scoreboard. Kentrail Davis led off the game with a triple and scored on former-Isotope Eugenio Velez's sacrifice flyout. Albuquerque scored the next five runs. In the 2nd inning, Castellanos was hit by a pitch, Brian Barden singled and Butera tripled them both home for a 2-1 Isotopes lead. In the 3rd inning, Elian Herrera doubled, Scott Van Slyke walked and Matt Angle doubled home Herrera. Castellanos followed with a single that drove in Van Slyke and Angle as the Isotopes extended the lead to 5-1. Stephen Parker singled home a run in the 4th inning and Blake Lalli brought home a run with a ground-rule double in the 5th inning as the Sounds edged to 5-3.
Isotopes closer Javy Guerra got two quick outs in the 9th inning, then allowed singles to Davis and Velez before getting Hunter Morris to strike out to end the threat and the game. Guerra earned his team-leading 9th save.
Isotopes Starter Line: Matt Magill (W, 5-1) 6 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 9 K, 0 HR, 3.16 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Onelki Garcia: (H, 1) 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 Bb, 5 K, 0 HR, 1.69 ERA Scott Van Slyke: 0x2 (.343), 1 R, 2 BB, 1 K Alex Castellanos: 1x3 (.251), 1 R, 2 RBI (56), 1 K, HBP
'TOPES NOTES: IF Rusty Ryal was placed on the Disabled List with a strained left calf. . . . Dee Gordon went hitless in four at-bats, keeping him from extending his hitting streak to a franchise record-tying 21 games. Gordon's 20 game hitting streak goes in the books as the second longest Isotope hitting streak in franchise history. . . . All five Isotopes runs were plated with two outs. . . . Albuquerque is 4-0 against the Sounds at "The Lab" this season and have won seven straight games against the Sounds in Albuquerque dating back to last season. . . . Isotopes hitters have gone seven games without a homer, tying for their season longest homer drought. . . . The series continues Thursday evening. Probables are RHP Red Patterson (6-4, 3.35) for the Isotopes and LHP Zach Kroenke (5-14, 4,41) for the Sounds.
Filed 08/21/2013

August 20, 2013 - Isotopes (67-64)
Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark Albuquerque 000 120 200 -- 5 11 1 Oklahoma City 100 030 002 -- 6 7 0 WP: Rhiner Cruz (1-2) LP: Javy Guerra (0-4) HR: OKC George Springer (17) off Sanchez (1st inning, S) TIME: 3:10 ATT: 3,893
Isotopes closer Javy Guerra gave up two runs in the bottom of the 9th inning as the Oklahoma City Redhawks (AAA Astros) had a 6-5 come from behind victory to extend their franchise-record home winning streak to 17 games and give Albuquerque their current league-worst eighth straight loss. Albuquerque's playoff elimination number is 6 with the loss and Redhawks win.
Oklahoma City's George Springer solo-homered with two outs in the 1st inning to give the Redhawks a quick 1-0 lead.
Albuquerque tied up the game in the 4th inning when PCL All-Star Nick Buss singled with two outs, went to third base on Brian Barden's single and scored on Matt Angle's single.
The Isotopes took their first lead of the game at 3-1 in the 5th inning. John Baker singled, Dee Gordon bunt-singled, Justin Sellers laid down a sacrifice bunt and Eliezer Alfonzo singled both runners home.
The Isotopes lead did not last long as the Redhawks plated three runs in the home half of the 5th inning to lead 4-3. Trevor Crowe had a bases-loaded walk and Jose Martinez singled home two runs in the inning.
Albuquerque reclaimed the lead in the 7th inning. Tony Gwynn Jr. walked, Buss singled to put runners on the corners and Barden singled Gwynn Jr. home to tie the game. Angle followed with a run scoring single to drive in Buss with the go-ahead run at 5-4.
In the bottom of the 9th innng, Carlos Perez drew a leadoff walk and Ruben Sosa laid down a sacrifice bunt. Crowe struck out swinging for the second out of the inning and the Isotopes were down to needing one strike to secure the victory when Martinez doubled Perez home to knot the game at 5-5. Springer followed with a single to left field that brought Martinez home with the game-winning run.
Isotopes Starter Line: Jonathan Sanchez 4 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 5 BB, 6 K, 1 HR, 5.34 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: (none)
'TOPES NOTES: The Isotopes are in the midst of a season-worst eight game losing streak, tied for third longest losing streak in franchise history. The eight game losing streak is also longer games-wise than the 7-game winning streak Albuquerque strung together in June. . . . Albuquerque is eight games out in the division, their largest number of games back this season. . . . Dee Gordon hit safely to extend his hitting streak to 20 games, becoming the second Isotope ever to put together a hitting streak of 20 or more games. Getting a hit in his next game will tie him with Jerry Sands for the longest Isotope hitting streak at 21 games. . . . Albuquerque was swept in a five-game series for the second time in franchise history (Colorado Springs, 2004, at Isotopes Park). 29,016 attended the five game series at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark for a per-game average of 5,803. Tonight's game marked the final 2013 matchup between the Redhawks and Isotopes and Oklahoma City won 11 out of the 16 games, including seven out of the eight games in Oklahoma City. All-time, Oklahoma City leads the series 93-82, including a 54-33 advantage in Oklahoma City and Albuquerque holds a 49-39 advantage in games at Isotopes Park. With the Isotopes moving to the Pacific Conference in 2014, the Redhawks will no longer be a divisional foe and Albuquerque will be playing Oklahoma City just four times a season with the Isotopes hosting the four-game series every other season. . . . Albuquerque was swept in a series for the first time this season and their only been-swept series of 2012 also occurred in Oklahoma City last August. . . . The Isotopes are 4-15 in August, including 1-10 on the road, and have gone 11-22 since the All-Star Break. . . . None of Albuquerque's 11 hits went for extra bases. . . . Justin Sellers was ejected by Home Plate umpire Adam Schwarz in the 7th inning arguing balls and strikes after Sellers was called out on strikes. It was Sellers' second ejection of the season. . . . The Nashville Sounds (AAA Brewers) became the second PCL club to be eliminated from playoff contention. Nashville joins Reno who was eliminated from the playoffs a few days ago. The New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Marlins) appear to be the next club headed towards missing the playoffs with their playoff elimination number at 4. . . . Redhawks slugger George Springer had all three of the homers in the series. . . . The Isotopes return home for their final homestand of the season -- 9 games in total with the first five games against the Nashville Sounds (AAA Brewers). Probables in the opener Wednesday evening are RHP Matt Magill (4-1, 3.04) for the Isotopes and RHP Jimmy Nelson (3-5, 3.78) for Nashville.
Filed 08/20/2013

August 19, 2013 - Isotopes (67-63)
Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark Albuquerque 000 110 000 -- 2 3 1 Oklahoma City 600 000 00x -- 6 6 1 WP: Bobby Doran (2-0) LP: Stephen Fife (1-4) TIME: 2:45 ATT: 3,553
Isotopes starter Stephen Fife inked his name into the Isotope record books on Monday evening, but not in a good way. Fife only lasted 8 batters, had 26 balls in 34 pitches over 1/3 of an inning, and allowed all six Oklahoma City Redhawks (AAA Astros) runs in a Isotopes 6-2 loss. Albuquerque has lost a season-worst seven straight games and fell into third place in the division, a season-worst seven games back of the Redhawks. In Fife's disastrous 1st inning, Trevor Crowe walked, Jose Martinez flew out, George Springer was hit by a pitch and Brandon Laird singled to load the bases. Fife then issued four straight walks that brought home runs -- walks to Jonathan Singleton, Jimmy Paredes, Che-Hsuan Lin and Rene Garcia. Blake Johnson replaced Fife on the mound and allowed a sacrifice flyout to Ruben Sosa and an RBI single to Crowe as the Redhawks led 6-0. Albuquerque plated their first run in the 4th inning. Dee Gordon walked stole second base, tagged up and went to third base on Alex Castellanos' flyout and scored on PCL All-Star Nick Buss' single. Justin Sellers reached on a two-base throwing error and scored on Rusty Ryal's single for the final Isotopes run of the game in the 5th inning.
Isotopes Starter Line: Stephen Fife (L, 1-4) 0.1 IP, 1 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 5 BB, 0 K, 0 HR, 6.11 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Onelki Garcia: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, 0 HR, 2.70 ERA Alex Castellanos: 0x4 (.251)
'TOPES NOTES: The Dodgers recalled P Brian Wilson from his rehabilitation assignment with the Isotopes and optioned IF/OF Scott Van Slyke to Albuquerque. . . . Albuquerque's playoff hopes continue to fade quickly. The Isotopes playoff elimination number is now 8. . . . Stephen Fife tied an Isotopes franchise record with his 1/3 of an inning pitched in a start. Other Isotopes starters with that franchise mark for shortest start include Alberto Bastardo (2011), John Ely (2010), Joey Newby (2011), and Ricardo Rodriguez (2007). . . . Dee Gordon singled to extend his hitting streak to 19 games, tied with Eric Reed (2006), Jamie Hoffmann (2010) and Elian Herrera (2012) for the second longest Isotope hitting streak in franchise history. Jerry Sands holds the franchise record with a 21 game hitting streak. Gordon also stole two bags, his first stolen bases since returning from the Dodgers. . . . The Isotopes offense is averaging 3.39 runs per game in August. . . . Dodgers prospect Joc Pederson, son of former Albuquerque Duke Stu Pederson, won the Southern League Hitter of the Week award. At Class-AA Chattanooga, Pederson hit .435 for the award week with 3 homers and 8 RBI. . . . Brad Snyder of the Reno Aces (AAA Diamondbacks) is the PCL Hitter of the Week. Snyder hit .444 (12x27) with 3 homers and 8 RBI during the award week. . . . Justin Marks of the Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) is the PCL Pitcher of the Week. Marks went 1-0 in two starts with a 0.82 ERA (1 earned run in 11 innings). Marks allowed 8 hits, 2 runs, 1 walk and fanned 14. . . . The Isotopes need to win against the Redhawks on Tuesday evening to avoid a franchise rare occurrence of being swept in a five-game series. Probables in the series finale are LHP Jonathan Sanchez (5-3, 5.05) for the Isotopes and RHP Jake Buchanan (5-3, 3.07) for the Redhawks.
Filed 08/19/2013

August 18, 2013 - Isotopes (67-62)
Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark Albuquerque 000 002 011 -- 4 11 0 Oklahoma City 020 300 00x -- 5 7 0 WP: Asher Wojciechowski (8-6) LP: Matt Palmer (6-7) SV: Jorge De Leon (3) HR: OKC George Springer (16) off Palmer (4th inning, S) TIME: 2:27 ATT: 4,847
The Oklahoma City Redhawks (AAA Astros) were up 5-0 after four innings and Albuquerque's four unanswered runs over the rest of the game were not quite enough to tie the game in a 5-4 loss on Sunday evening in Oklahoma City. Albuquerque has tied a season-worst with six straight losses and is a season-worst six games back of Oklahoma City in the division race with 15 games left to play.
Che-Hsuan Lin singled home two runs in the 2nd inning and George Springer solo homered, Jimmy Paredes tripled home a run and then scored on Lin's groundout in the 4th inning as the Redhawks led 5-0.
The Isotopes started chipping away at the defecit in the 6th inning. Elian Herrera singled, PCL All-Star Nick Buss walked and Eliezer Alfonzo doubled home two runs.
In the 8th inning, Alex Castellanos singled, advanced to second base on Buss' bunt single and scored on Matt Angle's single.
In Albuquerque's final rally of the game, Dee Gordon singled with two outs, went to second base on defensive indifference and scored on Herrera's double. Castellanos struck out to end the game with Herrera stranded at second base as the game-tying run.
Isotopes Starter Line: Matt Palmer (L, 6-7) 7 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 5 K, 1 HR, 3.72 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Alex Castellanos: 1x5 (.254), 1 R, 3 K
'TOPES NOTES: C Damaso Espino was placed on the Disabled List with a strained right calf. . . . With tonight's loss, Albuquerque went from being in sole possession of second place to a tie for second place with the Round Rock Express, six games back. The playoff elimination numbers for the Isotopes and Express are 10 each. . . . Dee Gordon returned to the Isotopes lineup from his recent option from the Dodgers and his 9th inning single extended his hitting streak to an Isotope season-best 18 games. . . . Albuquerque's record in one run games this season is 14-25 and the 25 losses is the most for a season in franchise history. . . . The Isotopes had four runs in the game, more than in the first two games of the series combined (3) and had 11 hits in the game, more than the 7 hits in the first two games combined. . . . Isotopes catcher Drew Butera has had a passed ball in each of the last two games. . . . The Redhawks have won 15 straight home games, an Oklahoma City franchise record. . . . Albuquerque hopes to at least get a win in this series when they try again on Monday evening. Probables are RHP Stephen Fife (1-3, 4.23) for the Isotopes and RHP Bobby Doran (1-0, 4.56) for the Redhawks.
Filed 08/18/2013

August 17, 2013 - Isotopes (67-61)
Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark Albuquerque 100 000 000 -- 1 4 0 Oklahoma City 000 300 02x -- 5 11 1 WP: Paul Clemens (3-1) LP: Angel Castro (8-4) TIME: 2:54 ATT: 9,410
Nick Buss and Eliezer Alfonzo each had two hits to account for all four Isotopes hits in the game but none of those were run-producing as the Isotopes fell to the Oklahoma City Redhawks (AAA Astros) 5-1 on Saturday evening. Albuquerque has dropped five straight and fell to a season-worst five games back of the division-leading Redhawks.
The Isotopes scored their only run of the game without a hit in the 1st inning. Matt Angle walked, went to second base on a wild pitch, advanced to third base on Elian Herrera's sacrifice bunt and scored when Alex Castellanos reached on a fielding error.
The Redhawks took a 3-1 lead in the 4th inning when Carlos Perez doubled home two runs before scoring on Ruben Sosa's single.
Brandon Laird scored on a passed ball and Sosa sacrifice flied out in the 8th inning as the Redhawks plated their final two runs.
Isotopes Starter Line: Angel Castro (L, 8-4) 6 IP, 9 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 2 K, 0 HR, 3.54 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Alex Castellanos: 0x4 (.254), 1 RBI (54), 1 K
'TOPES NOTES: Albuquerque's playoff elimination number stands at 12 with Oklahoma City's win and Albuquerque's loss. There are 16 games left in the regular season for the Isotopes. . . . The series continues Sunday evening. Probables are RHP Matt Palmer (6-6, 3.63) for the Isotopes and RHP Asher Wojciechowski (7-6, 3.51) for the Redhawks.
Filed 08/17/2013

2014 PCL Realignment!
With the Tucson Padres (AAA Padres) moving to El Paso for 2014, the Pacific Coast League took the occasion to realign the divisions effective for the 2014 season.
The executive summary for the realignment is that Albuquerque and Colorado Springs swap conferences and then a few teams in each newly formed conference are shifted to another division from their current division.
The Isotopes are moving to the Pacific Conference Southern Division. What are the major implications for Isotopes fans? A strong regional rival for the first time since the 2004 season, a new conference, playing in more hitters ballparks based on the ballpark factor for runs, new division foes, more games that end late in the evening or past midnight for extra inning contests and more games using the Designated Hitter.
The strong division rival is the El Paso franchise (formerly Tucson Padres) and El Paso will be Albuquerque's strongest division rival since the Colorado Springs Sky Sox (AAA Rockies) were moved out of Albuquerque's division starting with the 2005 season.
After having been in the American Conference for their almost-11 full seasons of franchise history, the Isotopes are moving from the American Conference to the Pacific Conference. Gone are the days of always seeming to start the season against Omaha and Iowa and usually having to go to Omaha and Iowa in April where it seemed quite a few days were bad weather or weather postponement days during that early-season roadtrip. The Isotopes will now be playing new American Conference opponents four games a season instead of 16 games a season. Being in the Pacific Conference with 16 games apiece also means Albuquerque will play more games against the top farm clubs of most of the MLB National League Western Division teams -- Giants, Padres and Diamondbacks. Only the Rockies top farm club Colorado Springs will be played for four games each season. The Pacific Conference also features more ballparks that are hitter friendly -- according to Baseball America research, Salt Lake, Las Vegas, Reno and Albuquerque's ballparks are the newly formed Pacific Conferences above-average hitter's parks, while Colorado Springs will be the American Conference's only above-average hitter's park.
Albuquerque's new division opponents are El Paso, Las Vegas and Salt Lake. There will be 16-game season series against the new division foes and everyone else in the Pacific Conference instead of just four games. Albuquerque is 5-7 all-time against Tucson Padres (soon to be El Paso), 29-15 all-time against Las Vegas and 18-25 all-time against Salt Lake.
Two fun things to watch for in the next few seasons -- will 16 games instead of four against Fresno each season make the Dodgers/Giants Triple-A rivalry as strong as the major-league one, and are there enough Isotope fans in Southern New Mexico or Isotope fans travelling to El Paso to make El Paso's ballpark become an "Isotopes Park - South"?
With all the Pacific Conference clubs in the Mountain or Pacific time zones, most evening game times will start at 7 PM or 8 PM so games should be ending at 10 PM or even after midnight in a decent extra innings contest. If one enjoys cooking and eating dinner while listening to or watching the Isotopes games, dinner will be a little bit later in the evening since there will be far fewer Central time zone starts due to just four games a season against the Central time zone PCL clubs.
Finally, the new Pacific Conference will have four teams where the Designated Hitter will be used when the Isotopes play them. The Isotopes currently have three teams in the American Conference where the Designated Hitter can be used, meaning Albuquerque's new Conference play will feature 16 more games using the Designated Hitter.
Here is the new PCL 2014 alignment with their 2013 conference/ division in parenthesis:
Pacific Conference Northern Division Fresno Grizzlies - Giants (2013- Pacific Conference Southern Division) Reno Aces - Diamondbacks (2013- Pacific Conference Northern Division) Sacramento River Cats - Athletics (2013 - Pacific Conference Southern Division) Tacoma Rainiers - Mariners (2013 - Pacific Conference Northern Division)
Pacific Conference Southern Division Albuquerque Isotopes - Dodgers (2013- American Conference Southern Division) El Paso - Padres (2013 as Tucson Padres - Pacific Conference Southern Division) Las Vegas 51s - Mets (2013- Pacific Conference Southern Division) Salt Lake Bees - Angels (2013- Pacific Conference Northern Division)
American Conference Northern Division Colorado Springs Sky Sox - Rockies (2013- Pacific Conference Northern Division) Iowa Cubs - Cubs (2013- American Conference Northern Division) Oklahoma City Redhawks - Astros (2013- American Conference Southern Division) Omaha Storm Chasers - Royals (2013- American Conference Northern Division)
American Conference Southern Division Memphis Redbirds - Cardinals (2013- American Conference Northern Division) Nashville Sounds - Brewers (2013- American Conference Northern Division) New Orleans Zephyrs - Marlins (2013- American Conference Southern Division) Round Rock Express - Rangers (2013- American Conference Southern Division)
Filed 08/17/2013

August 16, 2013 - Isotopes (67-60)
Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark Albuquerque 001 001 000 -- 2 3 0 Oklahoma City 001 001 01x -- 3 3 1 WP: Eric Berger (5-3) LP: Onelki Garcia (0-1) SV: Jorge De Leon (2) HR: OKC George Springer (15) off Patterson (3rd inning, S) TIME: 2:29 ATT: 7,313
The Oklahoma City Redhawks (AAA Astros) plated the game winning run in the bottom of the 8th inning in a 3-2 victory over the Isotopes in the crucial series opener in Oklahoma City on Friday evening. Albuquerque has dropped four straight games and fell to four games behind the Redhawks in the division race with 17 games left to play
In the 3rd inning, John Baker reached on a fielder's choice, went to second base on Tony Gwynn Jr.'s walk and scored on Alex Castellanos's single as the Isotopes were first on the scoreboard.
George Springer solo homered for Oklahoma City in the home half of the 3rd inning to tie the game at 1-1.
Albuquerque reclaimed the lead in the 6th inning with two outs. Castellanos walked, took second base on a wild pitch and scored on Eliezer Alfonzo's single.
Jonathan Singleton doubled home the game-tying run with two outs in the bottom of the 6th inning and Brandon Laird singled into left field to bring home the game winning run with one out in the bottom of the 8th inning.
Isotopes Starter Line: Red Patterson 6 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 5 K, 1 HR, 3.35 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Onelki Garcia: (L, 0-1) 1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, 0 HR, 3.86 ERA Alex Castellanos: 1x2 (.257), 1 R, 1 RBI (53), 2 BB
'TOPES NOTES: The Dodgers recalled IF/OF Scott Van Slyke from the Isotopes Friday and optioned IF Dee Gordon to Albuquerque. C Damaso Espino was activated from the Isotopes' Disabled List to fill Van Slyke's roster spot while waiting for Gordon to report. . . . The Isotopes playoff elimination number (combination of Isotopes losses and Redhawks wins to eliminate Albuquerque from playing in the PCL postseason) is 14 after tonight's loss. . . . The Isotopes are now 14-24 in games decided by one run this season. . . . None of Albuquerque's three hits in the game were for extra bases. . . . The series continues Saturday evening. Probables are RHP Angel Castro (8-3, 3.48) for the Isotopes and RHP Paul Clemens (2-1, 3.93) for the Redhawks.
Filed 08/16/2013

August 15, 2013 - Isotopes (67-59)
Isotopes Park Tacoma 000 320 210 -- 8 14 0 Albuquerque 000 010 000 -- 1 6 1 WP: Jarrett Grube (6-5) LP: Matt Magill (4-1) HR: TAC Robbie Widlansky (1) off Magill (4th inning, 2R) TAC Robbie Widlansky (2) off Magill (5th inning, S) TAC John Hester (7) off White (7th inning, 2R) TIME: 2:53 ATT: 4,867
The Isotopes dug themselves into a 5-0 hole before they were able to score their only run in a series-ending 8-1 loss to the Salt Lake Bees (AAA Angels) on Thursday night at "The Lab". Albuquerque's loss moved them three games back of division-leader Oklahoma City as the Redhawks won in Tucson.
Robbie Widlansky two-run homered and Luis Jimenez added a RBI single in the 4th inning as the Bees built a 3-0 lead.
Andy Marte had a sacrifice flyout and Widlansky added a solo homer in the 5th inning as the Bees extended the lead to 5-0.
Albuquerque scored their only run in the bottom of the 5th inning. Rusty Ryal was hit by a pitch, went to third base on Eliezer Alfonzo's double and scored on Brian Barden's groundout.
John Hester two-run homered in the 7th inning and Jimenez sacrifice flied out in the 8th inning for the final Salt Lake runs of the game.
Isotopes Starter Line: Matt Magill (L, 4-1) 4.1 IP, 9 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 5 K, 2 HR, 3.04 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Matt Magill: (L, 4-1) 4.1 IP, 9 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 5 K, 2 HR, 3.04 ERA Alex Castellanos: 1x4 (.256)
'TOPES NOTES: The Isotopes have dropped three straight games and scored three runs in those three losses. . . . The Bees took three out of the four games against the Isotopes and 26,871 attended the four games for a per-game average of 6,718. The Isotopes drew 62,695 in the eight game homestand and won three of the eight games. . . . This was the only 2013 regular season series against the Bees. All-time, Salt Lake holds a 25-18 series advantage, including a 15-8 advantage over the Isotopes in games played at "The Lab". . . . The Isotopes went 10-22 this season against Pacific Conference opponents (6-10 against the Pacific Conference Northern Division and 4-12 against the Pacific Conference Southern Division). . . . The Isotopes' 2013 playoff chances may very be decided on the five-game road trip to division-leader Oklahoma City. The three losses to Salt Lake have slowly eroded the Isotopes' playoff chances but losses to Oklahoma City will accelerate the opportunity for the Isotopes to miss the playoffs. The Redhawks are three games up on Albuquerque as the series begins Friday evening. Probables for the opener are RHP Red Patterson (6-4, 3.38) for the Isotopes and RHP David Martinez (0-1, 8.31) for the Redhawks.
Filed 08/15/2013

August 14, 2013 - Isotopes (67-58)
Isotopes Park Tacoma 100 402 000 -- 7 14 0 Albuquerque 020 000 000 -- 2 7 0 WP: Matt Shoemaker (10-13) LP: Jonathan Sanchez (5-3) HR: TAC Roberto Lopez (10) off Sanchez (4th inning, 3R) TAC Drew Heid (1) off Sanchez (4th inning, S) ABQ Rusty Ryal (4) off Shoemaker (2nd inning, 2R) TIME: 3:02 ATT: 6,972
The Isotopes enjoyed the lead for a short time before the Salt Lake Bees (AAA Angels) powered their way into the lead and went on to defeat the Isotopes 7-2 on Wednesday evening at "The Lab". Albuquerque has dropped two straight games but remained two games back of division-leader Oklahoma City with 19 games left to play.
Salt Lake grabbed a 1-0 lead in the 1st inning on Luis Rodriguez's RBI single.
In the 2nd inning, Brian Barden drew a two-out walk and Rusty Ryal became the Isotopes' offense hero of the game with his two-run homer that gave Albuquerque the lead and ended up being the runs that kept the Isotopes from being shut out in back-to-back games.
Albuquerque's lead held until the 4th inning when Drew Heid solo homered to tie the game and Roberto Lopez added a three-run homer to give the Bees a 5-2 lead.
Lopez doubled home a run and scored on Luis Jimenez's double for the final two Bees runs of the game.
Isotopes Starter Line: Jonathan Sanchez (L, 5-3) 5 IP, 10 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 7 K, 2 HR, 5.05 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Scott Van Slyke: 0x4 (.347), 2 K Alex Castellanos: 0x3 (.256), 3 K, HBP
'TOPES NOTES: The Isotopes activated P Blake Johnson from the Disabled List and transferred former UNM Lobo P Steve Smith to Class-AA Chattanooga. . . . Isotopes starter Jonathan Sanchez has allowed 1st inning runs in four of his 11 starts. . . . The homestand concludes Thursday evening and the game marks the final game of the 2013 regular season against Pacific Conference opponents. Probables are RHP Matt Magill (4-0, 2.54) for the Isotopes and RHP Jarrett Grube (5-5, 4.88) for the Bees.
Filed 08/14/2013

August 13, 2013 - Isotopes (67-57)
Isotopes Park Tacoma 000 110 000 -- 2 9 0 Albuquerque 000 000 000 -- 0 5 0 WP: Dontrelle Willis (1-0) LP: Matt Palmer (6-6) SV: Cory Rasmus (3) TIME: 2:49 ATT: 7,833
A former MLB veteran and tonight's Salt Lake Bees (AAA Angels) starter Dontrelle Willis shut out the Isotopes for six innings in his first official affiliated-ball appearance since July 2012 and Isotopes starter Matt Palmer allowed two runs in six innings but his teammates could not generate a run with their five hits in a 2-0 loss to the Bees on Tuesday evening at "The Lab". The loss kept Albuquerque two games back of division-leader Oklahoma City as the Redhawks also lost Tuesday.
Robbie Widlansky singled home a run in the 4th inning and Luis Jimenez singled home a run in the 5th inning for the Bees' two runs of the game.
Isotopes Starter Line: Matt Palmer (L, 6-6) 5.2 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 7 K, 0 HR, 3.63 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Onelki Garcia: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, 0 HR, 0.00 ERA Scott Van Slyke: 0x4 (.355), 1 K Alex Castellanos: 0x3 (.258), 1 K, HBP
DODGERS Rehab Report Brian Wilson: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, 0 HR, 0.00 ERA Wilson made his third rehabilitation assignment appearance with the Isotopes and threw 21 pitches over five batters. Wilson entered the game with two outs in the 7th inning and got Luis Jimenez to ground out to end the inning. In the 8th inning, Efren Navarro flew out, Luis Rodriguez struck out and after Robbie Widlansky singled, Drew Heid reached on a fielder's choice force out to end the inning.
'TOPES NOTES: The Dodgers shipped P Miguel Sulbaran to the Twins Tuesday as the player-to-be-named-later in the trade that brought Drew Butera to the Dodgers (with an assignment to Albuquerque). . . . The Isotopes have been shut out three times this season including twice this month. The last time Albuquerque was shut out at Isotopes Park was May 21, 2011 against the Reno Aces. . . . Only two Isotopes baserunners made it to third base in the game. . . . The Reno Aces (AAA Diamondbacks) became the first PCL club eliminated from playoff contention this season due to Salt Lake's victory over the Isotopes. . . . The Texas Rangers released Manny Ramirez on Tuesday. Ramirez was playing for Triple-A Round Rock and hit .259 with 3 homers and 13 RBI in 30 games. Ramirez's release means he won't be coming to town with the Express to play the Isotopes in Albuquerque's final four home games of the regular season. . . . The series continues Wednesday evening. Probables are LHP Jonathan Sanchez (5-2, 4.63) for the Isotopes and RHP Matt Shoemaker (9-13, 5.03) for the Bees.
Filed 08/13/2013

August 12, 2013 - Isotopes (67-56)
Isotopes Park Tacoma 000 001 001 -- 2 7 1 Albuquerque 000 370 21x -- 13 16 1 WP: Angel Castro (8-3) LP: Barry Enright (7-6) HR: TAC Andy Marte (2) off Castro (6th inning, S) ABQ Elian Herrera (7) off Enright (5th inning, S) ABQ Brian Barden (4) off Berg (5th inning, 2R) ABQ Justin Sellers (5) off Richardson (7th inning, 2R) TIME: 2:51 ATT: 7,199
Isotopes starter Angel Castro allowed a run, 5 hits and fanned 9 over 7 innings and Brian Barden and Justin Sellers knocked in four runs each as the Isotopes defeated the Salt Lake Bees (AAA Angels) 13-2 in the series opener at "The Lab" on Monday evening. Albuquerque has won two straight games and closed to two games back of division-leader Oklahoma City, who the Isotopes will face in a five-game series starting Friday night in Oklahoma City. Both teams were scoreless through the first three innings and an error opened up the Isotopes offense eruption in the 4th inning. PCL All-Star Nick Buss singled with one out. Sellers doubled to advance Buss to third base and an error on the play allowed Buss to score and Sellers to go to third base. Matt Angle walked and Barden followed with a two-run double. Albuquerque erupted for seven runs in the 5th inning. Elian Herrera got things started with a solo homer. An out later, Tony Gwynn Jr. doubled, Scott Van Slyke walked and Buss doubled home Gwynn Jr. Sellers followed with a two-run double that plated Van Slyke and Buss. Angle doubled home Sellers before scoring on Barden's two-run homer. Andy Marte's solo homer in the 6th inning was the only blemish on the runs line for Castro in the game. Buss singled and scored on Sellers' two-run homer in the 7th inning and in the 8th inning, Alex Castellanos singled, went to third base on Gwynn Jr.'s single and scored on Van Slyke's single as the Isotopes led 13-1. Drew Heid doubled and scored on Roberto Lopez's single in the 9th inning for the final Bees run of the game.
Isotopes Starter Line: Angel Castro (W, 8-3) 7 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 9 K, 1 HR, 3.48 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Onelki Garcia: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, 0 HR, 0.00 ERA Scott Van Slyke: 1x4 (.363), 1 R, 1 RBI (41), 1 BB, 1 K Alex Castellanos: 1x5 (.261), 1 R, 1 K
'TOPES NOTES: C Eliezer Alfonzo was added to the Isotopes roster on Monday after being returned from the Mexican League. Alfonzo started the season on the Isotopes' restricted list before the Dodgers loaned him to the Diablos Rojas del Mexico club. In 66 games with the Diablos Rojas, Alfonzo hit .374 (88x235) with 21 homers and 60 RBI. IF Ian Stewart was released to make active roster room for Alfonzo. . . . The 13 runs in the game tied for the most runs scored at home this season and the 11 run winning margin was the largest of the season. . . . Justin Sellers had his sixth four-hit game of the season and Sellers has homered in back-to-back contests. . . . Albuquerque set season highs in extra base hits in a game (10) and total bases (32) and tied a season high with 7 doubles in a game. . . . John Baker went 0x4 to become the only Isotopes hitter not to record a hit in the game. . . . The three homers in the game gave the Isotopes 100 homers on the season. . . . Angel Castro earned his 8th victory in the game, leading the Isotopes pitching staff and the 6th inning homer he allowed snapped a 13 consecutive scoreless innings streak, a starter season-longest streak. . . . Former UNM Lobo D.J. Peterson was named the Midwest League Hitter of the Week. Peterson hit .429 (12x28) for Clinton in 7 games with a 6 runs scored, a double, 3 homers and 6 RBI. He hit his third grand slam of the season (but first one with Clinton after his recent promotion from Everett). . . . The PCL Hitter of the Week is Andrew Romine of the Salt Lake Bees (AAA Angels). Romine hit .423 (11x26) with a homer and 5 RBI during the award week. . . . The PCL Pitcher of the Week is Mike Kickham of the Fresno Grizzlies (AAA Giants). Kickham went 2-0 in his two starts and allowed no runs in 14 innings of work for a 0.00 ERA. Kickham gave up 6 hits, 2 walks and fanned 7. . . . The series continues Tuesday evening. Probables are RHP Matt Palmer (6-5, 3.66) for the Isotopes and LHP Dontrelle Willis (No Record) for the Bees. Willis began the season with the Long Island Ducks of the independent Atlantic League before the Angels inked him to a minor league deal in early August and assigned him to the Bees.
Filed 08/12/2013

August 11, 2013 - Isotopes (66-56)
Isotopes Park Tacoma 000 022 010 -- 5 10 3 Albuquerque 101 103 60x -- 12 16 2 WP: Kelvin De La Cruz (2-1) LP: Blake Beavan (4-5) HR: ABQ John Baker (3) off Beavan (4th inning, 2R) ABQ John Baker (4) off Beavan (6th inning, 2R) ABQ Justin Sellers (4) off Ruffin (7th inning, S) TIME: 3:23 ATT: 8,017
John Baker had two homers as part of a four-hit day with 5 RBI in Albuquerque's 12-5 series ending victory over the Tacoma Rainiers (AAA Mariners) at "The Lab" on Sunday afternoon. Division-leader Oklahoma City lost on Sunday, so the Isotopes closed to three games behind the Redhawks. In the 1st inning, Elian Herrera led off with a single, two outs later went to second base on Scott Van Slyke's single and scored on PCL All-Star Nick Buss' single. Alex Castellanos singled, stole second base and scored on Van Slyke's single in the 3rd inning and Baker solo homered in the 4th inning as the Isotopes led 3-0. The Rainiers plated a pair of runs in the 5th inning and two more in the 6th inning to grab a 4-3 lead. That lead did not last long as Albuquerque regained the lead at 6-4 in the bottom of the 6th inning with one swing of the bat. Justin Sellers walked, Brian Barden singled, Rusty Ryal flew out with Sellers tagging up to third base and Baker followed with a three-run homer. The Isotopes put the game away after the 7th inning stretch by sending 9 batters to the plate and scoring 6 runs. Sellers got things started with a solo homer. Ryal singled and scored on Baker's double. Baker advanced to third base on a fielding error on the play and Herrera cashed him in with a single. An out later, a wild pitch advanced Herrera to second base, Matt Angle and Van Slyke walked to load the bases and Buss cleared them with a double before being thrown out at third base trying to stretch the double into a triple. Tacoma plated their final run in the 8th inning.
Isotopes Starter Line: Red Patterson 4 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 5 BB, 4 K, 0 HR, 3.38 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Scott Van Slyke: 2x3 (.366), 1 R, 1 RBI (40), 2 BB Alex Castellanos: 2x5 (.262), 1 R, 2 K, SB (18)
DODGERS Rehab Report Brian Wilson: (H, 1) 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, 0 HR, 0.00 ERA Wilson needed 11 pitches to complete his one inning of work Sunday, compared to just 7 pitches in his first rehabilitation assignment outing on Friday evening. Wilson pitched the 7th inning and got Carlos Peguero to pop out to shortstop, Rick Poythress to ground out to shortstop, and struck out Nate Tenbrink for his first strikeout of the rehab assignment.
'TOPES NOTES: P Rob Rasmussen was sent to Class-AA Chattanooga on Sunday, while P Onelki Garcia was sent to the Isotopes from Chattanooga. Garcia appeared in 25 games (6 starts) for Chattanooga and went 2-3 with 1 save and a 2.75 ERA. . . . The Isotopes and Rainiers split their only four-game series of the regular season and 35,824 attended at Isotopes Park for a per-game average of 8,956. All-time, Albuquerque leads the series 24-20, including 16-8 in games played at Isotopes Park. . . . Matt Angle was the only Isotopes batter not to record a hit in the game. . . . John Baker had 11 total bases in the game, tying the Isotope season-best first set by Tim Federowicz. With his two homers in the game, Baker became the fifth different Isotope to have a multi-homer game this season. . . . In news about players with New Mexico ties, P Scott Gracey, a former UNM Lobo, was promoted to the Toronto Blue Jays' Triple-A club, the Buffalo Bisons of the International League. Gracey started the season with the Dunedin Blue Jays, the high-A affiliate and in 14 relief appearances, went 3-0 with a save and a 2.61 ERA. Gracey was promoted to Class-AA New Hampshire Fisher Cats and in 19 relief outings, went 4-1 with 2 saves and a 2.00 ERA. Gracey made his Triple-A debut Sunday for Buffalo and allowed 2 runs and 3 hits in 1 inning of relief work for a ERA of 18.00. Gracey did fan 2 batters. . . . The Salt Lake Bees (AAA Angels) come to Isotopes Park Monday as the Isotopes play their final regular season series against Pacific Conference foes. The probables in the opener are RHP Angel Castro (7-3, 3.65) for the Isotopes and RHP Barry Enright (7-5, 6.12) for the Bees.
Filed 08/11/2013

August 10, 2013 - Isotopes (65-56)
Isotopes Park Tacoma 120 000 202 -- 7 13 2 Albuquerque 001 002 012 -- 6 7 1 WP: Taijuan Walker (3-2) LP: Stephen Fife (1-3) SV: Jonathan Arias (2) HR: ABQ Alex Castellanos (18) off Walker (3rd inning, S) ABQ Scott Van Slyke (12) off Walker (6th inning, 2R) TIME: 3:17 ATT: 10,053
Scott Van Slyke's 6th inning homer tied the game, but the Isotopes bullpen immediately gave up go-ahead runs to the Rainiers and the Isotopes' 9th inning rally fell just short in a 7-6 loss to the Tacoma Rainiers (AAA Mariners) on Saturday evening at "The Lab".
Carlos Peguero doubled home a run in the 1st inning and Nate Tenbrink doubled home two runs in the 2nd inning as the Rainiers quickly built a 3-0 lead against Isotopes starter Matt Magill.
Alex Castellanos hit his team-leading 18th homer in the 3rd inning and in the 6th inning, Castellanos singled and scored on Van Slyke's two-run homer as the Isotopes knotted the game at 3-3.
Stephen Fife entered the game in relief for the Isotopes in the 7th inning and allowed run-scoring singles to Peguero and Carlos Triunfel as the Rainiers led 5-3.
Albuquerque edged to 5-4 in the 8th inning when Elian Herrera drew a leadoff walk and came around to score on three different wild pitches.
Triunfel singled home a run and Joseph Dunigan brought home a run with a sacrifice flyout in the 9th inning as Tacoma added some insurance runs and led 7-4.
In Albuquerque's bottom of the 9th inning rally, PCL All-Star Nick Buss walked but was erased from the basepaths when Justin Sellers reached on a fielder's choice. Brian Barden was hit by a pitch and Rusty Ryal singled home Sellers. Pinch-hitter Matt Angle singled home Barden to make it 7-6 Tacoma before Herrera and Castellanos each struck out to end the game with the game-tying run stranded on second base.
Isotopes Starter Line: Matt Magill 6 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 4 BB, 8 K, 0 HR, 2.54 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Matt Magill: 6 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 4 BB, 8 K, 0 HR, 2.54 ERA Scott Van Slyke: 2x3 (.360), 1 R, 1 HR (12), 2 RBI (39), 1 BB, 1 K Alex Castellanos: 2x5 (.260), 2 R, 1 HR (18), 1 RBI (52), 2 K
'TOPES NOTES: Division-leader Oklahoma City lost on Saturday, so the Isotopes remain four games back in the division. . . . Scott Van Slyke has homered in back-to-back games and Alex Castellanos has homered in two out of the three games in the series. . . . Albuquerque's woes in games decided by one run continues this season. The Isotopes are 14-23 and the 23 losses ties a franchise record for most one-run losses in a season. . . . The series concludes Sunday afternoon. Probables are RHP Red Patterson (6-4, 3.43) for the Isotopes and RHP Blake Beavan (4-4, 5.16) for the Rainiers.
Filed 08/10/2013

August 9, 2013 - Isotopes (65-55)
Isotopes Park Tacoma 010 000 000 -- 1 11 1 Albuquerque 200 120 10x -- 6 10 1 WP: Jonathan Sanchez (5-2) LP: Hector Noesi (3-2) HR: TAC Rich Poythress (12) off Sanchez (2nd inning, S) ABQ Justin Sellers (3) off Noesi (4th inning, S) ABQ Scott Van Slyke (11) off Sweeney (7th inning, S) TIME: 2:59 ATT: 8,316
Isotopes starter Jonathan Sanchez was solid, allowing a run in 6 innings while fanning 8 and the Isotopes offense had their highest run output in a game since July 29th in a 6-1 victory over the Tacoma Rainiers (AAA Mariners) on Friday evening at "The Lab". Albuquerque gained no ground in the division race as division-leader Oklahoma City also won on Friday evening to keep their four game lead over the Isotopes.
Albuquerque plated two runs in the 1st inning. Matt Angle led off with a single, Alex Castellanos drew a walk and both runners executed a double steal. Scott Van Slyke grounded out to bring home Angle and PCL All-Star Nick Buss ground-rule doubled to drive in Castellanos.
Rich Poythress solo homered in the 2nd inning for Tacoma's only run of the game.
Justin Sellers solo homered in the 4th inning and the Isotopes added two more runs in the 5th inning to lead 5-1. Alex Castellanos doubled with one out and went to third base on a fielding error on the play. Tony Gwynn Jr. singled Castellanos home, went to second base on Van Slyke's single, advanced to third base on Buss' groundout and scored on a wild pitch.
Van Slyke's solo homer after the 7th inning stretch provided the final Isotopes run of the game.
Isotopes Starter Line: Jonathan Sanchez (W, 5-2) 6 IP, 8 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 8 K, 1 HR, 4.63 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Scott Van Slyke: 2x4 (.354), 1 R, 1 HR (11), 2 RBI (37), 1 K Alex Castellanos: 1x2 (.257), 2 R, 1 2B (13), 2 BB, 1 K, SB (17)
DODGERS Rehab Report Brian Wilson: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, 0 HR, 0.00 ERA Wilson made his first rehabilitation assignment outing with the Isotopes and dominated the Rainiers, only needing 7 pitches to set down the Rainiers in order in the 7th inning. Joseph Dunigan grounded out to first base, Jason Jaramillo lined out to left field and Carlos Triunfel grounded out to second base.
'TOPES NOTES: In Isotopes transactions Friday, the Dodgers sent P Brian Wilson to Albuquerque on a rehabilitation assignment. IF Elevys Gonzalez was activated from the Disabled List and then transferred to Class-AA Chattanooga. . . . The series continues Saturday evening with RHP Matt Magill (4-0, 2.34) expected to pitch for the Isotopes against Rainiers probable RHP Taijuan Walker (2-2, 3.60).
Filed 08/09/2013

August 8, 2013 - Isotopes (64-55)
Isotopes Park Tacoma 100 010 400 -- 6 8 1 Albuquerque 110 000 000 -- 2 5 0 WP: Josh Kinney (2-2) LP: Rob Rasmussen (0-7) HR: TAC Abraham Almonte (7) off Palmer (1st inning, S) TAC Stefan Romero (7) off Rasmussen (7th inning, GS) ABQ Alex Castellanos (17) off Carraway (2nd inning, S) TIME: 3:05 ATT: 9,438
A grand-slam homer provided the game winning runs for the Tacoma Rainiers (AAA Mariners) in a 6-2 victory over Albuquerque in the opener of a series at "The Lab" on Thursday evening. Divison leader Oklahoma City snapped a 12-game winning streak with a loss Thursday, so the Isotopes remain four games back of the Redhawks with 25 games left to play.
Abraham Almonte homered to lead off the game for Tacoma and the Isotopes answered that run in the bottom half of the frame. Tony Gwynn Jr. drew a two-out walk, stole second base, went to third base on defensive indifference and scored on a wild pitch.
Alex Castellanos solo homered in the 2nd inning to give the Isotopes their only lead of the game.
Stefan Romero singled home a run in the 5th inning to knot the game at 2-2 and Romero grand-slam homered in the 7th inning for the go-ahead and insurance runs.
Isotopes Starter Line: Matt Palmer 6 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 4 K, 1 HR, 3.66 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Rob Rasmussen: (L, 0-7) 1.2 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, 1 HR, 6.46 ERA Scott Van Slyke: 0x2 (.351), 1 BB, 1 K Alex Castellanos: 2x4 (.256), 1 R, 1 2B (12), 1 HR (17), 1 RBI (51), 1 K
'TOPES NOTES: In Isotopes transactions on Thursday, the Dodgers outrighted C John Baker to the Isotopes, removing Baker from the Dodgers' 40-man roster. P Luis Vasquez was placed on the Disabled List with right bicep tendinitis. . . . There have been various Internet sources reporting that recently-signed P Brian Wilson will be coming to Albuquerque to continue his rehabilitation assignment as he gets some live game action in before the Dodgers add him to their roster. . . . The Dodger Pride award winners for the month of July were announced. At the Triple-A level, the Pitcher of the Month was Javy Guerra. Guerra converted all seven save opportunities for the month into saves and did not allow a run in 10 appearances. IF Dee Gordon was the Hitter of the Month, hitting .350 (35x100) with 18 runs, 19 walks and 18 stolen bases. . . . Rob Rasmussen earned the loss in the game, tying an Isotopes franchise record for most consecutive losing decisions (Sean Bergman - 2003). . . . Stefan Romero became the first Isotope opponent to grand-slam homer this season. . . . Tacoma's Abraham Almonte was the first opponent to have a leadoff homer against the Isotopes since Memphis' Adron Chambers on August 26, 2012 in Memphis. . . . Isotopes left fielder Scott Van Slyke was ejected by Home Plate umpire Nick Bailey in the 6th inning after Van Slyke struck out. . . . The Isotopes announced that they raised $7,006.40 to benefit the Susan G. Komen of Central New Mexico charity. The funds were raised from various live and silent auctions held during the Breast Cancer Awareness four-game homestand from July 26th-29th. The item with the top bid was Matt Kemp's game-worn Isotopes Jersey for $725 while the highest bid for the special Isotopes game-worn pink jersey worn in the four games was Justin Sellers' jersey which fetched $465. . . . The series continues Friday evening. Probables are LHP Jonathan Sanchez (4-2, 5.09) for the Isotopes and RHP Hector Noesi (3-1, 6.15) for the Rainiers.
Filed 08/08/2013

August 6, 2013 - Isotopes (64-54)
Chukchansi Park Albuquerque 001 300 000 -- 4 9 0 Fresno 000 000 001 -- 1 7 2 WP: Angel Castro (7-3) LP: Justin Fitzgerald (2-4) HR: ABQ John Baker (2) off Fitzgerald (3rd inning, S) TIME: 3:08 ATT: 6,949
In the California roadtrip finale, Isotopes starter Angel Castro tossed seven scoreless innings and the Isotopes offense produced the most runs of any game in the roadtrip in a 4-1 victory over the Fresno Grizzlies (AAA Giants). Despite the win that snapped a six-game losing streak, Albuquerque remained four games back in the division as division-leader Oklahoma City won their 12th straight game.
John Baker solo-homered in the 3rd inning and the Isotopes added three more runs in the 4th inning. Elian Herrera infield singled, Tony Gwynn Jr. drew a walk and PCL All-Star Nick Buss singled to load the bases with no outs. Brian Barden's sacrifice flyout brought home Herrera and after Ian Stewart walked to reload the bags, Justin Sellers infield singled to drive in Gwynn Jr. while Buss scored on a throwing error on the play.
Fresno plated their only run in the 9th inning. Francisco Peguero doubled and scored two outs later on Juan Perez's double.
Isotopes Starter Line: Angel Castro (W, 7-3) 7 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, 0 HR, 3.65 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: (none)
'TOPES NOTES: P Blake Johnson appears to be nearing a return to the Isotopes as he was sent to the Rookie-Level Arizona League Dodgers on a rehabilitation assignment. Johnson started Tuesday's game against the Arizona-League Cubs, earned a no-decision in the Dodgers' 2-1 victory, and tossed three scoreless innings while allowing no walks, 2 hits and he fanned 6 just-born Cubs. . . . The Grizzlies took three out of the four games in the only series with the Isotopes for the 2013 regular season and 27,386 attended at Chukchansi Park for a per-game average of 6,847. All-time, Fresno leads the series 24-20, including 14-10 in games in Fresno. . . . The Isotopes finished 4-12 against teams in the PCL Pacific Conference Southern Division this season (Sacramento, Fresno, Las Vegas and Tucson). . . . For Albuquerque's eight game California roadtrip in which they went 2-6, the Isotopes scored 13 runs and allowed 21 runs. . . . John Baker's homer was the first Isotopes homer in August and snapped a season-tying longest stretch of seven games in which Albuquerque did not have a homer. . . . Angel Castro earned his team-leading 7th victory in the game. . . . The Isotopes and the rest of the PCL have Wednesday off, the final day off for the league this season. On Thursday, the Isotopes return home for an eight-game homestand to finish 2013 regular season play against Pacific Conference foes. Probables for the opener against the Tacoma Rainiers (AAA Mariners) are to be announced for both clubs.
Filed 08/06/2013

August 5, 2013 - Isotopes (63-54)
Chukchansi Park Albuquerque 000 000 000 -- 0 5 1 Fresno 000 002 00x -- 2 7 1 WP: Mike Kickham (5-7) LP: Red Patterson (6-4) SV: George Kontos (3) TIME: 2:33 ATT: 5,766
The Isotopes offensive slump on the roadtrip hit its lowest point on Monday evening as Albuquerque was held scoreless in a 2-0 defeat to the Fresno Grizzlies (AAA Giants). Albuquerque has dropped six straight games and is four games behind Oklahoma City, who won their 11th straight game on Monday.
The only scoring happened in the 6th inning. Juan Perez doubled with one out and scored an out later on Francisco Peguero's single. Johnny Monell singled Peguero to third base and Hector Sanchez reached on Justin Sellers' throwing error with Peguero scoring on the play.
Isotopes Starter Line: Red Patterson (L, 6-4) 5.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 Er, 2 BB, 5 K, 0 HR, 3.43 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Alex Castellanos: 0x4 (.252), 2 K
'TOPES NOTES: The Dodgers recalled IF Dee Gordon from Albuquerque but it was not to replace Hanley Ramirez on the Dodgers roster. Instead, P Stephen Fife was optioned to Albuquerque one day after getting the victory in a tight 1-0 Dodgers win over the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. It remains to be seen if Ramirez will end up on the Disabled List or if he will just miss a few days with his jammed right shoulder. . . Albuquerque hitters were shut out for the second time in 117 games this season. . . . The Isotopes best scoring opportunity came in the 1st inning. Matt Angle was the only Isotopes baserunner to reach third base in the game and he was caught stealing trying to steal home. . . . The highlight of the game for the Isotopes had to be Isotopes starter Red Patterson, who no-hit the Grizzlies into the 5th inning with one out before giving up a single to Ehire Adrianza. . . . The Isotopes are in the middle of their season worst losing streak (6 games) and road losing streak (6 games). Albuquerque has lost their last five games played against Fresno. . . . Matt Angle had three of the Isotopes' five hits. . . . The Isotopes have gone seven straight games without a homer, tying their worst season homer drought streak. . . . A former Isotope suffered a horrible injury on Saturday. Salt Lake Bees (AAA Angels) OF Trent Oeltjen was hit in the face with a pitch in the 4th inning of a contest in Salt Lake against the Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals). The injury was bad enough that Oeltjen was placed on the Disabled List Monday with a fractured nose. . . . Of the players suspended after MLB concluded their investigation into Biogenesis, two were players in the PCL. Tacoma Rainiers (AAA Mariners) infielder Jesus Montero and Las Vegas 51s (AAA Mets) outfielder Jordany Valdespin were both placed on the Restricted List Monday. . . . The PCL Hitter of the Week is Ben Broussard of the Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals). Broussard hit .464 (13x28) with a homer and 5 RBI during the award week. . . . The PCL Pitcher of the Week is Brad Hand of the New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Marlins). Hand won both of his starts for the week, allowing no runs and 4 hits in 11 innings while walking 4 and fanning 16. . . . The Isotopes' nightmare roadtrip to California ends on Tuesday evening with Albuquerque needing a win to avoid the series sweep. Probables are RHP Angel Castro (6-3, 3.95) for the Isotopes and RHP Justin Fitzgerald (2-3, 5.19) for the Grizzlies.
Filed 08/05/2013

August 4, 2013 - Isotopes (63-53)
Chukchansi Park Albuquerque 001 000 000 -- 1 4 1 Fresno 000 100 100 -- 2 5 1 WP: Eric Surkamp (4-0) LP: Sean White (4-6) SV: Heath Hembree (26) HR: FRE Juan Perez (10) off Magill (4th inning, S) TIME: 2:46 ATT: 4,954
Johnny Monell's bases-loaded walk in the 7th inning snapped a 1-1 tie and gave the Fresno Grizzlies (AAA Giants) a 2-1 victory over the Isotopes on Sunday evening in Fresno. It was Albuquerque's season-worst fifth straight defeat and the Isotopes fell to three games back of Oklahoma City, who won their franchise-record 10th straight game on Sunday.
The Isotopes took their only lead of the game in the 3rd inning. Drew Butera doubled and two outs later, Brian Barden drove him in with a single.
Juan Perez solo homered in the 4th inning to knot the game at 1-1 and in the 7th inning, Jackson Williams walked, pinch-hitter Kensuke Tanaka sacrifice bunted Williams to second base, Gary Brown singled and Francisco Peguero walked to load the bases ahead of Monell's walk that plated Williams.
Isotopes Starter Line: Matt Magill 6 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 8 K, 1 HR, 2.34 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Matt Magill: 6 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 8 K, 1 HR, 2.34 ERA Rob Rasmussen: 0.0 IP (1 batter), 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, 0 HR, 5.98 ERA Alex Castellanos: 0x4 (.256), 2 K
'TOPES NOTES: The Dodgers recalled P Stephen Fife from his rehabilitation assignment to start Sunday's game at Wrigley Field against the Cubs. To make roster room for Fife on the Dodgers' 25-man roster, IF/OF Scott Van Slyke was optioned to Albuquerque. . . . The Isotopes are now 14-22 in games decided by one run this season. . . . Albuquerque has dropped their last four games played against Fresno, dating back to last season. . . . Dee Gordon did not play in the game, presumably to be available to be promoted to the Dodgers if Hanley Ramirez has to be placed on the Disabled List with a jammed right shoulder. . . . Before allowing a 4th inning homer, Matt Magill extended his consecutive scoreless innings streak to 12 innings, an Isotopes starter season-best. The Isotopes also lost the first game of the season in which Magill started on the bump (10-1 record in Magill starts). . . . LHP Rob Rasmussen (0-6, 5.98) is listed as Albuquerque's probable in game three of the series Monday evening, but it is possible that it could be someone else as Rasmussen pitched to one batter in tonight's game and gave up a walk to Johnny Monell that gave Fresno the go-ahead run. Fresno's probable is LHP Mike Kickham (4-7, 5.10).
Filed 08/04/2013

August 3, 2013 - Isotopes (63-52)
Chukchansi Park Albuquerque 000 000 002 -- 2 7 0 Fresno 201 001 00x -- 4 8 2 WP: Austin Fleet (1-3) LP: Jonathan Sanchez (4-2) SV: Heath Hembree (25) TIME: 3:10 ATT: 9,717
The Isotopes were down to their last out and appeared headed for their second shutout of the season when Dee Gordon knocked in two runs as Albuquerque avoided the shutout but still fell 4-2 to the Fresno Grizzlies (AAA Giants) in the series opener in Fresno on Saturday evening. The Isotopes have dropped four straight games and fell another game back in the standings. The Grizzlies were up 2-0 by the end of the 1st inning -- Francisco Peguero doubled home a run and Johnny Monell sacrifice flied out. Frenso added a run on a Monell RBI double in the 3rd inning amd Kensuke Tanaka doubled home a run in the 6th inning as Fresno led 4-0. In the 9th inning, pinch-hitter Alex Castellanos popped out to second base for the first out. Matt Angle drew a walk and Ian Stewart struck out swinging before Drew Butera delivered his first hit in an Isotopes suit to put runners on the corners. Rusty Ryal walked to load the bases and Gordon infield singled to drive in Angle and Butera. Ryal advanced to third base and Gordon to second base on an error on the play. Elian Herrera struck out swinging to end the game.
Isotopes Starter Line: Jonathan Sanchez (L, 4-2) 5 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 2 K, 0 HR, 5.09 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Alex Castellanos: 0x1 (.259)
'TOPES NOTES: PCL American Conference Southern Division leader Oklahoma City crushed Colorado Springs 24-5 on Saturday evening for their 9th straight win and extended their division lead over Albuquerque to two games. . . . Dee Gordon's 9th inning two-run single extended his hitting streak to a Isotope season-best 17 games. . . . Isotopes reliever Luis Vasquez was a bullpen saver in the game, eating the final three innings while fanning 3, walking one and giving up a run and four hits. . . . Albuquerque tied a season-worst with a four game losing streak and set a season-worst with a four-game road losing streak. . . . The series continues Sunday evening. Probables are RHP Matt Magill (4-0, 2.44) for the Isotopes and LHP Eric Surkamp (3-0, 3.90) for the Grizzlies.
Filed 08/03/2013

August 2, 2013 - Isotopes (63-51)
Raley Field Albuquerque 000 100 001 -- 2 7 1 Sacramento 110 000 01x -- 3 10 0 WP: Andrew Werner (10-12) LP: Matt Palmer (6-5) SV: Brian Gordon (11) TIME: 3:14 ATT: 10,251
The Isotopes bats were mostly silent once again in West Sacramento. Albuquerque looked like they were only going to come up with a run for the third game in a row until they were able to plate another run in a too-little, too-late 9th inning rally in falling to the Sacramento River Cats (AAA Athletics) 3-2. It was Albuquerque's third straight loss and the Isotopes fell out of first place in the division.
The first half of the game set up like a carbon copy of last night, with the River Cats plating a run in each of the first two innings and Albuquerque plating their first run in the 4th inning. In the 1st inning, the River Cats scored on Dee Gordon's throwing error and Andy Parrino sacrifice flied out in the 2nd inning.
In the 4th inning, PCL All-Star Nick Buss singled, stole second base, went to third base on Alex Castellanos' single and scored on Brian Barden's groundout.
The River Cats added an important insurance run in the 8th inning on Parrino's RBI double.
The Isotopes plated their final run in the 9th inning. Alex Castellanos doubled to lead off the frame and after Barden grounded out, Justin Sellers singled Castellanos to third base and Matt Angle cashed him in with a sacrifice fly. Rusty Ryal reached on a fielders choice force out to end the game.
Isotopes Starter Line: Matt Palmer (L, 6-5) 6 IP, 8 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 8 K, 0 HR, 3.69 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Alex Castellanos: 2x4 (.260), 1 R, 1 2B (11), SB (16)
'TOPES NOTES: In one Isotopes transaction for Friday, C Damaso Espino was placed on the Disabled List with a right calf strain. . . . P Stephen Fife's rehabilitation assignment may be over. The Dodgers.com website reported that Fife will be the starter for the Dodgers Sunday even though Dodgers manager Don Mattingly won't confirm the plan. . . . The Isotopes are one game behind the Oklahoma City Redhawks (AAA Astros) in the PCL American Conference Southern Division. Albuquerque is out of sole possession or a tie for first place for the first time since July 23rd. . . . The River Cats took three out of the four games in the only series of the regular season with the Isotopes and 32,588 attended at Raley Field for a per-game average of 8,147. It was the third season in a row that Albuquerque dropped three out of the four games against Sacramento in their only series of the season. All-time, Sacramento leads the series 27-17, including a 16-8 record against Albuquerque in games played in West Sacramento. . . . Dee Gordon had one hit in three at-bats to extend his hitting streak to 16 games, tying him with Brian Barden for the longest Isotope hitting streak this season. . . . The Isotopes were held homerless in the series, the third series this season that Albuquerque batters failed to hit a ball over the wall. . . . Matt Palmer threw 117 pitches in his six innings, the most pitches thrown by a starter this season. Palmer's quality start was his seventh of the season. . . . Albuquerque scored just six runs in the four game series. . . . The Isotopes conclude their eight-game California road trip with a four game series in Fresno against the Fresno Grizzlies (AAA Giants). Probables in the opener are LHP Jonathan Sanchez (4-1, 5.05) for the Isotopes and RHP Austin Fleet (0-3, 4.04) for the Grizzlies.
Filed 08/02/2013

August 1, 2013 - Isotopes (63-50)
Raley Field Albuquerque 000 100 000 -- 1 8 1 Sacramento 110 002 00x -- 4 10 0 WP: Arnold Leon (2-2) LP: Angel Castro (6-3) SV: Brian Gordon (10) TIME: 3:25 ATT: 8,021
For the second night in a row, the Isotopes were only able to muster a run and fell to the Sacramento River Cats (AAA Athletics) 4-1 on Thursday evening in West Sacramento, California. The loss was Albuquerque's second straight and it dropped them into a tie for first place in the division with Oklahoma City, who won their seventh straight game. Round Rock remains one game back of Albuquerque and Oklahoma City in the tight PCL American Conference Southern Division race with 31 games left.
Shane Peterson brought home a run with a sacrifice flyout in the 1st inning and Jemile Weeks tripled home a run in the 2nd inning as the River Cats built a 2-0 lead.
Albuquerque scored their only run in the 4th inning. PCL All-Star Nick Buss doubled with two outs, went to third base on Brian Barden's single and scored on Justin Sellers' single.
Hiroyuki Nakajima sacrificed flied out to bring home a run and Peterson singled home a run in the 6th inning for the final two runs of the game.
Isotopes Starter Line: Angel Castro (L, 6-3) 3.2 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 5 K, 0 HR, 3.95 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Alex Castellanos: 0x4 (.257), 1 K
'TOPES NOTES: Dee Gordon led the Isotopes with 2 hits in the game, extending his hitting streak to 15 games. . . . Angel Castro earned his first losing decision since May 4th against New Orleans. The loss snapped a streak of four straight winning decisions and his six defeats ties Rob Rasmussen for the team lead. . . . The Isotopes hope for a win on Friday evening to earn a series split against the River Cats in their final matchup of the 2013 regular season. Probables are RHP Matt Palmer (6-4, 3.83) for the Isotopes and LHP Andrew Werner (9-12, 6.23) for the River Cats.
Filed 08/01/2013

July 31, 2013 - Isotopes (63-49)
Raley Field Albuquerque 000 001 000 -- 1 4 0 Sacramento 200 030 00x -- 5 13 0 WP: Travis Banwart (7-5) LP: Rob Rasmussen (0-6) HR: SAC Michael Choice (14) off Rasmussen (5th inning, S) SAC Shane Peterson (8) off Rasmussen (5th inning, S) SAC Michael Taylor (16) off Rasmussen (5th inning, S) TIME: 3:03 ATT: 7,078
Isotopes franchise history was set in Sacramento on Wednesday evening and it was not the good kind as it helped send Albuquerque to a 5-1 defeat against the Sacramento River Cats (AAA Athletics). Albuquerque snapped a two-game winning streak yet remained one game up in the division as second-place Round Rock lost in Fresno for the second night in a row. Oklahoma City joined the tight division race by winning their sixth straight game to tie Round Rock a game back.
Shane Peterson doubled home a run and another run scored on a groundout as the River Cats were quickly up 2-0 after an inning of play.
Peterson, Michael Choice and Michael Taylor back-to-back-to-back homered off Isotopes starter Rob Rasmussen in the 5th inning as the River Cats built their lead to 5-0.
Albuquerque avoided the shutout in the 6th inning. Tony Gwynn Jr. walked, advanced to second and third bases on a pair of wild pitches and scored on PCL All-Star Nick Buss' infield single.
Isotopes Starter Line: Rob Rasmussen (L, 0-6) 4.1 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 4 BB, 1 K, 3 HR 5.98 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Rob Rasmussen: (L, 0-6) 4.1 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 4 BB, 1 K, 3 HR, 5.98 ERA Alex Castellanos: 0x4 (.261), 1 K
'TOPES NOTES: The Dodgers made a trade at the trade deadline Wednesday that ended up affecting the Isotopes. C Drew Butera was acquired from the Minnesota Twins for a player to be named later. The Dodgers added Butera to the 40-man roster and optioned him to Albuquerque. Butera split time between the Twins and their Triple-A Rochester in 2013 - going 0x3 in two games with the Twins and hitting .218 (19x87) with 2 homers and 10 RBI in 27 games with Rochester. The Dodgers also optioned IF/OF Elian Herrera to Albuquerque and recalled IF/OF Scott Van Slyke from Albuquerque. . . . Tonight was the first time Isotopes pitching has allowed back-to-back-to-back homers. Isotopes hitters have accomplished the feat once, in 2011. . . . Albuquerque pitching's season-high 18 consecutive scoreless innings streak came to an abrupt end when Sacramento plated two runs in the 1st inning. . . . Dee Gordon hit safely to extend his hitting streak to 14 games, the third longest Isotope hitting streak of the season. . . . With the month of July in the books, here are some stats for the month: 16-12 record (9-6 at home, 7-6 on the road), .248 team batting average, 3.56 team ERA, 44 stolen bases, and 18 homers. . . . Rob Rasmussen picked up his 6th defeat in the game, which leads the team. . . . The series continues Thursday evening. Probables are RHP Angel Castro (6-2, 3.90) for the Isotopes and RHP Arnold Leon (1-2, 5.76) for the River Cats.
Filed 07/31/2013

July 30, 2013 - Isotopes (63-48)
Raley Field Albuquerque 000 000 200 -- 2 4 0 Sacramento 000 000 000 -- 0 6 0 WP: Matt Magill (4-0) LP: Bruce Billings (10-5) SV: Javy Guerra (8) TIME: 2:50 ATT: 7,238
Isotopes starter Matt Magill was splendid in a pitching duel, tossing six innings of shutout ball with 3 hits allowed and 7 strikeouts and Peter Moylan, Kelvin De La Cruz and Javy Guerra finished Albuquerque's second shutout in a row as the Isotopes defeated the Sacramento River Cats (AAA Athletics) 2-0 in the series opener in West Sacramento on Tuesday evening. The Isotopes are a season-best 15 games over the .500 mark and moved into sole possession of first place in the division by one game due to Round Rock's loss in Fresno on Monday.
The Isotopes scored their only runs in the 7th inning. Matt Angle led off the inning with a triple and scored on Scott Van Slyke's double. Van Slyke went ot third base on PCL All-Star Nick Buss' groundout and scored on Justin Sellers's sacrifice flyout.
Isotopes Starter Line: Matt Magill (W, 4-0) 6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 3 Bb, 7 K, 0 HR, 2.44 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Matt Magill: (W, 4-0) 6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 7 K, 0 HR, 2.44 ERA Scott Van Slyke: 1x4 (.355), 1 R, 1 2B (14), 1 RBI (35), 2 K Alex Castellanos: 0x4 (.264)
'TOPES NOTES: Sacramento starter Bruce Billings was the hard-luck loser in the pitching duel, going 8 innings while allowing 4 hits, two runs, a walk and fanning four. . . . This is the first time the Isotopes have tossed back-to-back shutouts this season and it was the fifth Isotope pitching shutout of the season. The last time Albuquerque accomplished back-to-back pitching shutouts was May 26-27, 2010 against the Reno Aces at Isotopes Park. . . . Albuquerque pitching's consecutive scoreless innings streak is currently at 18 innings. . . . Nick Buss went hitless to snap a 12-game hitting streak, while Dee Gordon singled to extend his hitting streak to 13 games. . . . The Isotopes are a perfect 10-0 in games that Matt Magill starts. . . . The series continues Wednesday evening. Probables are LHP Rob Rasmussen (0-5, 5.59) for the Isotopes and RHP Travis Banwart (6-5, 4.95) for the River Cats.
Filed 07/30/2013

July 29, 2013 - Isotopes (62-48)
Isotopes Park New Orleans 000 000 000 -- 0 6 1 Albuquerque 100 130 30x -- 8 11 0 WP: Jonathan Sanchez (4-1) LP: Doug Mathis (5-8) HR: ABQ Scott Van Slyke (10) off Mathis (5th inning, 3R) ABQ Rusty Ryal (3) off Leverton (7th inning, 3R) TIME: 2:53 ATT: 5,780
Jonathan Sanchez and three relievers combined on a six-hit shutout and Scott Van Slyke and Rusty Ryal added three-run homers in Albuquerque's 8-0 shutout of the New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Marlins) in the series finale at "The Lab" on Monday afternoon. The Isotopes remained in a first place tie in the division with Round Rock as the Express also won on Monday.
It only took the first two Isotopes hitters to put a run on the scoreboard. Dee Gordon tripled and scored on Alex Castellanos' groundout.
Ian Stewart doubled with two outs and scored on Damaso Espino's single in the 4th inning.
The Isotopes broke open the game in the 5th inning to lead 5-0. Castellanos singled with one out, stole second base, Tony Gwynn Jr. walked and Van Slyke followed with a three-run homer.
With two outs in the 7th inning, Albuquerque plated their final three runs. Van Slyke walked, PCL All-Star Nick Buss singled and pinch-hitter Rusty Ryal three-run homered.
Isotopes Starter Line: Jonathan Sanchez (W, 4-1) 5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 5 BB, 6 K, 0 HR, 5.05 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Scott Van Slyke: 2x3 (.358), 2 R, 1 HR (10), 3 RBI (34), 1 BB, 1 K Alex Castellanos: 1x4 (.268), 1 R, 1 RBI (50), 1 K, SB (15)
'TOPES NOTES: Four Zephyrs runners reached third base in the game. . . . Jonathan Sanchez, Sean White, Kelvin De La Cruz and Steve Smith combined to pitch Albuquerque's fourth shutout of the season. The eight run victory was Albuquerque's largest shutout margin win of the season. . . . The Isotopes took three out of the four games in the series and 27,827 attended for a per-game average of 6,957. Today's game marked the final 2013 game between the two clubs at Isotopes Park and Albuquerque won five of the eight games and all-time, the Isotopes are 56-33 against the Zephyrs at "The Lab". . . . Rusty Ryal had the first pinch-hit homer since Nick Buss' on April 30th against Memphis. It was the second pinch-hit homer of the season and 18th in franchise history. . . . Nick Buss and Dee Gordon each extended their hitting streaks to 12 games. . . . The Isotopes and division co-leader Round Rock each have the best record in the PCL at 62-48. . . . The PCL Hitter of the Week is Jordany Valdespin of the Las Vegas 51s (AAA Mets), who hit .550 (11x20) with a homer and 10 RBI during the award week. . . . Brian Flynn of the New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Marlins) is the PCL Pitcher of the Week. Flynn made two starts and went 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA. In 14 2/3 innings, Flynn allowed 7 hits, no runs, walked 3 and struck out 16. Flynn earned the victory against Albuquerque on Sunday evening in the just-completed four-game series. . . . In news about baseball players with local ties, IF Jordan Pacheco was optioned to Triple-A Colorado Springs from the Rockies. Pacheco appeared in 69 games with the Rockies in 2013, hitting .229 with 1 homer and 17 RBI. . . . Another former Isotope has passed away. Almost a month after former-Isotope Justin Miller passed away, P Frank Castillo (2005 Isotopes) drowned while swimming in Bartlett Lake near Phoenix on Sunday. He was 44. . . . The Isotopes start their final 16-game stretch of play against Pacific Conference opponents on Tuesday night and the first eight of those games are on the road in California. Albuquerque faces a tough road trip as historically the Isotopes have gone 16-24 in their Sacramento/Fresno road trip. Probables on Tuesday night are RHP Matt Magill (3-0, 2.76) for the Isotopes and RHP Bruce Billings (10-4, 4.37) for the Sacramento River Cats (AAA Athletics). The River Cats were recently named by Forbes magazine as the most valuable franchise in all of minor league baseball -- $38 million estimated team value, $14 million in 2012 revenue with operating income of $7.1 million. Sacramento has led the PCL in attendance in eight of the ten full seasons the Isotopes have been in the league.
Filed 07/29/2013

July 28, 2013 - Isotopes (61-48)
Isotopes Park New Orleans 000 100 101 -- 3 5 0 Albuquerque 000 000 002 -- 2 6 1 WP: Brian Flynn (4-10) LP: Stephen Fife (1-2) SV: Chris Hatcher (28) HR: NRL Jake Smolinski (8) off Ortega (9th inning, S) TIME: 2:26 ATT: 6,598
The good news is that the Isotopes were able to plate two runs in the 9th inning to avoid being shutout but the bad news is that New Orleans Zephyrs' (AAA Marlins) Jake Smolinski's solo homer in the top of the 9th inning ended up being the deciding run in New Orleans' 3-2 victory over Albuquerque on Sunday evening. Albuquerque snapped a two-game winning streak and fell back into a first place tie in the division since Round Rock won their game in extra innings.
The Zephyrs' Gil Velazquez walked and scored on Jordan Brown's double with a throwing error on the play in the 4th inning and New Orleans extended the lead to 2-0 in the 7th inning on a Kyle Jensen sacrifice flyout.
Smolinski homered with two outs in the 9th inning to extend the Zephyrs lead to 3-0 heading into the bottom of the 9th inning.
Scott Van Slyke walked and PCL All-Star Nick Buss singled to get the bottom of the 9th inning started for Albuquerque. Justin Sellers ripped a double down the right field line to plate them both to end the shutout. Sellers went to third base on Brian Barden's sacrifice bunt before John Baker popped out to third and Rusty Ryal struck out to end the game with the precious game-tying run left on third base.
Isotopes Starter Line: Stephen Fife (L, 1-2) 6 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 7 K, 0 HR, 3.42 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Scott Van Slyke: 1x3 (.352), 1 R, 1 BB Alex Castellanos: 0x4 (.268), 2 K
DODGERS Rehab Report Stephen Fife: (L, 1-2) 6 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 7 K, 0 HR, 3.42 Fife made his second MLB rehabilitation assignment start for Albuquerque, allowed one unearned run and took the loss in the game due to poor run support. Fife faced 22 batters, threw 81 pitches with 55 for strikes, and had five groundouts, three fly ball outs and seven strikeouts.
'TOPES NOTES: The 2 hour, 26 minute game was the shortest 9-inning home game of the season by 13 minutes. . . . The Isotopes are 14-20 in games decided by one run this season. . . . Steven Ames, who started the season in Albuquerque and was traded to the Miami Marlins in the trade that brought Ricky Nolasco to the Dodgers, was called up by the Marlins on Sunday, his first major-league promotion. . . . Nick Buss singled in his only at-bat to extend his hitting streak to 11 games. . . . There were no Isotope stolen bases in the game, snapping a season-best streak of nine straight games with a steal. . . . The series concludes Monday afternoon. Probables are LHP Jonathan Sanchez (3-1, 5.87) for the Isotopes and RHP Doug Mathis (5-7, 3.64) for the Zephyrs.
Filed 07/28/2013

July 27, 2013 - Isotopes (61-47)
Isotopes Park Regularly Scheduled Game, Shortened to 7 innings New Orleans 201 000 1 -- 4 9 1 Albuquerque 000 410 x -- 5 7 0 WP: Sean White (4-5) LP: Rett Varner (0-3) SV: Peter Moylan (3) HR: NRL Kevin Kouzmanoff (5) off Patterson (3rd inning, S) ABQ Ian Stewart (7) off Varner (4th inning, 2R) TIME: 2:33 ATT: 10,195
The Isotopes plated four runs in the 4th inning to take the lead and held off the New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Marlins) 5-4 in the regularly scheduled game for Saturday, shortened to 7 innings. Albuquerque won both games played on Saturday and have a one game lead in the PCL American Conference Southern Division that could have been two games had second-place Round Rock not had late-inning heroics to win their game on Saturday.
Jordan Brown doubled home a run and Kevin Kouzmanoff brought in a run with a groundout in the 1st inning and Kouzmanoff added a solo homer in the 3rd inning as the Zephyrs built a 3-0 lead.
In Albuquerque's big 4th inning, PCL All-Star Nick Buss reached on a fielder's choice and scored on Ian Stewart's two-run homer. Rusty Ryal drew a walk and scored an out later on pinch-hitter Matt Angle's triple. Dee Gordon followed with a single to drive in Angle.
The Isotopes extended the lead to 5-3 in the 5th inning. Van Slyke walked, stole second base, went to third base on Buss' single and scored on an error on the play.
Jake Smolinksi doubled home the final run for New Orleans in the 7th inning.
Isotopes Starter Line: Red Patterson 4 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, 1 HR, 3.64 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Scott Van Slyke: 0x0 (.352), 1 R, 3 BB, SB (6)
'TOPES NOTES: In the lone Isotope transaction on Saturday, former-UNM pitcher Steven Smith has rejoined the Isotopes from Class-AA Chattanooga. Smith went 1-3 with a 6.61 ERA in 13 games (3 starts) with the Lookouts and previously appeared this season in 11 games (1 start) with Albuquerque. . . . There have been two instances this season in which an Isotopes game was suspended due to weather and resumed and Albuquerque has won the completion of a suspended game and the regularly scheduled game in both instances. . . . Scott Van Slyke suddenly appears to be a speedster, having stolen three bags in his last four games. . . . Albuquerque is back to tying their highest high-water mark of the season -- 14 games over .500. . . . Dee Gordon stole four bags total in the two games today and is now the Isotopes' single-season stolen base leader. Gordon has 42 swipes on the year, surpassing Reggie Abercrombie's 41 stolen bases in the 2007 season. Gordon also hit safely to extend his hitting streak to 11 games. . . . Nick Buss also hit safely to extend his hitting streak to 10 games. . . . Albuquerque has a stolen base in a season-high nine straight games. . . . The 2 hour, 33 minute contest was Albuquerque's longest scheduled 7-inning contest of the season. . . . The Isotopes surpassed the 400,000 mark in 2013 home attendance tonight (406,576) and they achieved the mark in 52 home openings. . . . The series continues Sunday evening. P Stephen Fife (1-1, 4.58) will be making another rehabilitation assignment start for Albuquerque, possibly his final one before the Dodgers activate him from the Disabled List. LHP Brian Flynn (3-10, 3.36) is expected to start for New Orleans.
Filed 07/27/2013

July 27, 2013 - Isotopes (60-47)
Isotopes Park Completion of a Suspended Game from July 26th New Orleans 210 010 010 -- 5 11 4 Albuquerque 310 300 01x -- 8 10 2 WP: Matt Palmer (6-4) LP: Jared Rogers (5-3) SV: Javy Guerra (7) HR: NRL Kevin Kouzmanoff (4) off Castro (1st inning, 2R) NRL Kyle Skipworth (6) off Palmer (2nd inning, S) NRL Kyle Skipworth (7) off De La Cruz (8th inning, S) ABQ Nick Buss (15) off Rogers (1st inning, 2R) TIME: 3:15 ATT: 5,254
The Isotopes fell behind the New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Marlins) 2-1 in the 1st inning when the rains came and the game was eventually suspended on Friday. When the game resumed Saturday, the Isotopes' 1st inning rally did not die as they took the lead and eventually won 8-5.
On Friday evening when the game started, Bryan Peterson doubled to lead off the game and came around to score on Kevin Kouzmanoff's two-run homer in the top of the 1st inning.
In the bottom of the 1st inning, Dee Gordon led off with a double, Matt Angle walked, a wild pitch moved up both runners a base and a throwing error on the play allowed Gordon to score. Alex Castellanos struck out swinging and Scott Van Slyke flew out before the rains delayed the game with Angle standing on second base. PCL All-Star Nick Buss had a 0-1 count when the game was halted and when the game resumed, Buss fouled off two pitches, took two balls and then deposited a pitch over the right field wall to give Albuquerque a 3-2 lead.
Kyle Skipworth solo homered in the 2nd inning to tie the game at 2-2 and the Isotopes regained the lead in the bottom of the 2nd inning when Isotopes pitcher Matt Palmer drew a two-out walk and scored on Dee Gordon's triple.
Albuquerque added some breathing room with a three-run 4th inning to lead 7-3. Ian Stewart singled, went to second base on Palmer's sacrifice bunt, Gordon reached on an error and after Gordon stole second base, Angle ground-rule doubled to plate Stewart and Gordon. Angle then scored on Castellanos' single.
Former-Isotope Nick Green singled home a run in the 5th inning and Skipworth solo-homered for the second time in the game in the 8th inning as the Zephyrs closed to 7-5.
The Isotopes plated their final run in the bottom of the 8th inning. Gordon singled, stole second base, went to third base on Angle's groundout and scored on Buss's single.
Isotopes Starter Line: Angel Castro 1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, 1 HR, 3.90 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Scott Van Slyke: 1x4 (.352), 1 2B (13), 1 BB Alex Castellanos: 1x5 (.272), 1 RBI (49), 3 K, SB (14)
'TOPES NOTES: For Breast Cancer Awareness homestand, the Isotopes are wearing special uniforms that are white jersey tops with pink sleeves and the pink Breast Cancer Awareness ribbon is wallpapered all over the white jersey top. . . . Despite tossing 20 pitches in one inning Friday, Angel Castro did not continue on the mound when the game resumed. Matt Palmer picked up for Castro and tossed 6 innings, allowing 6 hits, 2 runs (1 earned), 3 walks and fanned 6. . . . All seven Isotopes RBI in the game came with two outs. . . . Dee Gordon extended his hitting streak to 10 games, the fifth Isotope double-digit hitting streak of the season. Gordon was also a homer short of hitting for the cycle. . . . Nick Buss had 3 hits in the game and extended his hitting streak to 9 games. . . .
Filed 07/27/2013

July 26, 2013 - Isotopes - Suspended, Rain
Isotopes Park New Orleans 2xx xxx xxx -- 2 3 1 Albuquerque 1xx xxx xxx -- 1 1 0 HR: NRL Kevin Kouzmanoff (4) off Castro (1st inning, 2R)
The Isotopes were down 2-1 to the New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Marlins) and batting in the bottom of the 1st inning when the rains came and the game was eventually suspended due to rain. The two teams will pick up the suspended game Saturday afternoon at 4:05 PM, weather permitting, and then the Saturday's regularly scheduled game will follow, shortened to seven innings by PCL rules.
It was Albuquerque's second home game suspended due to rain this season and the 11th home suspended game in franchise history.
Bryan Peterson doubled to lead off the game and came around to score on Kevin Kouzmanoff's two-run homer in the top of the 1st inning.
In the bottom of the 1st inning, Dee Gordon led off with a double, Matt Angle walked, a wild pitch moved up both runners a base and a throwing error on the play allowed Gordon to score. Alex Castellanos struck out swinging and Scott Van Slyke flew out before the rains delayed the game with Angle standing on second base.
With co-division leader Round Rock losing their game, the Isotopes move into sole possession of first place by a half-game. A win of the completion of the suspended game would move Albuquerque one full game up heading into Saturday's regularly scheduled game, or a loss would bring the Isotopes into a tie with Round Rock before Saturday's regularly scheduled game is played.
It has not been reported if Angel Castro of the Isotopes and Jay Jackson of the Zephyrs will be on the mound when the game resumes. Castro threw 20 pitches and Jackson 15 pitches. If both starters are unable to continue, the suspended game could restart with relievers or Saturday's normal probables (RHP Matt Palmer - 5-4, 3.99 ERA for Albuquerque; RHP Jared Rogers - 5-2, 5.56 ERA for New Orleans) might resume the game rather than start the regularly scheduled game later in the evening.
Filed 07/26/2013

July 25, 2013 - Isotopes (59-47)
Herschel Greer Stadium Albuquerque 000 100 010 -- 2 5 0 Nashville 100 200 00x -- 3 6 2 WP: Johnny Hellweg (9-4) LP: Rob Rasmussen (0-5) SV: Jesus Sanchez (1) TIME: 2:53 ATT: 8,170
Rob Rasmussen turned in a quality start, going 6 innings while allowing 3 runs, but his teammates couldn't provide him enough run support as the Isotopes dropped the series finale to the Nashville Sounds (AAA Brewers) 3-2. With division co-leader Round Rock also losing their game, the Isotopes loss did not cost them a tie for first place in the division.
Robinzon Diaz singled home a run for Nashville in the bottom of the 1st inning and Albuquerque knotted the game at 1-1 in the 4th inning. Scott Van Slyke drew a one out walk, stole second base, advanced to third base on a throwing error on the stolen base attempt and scored on PCL All-Star Nick Buss' sacrifice flyout.
Nashville did not take long to regain the lead, scoring runs on Cole Garner's double and Josh Prince's sacrifice flyout in the home half of the 4th inning to take a 3-1 lead.
Tony Gwynn Jr. reached on a fielder's choice, went to third base on Van Slyke's single and scored on Buss' fielder's choice in the 8th inning for the final run of the game.
Isotopes Starter Line: Rob Rasmussen (L, 0-5) 6 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 5 BB, 4 K, 0HR, 5.59 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Rob Rasmussen: (L, 0-5) 6 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 5 BB, 4 K, 0 HR, 5.59 ERA Scott Van Slyke: 1x3 (.355), 1 R, 1 BB, 1 K, SB (5) Alex Castellanos: 0x1 (.274), 1 K
'TOPES NOTES: The Dodgers designated P Ted Lilly for assignment on Thursday and recalled OF Elian Herrera from Albuquerque. At the time of this promotion to the Dodgers, Herrera was hitting .290 with 6 homers and 40 RBI in 80 games. . . . The Isotopes split the four game series with the Sounds, the team with the worst record in the PCL. 18,172 attended at Herschel Greer Stadium for a per-game average of 4,543. Tonight's game was the final 2013 regular season game between the two clubs in Nashville and Albuquerque took five of the eight games. Nashville comes to Albuquerque for a five-game series in August to complete the regular season 16-game series. . . . The Isotopes are now 13-19 in games decided by one run this season. . . . Dee Gordon and Nick Buss each hit safely in the game, extending their hitting streaks. Gordon has a 9-game hitting streak while Buss is right behind with a 8-game hitting streak. . . . Dee Gordon, Scott Van Slyke and Nick Buss each had a stolen base in the game. The same trio were the only Isotopes with steals in last night's game as well. . . . Albuquerque returns home Friday evening for a four-game weekend series against the New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Marlins). All four games will have various Breast Cancer Awareness promotions. Probables in the opener are RHP Angel Castro (6-2, 3.73) for the Isotopes and RHP Jay Jackson (1-1, 5.40) for the Zephyrs.
Filed 07/25/2013

July 24, 2013 - Isotopes (59-46)
Herschel Greer Stadium Albuquerque 100 311 003 -- 9 12 0 Nashville 010 000 000 -- 1 6 3 WP: Matt Magill (3-0) LP: Aaron Laffey (4-5) HR: ABQ Nick Buss (14) off Lowe (5th inning, S) TIME: 3:38 ATT: 3,444
Isotopes starter Matt Magill pitched into the 6th inning, allowing a run and fanning 10 Nashville Sounds (AAA Brewers) batters in the Isotopes' 9-1 victory. Albuquerque has won two straight games and are back in a first place division tie with Round Rock, who lost their game on Wednesday. Dee Gordon got the Isotopes off to a fast 1-0 lead in the 1st inning. Gordon infield singled, stole second base, went to third base on an error during the stolen base attempt and scored on Elian Herrera's groundout. Hunter Morris singled, went to second base on a balk and scored two outs later on Blake Davis' triple in the 2nd inning for Nashville's only run of the game. Albuquerque plated three runs in the 4th inning to regain the lead. PCL All-Star Nick Buss singled, stole second base, and went to third base on an error during the stolen base attempt. Ian Stewart drew a walk ahead of Brian Barden's single to drive in Buss. Damaso Espino reached on an error to load the bases and Magill drew a walk to bring Stewart home. After Gordon reached on a fielder's choice with Barden forced out at Home Plate, Herrera singled Espino home.
Buss solo-homered in the 5th inning and in the 6th inning, Magill doubled, went to third base on Herrera's sacrifice bunt and scored on Scott Van Slyke's sacrifice flyout.
The Isotopes added their final three runs in the 9th inning. Stewart led off with a walk, went to third base on Espino's single and scored on pinch-hitter Matt Angle's single. Gordon singled to load the bases, Justin Sellers was hit by a pitch to bring home Espino and Alex Castellanos grounded out with Angle scoring.
Isotopes Starter Line: Matt Magill (W, 3-0) 5.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 10 K, 0 HR, 2.76 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Matt Magill: (W, 3-0) 5.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 10 K, 0 HR, 2.76 ERA Scott Van Slyke: 0x3 (.356), 1 RBI (31), 2 BB, SF, SB (4) Alex Castellanos: 1x5 (.276), 1 RBI (48), 1 BB
'TOPES NOTES: Matt Magill struck out 10 batters, tying an Isotope team season-best for most strikeouts by a hurler that was first set last night by Jonathan Sanchez. . . . Aaron Laffey was the Nashville starter. He was pitching for the Isotopes until early July when he exercised an opt-out clause in his contract and became a free agent. The Brewers signed him and assigned him to Nashville. Laffey worked four innings against his former teammates, allowing 5 hits, 4 runs (3 earned), walked 3 and struck out none. . . . Dee Gordon and Nick Buss each hit safely to extend their hitting streaks. Gordon has an eight-game streak while Buss has a seven-game hitting streak. . . . Isotope pitchers have struck out 39 Nashville batters in the series so far, resulting in an impressive 50% of Nashville outs have come by strikeout. . . . The Dodgers placed OF Matt Kemp on the Disabled List, but the Isotopes roster was not affected as P Ted Lilly was activated from the Dodgers' Disabled List. . . . The series concludes Thursday evening. Probables are LHP Rob Rasmussen (0-4, 5.74) for the Isotopes and RHP Johnny Hellweg (8-4, 2.61) for the Sounds.
Filed 07/24/2013

July 23, 2013 - Isotopes (58-46)
Herschel Greer Stadium Albuquerque 001 001 110 -- 4 9 0 Nashville 010 010 000 -- 2 4 2 WP: Jonathan Sanchez (3-1) LP: Zach Kroenke (4-13) SV: Javy Guerra (6) HR: ABQ Alex Castellanos (16) off Heckathorn (8th inning, S) NSH Josh Prince (9) off Sanchez (5th inning, S) TIME: 3:24 ATT: 3,555
Isotopes starter Jonathan Sanchez allowed two runs in six innings of work and the Isotopes had a string of three straight innings with a score that provided the game-tying and go ahead runs in a 4-2 victory over the Nashville Sounds (AAA Brewers) on Tuesday evening in Nashville. The Isotopes snapped a three game losing streak yet remained one game back in the division since division-leader Round Rock also won their game.
Nashville was first on the scoreboard in the game with run-scoring wild pitch in the 2nd inning and the Isotopes tied the game at 1-1 the next half inning. Damaso Espino singled, went to second base on Sanchez's sacrifice bunt and scored on Elian Herrera's single.
Josh Prince's solo homer in the 5th inning gave Nashville the lead back at 2-1.
The Isotopes plated a run from the 6th to 8th innings to regain the lead and add some insurance runs. In the 6th inning, Alex Castellanos was hit by a pitch, stole second and scored when Justin Sellers reached on a fielding error and then fielders interference was added due to Castellanos being obstructed on the basepaths. Espino singled, went to second base on Sanchez's sacrifice bunt and scored on Dee Gordon's single in the 7th inning for the go-ahead run and Castellanos added his team leading 16th homer in the 8th inning to make it 4-2.
Isotopes Starter Line: Jonathan Sanchez (W, 3-1) 6 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 10 K, 1 HR, 5.87 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Scott Van Slyke: 0x4 (.364), 4 K Alex Castellanos: 1x4 (.276), 2 R, 1 HR (16), 1 RBI (47), 3 K, SB (13), HBP
'TOPES NOTES: In the lone Isotopes transaction Tuesday, P Geison Aguasviva was transferred to Class-AA Chattanooga to make roster room for IF/OF Scott Van Slyke, who the Dodgers optioned to Albuquerque a few days ago. . . . Alex Castellanos has homered in back-to-back games, the third time this season he has strung together consecutive games with a homer. . . . The Isotopes are 12-3 on Tuesdays, their best day of the week. . . . Jonathan Sanchez struck out 10 batters, the most for an Isotope starter this season. Sanchez had his first quality start of the season and the Isotopes are 6-1 in games that Sanchez has started. . . . The series continues Wednesday evening. Probables are RHP Matt Magill (2-0, 2.90) for the Isotopes and LHP Aaron Laffey (0-1, 4.82 with Nashville) for the Sounds. Laffey begun the 2013 season in Albuquerque and exercised an opt-out clause in his contract in July to become a free agent and then inked a deal with the Brewers and was assigned to Triple-A Nashville.
Filed 07/23/2013

July 22, 2013 - Isotopes (57-46)
Herschel Greer Stadium Albuquerque 010 000 310 -- 5 8 0 Nashville 002 010 30x -- 6 12 0 WP: Travis Webb (2-4) LP: Matt Palmer (5-4) SV: Rob Wooten (20) HR: ABQ Alex Castellanos (15) off Dillard (8th inning, S) NSH Khris Davis (13) off Palmer (7th inning, 3R) TIME: 3:04 ATT: 3,003
Right after the Isotopes regained the lead in the 7th inning, a three-run Nashville Sounds (AAA Brewers) homer doomed the Isotopes in a 6-5 loss in the series opener in Nashville on Monday evening. Albuquerque has dropped three straight games and tonight's loss, combined with Round Rock's shutout victory, dropped the Isotopes out of first place in the PCL American Conference Southern Division.
Nick Buss singled, stole second base and scored on Justin Sellers' double in the 2nd inning to get Albuquerque on the scoreboard and the Sounds took the lead in the bottom of the 3rd inning on a Scooter Gennett RBI single and a run-scoring wild pitch.
Khris Davis added a RBI single in the 5th inning to extend Nashville's lead to 3-1.
In the top of the 7th inning, Alex Castellanos doubled, Rusty Ryal walked and PCL All-Star Nick Buss walked to load the bases. An out later, Brian Barden singled home Castellanos, John Baker singled home Ryal and after Isotopes reliever Matt Palmer was out on the infield fly rule, Dee Gordon drew a walk to plate Buss with the go-ahead run at 4-3.
Khris Davis three-run homered with one out in the bottom of the 7th inning to give Nashville a 6-4 lead and Alex Castellanos' solo homer in the 8th inning was the final Isotopes run.
Isotopes Starter Line: Stephen Fife 4 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 6 K, 0 HR, 4.58 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Alex Castellanos: 2x4 (.277), 2 R, 1 2B (10), 1 HR (15), 1 RBI (46)
DODGERS Rehab Report Stephen Fife: 4 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 6 K, 0 HR, 4.58 ERA Fife is nearing a return to the Dodgers after being placed on the Dodgers' Disabled List with right shoulder bursitis on July 6th, the second time that injury has landed him on the DL this season. Fife started and allowed 2 runs and 4 hits in 4 innings. Fife faced 18 batters, tossed 63 pitches with 39 for strikes, uncorked two wild pitches including one that allowed a run to score, and had four flyouts, two groundouts, and six strikeouts.
'TOPES NOTES: The Dodgers sent P Stephen Fife to Albuquerque on a rehabilitation assignment and Fife started tonight's game against the Sounds. . . . Tonight's scheduled Isotope starter, Matt Palmer, entered the game after Fife's rehab outing was done. Palmer allowed four runs and 8 hits in 3.1 innings. . . . Isotope pitchers struck out a season-high 15 opponent batters, led by Matt Palmer's 8 batters and Stephen Fife's 6 batters. . . . The Isotopes are in second place in the division for the first time since July 7th. . . . Dee Gordon and Nick Buss each hit safely in the game to extend their hitting streaks to 6 games. . . . Albuquerque's Ian Stewart was ejected by Home Plate umpire Gerard Ascani in the 3rd inning for an unknown reason. Stewart was not in the game and complained about something from the dugout. . . . Stephen Vogt of the Sacramento River Cats (AAA Athletics) is the PCL Hitter of the Week. Vogt hit .611 (11x18) with 3 homers and 11 RBI during the award week. . . . Evan Meek of the Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) is the PCL Pitcher of the Week after going 1-0 in one start with a 0.00 ERA. Meek allowed no runs, 4 hits, 2 walks and fanned 4 in eight innings of work. . . . The series continues Tuesday evening. Probables are LHP Jonathan Sanchez (2-1, 6.93) for the Isotopes and RHP R.J. Seidel (2-4, 5.52) for the Sounds.
Filed 07/22/2013

July 21, 2013 - Isotopes (57-45)
Isotopes Park Omaha 000 240 002 -- 8 13 1 Albuquerque 021 000 300 -- 6 10 0 WP: Francisley Bueno (2-3) LP: Sean White (3-5) SV: Michael Mariot (7) HR: OMA Anthony Seratelli (10) off Castro (4th inning, S) ABQ Elian Herrera (6) off Dwyer (3rd inning, S) TIME: 3:45 ATT: 7,751
The Isotopes battled to tie the game in the 7th inning and it was the Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) who were able to plate the game-winning runs with two outs in the 9th inning to take a 8-6 victory over Albuquerque in the series finale at "The Lab" on Sunday night. The Isotopes have dropped two straight games and fell into a first place tie in the division with Round Rock.
The Isotopes got on the scoreboard in the 2nd inning. Nick Buss singled, stole second base and scored on Justin Sellers' double. An out later, Brian Barden singled home Sellers.
Elian Herrera solo homered in the 3rd inning to extend Albuquerque's lead to 3-0.
The Storm Chasers begun their rally to take the lead in the 4th inning when Anthony Seratelli homered for the second night in a row and Quintin Berry singled home a run later in the inning.
Omaha added four runs to the scoreboard in the 5th inning to take a 6-3 lead on Ben Broussard's RBI double, Pedro Ciriaco's two-run double and Berry's infield hit.
The Isotopes knotted the game at 6-6 right after the 7th inning stretch using some two-out magic. Herrera reached on a fielder's choice, stole second base and Tony Gwynn Jr. drew a walk. Herrera went to third base on a wild pitch, Alex Castellanos walked to load the bases and Buss delivered a two-run single to drive in Herrera and Gwynn Jr. Buss went to second base and Castellanos to third base on a throwing error on Buss's single before Sellers walked to load the bases and Ian Stewart walked to bring home Castellanos with the game-tying run.
In the 9th inning with two outs, Berry singled home the go-ahead run for Omaha and Mitch Canham doubled home Berry for an insurance run.
Isotopes Starter Line: Angel Castro 4.2 IP, 9 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 3 BB, 2 K, 1 HR, 3.73 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Alex Castellanos: 1x4 (.273), 1 R, 1 3B (4), 1 BB, 2 K
'TOPES NOTES: The Dodgers activated OF Matt Kemp from the major-league Disabled List on Sunday and optioned IF/OF Scott Van Slyke to Albuquerque. . . . Omaha won three out of the four games in the series and 35,250 attended the series for a per-game average of 8,813. The Isotopes lost both series' to the Storm Chasers at Isotopes Park this season. Tonight's game marked the final 2013 regular season contest between the two clubs and Omaha won 10 of the 16 games (Isotopes were 2-6 at "The Lab" and 4-4 in Omaha). All-time, Albuquerque leads the series 93-83 (47-41 advantage in Albuquerque and 46-42 advantage in games in Omaha). . . . The Isotopes are in a tie for first place in the division for the first time since July 9th and had an outright division lead after that date until tonight. . . . Albuquerque is 9-5 in games decided by two runs. . . . Every Isotope batter except for Tony Gwynn Jr. had at least one hit in the game. . . . If you have interest in watching the 2013 Albuquerque Professional Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony, video of the ceremony from Saturday evening has been posted on the official Isotopes website at abqisotopes.com. . . . The Isotopes go on the road for four games to Nashville beginning Monday evening. Probables in the opener are RHP Matt Palmer (5-3, 3.72) for the Isotopes and LHP Chris Narveson (2-6, 6.42) for the Nashville Sounds (AAA Brewers).
Filed 07/21/2013

July 20, 2013 - Isotopes (57-44)
Isotopes Park Omaha 021 010 000 -- 4 7 0 Albuquerque 001 000 001 -- 2 7 1 WP: Yordano Ventura (3-3) LP: Rob Rasmussen (0-4) SV: Donnie Joseph (4) HR: OMA Anthony Seratelli (9) off Rasmussen (5th inning, S) ABQ Nick Buss (13) off Joseph (9th inning, S) TIME: 3:02 ATT: 13,098
Isotopes starter Rob Rasmussen allowed four runs in six innings of work and not even wearing the mustard-yellow Dukes retro uniforms sparked much offense this year as the Isotopes lost 4-2 to the Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) on Dukes Retro Night in front of a near-capacity crowd. The Isotopes division lead narrowed to one game with the loss and Round Rock's win tonight.
Quintin Berry sacrifice flied out and Willy Taveras singled home a run in the 2nd inning and a groundout brought home a run in the 3rd inning as Omaha led 3-0.
Albuquerque plated their first run in the home half of the 3rd inning. Elian Herrera was hit by a pitch, advanced to third bases on Tony Gwynn Jr.'s single and scored while Gwynn Jr. was in the process of being caught stealing second base.
Anthony Seratelli solo homered for Omaha in the 5th inning and Nick Buss solo homered for Albuquerque in the bottom of the 9th inning to close out the scoring.
Isotopes Starter Line: Rob Rasmussen (L, 0-4) 6 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 2 K, 1 HR, 5.74 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Rob Rasmussen: (L, 0-4) 6 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 2 K, 1 HR, 5.74 ERA Alex Castellanos: 0x3 (.273), 1 BB, 2 K
'TOPES NOTES: Dukes Retro Night continues the recent trend of bringing out the crowds as tonight was the third straight season with 13,000+ in attendance and fourth straight year of over 10,000+ since the retro night was moved from a weekday night to a Saturday night. The Isotopes are 7-2 on Dukes Retro Nights and tonight's loss snapped a three-game retro night winning streak. . . . The crowd of 13,098 was the third largest crowd this season and the 30th largest regular season crowd in Isotopes Park history. . . . The Isotopes and Storm Chasers close out the 16-game regular season series Sunday evening. Probables are RHP Angel Castro (6-2, 3.24) for the Isotopes and LHP Chris Dwyer (6-8, 3.58) for the Storm Chasers.
Filed 07/20/2013

July 19, 2013 - Isotopes (57-43)
Isotopes Park Omaha 001 001 100 -- 3 10 1 Albuquerque 013 000 00x -- 4 6 0 WP: Red Patterson (6-3) LP: Justin Marks (4-10) SV: Javy Guerra (5) HR: OMA Christian Colon (7) off Patterson (7th inning, S) ABQ Alex Castellanos (14) off Marks (2nd inning, S) TIME: 3:16 ATT: 7,610
Rusty Ryal's two-run single highlighed a 3-run 3rd inning that gave the Isotopes the lead and Isotopes reliever Javy Guerra made his 9th inning save opportunity too exciting as Albuquerque defeated the Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) 4-3 on Friday evening at "The Lab".
Alex Castellanos got things started for Albuquerque with his team-leading 14th homer in the 2nd inning for a 1-0 Isotopes lead.
In the 3rd inning, Omaha loaded the bases with three walks before Ben Broussard sacrifice flied out to drive in Paulo Orlando to tie the game at 1-1.
Albuquerque regained the lead in their half of the 3rd inning. Dee Gordon bunt singled, stole his league-leading 35th base, Elian Herrera walked and Tony Gwynn Jr. singled home Gordon. Ian Stewart drew a walk to load the bases and Ryal drove in Herrera and Gwynn Jr. with a single as Albuquerque built a 4-1 lead.
Omaha closed to 4-3 with a run in the 6th inning when Willy Taveras tripled and scored on Adam Moore's single and a run in the 7th inning on Christian Colon's solo homer.
The Isotopes nursed the one run lead into the 9th inning when Javy Guerra entered the game looking for a save. Irving Falu started things off with a single and stole second base. After Colon struck out, Anthony Seratelli walked before Broussard grounded into a double play to end the threat and the game.
Isotopes Starter Line: Matt Magill 4 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 5 BB, 4 K, 0 HR, 2.90 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Matt Magill: 4 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 5 BB, 4 K, 0 HR, 2.90 ERA Alex Castellanos: 1x3 (.277), 1 R, 1 HR (14), 1 RBI (45), 1 BB, 2 K, SB (12)
'TOPES NOTES: Over the Triple-A All-Star Break, Forbes released a list of the top 20 most valuable minor league franchises and the Isotopes ranked 7th on the list. Forbes' list started with the 160 MLB affiliated teams in minor league baseball then the list was whittled down to the 35 teams that had the highest total season attendance since ticket sales are a major source of revenue. Publically available documents and comparisions to similar teams with publically known info if a franchise was privately held helped Forbes come up with estimated franchise figures. The Isotopes are a privately held franchise so there is not a lot of public financial information to be found outside of the stadium lease contract and the check amount presented to the City of Albuquerque each April for the stadium lease and various ticket/food/souvenir surcharges. Forbes estimated the Isotopes' franchise worth at $30 million, with a 2012 estimated revenue of $9 million and a 2012 operating income of $2 million. Eighteen of the top 20 franchises are Triple-A level ones and 9 of the top 20 franchises are PCL clubs. The list of 20 is led by the Sacramento River Cats of the PCL who Forbes estimates has a franchise value of $38 million, had 2012 revenue of $14 million and a operating income of $7.1 million. Albuquerque's estimated $2 million operating income would fall 10th on the list if the top 20 list was ranked by operating income rather than by the estimated franchise value. . . . The win was Albuquerque's first victory since coming off the Triple-A All-Star Break and it kept the Isotopes' division lead over Round Rock at two games since the Express also won their game on Friday. . . . Albuquerque improved to 13-17 in one run contests. . . . The Isotopes are are back to 14 games over the .500 mark, tying a season-best. . . . Reliever Red Patterson earned his 6th victory, tying him with Angel Castro and Blake Johnson for the team lead. . . . The Isotopes are 8-0 in games that Matt Magill started. . . . Dukes Retro Night and the 2013 Albuquerque Professional Baseball Hall of Fame induction is scheduled for Saturday evening. The probable for the "Dukes" is LHP Rob Rasmussen (0-3, 5.70) while Omaha is scheduled to counter with RHP Yordano Ventura (2-3, 4.93).
Filed 07/19/2013

July 18, 2013 - Isotopes (56-43)
Isotopes Park Omaha 010 023 000 -- 6 13 0 Albuquerque 000 001 011 -- 3 9 0 WP: Brian Sanches (6-2) LP: Jonathan Sanchez (2-1) TIME: 2:59 ATT: 6,791
The Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) were spotted a 6-0 lead and Albuquerque was not able to come back from that defecit in a 6-3 loss in the first game back from the Triple-A All-Star Break. Albuquerque retains their two game division lead as Round Rock also lost their game Thursday.
A wild pitch brought home Omaha's first run in the 2nd inning and in the 5th inning, Christian Colon tripled home a run and scored on Max Ramirez's single for a 3-0 Storm Chasers lead.
Paulo Orlando singled home two runs in the 6th inning and a run scored when Colon grounded into a double play as the Storm Chasers extended the lead to 6-0.
Albuquerque plated their first run in the home half of the 6th inning. John Baker singled, went to second base on Dee Gordon's groundout and scored on Elian Herrera's single.
Matt Angle singled and later scored on Gordon's single in the 8th inning and in the 9th inning, Tony Gwynn Jr. walked and later scored on Angle's bunt single for the final run of the game.
Isotopes Starter Line: Jonathan Sanchez (L, 2-1) 4.1 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 7 K, 0 HR, 6.93 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Alex Castellanos: 1x4 (.276)
'TOPES NOTES: When the Triple-A All-Star Break arrives, there are usually transactions where some Triple-A players are transferred to lower level minor league teams in order for those players to get some game action work or make a start during their normal rest cycle. There were none of those transactions for any Isotopes players, but there was a flurry of transactions Thursday when the Isotopes returned from the break. IF Rusty Ryal and OF Tony Gwynn Jr. were activated from the Disabled List and C John Baker was activated from the Temporary Inactive List. IF Elevys Gonzalez and C Steve Cilladi were both placed on the Disabled List retroactive to July 15th and OF Jeremy Moore was transferred to Class-AA Chattanooga. . . . Omaha has been dominating Albuquerque at "The Lab" in 2013 - the Storm Chasers have won four of the five games played in Albuquerque so far this season. . . . George Springer of the Oklahoma City Redhawks (AAA Astros) is the PCL Hitter of the Week. Springer hit .450 (9x20) with 3 homers and 7 RBI during the award week. . . . Asher Wojciechowski of the Oklahoma City Redhawks (AAA Astros) is the PCL Pitcher of the Week. Wojciechowski made two starts and went 1-0 (complete game shutout) with a 0.60 ERA. In 15 innings of work, Wojciechowski allowed 6 hits, 1 run, 3 walks and fanned 8. . . . The series continues Friday evening. Probables are RHP Matt Magill (2-0, 2.97) for the Isotopes and LHP Justin Marks (4-9, 5.42) for the Storm Chasers.
Filed 07/18/2013

July 17, 2013 - IL 4, PCL 3
Aces Ballpark, Reno International League All-Stars 130 000 000 -- 4 5 0 Pacific Coast League All-Stars 200 100 000 -- 3 7 0 WP: Greg Reynolds (Louisville - CIN) LP: Jarred Cosart (Oklahoma City - HOU) SV: Preston Guilmet (Columbus - CLE) HR: IL Tony Sanchez (Indianapolis - PIT) off Jarred Cosart (Oklahoma City - HOU) (2nd inning, 3R) TIME: 2:44 ATT: 10,135
Tony Sanchez's three-run homer ended up being the winning runs as the International League (IL) All-Stars defeated the Pacific Coast League (PCL) All-Stars in the 2013 Triple-A All-Star Game played in front of an Aces Ballpark record 10,135 fans in Reno on Wednesday night.
Billy Hamilton of Louisville (CIN), the IL's prototype of our PCL's Dee Gordon, led off the game with an infield single to shortstop, stole second base, went to third base on Jim Negrych's (Buffalo - TOR) groundout and scored on Chris Colabello's (Rochester - MIN) groundout to give the IL a quick 1-0 lead.
The PCL took a 2-1 lead in their half of the 1st inning. PCL leadoff batter, Isotope Nick Buss, singled to right field, advanced to second base on Chris Owings' (Reno - AZD) single, and scored on Brett Pill's (Fresno - SFG) single. Brock Peterson (Memphis - STL) followed with a groundout to drive in Owings.
With one out in the 2nd inning, Zach Walters (Syracuse - WSH) singled, Jason Pridie (Norfolk - BAL) walked and Sanchez (Indianapolis - PIT) followed with a three-run homer to right field as the IL took a 4-2 lead.
The PCL scored their final run in the 4th inning. Michael Choice (Sacramento - OAK) singled and went to second base on Yangervis Solarte's (Round Rock - TEX) single. Both runners advanced a base on a passed ball before Johnny Monell (Fresno - SFG) grounded out to plate Choice.
ALL-STAR GAME NOTES: The lone Isotopes All-Star, Nick Buss, batted leadoff and started the game in left field and finished the game in center field. Buss went 1x4 with a run scored, grounded into the game's only double play in the 7th inning, and was unable to drive in any of the three runners on base that he inherited in the game. . . . Tony Sanchez (Indianapolis - PIT) was the IL Top Star. Michael Wacha (Memphis - STL) was the PCL Top Star after tossing 1.2 perfect innings with four groundouts and one flyout. . . . Matt Davidson (Reno - AZD) won the Triple-A All-Star Game Home Run Derby on Monday evening, defeating Brock Peterson (Memphis - STL). Davidson had four homers in the final round and 10 homers in the three rounds compared to Peterson's two homers in the final round and 11 homers in the three rounds of competition. No Isotopes participated in the Home Run Derby and 8,254 fans attended. . . With the IL's victory, the IL champion will be the home team at the 2013 Triple-A National Championship Game to be played September 17th at Coca-Cola Park, home of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA Phillies). . . . The 2014 Triple-A All-Star Game will be played next July at Durham Bulls Athletic Park, home of the IL's Durham Bulls (AAA Rays).
Filed 07/17/2013

July 14, 2013 - Isotopes (56-42)
Principal Park Albuquerque 000 001 000 000 000 004 -- 5 10 0 Iowa 000 001 000 000 000 000 -- 1 7 1 WP: Peter Moylan (4-1) LP: Casey Coleman (2-2) HR: ABQ Alex Castellanos (13) off Arrieta (6th inning, S) TIME: 5:31 ATT: 7,969
The Isotopes and Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) apparently were not looking forward to recess. Both clubs played another epic contest in their all-time history and with it being announced that the 18th inning will be the final inning played on Sunday due to a PCL curfew rule, the Isotopes decided to take things into their own hands and plate four runs to claim a 5-1 victory in a franchise-record longest 18 innings. Albuquerque enters the Triple-A All-Star Break with a two-game division lead, is at a season-best 14 games over .500, and has the best record in the PCL.
Both clubs swapped runs in the 6th inning. Alex Castellanos solo-homered for the Isotopes and Iowa responded to tie the game with a Jae-Hoon Ha RBI single.
In the 18th inning, the Isotopes hammered Cubs reliever Casey Coleman. Elevys Gonzalez walked, Dee Gordon bunt-singled and Matt Angle reached on a fielders choice. Coleman fielded Angle's ball and decided to go to third base to try to get the lead runner out but Coleman threw the ball away allowing Gonzalez to score. Justin Sellers sacrifice flied out to bring home Gordon and after Damaso Espino singled, PCL All-Star Nick Buss tripled home Angle and Espino.
Isotopes infielder Gonzalez moved to the mound in relief in the bottom of the 18th inning and held the Cubs in check.
Isotopes Starter Line: Matt Palmer 5.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 4 K, 0 HR, 3.72 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Matt Magill: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, 0 HR, 2.97 ERA Alex Castellanos: 2x4 (.277), 1 R, 1 2B (9), 1 HR (13), 1 RBI (44), 1 BB, 1 K, SB (11)
'TOPES NOTES: Had Albuquerque not scored in the top of the 18th inning and both teams ended the 18 innings tied, the game would have been suspended and likely not resumed because of being the last meeting of the regular season. . . . Albuquerque's previous longest game, innings-wise, was a 17 inning game against the Cubs at Isotopes Park on July 16, 2006. The previous longest Isotopes game prior to today in Iowa was 15 innings on June 27, 2011. . . . Other franchise records set in the game was longest game, time-wise (5 hours, 31 minutes), most Isotopes players used in a game (21), most pitchers used in a game (10), and 62 Isotope at-bats in an extra inning game. . . . Nick Buss and Jeremy Moore tied a franchise record for most at-bats in a game (8). . . . Albuquerque batters struck out a season-high 16 times and Isotope pitchers struck out a season-high 14 opponents. . . . Matt Palmer took a no-hit bid in the 5th inning for the second time this season. Today's effort was his longest no-hit bid at 4.2 innings pitched, eclipsing the 4.1 innings pitched in an outing on May 8th at Tucson. Palmer was two outs short of having his fourth straight quality start. . . . Albuquerque finishes the first half 56-42 and their 14 games over .500 is a franchise-best Triple-A All-Star Break record. It's the third time in franchise history the Isotopes are in first place at the break. . . . Infielder Elevys Gonzalez was the first Isotope position player to pitch in a game this season. Gonzalez got a groundout, gave up a hit to Ty Wright, and induced a double play to end the game. Gonzalez failed to become the first Isotopes position player to earn a pitching decision (save) as his teammates plated too many runs in the top of the 18th inning to make it a save situation. The last Isotope position player to pitch in a game was Josh Fields on August 20, 2012 against New Orleans. . . . The Isotopes won the series, taking three out of the four games against the Cubs. 41,630 attended at Principal Park for a per-game average of 10,408. Today's game marked the final 2013 regular season game between the Isotopes and Cubs and Albuquerque won 11 of the 16 games (6-2 at Isotopes Park, 5-3 in Des Moines). All-time, Albuquerque has a 91-85 advantage. . . . Albuquerque improved to 4-4 in extra inning contests. . . . PCL All-Star Nick Buss was a homer shy of hitting for the cycle in the game. . . . In an interesting statistical quirk, the winning pitcher (Peter Moylan) and losing pitcher (Casey Coleman) were identical to yesterday's game. . . . The Isotopes have the next three days off for the Triple-A All-Star Break before resuming action on Thursday evening at Isotopes Park against the Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals). Probables are to be announced for both clubs.
Filed 07/14/2013

July 13, 2013 - Isotopes (55-42)
Principal Park Albuquerque 021 020 202 -- 9 15 2 Iowa 200 202 100 -- 7 13 2 WP: Peter Moylan (3-1) LP: Casey Coleman (2-1) SV: Javy Guerra (4) HR: IWA Edgar Gonzalez (1) off Sanchez (1st inning, S) IWA Jae-Hoon Ha (2) off Ortega (6th inning, 2R) TIME: 3:22 ATT: 12,024
In a game that was suspenseful due to six lead changes, the final lead change was the most important one as PCL All-Star Nick Buss sacrifice flied out in the 9th inning to bring home the go-ahead run in Albuquerque's 9-7 victory over the Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) in Des Moines on Saturday evening. Albuquerque extended their division lead to two games and guaranteed themselves sole possession of first place when the Triple-A All-Star Break begins after Sunday's game.
Former-Isotope Edgar Gonzalez solo homered and Brad Nelson singled home a run as the Cubs led 2-0 after one inning of play.
The Isotopes tied the game in the 2nd inning with some help from Iowa sloppiness. Buss reached on an error, Damaso Espino singled and Isotopes starter Jonathan Sanchez reached on an error with Buss scoring. Elian Herrera singled an out later to drive in Espino.
Ian Stewart doubled, went to third base on Brian Barden's single and scored on Buss' sacrifice flyout in the 3rd inning as the Isotopes took a 3-2 lead.
Iowa regained the lead in the 4th inning on RBI singles from Darnell McDonald and J.C. Boscan.
The third lead change of the game occurred in the 5th inning when Albuquerque took a 5-4 lead. Herrera doubled, Alex Castellanos walked and Barden singled Herrera home. After Buss singled with Castellanos thrown out at home plate, Sellers doubled to drive in Barden.
Jae-Hoon Ha two-run homered in the 6th inning to give Iowa a 6-5 lead and the Isotopes got the lead back in the top of the 7th inning. Stewart walked, Barden bunt singled and Buss doubled home Stewart. Sellers then sacrifice flied out to drive in Barden.
Junior Lake singled to drive in a run after the 7th inning stretch as the Cubs knotted the game at 7-7.
In the 9th inning, Castellanos and Stewart singled and out later, Buss brought home the go-ahead run with a sacrifice flyout to plate Castellanos. Sellers singled, Espino walked to load the bases and pinch-hitter Dee Gordon drew a walk to drive in Stewart with an insurance run.
Isotopes Starter Line: Jonathan Sanchez 5.1 IP, 9 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, 1 HR, 7.08 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Alex Castellanos: 1x4 (.273), 1 R, 1 BB, 2 K
'TOPES NOTES: With tonight's win, the Isotopes are tied with the Tacoma Rainiers (AAA Mariners) for the best record in the PCL (55-42). . . . Albuquerque tied season highs for largest division lead (2 games) and most games above the .500 mark (13 games). . . . The Isotopes had the most sacrifice flies for a game this season (3) and Nick Buss tied the franchise mark with two sacrifice flies in a game. . . . The Cubs stole four bases in the game, led by Junior Lake's three swipes. It was the most stolen bases the Isotopes have allowed this season. . . . The Isotopes play their final game before the Triple-A All-Star Break on Sunday afternoon. Probables are RHP Matt Palmer (5-3, 3.86) for the Isotopes and RHP Jake Arrieta (0-1, 7.71) for the I-Cubs.
Filed 07/13/2013

July 12, 2013 - Isotopes (54-42)
Principal Park Albuquerque 000 000 000 -- 0 1 2 Iowa 000 100 20x -- 3 5 1 WP: Guillermo Moscoso (7-5) LP: Rob Rasmussen (0-3) SV: Brian Schlitter (11) TIME: 2:19 ATT: 14,098
The Isotopes provided too much suspense in Des Moines on Friday evening. It took until the 8th inning for Albuquerque to avoid being no hit for the third time in franchise history in the Iowa Cubs' 3-0 shutout of the Isotopes. Albuquerque snapped a four game winning streak but remains in first place a game up on Round Rock.
Darnell McDonald singled home a run in the 4th inning and J.C. Boscan doubled home two runs in the 7th inning for the Iowa runs in the game.
Damaso Espino's 8th inning double with one out was Albuquerque's only hit of the game and it was the only time this season the Isotopes were held to one hit in a game.
Isotopes Starter Line: Rob Rasmussen (L, 0-3) 7 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6 K, 0 HR, 5.70 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Rob Rasmussen: (L, 0-3) 7 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6 K, 0 HR, 5.70 ERA Alex Castellanos: 0x4 (.273), 1 K
'TOPES NOTES: Even though the Isotopes were shutout, it was a history making shutout. It was Albuquerque's first shutout of the season and shattered the franchise record for deepest into a season the team has gone before being shut out. In 2008, Albuquerque was not shut out until May 24 in New Orleans, so tonight's shutout exceeded that previous mark by over a month and a half. . . . The Isotopes played in front of their largest road crowd of the season (14,098) and played their shortest 9-inning game of the season (2 hours, 19 minutes). . . . Guillermo Moscoso was the Cubs pitcher who nearly no-hit the Isotopes. Moscoso allowed just the hit in 8 shutout innings of work, walked 2 and struck out 5. . . . Matt Angle went hitless, snapping a 9-game hitting streak. . . . Overlooked in the Isotopes offense flirt with being no-hit was Rob Rasmussen's start. Rasmussen made his longest start of the season, 7 innings, and allowed 3 runs (1 earned) to accomplish his first quality start of the season. Rasmussen allowed 5 hits, walked 1 and struck out 6. . . . The series continues Saturday evening. Probables are LHP Jonathan Sanchez (2-0, 6.60) for the Isotopes and LHP Chris Rusin (8-7, 3.26) for the I-Cubs.
Filed 07/12/2013

July 11, 2013 - Isotopes (54-41)
Principal Park Albuquerque 201 010 000 -- 4 7 0 Iowa 000 000 100 -- 1 6 2 WP: Angel Castro (6-2) LP: Barret Loux (4-4) SV: Javy Guerra (3) HR: ABQ Ian Stewart (6) off Loux (3rd inning, S) TIME: 2:48 ATT: 7,539
Angel Castro allowed a run and four hits in 7 innings, Ian Stewart hit his first Isotope homer and drove in two runs and Justin Sellers knocked in two runs as the Isotopes defeated the Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) 4-1 in the series opener in Des Moines on Thursday evening. The Isotopes have won four straight games, are a season best 13 games over .500, and lead their division by a season-best two games. Albuquerque plated two runs in the top of the 1st inning. With one out, Matt Angle walked, Brian Barden singled and Ian Stewart walked to load the bags. PCL All-Star Nick Buss struck out before Sellers singled home Angle and Barden. Stewart solo-homered against his former teammates in the 3rd inning and in the 5th inning, Angle walked, stole second base, went to third base on a throwing error during a pickoff attempt and scored on Stewart's single.
Brad Nelson tripled and scored on Junior Lake's sacrifice flyout in the 7th inning for Iowa's only run of the game.
Isotopes Starter Line: Angel Castro (W, 6-2) 7 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, 0 HR, 2.92 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Alex Castellanos: 0x1 (.278)
'TOPES NOTES: In Isotopes transactions, P Luis Vasquez was transferred to the Isotopes from Class-AA Chattanooga. Vasquez is no stranger to Albuquerque, having made 9 relief appearances for the Isotopes in 2012. This season in Chattanooga, Vasquez made 18 relief appearances with the Lookouts, going 3-3 with a 2.88 ERA and struck out 34 batters in 25 innings pitched. IF Rusty Ryal was placed on the Disabled List (strained right oblique), C Steve Cilladi was activated from the Disabled List, C John Baker was placed on the Temporary Inactive List and OF Tony Gwynn Jr. was sent on a rehabilitation assignment to the rookie-level Arizona League Dodgers, where in his first rehabilitation assignment appearance on Thursday, Gwynn Jr. was the DH and went 0x3 with a sacrifice fly. . . . Former Isotope P Aaron Laffey, who recently exercised an opt-out clause and was granted his release, inked a contract with the Milwuakee Brewers and was assigned to the Triple-A Nashville Sounds. . . . A local Rio Rancho veteran will be representing the Dodgers as one of the 30 winners of MLB and People Magazine's "Tribute for Heroes" initiative, one that recognizes veterans and military service members. David Patterson is a Native American who participated in World War II as a Navajo Code Talker and was awarded the Silver Congressional Medal of Honor. Patterson will be included in All-Star week festivities, will attend the All-Star Game at Citi Field in New York and be honored during a All-Star Game pre-game ceremony. . . . The Isotopes have 54 wins, good for the second most victories in the PCL behind the Tacoma Rainiers' (AAA Mariners) 55 wins. . . . Matt Angle extended his hitting streak to 9 games. . . . Angel Castro earned his 6th victory, tying Blake Johnson for the team lead, and Castro has won his last four pitching decisions. When Castro allowed a 7th inning run, it snapped a streak of 11 consecutive innings that Castro had not allowed a run as a starter. . . . The series continues Friday evening. Probables are LHP Rob Rasmussen (0-2, 6.75) for the Isotopes and RHP Guillermo Moscoso (6-5, 4.50) for the I-Cubs.
Filed 07/11/2013

July 10, 2013 - Isotopes (53-41)
Isotopes Park Nashville 000 200 000 -- 2 9 4 Albuquerque 220 200 03x -- 9 11 1 WP: Red Patterson (5-3) LP: Zach Kroenke (4-12) TIME: 3:01 ATT: 9,308
Elian Herrera and Alex Castellanos combined to drive in seven of Albuquerque's nine runs as the Isotopes swept the Nashville Sounds (AAA Brewers) in the series with a 9-2 victory on Wednesday evening at "The Lab". Albuquerque has won three straight games, is a season-best 12 games above the .500 mark, and has an outright division lead by one game due to Round Rock losing their game tonight.
The Isotopes were off and running in the 1st inning. Dee Gordon singled, stole second base and went to third base on a throwing error on his stolen base attempt. Herrera grounded out to bring home Gordon and Ian Stewart and Brian Barden back-to-back doubled for another run as the Isotopes led 2-0.
Justin Sellers and John Baker singled, Isotopes starter Matt Magill laid down a sacrifice bunt to advance them both up a base and Herrera singled them both home in the 2nd inning for a 4-0 Isotopes lead.
Khris Davis and Blake Lalli had RBI singles in the 4th inning as Nashville plated their only two runs of the game.
The Isotopes got those two runs back in their half of the 4th inning. Nick Buss and Sellers singled and both took an extra base on a passed ball. Two outs later, Gordon singled home Buss. Herrera walked to load the bases before Sellers scored on catcher interference.
With the bases loaded in the 8th inning, Castellanos delivered a bases-clearing single for Albuquerque's final runs of the game.
Isotopes Starter Line: Matt Magill 3.1 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, 0 HR, 3.06 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Matt Magill: 3.1 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, 0 HR, 3.06 ERA Alex Castellanos: 1x4 (.279), 4 RBI (43)
'TOPES NOTES: In Isotopes transactions, P Matt Magill was activated from the Disabled List and made tonight's start. P Carlos Marmol was transferred to Class-A Rancho Cucamonga so he could pitch in front of Dodgers brass. In Wednesday's Quakes game against the High Desert Mavericks, Marmol tossed one inning, allowing two hits, one of them being High Desert's only run of the game on a homer, and fanned one. It is not known at this time if Marmol will be coming to Albuquerque eventually for more game action work or if he will be activated to the Dodgers roster directly from Rancho Cucamonga. . . . The Isotopes have an outright division lead for the first time since April 25th. The one game lead ties for their largest division lead of the season. . . . Albuquerque swept the short three-game series, their third series sweep of the season. 23,740 attended at "The Lab" for a per-game average of 7,913. For the seven game homestand, Albuquerque went 5-2. . . . The Sounds are in a funk at Isotopes Park, having lost their last six games at "The Lab" going back to the 2012 season. . . . Isotopes pitchers struck out a season high 13 opponent batters. . . . Albuquerque is a perfect 7-0 in games that Matt Magill has started this season. . . . The Isotopes travel to Des Moines to play the Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) in a four game roadtrip leading up to the Triple-A All-Star Game break. Probables in the opener Thursday evening are RHP Angel Castro (5-2, 3.09) for Albuquerque and RHP Barret Loux (4-3, 4.25) for the I-Cubs.
Filed 07/10/2013

July 9, 2013 - Isotopes (52-41)
Isotopes Park Nashville 000 100 000 -- 1 5 1 Albuquerque 402 301 00x -- 10 18 1 WP: Matt Palmer (5-3) LP: Chris Narveson (2-5) HR: NSH Hainley Statis (4) off Palmer (4th inning, S) ABQ Justin Sellers (2) off Narveson (3rd inning, S) ABQ Nick Buss (12) off Narveson (3rd inning, S) TIME: 2:52 ATT: 7,273
Matt Palmer allowed a run and four hits in 7 innings of work and Justin Sellers had four hits, homered and drove in 6 runs as Albuquerque took care of the Nashville Sounds (AAA Brewers) 10-1 on Tuesday evening at "The Lab". The Isotopes remained in a first place tie with Round Rock in the PCL American Conference Southern Division since the Express also won on Tuesday evening. Albuquerque got a comfortable lead really quickly, putting up a four-spot on the scoreboard in the 1st inning. Alex Castellanos and Rusty Ryal singled with two outs, Nick Buss walked to load the bases and Sellers cleared them with a double. Brian Barden followed with a single to drive in Sellers. The Isotopes added two more runs in the 3rd inning when Buss and Sellers back-to-back homered.
Palmer's only blemish in the runs column of his pitching line came in the 4th inning when Hainley Statis solo homered.
Albuquerque poured on three more runs in the home half of the 4th inning. Matt Angle doubled and scored two outs later on Ryal's single. Buss singled to put runners on the corners and both scored on Sellers' double.
In the 6th inning, Ryal doubled and scored on Barden's single for the final run of the game.
Isotopes Starter Line: Matt Palmer (W, 5-3) 7 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 9 K, 1 HR, 3.86 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Alex Castellanos: 1x5 (.280), 1 R
'TOPES NOTES: In a lone Isotopes transaction Tuesday, P Greg Infante was released. It will be known tomorrow if this transaction may signal that P Matt Magill is ready to come off the Disabled List and start on Wednesday evening. . . . Eight of Albuquerque's 10 runs were scored with two outs. . . . The Isotopes are 11 games above the .500 mark, tying their season-best high water mark and are 16-1 when plating 10 runs or more in a game. . . . Justin Sellers' 6 RBI ties Nick Buss for the Isotope with the most RBI in a game this season. Buss accomplished the feat twice. . . . Sellers had four hits in a game for the fifth time this season. . . . Matt Angle extended his hitting streak to 8 games. . . . Matt Palmer tied Isotope starter season bests in longest start (7 innings) and most strikeouts in a start (9 strikeouts). Palmer has won his last four pitching decisions and has a quality start in each of his last three starts. . . . The 2013 Triple-A All-Star Game Home Run Derby participants were announced. Representing the PCL (and their 2013 homer totals going into July 9th's games) are Matt Davidson of Reno (12), Johnny Monell of Fresno (15) and Brock Peterson of Memphis (20). Representing the International League are Chris Colabello of Rochester (21), Mauro Gomez of Buffalo (24) and Ernesto Mejia of Gwinnett (21). . . . The Sounds and Isotopes play the finale of their short three-game series on Wednesday evening. Albuquerque's probable is to be announced while Nashville is expected to counter with LHP Zach Kroenke (4-11, 4.41).
Filed 07/09/2013

July 8, 2013 - Isotopes (51-41)
Isotopes Park (Shortened to 5 innings due to rain, lightning, and unplayable field conditions) Nashville 004 01 -- 5 6 0 Albuquerque 005 01 -- 6 5 0 WP: Jonathan Sanchez (2-0) LP: Jimmy Nelson (1-3) HR: NSH Hainley Statia (3) off Sanchez (3rd inning, 2R) NSH Caleb Gindl (10) off Sanchez (3rd inning, S) NSH Josh Prince (8) off Sanchez (3rd inning, S) TIME: 1:51 ATT: 7,159
The next time Albuquerque is in a severe drought, they might want to call on Jonathan Sanchez to bring precipitation. Sanchez made his second straight home start in which the game was delayed by rain and Nick Buss singled home the go-ahead run in the 5th inning just before the rains came and after a 58 minute rain delay, the game was called and Albuquerque ended up with a 6-5 victory over the Nashville Sounds (AAA Brewers) in the opener of a three game series Monday evening at Isotopes Park. The victory combined with Round Rock's loss in their game made Albuquerque and Round Rock tied for first place atop the PCL American Conference Southern Division.
The Sounds took in-game batting practice off Sanchez in the 3rd inning. Hainley Statia two-run homered and Caleb Gindl and Josh Prince added solo homers as the Sounds led 4-0.
Albuquerque had a big inning of their own in the home half of the 3rd inning to take a 5-4 lead. John Baker single, went to second base on a wild pitch and after Sanchez struck out swinging, Dee Gordon singled. Gordon stole second base, Elian Herrera drew a walk to load the bases, and Ian Stewart was hit by a pitch to drive in Baker. Alex Castellanos drew a bases-loaded walk to plate Gordon and Buss two-run singled to drive in Herrera and Stewart to tie the game at 4-4. Finally, Brian Barden grounded out with Castellanos scoring for the go-ahead run.
Gindl singled home the game-tying run for Nashville in the 5th inning and in the bottom half of the frame, Herrera and Stewart walked and an out later, Buss singled home Herrera.
Isotopes Starter Line: Jonathan Sanchez (W, 2-0) 5 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 4 K, 3 HR, 6.60 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Alex Castellanos: 0x2 (.282), 1 R, 1 RBI (39), 1 BB
'TOPES NOTES: It was a busy day off the field for the Albuquerque Isotopes on Monday. Hall of Fame inductees were disclosed, an Isotope won a league weekly award, there was an Isotope transaction and June Dodger Pride award winners were announced. First, the 2013 inductees into the Albuquerque Professional Baseball Hall of Fame are former 1990's Dukes OF Billy Ashley, former 1970's Albuquerque Dodgers and Dukes P Charlie Hough, former 1950's Dukes P Steve Lagomarsino, and former 1960s-1970's Albuquerque Dodger and Dukes P Geoff Zahn. The four men were elected by a group of Albuquerque baseball history experts and induction night is July 20th during the Isotopes' Dukes Retro Night promotion when the Isotopes will be wearing mustard-yellow Dukes throwback jerseys. . . . Alex Castellanos was named the PCL Hitter of the Week after hitting .417 (10x24) with homers in three straight games that he played in and had 7 RBI. It was Castellanos' second PCL Weekly Award with the Isotopes (2012) and Castellanos joins Scott Van Slyke and Tim Federowicz as the only Isotopes to win league weekly awards this season. . . . In the lone Isotopes transaction, IF/OF Scott Van Slyke won't be reporting to the Isotopes as he is headed back to the Dodgers. The Dodgers placed OF Matt Kemp on the disabled list with a left shoulder injury (officially a "left AC Joint Inflammation" injury per the Dodgers release) and recalled Van Slyke from the Isotopes. Former-Isotope Stephen Fife is also going on the major-league Disabled List but there will be no Isotopes impact as Fife's roster spot will be taken by the Dodgers' newly-acquired Ricky Nolasco. . . . The June Dodger Pride award winners were announced by the Dodgers and at the Triple-A level, the results were not much of a surprise considering Lorenzo Bundy accidentally leaked the players names in a recent radio pregame show interview. P Red Patterson is the Pitcher, having posted a 2-1 record with a 2.13 ERA during the month in a mixture of four starts and four relief appearances. The Hitter is PCL All-Star OF Nick Buss who hit .289 (28x29) during the month with three homers, nine doubles and an outstanding 29 RBI in 28 games during the month. . . . Tonight's game was Albuquerque's tenth game in franchise history that ended early due to weather and the first one since August 28, 2011 when the Isotopes lost a 7-6 game to Round Rock at "The Lab" in 8 innings. . . . The Isotopes have won four straight games against the Sounds in games played at Isotopes Park. . . . Jonathan Sanchez pitched Albuquerque's second complete game of the season. Blake Johnson had the other one on April 19th in the first game of a doubleheader at Omaha. . . . Tyler Lyons of the Memphis Redbirds (AAA Cardinals) is the PCL Pitcher of the Week. Lyons made two starts during the award week and went 1-0 with a 1.80 ERA. In 15 innings, Lyons allowed 4 hits, 3 runs, walked 3 and fanned 18. . . . The Isotopes and Sounds continue their short three-game series on Tuesday evening, weather permitting. Probables are RHP Matt Palmer (4-3, 4.10) for the Isotopes and LHP Chris Narveson (2-4, 5.35) for the Sounds.
Filed 07/08/2013

July 7, 2013 - Isotopes (50-41)
Isotopes Park Iowa 100 000 700 -- 8 9 1 Albuquerque 200 000 030 -- 5 8 0 WP: Guillermo Moscoso (6-5) LP: Geison Aguasviva (4-4) SV: Brian Schlitter (9) HR: IWA Donnie Murphy (10) off Rasmussen (1st inning, S) ABQ Matt Angle (7) off Moscoso (1st inning, 2R) ABQ Alex Castellanos (12) off Coleman (8th inning, S) TIME: 3:27 ATT: 5,804
The Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) plated seven runs in the 7th inning to turn a 2-1 defecit into a 8-2 lead and the Isotopes were not able to overcome that defecit in a 8-5 loss to the Cubs. The Isotopes snapped a two-game winning streak and fell to a game back of division-leader Round Rock as the Express won their game Sunday evening.
Both teams plated runs on homers in the 1st inning. In the top half of the inning, Donnie Murphy solo homered as the second batter of the game. In the home half, Dee Gordon walked, stole his league-leading 31st stolen base and then cruised home on Matt Angle's two-run homer.
In the 7th inning that doomed the Isotopes, Anthony Giansanti had a two-run double that gave Iowa the lead and Ty Wright singled home two runs. With one out, Jae-Hoon Ha drew a bases-loaded walk to bring in a run and J.C. Boscan followed with another walk to drive in a run. Darnell McDonald sacrifice flied out for the final run of the inning as Iowa led 8-2.
Albuquerque's final rally of the game occurred in the 8th inning. Alex Castellanos started things off with a solo homer. Ian Stewart walked, Nick Buss doubled and an out later, pinch-hitter Jeremy Moore delivered a two-run single.
Isotopes Starter Line: Rob Rasmussen 5 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 4 K, 1 HR, 6.75 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Rob Rasmussen: 5 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 4 K, 1 HR, 6.75 ERA Alex Castellanos: 2x4 (.284), 1 R, 1 HR (12), 1 RBI (38), 1 BB
'TOPES NOTES: In a lone Isotopes transaction Sunday, P Greg Infante was transferred to Albuquerque from Class-AA Chattanooga. Infante made 27 relief appearances with the Lookouts, compiling a 1-1 record with a 3.35 ERA. Infante struck out about a batter an inning, fanning 36 batters in 37.2 innings pitched. . . . There was news regarding Josh Wall and Steven Ames, the two Isotopes relievers that were traded to the Miami Marlins on Saturday evening in the Ricky Nolasco trade. The Marlins announced both relievers will be assigned to Triple-A New Orleans and they were in Zephyrs uniforms ready for Sunday evening's game that ended up postponed due to rain. The Isotopes and Zephyrs have four games left in Albuquerque and four games left at Zephyr Field in Metarie, Louisiana so it means there is up to eight opportunities this season for Ames and/or Wall to face their former teammates if they aren't already promoted to the Marlins. . . . The Isotopes and Cubs split the four game series and an Isotope home-series season best 44,884 attended for a per-game average of 11,221. Tonight's game marked the final Cubs game in Albuquerque for the 2013 regular season and Albuquerque took 6 out of the 8 games. Albuquerque travels to Iowa Thursday for a four-game series leading into the Triple-A All-Star Break that will mark the final games between the two clubs in their 16-game regular season series. . . . Matt Angle's homer extended his hitting streak to 7 games. . . . Alex Castellanos has homered in his last three games, an Isotopes season best. . . . The Isotopes open a short three-game series on Monday evening against the Nashville Sounds (AAA Brewers). The series is short to get the timing right for the Triple-A All-Star Break and it will be Nashville's first trip into Albuquerque in the 2013 season. Probables in the opener are a pitcher to be named for Albuquerque and RHP Jimmy Nelson (1-2, 2.30) for the Sounds.
Filed 07/07/2013

July 6, 2013 - Isotopes (50-40)
Isotopes Park (Regularly Scheduled Game for Saturday, Shortened to 7 innings) Iowa 000 000 0 -- 0 5 0 Albuquerque 000 100 x -- 1 4 0 WP: Angel Castro (5-2) LP: Barret Loux (4-3) SV: Javy Guerra (2) TIME: 2:07 ATT: 12,023
Angel Castro, Red Patterson and Javy Guerra combined on the rare 1-0 shutout and Lorenzo Bundy won his 200th game as Isotopes manager as the Isotopes claimed the regularly scheduled game for Saturday against the Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs). The game was shortened to seven innings because of the completion of a suspended game earlier in the day. The Isotopes won both games today and moved into a tie for first place with the Round Rock Express in the division.
The only tally came in the 4th inning. Ian Stewart, making his Isotopes debut, ground rule doubled, went to third base on a wild pitch and scored on Rusty Ryal's sacrifice flyout.
Isotopes Starter Line: Angel Castro (W, 5-2) 5 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 2 K, 0 HR, 3.09 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: (none)
'TOPES NOTES: The Dodgers inked free agent IF Ian Stewart to a minor league deal and assigned him to the Isotopes. Stewart played in 40 games for the Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) this season, hitting .168 with 5 homers and 20 RBI. Stewart fell out of favor with the Cubs by complaining in tweets about not being called up and that he might never be called up this season so the Cubs might as well release him. The Cubs suspended him for violating the "loyalty clause" of his contract and then eventually released him setting the stage for the Dodgers to sign him. . . . This evening, the Dodgers and Miami Marlins completed a trade that results in the loss of two Isotopes players to the Marlins organization. Miami traded starting pitcher Ricky Nolasco and $197,000 in International player signing bonus money to the Dodgers in exchange for three minor league pitchers -- Steve Ames and Josh Wall from the Isotopes and Angel Sanchez from Class-A Rancho Cucamonga. Ames made 30 relief appearances with Albuqurque, going 2-2 with a 3.67 ERA and led the club with 8 saves. Wall made 25 relief appearances with the Isotopes, compiling a 1-2 record with 3 saves and a 5.60 ERA. With the Nolasco and the recent Carlos Marmol trade with the Cubs, the Dodgers have picked up $406,700 in International player signing bonus money. . . . Only one former Isotope was named a 2013 MLB All-Star - Pirates closer Jason Grilli. Another former Isotope, Adrian Gonzalez, is in the running to be the final National League roster player if he gets elected by fans in the National League Final Five voting. . . . The 1-0 game was the Isotopes' first 1-0 game since losing an American Conference Championship Game in Memphis on September 11, 2009. Albuquerque has been involved in fifteen 1-0 games in franchise history, compiling a 6-9 record. . . . Albuquerque has three shutouts this season, all combined efforts, and it was the first home shutout of the season. . . . The series concludes Sunday evening. Probables are LHP Rob Rasmussen (0-2, 7.77) for the Isotopes and RHP Guillermo Moscoso (5-5, 4.63) for the I-Cubs.
Filed 07/06/2013

July 6, 2013 - Isotopes (49-40)
Isotopes Park (Game Suspended July 5th then Completed July 6th) Iowa 010 001 100 -- 3 9 3 Albuquerque 011 120 23x -- 10 11 3 WP: Sean White (3-4) LP: Esmailin Caridad (3-3) SV: Kelvin De La Cruz (6) HR: ABQ Alex Castellanos (11) off Antigua (5th inning, S) TIME: 3:24 ATT: 10,828
This game was suspended in the 2nd inning Friday evening, and when the game resumed Saturday afternoon, the Isotopes plated five runs over four frames to take a comfortable lead on their way to a 10-3 victory over the Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs). Albuquerque snapped a three-game losing streak with the victory and moved to one game back of division leader Round Rock heading into tonight's regularly scheduled game shortened to 7 innings.
On Friday evening when the game got underway, Iowa was first on the scoreboard in the 2nd inning when Iowa starter Jake Arrieta laid down a sacrifice bunt and reached safely on an error while Darnell McDonald raced home to score.
In the home half of the 2nd inning, Brian Barden walked, Rusty Ryal was hit by a pitch and Jeremy Moore walked to load the bases with John Baker coming to the plate when the tarp was pulled and the game eventually suspended due to rain. When play resumed Saturday afternoon, Baker lifted a sacrifice flyout to bring home Barden to knot the game at 1-1.
Matt Angle doubled, stole third base and scored on Alex Castellanos' double in the 3rd inning.
Jeremy Moore took advantage of Iowa errors in the 4th inning to score a run to make it 3-1 Albuquerque. Moore singled, went to second base on an error on a pickoff attempt, went to third base on another error on a pickoff attempt and scored on Dee Gordon's sacrifice flyout.
Castellanos solo homered and Ryal doubled and scored on Moore's double in in the 5th inning as the Isotopes led 5-1.
Iowa closed to 5-3 before the 7th inning stretch when Logan Watkins RBI singled in the 6th inning and McDonald drove in a run with a groundout in the 7th inning.
Albuquerque ended the game strong, plating five unanswered runs in their final two at-bats. In the 7th inning, Castellanos doubled, Barden walked and Ryan singled home Castellanos. Moore followed by reaching on a fielders choice with Barden scoring.
The Isotopes scored their final three runs in the 8th inning. Angle doubled, Castellanos was hit by a pitch and an out later, Ryan singled Angle home. Moore walked to load the bases and Baker reached on an error with Castellanos scoring. Isotopes reliever Kelvin De La Cruz then grounded out to bring home Ryal.
Isotopes Starter Line: Jonathan Sanchez 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, 0 HR, 5.40 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Alex Castellanos: 3x4 (.280), 3 R, 2 2B (8), 1 HR (11), 2 RBI (37), HBP
'TOPES NOTES: In Isotopes transactions Friday, P Matt Magill was sent to the rookie-level Arizona League Dodgers on a rehabilitation assignment. The Dodgers optioned IF/OF Scott Van Slyke to Albuquerque after they activated OF Carl Crawford from the major-league Disabled List. . . . One final thought about Thursday's all-time Isotope Park record attendance -- the mark of 16,229 was the largest 2013 Independence Day fireworks promotion crowd in the PCL and 2nd largest in all of Triple-A baseball. Only the Buffalo Bisons in the International League drew more fans for their Independence Day fireworks (17,208 on July 3rd, the night they held the promotion). In the number three spot in Triple-A baseball was Indianapolis (International League - 14,741), fourth was Salt Lake of the PCL (14,583) and fifth was the Iowa of the PCL (14,186 on July 3rd). The Tucson Padres of the PCL did very well in their final season in the PCL before relocating to El Paso. Tucson averages 2,540 fans per game yet drew 10,950 for their Independence Day fireworks promotion. . . . The suspended game Friday evening was Albuquerque's first home suspended game since June 21, 2012 against New Orleans and was the 10th suspended home game in franchise history. . . . The official time of the rain delay on Friday evening before the game was suspended was one hour, 30 minutes. . . . The heroes of the game have to be Sean White and Kelvin De La Cruz. Albuquerque pitching had at least 7 innings to toss when the game resumed and White and De La Cruz worked 3 innings each, saving the Isotopes bullpen from being too taxed through the rest of the series. . . . Matt Angle had three doubles in the game, tying an Isotopes franchise record. The Isotopes had seven doubles in the contest, the most in a game this season. . . . Alex Castellanos has homered in back to back games, the second time he has accomplished the feat this season. . . . Angle stole a base in the game, the 100th Isotope steal this season.
Filed 07/06/2013

July 5, 2013 - Iowa Cubs 1, Isotopes 0, 2nd inning, Suspended
Friday evening's game between the Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) and Isotopes was suspended in the bottom of the 2nd inning due to rain with the Cubs leading 1-0. Iowa plated a run in the top of the 2nd inning and Albuquerque had the bases loaded with no outs and John Baker at the plate in the bottom half of the frame when the rains became hard enough to have to put the tarp on the field and eventually suspend the game. It was the first Isotopes home game suspended since June 21, 2012 against New Orleans and the 10th suspended home game in franchise history.
The game will be resumed Saturday afternoon at 4:05 PM and played to its completion. Saturday's normally scheduled game will follow about 30 minutes after the completion of the suspended game and the nightcap game will be shortened to 7 innings. RHP Angel Castro (4-2, 3.34) is the probable to start the second game for Albuquerque, while Iowa has not named a probable.
Division-leader Round Rock won their game Friday evening so the Isotopes fall to 1.5 games back of Round Rock in the division standings.
In Isotopes transactions, P Matt Magill was sent to the rookie-level Arizona League Dodgers on a rehabilitation assignment. The Dodgers optioned IF/OF Scott Van Slyke to Albuquerque after they activated OF Carl Crawford from the major-league Disabled List.
One final thought about Thursday's all-time Isotope Park record attendance -- the mark of 16,229 was the largest Independence Day fireworks promotion crowd in the PCL this season and 2nd largest in all of Triple-A baseball. Only the Buffalo Bisons in the International League drew more fans for their Independence Day fireworks (17,208 on July 3rd, the night they held the promotion). In the number three spot in Triple-A baseball was Indianapolis (International League - 14,741), fourth was Salt Lake of the PCL (14,583) and fifth was the Iowa of the PCL (14,186). The Tucson Padres of the PCL did very well in their final season in the PCL before relocating to El Paso. Tucson averages 2,540 fans per game and drew 10,950 for their Independence Day fireworks promotion.
Filed 07/05/2013

July 4, 2013 - Isotopes (48-40)
Isotopes Park Iowa 000 010 202 4 -- 9 12 2 Albuquerque 111 020 000 0 -- 5 6 3 WP: Casey Coleman (2-0) LP: Red Patterson (4-3) HR: IWA Junior Lake (4) Off Palmer (5th inning, S) IWA Luis Flores (3) off Palmer (7th inning, S) IWA Tim Torres (1) off Ames (9th inning, 2R) ABQ Alex Castellanos (10) off Struck (5th inning, 2R) TIME: 3:28 ATT: 16,229
The Isotopes 13-game dominance over the Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) came to an end on the 4th of July in front of a Isotopes Park record crowd of 16,229. The Isotopes blew a late-game 5-1 lead and Iowa plated four runs in the 10th innng to stun Albuquerque 9-5. With their third loss in a row, Albuquerque saw their mid-game opportunity to get a tie for first place in the division by holding the lead go to waste.
The Isotopes plated a run in each of the first three frames. In the 1st inning, Dee Gordon walked, advanced to third base on an error on a pickoff attempt and scored on Elian Herrera's groundout. In the 2nd inning, Justin Sellers tripled and scored on Brian Barden's sacrifice flyout and in the 3rd inning, Matt Angle singled, stole second base and scored on Alex Castellanos' double.
Junior Lake solo homered in the 4th inning to get Iowa on the scoreboard and in the 5th inning, Angle was hit by a pitch and scored on Castellanos' two-run homer as Albuquerque led 5-1.
Starting in the 7th inning, the Cubs plated eight unanswered runs. Luis Flores solo homered and Logan Watkins doubled home a run just before the 7th inning stretch to get Iowa to 5-3 and in the 9th inning with two outs, Tim Torres launched a pinch-hit two-run homer to knot the game at 5-5.
Iowa went to work in the 10th inning to put their demons at Isotopes Park to bed. Brad Nelson reached on an error by Dee Gordon with two outs -- it was Gordon's second error of the game. Lake walked and Ty Wright singled home Nelson for the go-ahead run. Darnell McDonald tripled to drive in Lake and Wright for insurance runs and Flores singled home McDonald for good measure as Iowa led by the final score of 9-5.
Isotopes Starter Line: Matt Palmer 6.2 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, 2 HR, 4.10 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Steve Ames: (BS, 2) 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, 1 HR, 3.67 ERA Alex Castellanos: 2x3 (.271), 1 R, 1 2B (6), 1 HR (10), 3 RBI (35), 2 BB, 2 SB (10)
'TOPES NOTES: In Isotopes transactions, the Dodgers outrighted P Carlos Marmol to Albuquerque. One day after only having lasted 0.2 innings in a start, Blake Johnson was placed on the Disabled List with right elbow inflammation and P Javy Guerra was activated from the Disabled List. . . . First place Round Rock lost tonight, so the Isotopes loss means Albuquerque remains one game back in the division. . . . Iowa was 0-5 in extra inning contests this season until tonight. Albuquerque, meanwhile, is now 3-4 in extra inning games this season. . . . The Isotopes are 5-5 with one postponement in Independence Day contests, with a 2-3 record at "The Lab". . . . Alex Castellanos' 5th inning homer snapped Albuquerque's season-longest 7-game homerless drought. . . . Isotope Park's previous largest attendance was 16,059 on July 4, 2011. Eight of the ten largest Isotopes Park crowds occurred on the big July 3rd or July 4th Independence Day fireworks promotions and the other two during Manny Ramirez's rehabilitation assignment in 2009. . . . The Isotopes hope to start a new winning streak against the Cubs starting Saturday evening. Probables are LHP Jonathan Sanchez (1-0, 6.75) for the Isotopes and RHP Jake Arrieta (No Record in the PCL; 5-3, 4.41 ERA for Norfolk in the International League) for the Cubs. Arrieta was just traded from the Baltimore Orioles organization to the Cubs organization and will be making his PCL and Cubs organization debut.
Filed 07/04/2013

July 3, 2013 - Isotopes (48-39)
Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark Albuquerque 100 020 123 -- 9 12 1 Oklahoma City 612 001 00x -- 10 13 1 WP: Kevin Chapman (1-2) LP: Blake Johnson (6-5) TIME: 3:41 ATT: 11,103
Isotopes starter Blake Johnson did not make it out of the 1st inning and Albuquerque mounted a late-game comeback that fell just short in a 10-9 loss to the Oklahoma City Redhawks (AAA Astros) on Wednesday evening in Oklahoma City. This loss was not too bad for the Isotopes because division-leader Round Rock also lost, keeping the Isotopes a game back in the division as they come home for a holiday homestand.
Albuquerque took their only lead of the game in the 1st inning. Dee Gordon led off with a double, went to third base on Elian Herrera's sacrifice bunt and after Matt Angle walked, Alex Castellanos reached on a fielders choice with Gordon scoring.
Here is what Johnson's disaster 1st inning was like. Robbie Grossman led off with a double and scored on Jonathan Villar's single. Villar stole second base and scored on Brandon Laird's double. George Springer singled to put runners on the corners before Johnson's inning looked up with a run-scoring groundout by Marwin Gonzalez and a groundout by Jonathan Singleton for the second out. Carlos Perez singled home Springer, Che-Hsuan Lin doubled and Ruben Sosa singled Perez and Lin home. Grossman and Villar walked to load the bases and Johnson was lifted for Geison Aguasviva. Aguasviva got a flyout to end the inning as the Isotopes trailed 6-1.
Lin sacrifice flied out to bring home a run in the 2nd inning and Springer singled home a run and Singleton sacrifice flied out to drive in a run in the 3rd inning as the Redhawks led 9-1.
Albuquerque added two runs in the 5th inning. Angle and Castellanos walked and both advanced into scoring position on a wild pitch. Brian Barden cashed them in with a two-run single.
Villar sacrifice flied out to bring home a run in the 6th inning as Oklahoma City built a 10-3 lead.
The final three innings consisted of Albuquerque's comeback attempt. In the 7th inning, Barden ground-rule doubled with two outs and scored on Rusty Ryal's single.
Albuquerque had more two-out magic in the 8th inning when Angle and Castellanos singled with two outs and both scored on Isotopes All-Star Nick Buss' two-run triple. Justin Sellers grounded out to strand Buss at Third Base.
In the 9th inning, Barden and Damaso Espino walked and Gordon singled to load the bases with one out. Herrera singled Barden home and Angle reached on a fielders choice with Espino scoring. A throwing error on the play allowed Gordon to race home to make it 10-9. Castellanos singled to put runners on First Base and Second Base before Buss flew out to end the game.
Isotopes Starter Line: Blake Johnson (L, 6-5) 0.2 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 2 BB, 0 K, 0 HR, 4.18 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Josh Wall: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, 0 HR, 5.60 ERA Alex Castellanos: 2x5 (.265), 2 R, 1 RBI (32), 1 BB
'TOPES NOTES: IF Luis Cruz, who rejected an assignment to the Isotopes yesterday and became a free agent, signed a free agent deal with the New York Yankees and was in their lineup Wednesday evening. Cruz went 0x3 in the game, lowering his .127 batting average to .124. . . . Blake Johnson made it 2/3 of an inning, so he didn't tie the franchise record of 1/3 of an inning for the shortest Isotope starter outing. Johnson became the sixth Isotope in franchise history to last 2/3 of an inning or less -- i.e. not make it out of the first inning of a start. Johnson has also allowed first inning runs in 6 out of his 16 starts this season. Johnson earned his fifth loss of the season in the game, currently setting a statistical quirk that he leads the team in both wins (6) and in losses (5).. . . . Isotope starters need to get some innings under their belt the next few nights - it took five Isotopes relievers to pitch the final 8.1 innings of the game, with Geison Aguasviva leading the way with 2.1 innings pitched and Anthony Ortega with 2 innings pitched. No Isotope position players pitched in the game, presumably because Albuquerque's late-game comeback necessitated using normal pitcher relievers to try to keep the game close. . . . The Redhawks took two out of the three games in the series and 19,321 attended at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark for a per-game average of 6,440. Albuquerque returns to Oklahoma City in August for a five-game series to complete the 8 game season series in games played in Oklahoma City. . . . The Isotopes are 10-17 in one-run contests, including a 2-game losing streak in games decided by a run. . . . Albuquerque had their seventh straight homerless game, continuing their longest drought of the season. It also means the Isotopes went homerless for their second straight series. . . . Isotopes pitching gave up the most runs to an opponent in a road game this season (10 runs). . . . The International League Triple-A All-Star Game preliminary roster was announced and there are no former Isotopes on it, leaving current-Isotope Nick Buss the only current or former Isotope player playing in the game so far. An "almost" Isotope was on the IL roster - Rubby De La Rosa who pitched for Class-AA Chattanooga before being traded to the Red Sox organization in the blockbuster Dodgers/Red Sox trade late last season. De La Rosa looked like he might have eventually pitched for Albuquerque had he stayed in the Dodgers organization. . . . The Isotopes announced that Standing Room Only (SRO) tickets are now for sale for the 4th of July game against Iowa. SRO tickets may only be purchased in person at the Isotopes Park Box Office for $9/ticket. . . . Albuquerque returns home for a seven-game homestand with the first four games against the Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs). With a 4-0 record against Iowa at "The Lab" this season, the Isotopes have to like their chances to win the series and possibly end the series in first place in the division. On the big 4th of July fireworks night, probables are RHP Matt Palmer (4-3, 4.10) for the Isotopes and RHP Nick Struck (5-5, 5.94) for the Cubs. The game has a special start time of 6:05 PM.
Filed 07/03/2013

July 2, 2013 - Isotopes (48-38)
Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark Albuquerque 300 000 000 -- 3 7 0 Oklahoma City 200 020 00x -- 4 9 3 WP: Asher Wojciechowski (4-4) LP: Rob Rasmussen (0-2) SV: Josh Zeid (8) TIME: 3:01 ATT: 4,102
The Isotopes plated three quick runs in the 1st inning then the Oklahoma City Redhawks (AAA Astros) plated four unanswered runs and Albuquerque stranded the game-tying run on third base in the 9th inning as the Redhawks defeated the Isotopes 4-3 on Tuesday night in Oklahoma City. Albuquerque snapped their four-game winning streak and fell to a game back in the division as Round Rock won their game.
It only took the first six batters in the game for Albuquerque to lead 3-0. Dee Gordon walked and went to second base on an error on a pickoff attempt. Brian Barden and Matt Angle followed with walks to load the bags and an out later, Justin Sellers cleared the bases with a double.
George Springer and Jonathan Singleton knocked in runs with singles in the bottom of the 1st inning as Oklahoma City edged to 3-2.
The Redhawks took the lead in the 5th inning when Brandon Laird doubled home a run and Springer brought home a run with a groundout.
Isotopes Starter Line: Rob Rasmussen (L, 0-2) 5 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 6 K, 0 HR, 7.77 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Steve Ames: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, 0 HR, 3.24 ERA Rob Rasmussen: (L, 0-2) 5 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 6 K, 0 HR, 7.77 ERA Alex Castellanos: 1x5 (.262), 2 K
'TOPES NOTES: Isotopes OF Nick Buss was named the lone Isotope representative for the 2013 Triple-A All-Star Game to be played at Aces Ballpark in Reno on July 17th. Buss was elected as an outfield starter and through tonight's game, Buss is hitting .288 with 11 homers and 60 RBI in 77 games. No former Isotopes were named to the PCL All-Star team. The International League roster has not been released yet so it is unknown if any former Isotopes are scheduled to play in the game. There is the possibility more Isotopes could be joining Buss in Reno as there are always lots of replacements named when players named to the team get injured or promoted to the big leagues. . . . In Isotopes transactions on Tuesday, P Angel Castro was activated from the Disabled List and P Aaron Laffey was released. Laffey appeared in 12 games with Albuquerque (11 starts) and went 4-3 with a 5.61 ERA. Finally, IF Luis Cruz will not be reporting to the Isotopes. Cruz was designated for assignment by the Dodgers recently then cleared waivers and refused an assignment to the Isotopes, thus becoming a free agent. . . . In a Dodgers transaction, P Carlos Marmol was acquired from the Cubs along with other consideration for P Matt Guerrier and other consideration. Marmol's acquisition has caused no Isotope roster impacts as of yet but that could change soon when the Dodgers have to make 40-man roster room for Marmol and activate him on the active Dodgers 25-man roster. Right now based on various media reports, it appears Marmol will report to the Dodgers spring training site in Arizona to work on some things so his activation on the Dodgers roster could be a few days or weeks away. . . . The short three-game series with the Redhawks concludes Wednesday evening. Probables are RHP Blake Johnson (6-4, 3.56) for the Isotopes and a pitcher yet to be named for Oklahoma City. The probable listed at the beginning of the series was LHP Brett Oberholtzer, but he won't be pitching Wednesday for the Redhawks due to his promotion to the Astros on Tuesday.
Filed 07/02/2013

July 1, 2013 - Isotopes (48-37)
Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark Albuquerque 200 012 010 -- 6 10 0 Oklahoma City 000 030 100 -- 4 10 3 WP: Aaron Laffey (4-3) LP: Kevin Chapman (0-2) SV: Red Patterson (1) HR: OKC Brandon Laird (9) off Laffey (5th inning, S) OKC George Springer (2) off Laffey (5th inning, S) TIME: 3:06 ATT: 4,116
Matt Angle went 4x4 and had two clutch RBI to help Albuquerque defeat the Oklahoma City Redhawks (AAA Astros) 6-4 in the series opener in Oklahoma City on Monday evening. Albuquerque won their fourth straight game, are a season-high 11 games above the breakeven mark, and moved into a first place tie in the division with Round Rock after Round Rock lost their contest tonight. Albuquerque quickly led 2-0 in the game. In the 1st inning, Dee Gordon led off the game by reaching on an error, stole second and third bases and scored on a throwing error on Oklahoma City's catcher on the attempt to get Gordon out at third on the stolen base attempt. Angle followed with a double and scored on Nick Buss' single. In the 5th inning, Angle singled, stole second base and scored on Buss' single to extend the Isotope lead to 3-0. Brandon Laird and George Springer back-to-back homered and Che-Hsuan Lin singled home a run in the home half of the 5th inning as the Redhawks knotted the game at 3-3. The Isotopes were able to score immediately after the Redhawks scored on two occasions in this game and Angle was a big part in keeping Albuquerque one step ahead. In the 6th inning, John Baker walked, Gordon singled and Elian Herrera grounded out with both runners advancing a base. Angle delivered a single that drove in Baker and a throwing error on the play allowed Gordon to score to get Albuquerque back on top at 5-3.
Jonathan Singleton singled home a run in the 7th inning as Oklahoma City edged to 5-4 before Angle delivered another clutch RBI in the 8th inning to add an insurance run. Gordon ground-rule doubled, went to third base on a wild pitch and scored on Angle's single.
Isotopes Starter Line: Aaron Laffey (W, 4-3) 6 IP, 9 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 4 K, 2 HR, 5.61 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Alex Castellanos: 0x3 (.263), 2 BB, 2 K
'TOPES NOTES: The Isotopes have a share of first place in the PCL American Conference Southern Division for the first time since June 20th. . . . Albuquerque is 8-3 in games decided by two runs this season. . . . The Isotopes have a four-game road winning streak, tying for their longest road winning streak of the season and tonight's victory snapped a five-game losing streak in games played at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. . . . Albuquerque batters have not hit a homer in five straight games, the longest homer drought of the season. . . . Red Patterson became the eighth Isotope to record a save this season. . . . Grant Green of the Sacramento River Cats (AAA Athletics) is the PCL Hitter of the Week. Green hit .480 (12x25) iwth 3 homers and 6 RBI during the award week. . . . Danny Duffy of the Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) is the PCL Pitcher of the Week. Duffy went 2-0 for the week while compiling a 0.00 ERA (no runs in 10.2 innings pitched). Duffy allowed 5 hits, 3 walks and fanned 11. . . . Albuquerque hopes to remain winning and thus stay in first place on Tuesday evening. Probables are LHP Rob Rasmussen (0-1, 7.91) for the Isotopes and RHP Asher Wojciechowski (3-4, 3.36) for the Redhawks.
Filed 07/01/2013

June 30, 2013 - Isotopes (47-37)
Autozone Park Albuquerque 012 001 001 -- 5 8 0 Memphis 000 000 012 -- 3 9 1 WP: Jonathan Sanchez (1-0) LP: Nick Additon (5-4) SV: Kelvin De La Cruz (5) TIME: 3:08 ATT: 5,292
Isotopes starter and MLB veteran lefthander Jonathan Sanchez had a great outing in his second appearance as an Isotope, allowing no runs and 3 hits in his 5 innings of work in Albuquerque's series-ending 5-3 victory over the Memphis Redbirds (AAA Cardinals) on Sunday afternoon in Memphis. Albuquerque is a season-high 10 games above the .500 mark, has won three straight games, and is a half-game back in the division while waiting for Round Rock's game later tonight that will determine if Albuquerque stays a game back in the division or moves into a first place tie with Round Rock as the calendar turns to July.
The Isotopes plated their first run in the 2nd inning. Brian Barden drew a one-out walk, Damaso Espino singled and Sanchez bunt singled to load the bases. Matt Angle was hit by a pitch with Barden scoring.
Albuquerque added two more runs in the 3rd inning. Rusty Ryal drew a inning-leading walk, went to second base on a wild pitch, advanced to third base on Nick Buss' sacrifice bunt and scored on Justin Sellers' ground-rule double. Barden singled Sellers to third base before Espino sacrifice flied out to bring him home.
Albuquerque made it 4-0 in the 6th inning. Barden singled, Espino reached on an error and pinch-hitter Elevys Gonzalez walked to load the bases before Angle sacrifice flied out to drive in Barden.
Jermaine Curtis sacrifice flied out for Memphis' first run in the 8th inning and Albuquerque matched that run in the 9th inning. Alex Castellanos doubled with one out, tagged up and went to third base on Ryal's flyout to center field and scored on Buss' double.
Greg Garcia's fielder's choice brought home a run and Brock Peterson singled home a run as Memphis plated their final runs in the bottom of the 9th inning.
Isotopes Starter Line: Jonathan Sanchez (W, 1-0) 5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 4 BB, 5 K, 0 HR, 6.75 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Josh Wall: (H, 4) 1.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 0 K, 0 HR, 5.81 ERA Alex Castellanos: 1x4 (.267), 1 R, 1 2B (5), 1 BB, 1 K
'TOPES NOTES: The Dodgers recalled P Chris Withrow from the Isotopes on Sunday and designated P Matt Guerrier for assignment. It is not known yet if Guerrier will end up in an Isotopes uniform as Guerrier first has to clear waivers and then he has the right to refuse a minor league assignment if the Dodgers want to send him to Albuquerque to work on his pitching. If Guerrier refuses the minor league assignment, he would become a free agent. In one other transaction, P Javy Guerra, who is on the Isotopes Disabled List, was sent on a rehabilitation assignment to the Rookie-level Arizona League Dodgers. . . . The Isotopes have 100 wins all-time against Memphis, the first PCL opponent for the Isotopes to have 100 wins all-time against. . . . Albuquerque hitters went homerless at Autozone Park in the four-game series, the first series this season that Albuquerque was held homerless. The last homerless series for Isotope batters was a four-game series in Oklahoma City in August 2012. . . . Albuquerque took three out of the four games in the series and 25,620 attended at Autozone Park for a per-game average of 6,405. Today's game marked the final game of the regular-season 16 game series between the Isotopes and Redbirds and Albuquerque dominated the season series 13-3 (7-1 at Isotopes Park; 6-2 at Autozone Park). All-time, Albuquerque has a 100-78 advantage over Memphis, including 55-34 at Isotopes Park and 45-44 at Autozone Park. . . . With the month of June in the books, here are some Isotopes June 2013 stats: 18-11 record for the best June in Isotopes history and only second June in history with a greater than .500 mark; 8-4 record at Isotopes Park and 10-7 on the road; .284 team batting average; 4.41 team ERA; 34 stolen bases and 22 homers. . . . Kelvin De La Cruz has a save in back-to-back games. . . . Albuquerque has 24 road victories, which is one more than the 23 home victories they have in 2013. . . . The Isotopes bus about 7 hours to Oklahoma City for the annual quirky three-game series that allows half of the PCL to get a "4th of July" fireworks night on July 3rd while the half of the league that was on the road on July 3rd travels home on July 4th to start a new series and have their own major fireworks night promotion. Probables in the Monday opener at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark are LHP Aaron Laffey (3-3, 5.73) for the Isotopes and RHP Jarred Cosart (7-4, 3.05) for the Redhawks.
Filed 06/30/2013

June 29, 2013 - Isotopes (46-37)
Autozone Park Albuquerque 102 000 000 -- 3 5 1 Memphis 001 000 100 -- 2 9 2 WP: Matt Palmer (4-3) LP: Carlos Martinez (2-2) SV: Kelvin De La Cruz (4) TIME: 2:46 ATT: 9,859
Isotopes starter Matt Palmer allowed a run in 6 innings and Nick Buss knocked in two runs that ended up being the game-winning runs as the Isotopes defeated the Memphis Redbirds (AAA Cardinals) 3-2 in Memphis on Saturday evening. Albuquerque has won two straight games but remains one game back in the standings as Round Rock also won their game tonight.
For the second time in two nights, Albuquerque had a 1-0 lead after their first at-bat. Tonight, Dee Gordon led off the game with a walk, went to third base on Elian Herrera's single and scored on Alex Castellanos' single.
In the 3rd inning, Gordon reached on an error, Castellanos was hit by a pitch and Buss knocked them both in with a double for a 3-0 lead.
Adron Chambers singled in a run for Memphis in the bottom of the 3rd inning and Rob Johnson added a sacrifice fly RBI in the 7th inning.
Isotopes Starter Line: Matt Palmer (W, 4-3) 6 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, 0 HR, 4.10 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Alex Castellanos: 2x2 (.268), 1 R, 1 RBI (31), 1 BB, HBP
'TOPES NOTES: The Dodgers purchased the contract of P Jose Dominguez on Saturday and optioned P Peter Moylan to Albuquerque. The fireballer Dominguez made eight relief appearances for Albuquerque, going 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA. In 8 innings of work, Dominguez allowed a hit, no runs, 5 walks and struck out 12. P Sean White was activated from the Disabled List. . . . The Isotopes have been doing much better recently in games decided by one run. Albuquerque has won their last four games decided by one run and are now 10-15 in one run contests this season. Both Isotopes wins in this series have been by one run. . . . Albuquerque's record is back to a season-best 9 games above the .500 mark. . . . The Isotopes announced that all the Club, Box and Reserved level seats for the July 4th game against Iowa has been sold. That leaves berm tickets left for sale and berm seating tickets can now be purchased from Ticketmaster or fans will have to wait until Monday morning if they want to buy the berm tickets directly from the Isotopes Park Box Office. . . . The series concludes Sunday afternoon. Probables are LHP Jonathan Sanchez (0-0, 18.00) for the Isotopes and LHP Nick Additon (5-3, 4.29) for the Redbirds.
Filed 06/29/2013

June 28, 2013 - Isotopes (45-37)
Autozone Park Albuquerque 100 000 030 -- 4 7 1 Memphis 100 010 100 -- 3 4 0 WP: Josh Wall (1-2) LP: Victor Marte (2-2) SV: Steve Ames (8) TIME: 3:05 ATT: 5,803
The Isotopes plated three runs in the 8th inning to come from behind to defeat the Memphis Redbirds (AAA Cardinals) 4-3 on Friday evening in Memphis. First-place Round Rock lost their game so the Isotopes moved to one game back of the Express in the division standings. It only took moments for Albuquerque to take a 1-0 lead in the game. Dee Gordon led off the game with a triple and Elian Herrera rejoined the Isotopes lineup after his option from the Dodgers and sacrifice flied out to bring home Gordon. Chad Huffman sacrifice flied out in the bottom of the 1st inning as Memphis tied the game at 1-1 and Huffman had a run-scoring fielders choice in the 5th inning to give Memphis the lead. Memphis extended the lead to 3-1 in the 7th inning when Huffman singled home a run on a fly ball to right field that the official scorer probably should have ruled an error when Isotopes center fielder Matt Angle and right fielder Nick Buss had a miscommunication on who should have caught the fly ball.
Albuquerque rallied their way to a 4-3 lead in the 8th inning. Gordon led off striking out but reached first base safely on a wild pitch. Buss was hit by a pitch and after Herrera struck out, Brian Barden singled on a fly to shallow left center field with Gordon racing home to score. Angle was intentionally walked to load the bags and Justin Sellers laced a single into left field with Buss and Barden scoring to give the Isotopes the lead.
Isotopes Starter Line: Blake Johnson 6 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 3 K, 0 HR, 3.56 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Steve Ames: (SV, 8) 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, 0 HR, 3.27 ERA Josh Wall: (W, 1-2) 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, 0 HR, 5.47 ERA Alex Castellanos: 0x1 (.293)
'TOPES NOTES: The Isotopes reported an error with yesterday's transactions. P Sean White was not reinstated from the Disabled List as press-released yesterday and P Kyle Cofield was not sent to the rookie-level Arizona-League Dodgers. Cofield was placed on the Isotopes Disabled List Friday when IF/OF Elian Herrera reported to the Isotopes after having been optioned from the Dodgers a few days ago. . . . In Scott Van Slyke news, the Dodgers reinstated Van Slyke from the major-league Disabled List and designated former-Isotope IF Luis Cruz for assignment after Cruz hit just .127 for the Dodgers this season. If Cruz clears waivers and finds no other good major-league or foreign playing opportunities, he might accept an assignment to Albuquerque to work on regaining his hitting stroke. . . . Sad news for Isotopes fans. Former-Isotope pitcher Justin Miller was found dead in Palm Harbor, Florida on Wednesday. He was 35. The cause of death has not been released by the Sheriff's office. . . . Steven Ames leads the club with 8 saves. . . . The series continues Saturday evening. Probables are RHP Matt Palmer (3-3, 4.35) for the Isotopes and RHP Carlos Martinez (0-0, 4.50) for the Redbirds.
Filed 06/28/2013

June 27, 2013 - Isotopes (44-37)
Autozone Park Albuquerque 000 100 020 0 -- 3 7 3 Memphis 010 110 000 2 -- 5 11 1 WP: Fernando Salas (1-0) LP: Anthony Ortega (4-4) HR: MEM Brock Peterson (19) off Ortega (10th inning, 2R) TIME: 3:26 ATT: 4,666
After a 42 minute rain delay to start the game, the Isotopes and Memphis Redbirds (AAA Cardinals) got underway and the game was decided by Brock Peterson's walkoff homer in the bottom of the 10th inning as Memphis took a 5-3 victory in the series opener in Memphis. Albuquerque snapped a two-game winning streak and fell to two games back of Round Rock in the division standings.
Memphis' Rob Johnson singled home a run in the 2nd inning and the Isotopes tied the game at 1-1 in the 4th inning. Rusty Ryal drew a one out walk and scored another out later on Elevys Gonzalez's triple.
Memphis reliever Jorge Rondon doubled home a run in the 4th inning to give Memphis the lead and Memphis added a run in the 5th inning on Thomas Pham's single.
Albuquerque knotted the game at 3-3 in the 8th inning. Matt Angle and Nick Buss singled and Ryal was hit by a pitch to load the bases with one out. John Baker reached on a fielder's choice grounder with Angle scoring and Buss scored on an error on that play.
Kolten Wong singled to lead off the bottom of the 10th inning and an out later, Peterson delivered the walkoff two-run homer.
Isotopes Starter Line: Rob Rasmussen 5 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, 0 HR, 7.91 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Rob Rasmussen: 5 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, 0 HR, 7.91 ERA Chris Withrow: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, 0 HR, 1.78 ERA Alex Castellanos: 1x5 (.261), 2 K
'TOPES NOTES: In Isotopes transactions Thursday, IF/OF Scott Van Slyke has his rehabilitation assignment transferred from Albuquerque to Class-A Rancho Cucamonga. OF Jeremy Moore and P Sean White were both activated from the Disabled List and OF Tony Gwynn Jr. went on the Disabled List with a right toe contusion. P Kyle Cofield was sent to the rookie-level Arizona League Dodgers. . . . The Isotopes are 3-3 in extra inning contests in 2013. . . . Albuquerque snapped a six game winning streak this season in games against the Redbirds with tonight's loss. . . . John Baker went 0x4 to snap an eight-game hitting streak. Elevys Gonzalez has quietly put together a six-game hitting streak. . . . The Isotopes have lost three games in 2013 on the road when the opponent won in walk-off fashion. . . . More details were announced about the 2013 Triple-A All-Star game to be played July 17th at Aces Ballpark, home of the PCL's Reno Aces (AAA Diamondbacks). The game will be televised on MLB Network. Paul Severino and Darryl Hamilton will do the play-by-play and color commentary and Jim Callis will join them in the booth. Sam Ryan will be the dugout reporter. The game will be included in the MILB.TV subscription package and will also air on the American Forces Network so United States troops stationed throughout the world can enjoy the action. Ryan Radtke, voice of the Reno Aces, and Howard Kellman, voice of the Indianapolis Indians, will be the radio broadcasters on the Triple-A All-Star Game Radio Network and that radio broadcast will likely air on Isotopes flagship station KNML 610 AM The Sports Animal here in Albuquerque. The umpire crew was also announced -- Tripp Gibson and Chris Segal will represent the PCL and Chad Whitson and Brad Myers will represent the International League. Triple-A All-Star Game fan voting just concluded and it won't be long until the results will be released and we'll find out who will be playing in the game including which Isotope representatives. . . . No Isotopes were named to the MLB All-Star Futures Game rosters. The lone Dodger organization representative is Joc Pederson, who is playing for Class-AA Chattanooga. . . . The series continues Friday evening. Probables are RHP Blake Johnson (6-4, 3.72) for the Isotopes and RHP Scott McGregor (2-4, 6.68) for the Redbirds.
Filed 06/27/2013

June 25, 2013 - Isotopes (44-36)

Isotopes Park Round Rock 001 101 002 -- 5 14 1 Albuquerque 000 000 123 -- 6 13 1 WP: Kelvin De La Cruz (1-1) LP: Joseph Ortiz (1-1) HR: ABQ Brian Barden (3) off Feierabend (7th inning, S) TIME: 3:26 ATT: 5,902
The Isotopes plated all six of their runs in the final three frames and won the game in walkoff double fashion as they earned a series split the hard way with a 6-5 victory over the Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) on Tuesday afternoon at "The Lab". The Express leave town with a slim one game lead over the Isotopes in the division standings.
Yangervis Solarte doubled home a run in the 3rd inning, Jim Adduci ground-rule doubled to drive in a run in the 4th inning, and Adduci singled home a run in the 6th inning as the Express built a 3-0 lead.
Brian Barden's solo homer got Albuquerque on the scoreboard in the 7th inning and the Isotopes tied the game at 3-3 in the 8th inning. Nick Buss walked, Rusty Ryal was hit by a pitch, Matt Angle laid down a sacrifice bunt to advance both runners into scoring position and Barden delivered a two-run single.
Mike Olt singled home a run and Joey Butler doubled home a run in the 9th inning as Round Rock appeared they might have scored the game winning runs in their last at-bat.
The Isotopes were able to overcome Round Rock's late rally in the bottom of the 9th inning. Alex Castellanos led off with a walk and Buss singled. Ryal reached on a fielder's choice with Buss out at second base. Angle singled home Castellanos, Barden grounded out for the second out of the inning and Damaso Espino in the first game of his current Isotopes stint delivered a walk-off two-run double on a fly ball to right field that was lost in the sun.
Isotopes Starter Line: Aaron Laffey 5.2 IP, 10 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 2 K, 0 Hr, 5.73 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Steve Ames: 1.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, 0 HR, 3.48 ERA Josh Wall: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, 0 HR, 5.32 ERA Alex Castellanos: 0x4 (.263), 1 R, 1 BB, 2 K
'TOPES NOTES: Matt Kemp and Scott Van Slyke, the two Dodger rehabilitating players, did not play in Tuesday's game. There is a good reason for Kemp not playing - he flew back to Los Angeles and was activated and will be in Tuesday night's Dodgers lineup against the Giants. IF/OF Elian Herrera was optioned to Albuquerque to make room for Kemp. No word yet if Van Slyke will continue his rehabilitation assignment or if he will be activated soon. . . . The Isotopes and Express split the four games in the series and 31,582 attended for a per-game average of 7,896. Had the Isotopes bullpen not melted down Sunday evening by allowing Round Rock to plate 7 runs in the 9th inning to win, the Isotopes and Express would have ended this series in a first place tie. . . . Games decided by one run have been a problem for the Isotopes this season but it is encouraging that both victories in this series came by one run. Albuquerque is now 8-15 in games decided by one run. . . . Albuquerque has five walk-off wins this season and the two walk-off wins in a row ties a franchise record. . . . Damaso Espino's three doubles in the game tied an Isotope franchise record for individual most doubles in a contest. . . Ryan Feierabend struck out 10 Isotope batters in his 6.2 innings of work for Round Rock. He became the opposing starter to strike out the most Isotopes in a game this season. . . . After the Isotopes and the rest of the Pacific Coast League take Wednesday off, the Isotopes open a seven-game roadtrip with the first four games in Memphis. On Thursday evening, probables are LHP Rob Rasmussen (0-1, 9.42) for the Isotopes and RHP Boone Whiting (4-3, 4.75) for the Redbirds. Sunday's game time in Memphis has been changed from an evening game to an afternoon game.
Filed 06/25/2013

June 24, 2013 - Isotopes (43-36)

Isotopes Park Round Rock 213 003 000 -- 9 13 0 Albuquerque 212 010 301 -- 10 9 0 WP: Juan Dominguez (1-0) LP: Nate Robertson (2-3) HR: RR Mike Bianucci (2) off Sanchez (3rd inning, 2R) ABQ Elevys Gonzalez (2) off Richmond (2nd inning, S) ABQ Nick Buss (11) off Richmond (5th inning, S) TIME: 3:26 ATT: 6,532
Major league veteran Jonathan Sanchez made his Isotopes debut and allowed a run in all three innings he pitched. His teammates, meanwhile, made four different comebacks to tie the game and in the bottom of the 9th inning, John Baker drew a bases-loaded one-out walk to bring home the game winning run as Albuquerque defeated the Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) 10-9. The victory snapped a three-game losing streak and Albuquerque moved to two games back of the Express in the standings with one game left in this series. In the 1st inning, Round Rock's Aaron Cunningham tripled home a run and Yangervis Solarte singled home Cunningham as the Express led 2-0. Albuquerque's first comeback of the night was in the bottom of the 1st inning. Dee Gordon drew a walk, the major-league rehabilitating Matt Kemp followed with a walk, and the major-league rehabiltating Scott Van Slyke flew out to right field with Gordon tagging up to third base. Kemp stole second base before Gordon and Kemp came around to score on Nick Buss' triple to tie the game at 2-2. Jose Felix doubled home a run in the 2nd inning and Albuquerque's second comeback came in the home half of the frame on Elevys Gonzalez's solo homer to center. Joey Butler sacrifice flied out to drive in a run and Mike Bianucci two-run homered in the 3rd inning as Round Rock built a three run lead at 6-3.
In the bottom of the 3rd inning, Kemp doubled and scored on Alex Castellanos' triple. Buss followed with a groundout to plate Castellanos.
Buss' solo homer in the 5th inning completed Albuquerque's third comeback of the game as the Isotopes knotted the game at 6-6.
The Express plated a run on a fielder's choice, Solarte singled home a run and Mike Olt drew a bases-loaded walk in the 6th inning as Round Rock led 9-6.
Albuquerque's fourth and final comeback of the night came in the 7th inning as they tied the game at 9-9. Van Slyke doubled with two outs, Castellanos walked and Buss tripled them both home. Justin Sellers followed with a single to drive in Buss with the game-tying run.
In Albuquerque's game-winning 9th inning, Matt Angle started things off being plunked by a pitch. Castellanos reached on a bunt fielder's choice with Angle out at second base and Buss was hit by a pitch. Sellers drew a walk to load the bases before Baker came to the plate. During the at-bat, Baker got the count to 3-1 before Round Rock catcher Felix and Manager Bobby Jones were both ejected by Home Plate umpire Alex Ortiz for arguing balls and strikes. The next pitch was a strike to make the count full before Baker drew ball four for his walk-off walk with Castellanos scoring.
Isotopes Starter Line: Jonathan Sanchez 3 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, 1 HR, 18.00 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Alex Castellanos: 1x4 (.269), 3 R, 1 3B (3), 1 RBI (30), 1 BB, 2 K
DODGERS Rehab Report Matt Kemp: 1x3 (.182), 2 R, 1 2B (2), 1 BB, 1 K, 1 SB (1) Kemp played center field for 7 innings and might have made his last rehab appearance on this stint with the Isotopes. Kemp drew a 1st inning walk, stole second base and scored on Nick Buss' triple. In the 3rd inning, Kemp doubled and scored on Alex Castellanos' triple. Kemp struck out in the 4th inning and grounded out to third base in the 7th inning to complete his night at the plate. Scott Van Slyke: 1x4 (.375), 1 R, 1 2B (12), 1 K Van Slyke played in left field for 7 innings and in the 1st inning, Van Slyke flew out to right field. Van Slyke struck out in the 3rd inning, grounded out to third in the 5th inning, and doubled and scored on Buss' triple in the 7th inning.
'TOPES NOTES: In an Isotopes transaction Monday, C Steve Cilladi was placed on the Disabled List with a right ankle sprain. . . . Nick Buss drove in six runs in the game, tying his team season-best mark for most RBI in a game. Buss tied an Isotopes franchise record with two triples in a game and the Isotopes had a season-high three triples in the contest. . . . The Isotopes have four walkoff wins this season. Tonight's was the first one of the season that was a walkoff walk. . . . Jonathan Sanchez is the 15th different Isotope starter of the season. . . . Elevys Gonzalez has homered in back to back contests. . . . John Baker hit safely to extend his hitting streak to 8 games. . . . Ike Davis of the Las Vegas 51s (AAA Mets) took out any anger he had of his recent demotion from the Mets on PCL pitching as he was named the PCL Hitter of the Week. Davis hit .474 (10x19) with 4 homers and 7 RBI during the award week. . . . James Paxton of the Tacoma Rainiers (AAA Mariners) is the PCL Pitcher of the Week. Paxton allowed no earned runs (just one earned run) and fanned 16 in 12 innings over two starts but only earned the victory in one of his two starts. . . . The series concludes Tuesday afternoon. Probables are LHP Aaron Laffey (3-3, 5.84) who is returning from his 6 game suspension for his role in a brawl with the Memphis Redbirds on June 15th. Expected to oppose Laffey is LHP Ryan Feierabend (4-2, 4.18).
Filed 06/24/2013

June 23, 2013 - Isotopes (42-36)

Isotopes Park Round Rock 030 000 007 -- 10 14 0 Albuquerque 002 000 140 -- 7 11 0 WP: Lisalverto Bonilla (5-5) LP: Josh Wall (0-2) SV: Ben Rowen (1) HR: RR Jim Adduci (9) off Palmer (2nd inning, 3R) ABQ Elevys Gonzalez (1) off Meek (3rd inning, 2R) ABQ John Baker (1) off Ortiz (7th inning, S) TIME: 3:26 ATT: 6,792
The Isotopes snapped a 3-3 tie with a four run 8th inning, only to have the Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) plate seven runs in the 9th inning to claim a 10-7 victory over Albuquerque. The Isotopes have dropped three straight games and fell to three games back of the Express in the American Conference Southern Division standings.
Jim Adduci three-run homered in the 2nd inning as Round Rock got on the scoreboard.
Albuquerque plated their first runs of the game in the 3rd inning. Brian Barden walked ahead of Elevys Gonzalez's first Triple-A home run.
The Express held onto their slim 3-2 lead until the 7th inning when John Baker bashed his first homer of his current stint as an Isotope to knot the game at 3-3.
Albuquerque rallied for four runs in the 8th inning to take a 7-3 lead. Scott Van Slyke led off with a double and went to third base when Alex Castellanos reached on a sacrifice bunt. Nick Buss doubled home Van Slyke and Justin Sellers singled home Castellanos. Baker drew a walk to load the bases and Barden singled home Buss and Sellers.
Josh Wall entered the game in relief for Albuquerque in the 9th inning and was ineffective. Eli Whiteside started off with a walk, Leury Garcia singled and Aaron Cunningham walked to load the bases. Jared Hoying singled home Whiteside. Wall's only out was getting Yangervis Solarte to fly out before Mike Olt singled to reload the bags. Joey Butler singled home Cunningham as the Express pulled to 7-6 before Kelvin De La Cruz relieved Wall. Adduci drew a walk to tie the game at 7-7 and Chris McGuiness singled Olt home for the go-ahead run. Whiteside followed with a two-run single to make it the final score of 10-7.
Isotopes Starter Line: Matt Palmer 5 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 9 K, 1 HR, 4.35 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Steve Ames: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 Bb, 3 K, 0 HR 3.07 ERA Josh Wall: (L, 0-2) 0.1 IP, 4 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 2 BB, 0 K, 0 HR, 5.64 ERA Chris Withrow: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, 0 HR, 1.85 ERA Alex Castellanos: 1x4 (.269), 1 R, 2 K
DODGERS Rehab Report Matt Kemp: 1x3 (.125), 1 2B, 1 K Kemp played in the field (center field) for the first time this rehabilitation assignment and played six innings. Kemp struck out in his first at-bat in the 1st inning, doubled to the left-center field gap in the 3rd inning, and flew out to center field in the 5th inning. It is believed Kemp will play center field for seven innings on Monday if he feels healthy after Sunday's game. Scott Van Slyke: 1x5 (.379), 1 R, 1 2B, 3 K Van Slyke played the whole game at Designated Hitter and struck out in the 1st and 3rd innings, grounded out to first base in the 6th inning, and got a favorable official scorer ruling of a hit instead of reaching on an error in the 8th inning on a fly ball to center that was not caught. Van Slyke made it safely to third base on Alex Castellanos' sacrifice bunt before scoring on Nick Buss' double. Van Slyke came to the plate a second time in the 8th inning and struck out to end the 8th inning.
'TOPES NOTES: In Isotopes transactions Sunday, the Dodgers signed free agent C Damaso Espino and assigned him to Albuquerque. It will be Espino's second stint with Albuquerque as he was with the Isotopes during the 2011 season. C Matt Wallach was transferred to Class-AA Chattanooga from the Isotopes. OF Jeremy Moore was sent on a rehabilitation assignment to the Arizona-League Dodgers. Moore is recovering from a strained left thumb. . . . Matt Kemp wasn't much of a draw for the Isotopes box office on Sunday evening. 6,792 attended which is a reasonable Sunday evening attendance. . . . The Isotopes blew their largest lead of the season for a game they would eventually lose (4 runs). . . . John Baker extended his hitting streak to 7 games. . . . Josh Wall was on the hook for 6 runs, the most runs given up by an Isotopes reliever in a game this season. . . . Matt Palmer tossed 106 pitches, making it the third time he has led the team with that amount of pitches thrown in a start this season. His 67 strikes tied for most strikes thrown in a start (Ted Lilly rehabiliatation assignment outing) and he tied a team high with 9 strikeouts in a start (Red Patterson). . . . The Isotopes and Express continue their series Monday evening. Probables are RHP Scott Richmond (2-2, 7.44) for the Express and a probable yet to be named for the Isotopes. It has been reported by the Los Angeles Times that LHP Jonathan Sanchez, who the Dodgers signed as a free agent after the Pirates released him, will be activated and make the start for Albuquerque.
Filed 06/23/2013

June 22, 2013 - Isotopes (42-35)

Isotopes Park Round Rock 010 001 304 -- 9 12 1 Albuquerque 100 000 022 -- 5 12 2 WP: Jake Brigham (1-1) LP: Red Patterson (4-2) SV: Ryan Rodebaugh (1) HR: RR Aaron Cunningham (5) off Patterson (2nd inning, S) RR Leury Garcia (2) off Aguasviva (7th inning, 3R) RR Jared Hoying (3) off Cofield (9th inning, 3R) RR Yangervis Solarte (9) off Cofield (9th inning, S) TIME: 3:21 ATT: 12,356
Division-leader Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) belted four homers to score eight of their nine runs in a 9-3 series-opening victory over the Isotopes at "The Lab" on Saturday evening. With the loss, Albuquerque snaped a five-game home winning streak and fell to two games behind the Express.
Albuquerque found the scoreboard in the bottom of the 1st inning. Dee Gordon led off with a single and Dodgers rehabilitating slugger Matt Kemp reached on an error with Gordon going to third base. Gordon was caught stealing home before Alex Castellanos returned to the Isotopes lineup from the Dodgers with a single that drove in Kemp.
Round Rock tied the game on Aaron Cunningham's 2nd inning homer and took the lead in the 6th inning on an error.
Leury Garcia three-run homered in the 7th inning as the Express extended the lead to 5-1.
Albuquerque plated two runs in the 8th inning. Brian Barden and Tony Gwynn Jr. singled and Gordon bunt-singled to load the bases with one out. After Kemp struck out, Matt Angle singled home Barden and Gwynn Jr.
Round Rock's Jared Hoying three-run homered and Yangervis Solarte followed with a solo homer in the 9th inning.
The Isotopes plated two too-little-too-late runs in the bottom of the 9th inning. Nick Buss and Justin Sellers led off with singles and two strikeouts later, Gwynn Jr. walked to load the bags and Gordon delivered a two-run single to score Buss and Sellers. Gordon took second base on defensive indifference before Kemp struck out to end the game.
Isotopes Starter Line: Red Patterson (L, 4-2) 5.1 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 Bb, 1 K, 1 HR, 4.04 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Alex Castellanos: 1x4 (.270), 1 RBI (29), 1 K
DODGERS Rehab Report Matt Kemp: 0x5 (.000), 1 R, 4 K Kemp was the DH and struck out in four times. Kemp reached on an error in the 1st inning and later scored on Alex Castellanos' single. Scott Van Slyke: 0x3 (.387), 3 K Van Slyke was the First Baseman and struck out in three at-bats before being replaced defensively in the 7th inning. Van Slyke committed two throwing errors in the game.
'TOPES NOTES: There were several Isotopes transactions on Saturday. In addition to Matt Kemp's rehabilitation assignment as he recovers from a right hamstring strain, IF/OF Scott Van Slyke also began a rehabilitation assignment while he recovers from left shoulder bursitis. P Sean White and P Matt Magill were both placed on the Disabled List and P Kyle Cofield was transferred from Class-AA Chattanooga to the Isotopes. In a transaction from June 19th that slipped through the cracks, OF Jeremy Moore was placed on the Disabled List with a strained left thumb. It has not been reported if the injury was related to his actions in Albuquerque's brawl with the Memphis Redbirds last Saturday evening or if he injured it while playing. Moore's three-game suspension may be complete as the transaction appears to have been made about the time his three games were served. . . . Having Matt Kemp in town on a rehabilitation assignment is good for the Isotopes box office. The crowd of 12,356 was the second largest crowd of the season. . . . None of Albuquerque's 12 hits were extra base hits. Dee Gordon led the way with four singles. . . . The Isotopes hope to find the win column against the division-leader Express and move to a game back in the division standings when the series continues Sunday evening. Probables are RHP Matt Palmer (3-3, 4.26) for the Isotopes and RHP Evan Meek (1-3, 4.55) for the E-train.
Filed 06/22/2013

June 21, 2013 - Isotopes (42-34)

Werner Park Albuquerque 210 300 000 -- 6 11 1 Omaha 203 020 00x -- 7 11 1 WP: Yordano Ventura (2-1) LP: Blake Johnson (6-4) SV: Will Smith (1) HR: OMA Anthony Seratelli (7) off Johnson (5th inning, 2R) TIME: 2:46 ATT: 6,774
Blake Johnson gave up all seven Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) runs, including a two-run homer in the 5th inning that proved to be Omaha's game-winning runs in an Isotopes 7-6 loss in the series finale in Papillon, Nebraska on Friday evening. With the loss and Round Rock's victory, Albuquerque fell out of a tie for first place in their division.
Albuquerque plated two runs in the 1st inning. Consecutive singles from Justin Sellers, Tony Gwynn Jr. and Rusty Ryal brought home a run. Nick Buss followed with a sacrifice flyout to drive in Gwynn Jr.
Johnson hit Omaha's first batter of the game, Jarrod Dyson, with a pitch and Christian Colon followed with a RBI triple. Johnny Giavotella singled Colon home to tie the game at 2-2.
John Baker singled, went to third base on Matt Wallach's single with a fielding error on the play, and Elevys Gonzalez grounded into a double play with Baker racing home to give the Isotopes a 3-2 lead in the 2nd inning.
Xavier Nady doubled home a run, another run scored on the putout of a strikeout and Max Ramirez singled home a run as the Storm Chasers led 5-3 after three innings of play.
The Isotopes regained the lead in the 4th inning. Brian Barden drew a leadoff walk, went to second base on Baker's groundout and after Wallach walked, Gonzalez doubled home Barden. An out later, Sellers doubled home Wallach and Gonzalez as the 'Topes led 6-5.
In the 5th inning, Nady singled with one out and scored on Anthony Seratelli's two-run homer.
Isotopes Starter Line: Blake Johnson (L, 6-4) 4.2 IP, 8 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, 1 HR, 3.72 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Josh Wall: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, 0 HR, 3.27 ERA
'TOPES NOTES: The Dodgers and Isotopes both announced that OF Matt Kemp will be starting a rehabilitation assignment with the Isotopes starting Saturday evening when the Isotopes return home to face the Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers). . . . Brian Barden went 0x3 to snap an Isotope season-longest 16-game hitting streak. . . . Justin Sellers had a four-hit game and tied an Isotope franchise record with three doubles in the game. . . . The Isotopes took three out of the five games in the series. 23,418 attended the series at Werner Park for a per-gate average of 5,855. Tonight's game marked the final 2013 regular season game at Werner Park between the Isotopes and Storm Chasers and each club won four games. All-time, Albuquerque holds a 46-42 advantage in games played in Omaha but Omaha holds a 15-9 advantage in games played at the newer Werner Park. . . . Albuquerque's tough luck in games decided by one run continues - the Isotopes are 6-15 in games decided by one run. . . . The Isotopes return home for a quick four-game series against the division-leading Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers). Probables on Saturday evening are RHP Red Patterson (4-1, 4.29) for Albuquerque and LHP Martin Perez (0-1, 5.06) for Round Rock.
Filed 06/21/2013

June 20, 2013 - Isotopes (42-33)

Werner Park Albuquerque 300 100 020 -- 6 11 0 Omaha 010 030 000 -- 4 11 0 WP: Anthony Ortega (4-3) LP: Michael Mariot (1-4) SV: Steven Ames (7) HR: OMA Adam Moore (8) off Rasmussen (5th inning, 3R) TIME: 3:18 ATT: 5,086
The Isotopes plated two runs in the 8th inning to snap a 4-4 game and claim a 6-4 victory over the Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) on Thursday evening in Papillon, Nebraska.
Albuquerque was off and running with a three-run 1st inning. Matt Angle led off the game with a walk, Justin Sellers singled and two outs later, Nick Buss ground-rule doubled to drive in Angle. Brian Barden followed with a two-run double plating Sellers and Buss.
Paulo Orlando doubled home Omaha's first run in the 2nd inning.
The Isotopes extended the lead back to three runs in the 4th inning. Buss and Barden drew walks and John Baker singled to drive in Buss.
Adam Moore three-run homered in the 5th inning as Omaha knotted the game at 4-4.
The game remained tied until the Isotopes broke through in the 8th inning. Rusty Ryal singled, Buss doubled and Barden walked to load the bases. Baker singled Ryal home for the go-ahead run and Matt Wallach drew a walk to bring Buss home with an insurance run.
Isotopes Starter Line: Rob Rasmussen 4.2 IP, 9 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, 1 HR, 9.42 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Steve Ames: (SV, 7) 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, 0 HR, 3.29 ERA Rob Rasmussen: 4.2 IP, 9 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, 1 HR, 9.42 ERA
'TOPES NOTES: The Dodgers optioned P Chris Withrow to Albuquerque on Thursday and recalled IF/OF Elian Herrera. C Steve Cilladi was activated from the Isotopes Disabled List to take Herrera's roster spot. . . . The Isotopes are back to a season-best tying 9 games over the .500 mark and are in a first place tie with Round Rock atop the PCL American Conference Southern Division standings. . . . Brian Barden hit safely to extend his Isotopes season-best hitting streak to 16 games. . . . The field staffs for the 2013 Triple-A All-Star Game to be held July 17th in Reno (home of the PCL's Aces) were announced. Reno's Brett Butler will be the PCL Manager with Fresno's Pat Rice the Pitching Coach and New Orleans' Damon Minor the Hitting Coach. For the International League, Dave Miley of Scranton/Wilkes-Barre is the Manager and his coaches are Charlotte's Joel Skinner and Charlotte's Brandon Moore. The PCL Trainer is Joe Metz of Reno and the IL's Trainer is Mark Shires of Norfolk. . . . The Isotopes and Storm Chasers close out the series Friday evening. Probables are RHP Blake Johnson (6-3, 3.10) for the Isotopes and RHP Yordano Ventura (1-1, 4.30) for the Storm Chasers.
Filed 06/20/2013

June 19, 2013 - DH2 - Isotopes (41-33)

Werner Park Albuquerque 010 000 0 -- 1 7 0 Omaha 000 002 x -- 2 4 1 WP: Will Smith (5-3) LP: Josh Wall (0-1) HR: ABQ Rusty Ryal (2) off Teaford (2nd inning, S) OMA Brett Hayes (8) off Wall (6th inning, 2R) TIME: 1:42 ATT: 7,459
Former-Isotope Brett Hayes homered in the 6th inning to give the Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) a 2-1 victory in the nightcap of a doubleheader Wednesday afternoon in Papillon, Nebraska. The loss snapped a seven-game Isotope winning streak.
Rusty Ryal solo homered in the 2nd inning as Albuquerque led 1-0.
Josh Wall made his first appearance since serving a three-game suspension in the 6th inning. Wall gave up a one-out walk to Anthony Seratelli and an out later, former-Isotope Hayes two-run homered for the go-ahead runs.
Isotopes Starter Line: Sean White 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, 0 HR, 3.46 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Josh Wall: (BS, 2) (L, 0-1) 1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, 1 HR, 3.43 ERA
'TOPES NOTES: The Dodgers activated P Chris Capuano from the major-league disabled list and optioned IF Alex Castellanos to Albuquerque. . . . Pending the outcome of the Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) game later tonight, the Isotopes will find themselves in a tie for first place in the division (Express loss) or one game back in the division (Express win). . . . Brian Barden singled in the game to extend his hitting streak to an Isotope season-best 15 games. . . . The series continues Thursday evening. Probables are LHP Rob Rasmussen (0-1, 10.24) for the Isotopes and LHP Danny Duffy (0-0, 15.19) for the Storm Chasers.
Filed 06/19/2013

June 19, 2013 - DH1 - Isotopes (41-32)

Werner Park Albuquerque 009 000 2 -- 11 11 2 Omaha 110 001 0 -- 3 5 2 WP: Geison Aguasviva (4-3) LP: Brian Sanches (3-2) HR: OMA Christian Colon (5) off Magill (1st inning, S) TIME: 2:25
The Isotopes spotted the Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) two runs before erupting for a season-best 9 runs in an inning on their way to a 11-3 victory in the opener of a doubleheader on Wednesday afternoon in Papillon, Nebraska. The Isotopes have won seven straight games.
Christian Colon solo-homered in the 1st inning and Willy Taveras grounded out to bring home a run in the 2nd inning for the Storm Chasers.
In Albuquerque's big 9-run 3rd inning, John Baker and Matt Wallach singled and Dee Gordon reached on an error with Baker scoring. Elian Herrera was safe on a sacrifice bunt to load the bases and Tony Gwynn Jr. singled Wallach home. Rusty Ryal followed with a two run single to drive in Gordon and Herrera that gave the Isotopes a 4-2 lead. Nick Buss doubled home Gwynn Jr. and Matt Angle delivered a two-run double to plate Ryal and Buss. Brian Barden followed with a single that drove in Angle. On the play, Barden went to third base on a two-base error. Baker walked, Wallach struck out and a wild pitch brought home Barden. Gordon drew a walk before Herrera grounded into a double play to end the inning. The Isotopes sent 13 batters to the plate in the frame.
Omaha plated their final run on Adam Moore's single in the 6th inning and the Isotopes plated their final two runs in their last at-bat in the 7th inning. Gwynn Jr. singled, Ryal doubled and Buss singled home Gwynn Jr. Angle then reached on a fielder's choice with Ryal scoring.
Isotopes Starter Line: Matt Magill 2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 1 K, 1 HR, 2.81 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Matt Magill: 2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 1 K, 1 HR, 2.81 ERA
'TOPES NOTES: The seven-game winning streak and 9 games above the .500 mark are both season-bests. . . . Albuquerque is in a tie for first place in the American Conference Southern Division for the first time since April 27th. . . . Geison Aguasviva earned the victory after tossing 3 2/3 innings of relief, allowing just an unearned run. . . . Brian Barden extended his hitting streak to 14 games, the longest Isotope hitting streak in the 2013 season. . . . There were no Isotope stolen bases in the game, snapping a season-long string of 8 games with a stolen base.
Filed 06/19/2013

June 18, 2013 - Isotopes (40-32)

Werner Park Albuquerque 000 010 300 -- 4 7 0 Omaha 000 001 000 -- 1 7 1 WP: Matt Palmer (3-3) LP: Chris Dwyer (5-5) SV: Steven Ames (6) HR: ABQ Brian Barden (2) off Dwyer (5th inning, S) TIME: 2:47 ATT: 4,099
Matt Palmer allowed a run and 6 hits in 7 innings and Albuquerque extended their season-best winning streak to 6 games with a 4-1 victory over the Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) in a series opener in Papillon, Nebraska on Tuesday evening.
Isotopes batters were no hit through the first four innings and Brian Barden's 5th inning solo homer gave Albuquerque their first hit as well as broke the 0-0 game.
Christian Colon singled home a run in the 6th inning as Omaha tied the game at 1-1.
It did not take long for Albuquerque to regain the lead and add insurance runs. In the 7th inning, Matt Angle bunt singled, Brian Barden walked and Nick Buss tripled them both home. Buss came around to score on a throwing error on a pickoff attempt to make it the final score of 4-1.
Isotopes Starter Line: Matt Palmer (W, 3-3) 7 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 5 K, 0 HR, 4.26 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Steve Ames: (SV, 6) 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, 0 HR, 3.42 ERA
'TOPES NOTES: Tonight's game marks the halfway point of the season and the Isotopes are 40-32, the same record they had at the halfway mark of the season in 2012. The 40 victories is part of a three-way tie for second most victories at the halfway mark in a season in franchise history (42 wins in 2011). . . . Albuquerque is a season-best 8 games above the .500 mark and with Round Rock's victory tonight, the Isotopes remain a half-game back in the division. . . . Brian Barden extended his team season-best hitting streak to 13 games. . . . The Isotopes and Storm Chasers play a doubleheader tomorrow with one of the games making up for a game postponed due to weather on April 17th. Probables in the opener are RHP Matt Magill (0-2, 6.51) for Albuquerque and RHP Brian Sanches (3-1, 4.10). In the nightcap, the Isotopes have yet to name a probable while Omaha is expected to send LHP Everett Teaford (2-2, 2.92) to the bump.
Filed 06/18/2013

June 17, 2013 - Isotopes (39-32)

Isotopes Park Memphis 002 000 100 -- 3 5 1 Albuquerque 210 001 00x -- 4 8 1 WP: Aaron Laffey (3-3) LP: Carlos Martinez (1-1) SV: Kelvin De La Cruz (3) TIME: 2:54 ATT: 8,248
Isotopes starter Aaron Laffey allowed three runs and four hits in 6.2 innings and Albuquerque continued their winning ways with a 4-3 victory over the Memphis Redbirds (AAA Cardinals) to sweep the four-game series and extend Albuquerque's winning streak to a season-long five games.
In the 1st inning, Elian Herrera singled with one out, went to second base on an error on a pickoff attempt and advanced to third base on a wild pitch. Tony Gwynn Jr. walked and Nick Buss singled Herrera home. After Matt Angle drew a walk to load the bases, Brian Barden drew a walk to bring home Gwynn Jr. as Albuquerque quickly led 2-0.
The Isotopes made it 3-0 in the 2nd inning. Dee Gordon walked, stole second base, went to third base on Herrera's single and scored on Gwynn Jr.'s sacrifice fly.
Ryan Jackson tripled home a run and scored on Kolten Wong's sacrifice fly in the 3rd inning as Memphis edged to 3-2.
Barden tripled and scored on John Baker's sacrifice fly in the 6th inning as the Isotopes increased their lead back to two runs at 4-2 and Memphis plated their final run in the 7th inning on a wild pitch.
Isotopes Starter Line: Aaron Laffey (W, 3-3) 6.2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 2 K, 0 HR, 5.84 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: (none)
'TOPES NOTES: Suspensions have been disclosed for Isotope players resulting from a benches-clearing brawl on Saturday evening. Receiving three-game suspensions were Justin Sellers, Jeremy Moore, Josh Wall, Dee Gordon and Rusty Ryal. Aaron Laffey received a five-game suspension. For the Memphis Redbirds, manager Ron Warner was suspended one game, Jorge Rondon will serve a seven-game suspension and Rob Johnson, Sam Freeman and Maikel Cleto will each serve three-game suspensions. . . . The Isotopes winning streak has moved them to a half-game back of the Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) in the PCL American Conference Southern Division and are a season-best seven games above the .500 mark. . . . On 50cent Hot Dog Night, 24,041 hots dogs were consumed for a per-fan average of 2.9. . . . The series sweep was Albuquerque's second of the season. 37,556 attended at "The Lab" for a per-game average of 9,389. Tonight's contest marked the final regular season contest at Isotopes Park between the Isotopes and Redbirds and Albuquerque won seven of the eight games. All-time, Albuquerque holds a 55-34 advantage over Memphis at "The Lab". The Isotopes have also won their last six games played against the Redbirds this season. . . . Albuquerque improved to 6-13 in contests decided by one run this season. . . . Brian Barden extended his hitting streak to 12 games, the longest 2013 Isotope hitting streak. . . . Aaron Laffey has turned in three quality starts in a row. . . . Mike Jacobs of the Reno Aces (AAA Diamondbacks) is the PCL Hitter of the Week. Jacob hit .567 (17x30) with 4 homers and 13 RBI during the award week. . . . Chris Heston of the Fresno Grizzlies (AAA Giants) is the PCL Pitcher of the Week. Heston won a complete game shutout in his only start of the week, allowing 5 hits, walking 2 and fanning 9. . . . The Isotopes head to Papillon, Nebraska (outside Omaha) for a five-games-in-four-days series against the Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals). One of the games is to make up a weather-postponed game from April. Tuesday's opener is a single game and probables are RHP Matt Palmer (2-3, 4.68) for the Isotopes and LHP Chris Dwyer (5-4, 3.36) for the Storm Chasers.
Filed 06/17/2013

June 16, 2013 - Isotopes (38-32)

Isotopes Park Memphis 210 010 010 -- 5 11 2 Albuquerque 024 200 04x -- 12 18 1 WP: Red Patterson (4-1) LP: Boone Whiting (4-2) HR: MEM Jamie Romak (13) off Patterson (2nd inning, S) ABQ Nick Buss (10) off Marte (8th inning, 2R) TIME: 3:06 ATT: 9,989
After spotting the Memphis Redbirds (AAA Cardinals) three runs, the Isotopes plated the next eight unanswered runs to build a solid lead and cruised to a 12-5 victory over the Redbirds on Father's Day evening at "The Lab". Albuquerque has won four straight games and are a season-best six games above the .500 mark.
Brock Peterson grounded out to drive in a run and Chad Huffman brought home a run with a sacrifice flyout in the 1st inning and Jamie Romak solo homered in the 2nd inning as Memphis built a 3-0 lead.
The Isotopes got on the scoreboard in their half of the 2nd inning. Justin Sellers singled and scored on Brian Barden's double. Barden went to third base on a fielding error on the play and scored on Matt Wallach's fielders choice.
The Isotopes took the lead in the 3rd inning. Elian Herrera walked, Nick Buss bunt singled and an out later, Matt Angle singled home Herrera. Justin Sellers followed with a triple to plate Buss and Angle before scoring on Barden's single for a 6-3 Isotopes lead.
Albuquerque added two more runs in the 4th inning for a 8-3 lead. Dee Gordon led off with a single, went to second base on Herrera's groundout, made it to third base when Buss reached on a fielding error and scored on Rusty Ryal's sacrifice flyout. Buss stole second base before scoring on Angle's triple.
Greg Garcia singled home a run in the 5th inning and a run scored when Oscar Taveras grounded into a double play in the 8th inning as Memphis plated their final runs of the game and trailed 8-5.
The Isotopes plated their final four runs in their half of the 8th inning. Herrera singled ahead of Buss' two-run homer. Ryal singled, went to second base on a wild pitch and scored on Sellers' double. Matt Wallach later singled to score Sellers.
Isotopes Starter Line: Red Patterson (W, 4-1) 5.1 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 4 K, 1 HR, 4.38 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Steve Ames: 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, 0 HR, 3.55 ERA
'TOPES NOTES: C Dashenko Ricardo was transferred from the Isotopes to Class-A Rancho Cucamonga on Sunday. Ricardo played in two games with the Isotopes, hitting .000 (0x7) with a walk and four strikeouts. . . . The Isotopes are 6-5 in Father's Day contests, snapping a two-game Father's Day losing streak. At home, the Isotopes are 5-1 on the unofficial holiday. . . . The four game winning streak ties for Albuquerque's longest winning streak of the season. . . . Brian Barden hit safely to extend his hitting streak to 11 games, the most for an Isotope this season and second behind Scott Van Slyke's 15-game hitting streak that begun in the 2012 season and ended in the 2013 season. . . . Isotopes manager Lorenzo Bundy was ejected by Home Plate umpire Adam Schwarz in the 1st inning. . . . The series (and quick four-game homestand) concludes on Monday evening. Probables are LHP Aaron Laffey (2-3, 6.12) for the Isotopes and RHP Carlos Martinez (1-0, 1.56) for the Redbirds.
Filed 06/16/2013

June 15, 2013 - Isotopes (37-32)

Isotopes Park Memphis 010 150 002 - 10 12 5 Albuquerque 031 400 05x - 13 10 0 WP: Sean White (2-4) LP: Marc Rzepcynski (0-2) SV: Geison Aguasviva (1) HR: MEM Brock Peterson (14) off Rasmussen (2nd inning, S) MEM Brock Peterson (15) off De La Cruz (5th inning, 3R) ABQ Jeremy Moore (3) off Rondon (4th inning, 3R) TIME: 4:09 ATT: 11,090
In a game that will be memorable due to a rare on-field brawl, the Isotopes blew a six run lead yet was able to rally for five runs in the 8th inning to pull out a 13-10 victory over the Memphis Redbirds (AAA Cardinals) on Saturday evening at "The Lab". Albuquerque has won three straight games and sits just a half-game out of first place in the American Conference Southern Division.
After Memphis' Brock Peterson solo homered in the 2nd inning, Albuquerque took the lead in their half of the frame. Jeremy Moore walked, Justin Sellers singled and Nick Buss singled to drive in Moore. Dee Gordon followed later in the inning with a single that drove in Sellers and Buss for a 3-1 'Topes lead.
Albuquerque added a run in the 3rd inning when Moore was hit by a pitch, Buss walked, both executed a double steal and Matt Wallach drove in a run with a fielder's choice.
Jamie Romak drove in a run for Memphis in the top of the 4th inning before the Isotopes offense exploded for four runs in the bottom of the 4th inning to lead 8-2. Elian Herrera and Tony Gwynn Jr. walked and Brian Barden singled to drive in Herrera. Moore followed with a three-run homer. The next batter Sellers was thrown at, resulting in the benches and bullpens emptying, an on-field brawl, and eleven players and managers ejected including Memphis' P Jorge Rondon, MGR Ron Warner, P Mitchell Boggs, P Maikel Cleto and C Rob Johnson and Albuquerque's MGR Lorenzo Bundy, LF Jeremy Moore, 2B Dee Gordon, SS Justin Sellers, P Aaron Laffey and IF Rusty Ryal.
Shortly after order restored, the Redbirds went on a five-run tear in the 5th inning to almost eliminate the Isotope lead. Kolten Wong drew a bases-load walk to bring in a run, Oscar Taveras had a run-scoring sacrifice fly, and Peterson had his second homer of the game, a three-run shot.
Taveras had a RBI single in the 6th inning as Memphis completed a six-run comeback to knot the game at 8-8.
Albuquerque snapped the tie in the bottom of the 8th inning thanks in part to four Memphis errors. Buss walked, advanced to third base on Wallach's single and a fielding error on the play, and Isotopes reliever Sean White bunt-singled to load the bags with no outs. After Elevys Gonzalez struck out, Herrera drew a bases-loaded walk to bring home Buss with the go-ahead run. Gwynn Jr. reached on a fielder's choice with Memphis reliever Marc Rzepcynski committing a throwing error trying to get Wallach forced out at home plate. The error made Wallach safe for another run scored. White scored on another Memphis error and Herrera and Gwynn Jr. scored when Memphis unsuccessfully tried to turn a double play of Matt Angle's grounder with a throwing error on the attempt.
Memphis did not go quietly into the night, plating a run on Travis Tartamella's single and a run on Chad Huffman's double in the 9th inning.
Isotopes Starter Line: Rob Rasmussen 4 IP, 5 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 4 BB, 4 K, 1 HR, 10.24 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Rob Rasmussen: 4 IP, 5 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 4 BB, 4 K, 1 HR 10.24 ERA
'TOPES NOTES: The Dodgers addressed organizational catching depth by claiming C John Baker off waivers and optioned him to Albuquerque. Baker was designated for assignment by the Padres on June 10th. In 16 games with the Padres, Baker hit .150 (6x40) with no homers and 2 RBI. Baker was playing with Triple-A Tucson (.231, 0 HR, 1 RBI in 4 games) at the time he was designated for assignment. Baker will be unique among Isotope players - he will be the seventh Isotope player to play for the Isotopes as both a Marlins and a Dodgers affiliate, having played in Albuquerque in 2007 and 2008. . . . Albuquerque has been playing marathons at home this month. On June 1st, the Isotopes set a franchise record for the longest 9-inning game with a 4 hour, 7 minute game against the Oklahoma City Redhawks and tonight they broke that mark with a 4 hour, 9 minute game against the Redbirds. . . . The brawl caused a 25 minute game delay. . . . Albuquerque has won their last four games against the Redbirds - two in a row at Autozone Park during the last visit in May and then the first two games of this series. . . . Isotope batters drew a franchise record 14 walks in the game. The previous mark was 12 walks in a game at Colorado Springs in August 2004. . . . Albuquerque set season bests in most games over the .500 mark (5), largest lead blown in a game (6 runs), most Isotope players used in a game (17), and most walks issued to an opponent (11 walks). . . . The Isotopes tied season-bests in most runs scored in a home game (13), and most combined runs in a game (23). . . . Brian Barden hit safely to extend his hitting streak to 10 games. He becomes the fourth Isotope with a 10+ game hitting streak this season. . . . Jeremy Moore has homered in each of his last two contests. . . . Memphis' Brock Peterson has a pair of multi-homer games against the Isotopes this season - once in Memphis and once tonight at Isotopes Park. . . . The postgame fireworks show was cancelled due to high winds. . . . The series continues Sunday evening. Probables are RHP Red Patterson (3-1, 4.09) for the Isotopes and a pitcher to be named for Memphis.
Filed 06/15/2013

June 14, 2013 - Isotopes (36-32)

Isotopes Park Memphis 000 002 000 -- 2 2 1 Albuquerque 202 120 00x -- 7 12 0 WP: Matt Magill (2-0) LP: Scott McGregor (1-4) HR: MEM Brock Peterson (13) off Magill (6th inning, 2R) ABQ Nick Buss (9) off Fornataro (5th inning, 2R) TIME: 2:56 ATT: 8,229
Dodgers rehabilitating lefty Chris Capuano tossed four scoreless innings and Nick Buss homered and drove in three runs as the Isotopes defeated the Memphis Redbirds (AAA Cardinals) 7-2 in the series opener at "The Lab" on Friday evening. Albuquerque has put together a two-game streak for the first time since late May. In the 1st inning, Redbirds starter Scott McGregor walked the bases loaded and Justin Sellers delivered a two-run single up the middle to plate Elian Herrera and Rusty Ryal for a 2-0 'Topes lead. In the 3rd inning, Tony Gwynn Jr. singled and scored on Ryal's double. Two outs later, Nick Buss singled Ryal home. Dee Gordon did what he does best in the 4th inning for Albuquerque's fifth run of the game. Gordon singled, stole second, went to third on Herrera's groundout and scored on Gwynn Jr.'s single. Sellers was hit by a pitch and scored on Buss' two-run homer in the 5th inning for Albuquerque's final runs of the game and a 7-0 lead. Brock Peterson's two-run homer in the 6th inning provided the only Memphis runs of the game.
Isotopes Starter Line: Chris Capuano 4 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 5 K, 0 HR, 1.93 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Matt Magill: (W, 2-0) 5 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 4 K, 1 HR, 2.40 ERA
DODGERS Rehab Report Chris Capuano: 4 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 5 K, 0 HR, 1.93 ERA Capuano made his first start of a new rehabilitation assignment with the Isotopes. He retired the first five batters he faced, gave up a walk, retired the next four batters to have three no-hit innings, then gave up his only hit of the night in the 4th inning. At the plate, Capuano bunted to ground out in both the 2nd and 3rd innings. Capuano uncorked one wild pitch, tossed 58 pitches with 36 of them strikes, and induced four groundouts and three flyouts.
'TOPES NOTES: In Isotopes transactions today, the Dodgers assigned P Chris Capuano to Albuquerque on a rehabilitation assignment as he continues his recovery from a left shoulder latissimus strain injury. IF Ozzie Martinez was transferred from Albuquerque to Class-AA Chattanooga since Justin Sellers reported to the Isotopes after his recent option from the Dodgers. The Dodgers activated former-Isotope C A.J. Ellis from the Disabled List and Tim Federowicz won't be returning for another Isotopes stint with this transaction as the Dodgers instead decided to designate C Ramon Hernandez for assignment. . . . Chris Capuano and Matt Magill in a relief role combined to hold the Redbirds to just two hits in the game. . . . The two hits tied a team season-best for fewest hits given up the pitching staff in a game and it was the fewest hits the Isotopes have allowed in a home game in at least two seasons. . . . Albuquerque has tied their best high water mark of the season - four games above the .500 mark. . . . Tony Gwynn Jr. had a four hit game, his second one of the season and second one in his last three games. . . . The series continues on Saturday evening. Probables are LHP Rob Rasmussen (0-1, 7.94) for the Isotopes and RHP Maikel Cleto (2-3, 5.72) for the Redbirds.
Filed 06/14/2013

June 13, 2013 - Isotopes (35-32)

Dell Diamond Albuquerque 101 200 000 05 -- 9 9 2 Round Rock 010 101 010 00 -- 4 7 3 WP: Steven Ames (2-2) LP: Lisalverto Bonilla (4-5) HR: ABQ Matt Wallach (4) off Meek (4th inning, S) ABQ Jeremy Moore (2) off Bonilla (11th inning, 2R) RR Mike Olt (4) off Palmer (4th inning, S) RR Joey Butler (7) off Palmer (6th inning, S) TIME: 4:13 ATT: 8,492
In a four hour, 13 minute game -- Albuquerque's longest time-wise game of the season -- Tony Gwynn Jr. doubled home two go-ahead runs in the 11th inning and the Isotopes eventually plated five runs in the frame to secure a 9-4 extra innings victory over the Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) in the series finale in Round Rock on Thursday evening. In the 1st inning, Dee Gordon drew a game-leading walk, stole second base, advanced to third base on Elian Herrera's groundout and scored on an error during Gwynn Jr.'s fielders choice. The Express plated a run in the 2nd inning to tie the game and Albuquerque regained the lead in the 3rd inning. Herrera singled, Matt Angle was hit by a pitch and Jeremy Moore walked to load the bags with two outs. A throwing error on a pickoff attempt allowed Herrera to score. The Isotopes extended the lead in the 4th inning. Matt Wallach solo homered and in his Isotopes debut game, Elevys Gonzalez walked, stole second base and scored on Herrera's single to extend the lead to 4-1. Mike Olt solo homered in the 4th inning and Joey Butler solo homered in the 6th inning as Round Rock edged closer at 4-3 and in the 8th inning, Yangervis Solarte's sacrifice fly brought home the game tying run.
The Express stranded the game-winning run at third base in both the 9th inning and 10th inning and Albuquerque snapped the 4-4 deadlocked game with their big 11th inning rally. Wallach walked and Gonzalez safely reached on a sacrifice bunt due to an error. Gordon executed a successful sacrifice bunt to move both runners into scoring position and after Herrera was intentionally walked to load the bases, Gwynn Jr. doubled down the right field line to drive in Wallach and Gonzalez. A wild pitch brought home Herrera and an out later, Moore two-run homered.
Isotopes Starter Line: Matt Palmer 5 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 5 K, 2 HR, 4.68 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Steve Ames: (W, 2-2) 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 0 K, 0 HR, 3.86 ERA Josh Wall: (BS, 1) 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, 0 HR, 2.70 ERA
'TOPES NOTES: The Isotopes continued their June trend of altering wins and losses and have not been able to put together a two-game win or loss streak this month. . . . Albuquerque is 3-2 in extra inning contests this season. . . . Through 24 divisional games played, the Isotopes are an even-steven 12-12. . . . The Isotopes and Express split the series 2-2 and 31,078 attended the four games for a per-game average of 7,770. Tonight's game marked the final game between the two clubs at Dell Diamond in 2013. Each team won four of the eight Dell Diamond played games this season and all-time, Round Rock has a 43-29 advantage on their home field. The Express will play eight games in Albuquerque before the end of the season to complete the 16-game season series. . . . The 11 innings tied for Albuquerque's longest extra-inning contest of the season. . . . Albuquerque has scored the game-winning run in their last at-bat six times this season. . . . Brian Barden had a single to extend his hitting streak to 9 games. . . . Matt Wallach has homered in each of his last two games played. . . . The Isotopes are home for a quick four-game homestand featuring two fireworks shows and all night games so fans can enjoy Isotopes baseball and beat the heat. Dodgers LHP Chris Capuano (0-0, 3.38) is expected to be sent to Albuquerque to make a rehabilitation start, according to various media reports. The Dodgers and Isotopes have yet to confirm the reports or submit any official transactions to league offices. If all is true, Capuano will be making his first start of a rehabilitation assignment and second rehabilitation start overall this season for Albuquerque since he was with the Isotopes on a different rehabilitation assignment earlier in the season. The Memphis Redbirds (AAA Cardinals) are expected to counter with RHP Scott McGregor (1-3, 6.95).
Filed 06/13/2013

June 12, 2013 - Isotopes (34-32)

Dell Diamond Albuquerque 010 000 001 -- 2 13 1 Round Rock 021 000 10x -- 4 10 2 WP: Martin Perez (4-1) LP: Aaron Laffey (2-3) SV: Cory Burns (15) TIME: 2:58 ATT: 6,865
Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) lefty starter Martin Perez held the Isotopes to an unearned run in his 6 innings of work and Isotope batters struck out a season-worst 15 times in a 4-2 loss to Round Rock on Wednesday evening.
Albuquerque had their only lead of the game in the 2nd inning. Ozzie Martinez singled with two outs, went to second base on a wild pitch and scored when Dashenko Ricardo reached on a fielding error.
Eli Whiteside and Engel Beltre each drew bases-loaded walks in the home half of the 2nd inning to give the Express a 2-1 lead.
Mike Olt sacrifice flied out in the 3rd inning and then doubled home a run in the 7th inning as the Express built the lead to 4-1.
Albuquerque plated their final run in the 9th inning when Dee Gordon singled, went to second base on Elian Herrera's single and scored on pinch-hitter Nick Buss' single.
Isotopes Starter Line: Aaron Laffey (L, 2-3) 6 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 4 BB, 3 K, 0 HR, 6.12 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: (none)
'TOPES NOTES: Six straight Isotope batters struck out from the second out in the 7th inning thru the first out in the 9th inning. That strikeout streak tied a franchise worst record. . . . Tony Gwynn Jr. had a four-hit game, his first four-hit game of the season. . . . The Isotopes have outhit the Express every game this series, yet only have one win in the three games to show for it. . . . Brian Barden singled to extend his hitting streak to 8 games. . . . The Dell Diamond portion of the season series concludes on Thursday evening. With the unusual trend of alternating wins and losses in every game in June, the Isotopes should end up the series with a win and a split. Probables are RHP Matt Palmer (2-3, 4.60) for the Isotopes and RHP Evan Meek (0-3, 4.91) for the Express.
Filed 06/12/2013

June 11, 2013 - Isotopes (34-31)

Dell Diamond Albuquerque 100 100 400 -- 6 14 1 Round Rock 000 000 000 -- 0 4 0 WP: Blake Johnson (6-3) LP: Brad Mills (6-1) HR: ABQ Matt Wallach (3) off Mills (4th inning, S) TIME: 2:51 ATT: 7,825
Blake Johnson, Kelvin De La Cruz and Steven Ames combined on Albuquerque's second shutout of the season in a 6-0 victory over the Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) in Round Rock on Tuesday evening. The Isotopes were off and running in the 1st inning. Elian Herrera singled with one out, went to second base on a balk, advanced to third base on Tony Gwynn Jr.'s single and scored on Rusty Ryal's fielder's choice. Matt Wallach added a solo homer in the 4th inning and in the 7th inning, the Isotopes plated their final four runs. Herrera led off the 7th inning getting plunked by a pitch and scored on Gwynn Jr.'s double. Ryal singled ahead of Matt Angle's double that scored Gwynn Jr. Brian Barden followed with a two-run single to drive in Ryal and Angle.
Isotopes Starter Line: Blake Johnson (W, 6-3) 5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 5 K, 0 HR, 3.10 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Steve Ames: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, 0 HR, 4.03 ERA
'TOPES NOTES: The Dodgers did quite a bit of work on the Isotopes roster Tuesday. The Dodgers started off things by placing Scott Van Slyke on the major-league Disabled List with left shoulder bursitis. P Chris Withrow and OF Alex Castellanos were both recalled to the Dodgers and IF Justin Sellers was optioned to the Isotopes from the Dodgers. In one final Isotope transaction for the day, IF Ozzie Martinez was assigned to Albuquerque from Class-AA Chattanooga. Sellers struck out in one pinch-hit at-bat in his only Dodgers appearance on this just-completed Los Angeles/Albuquerque shuttle. Withrow made 22 relief appearances with the Isotopes, going 4-0 with a 1.93 ERA. Before heading to the Dodgers for the first time this season, Castellanos appeared in 43 games with the Isotopes and hit .270 with 9 homers and 28 RBI. Finally, Martinez started his season with Albuquerque before being sent to Class-AA Chattanooga. With the Lookouts, Martinez appeared in 19 games and hit .271 with 1 homer and 4 RBI. . . . The Dodger Pride winners for the month of May were announced. At the Triple-A level, P Blake Johnson was the Pitcher. Johnson went 3-2 during May with a 1.96 ERA with 32 batters fanned in six starts. The hitter was Elian Herrera, who hit .363 for the month with 3 homers and 10 RBI. P Rob Rasmussen, just promoted to the Isotopes, was the Dodger Pride winner for the Double-A pitcher category. Rasmussen with Class-AA Chattanooga in May had a 2-1 record with a 1.97 ERA and hurled a 13 consecutive inning streak without having allowed an earned run from May 15-31st. . . . Blake Johnson was the starting pitcher in both of Albuquerque's combined shutouts this season and he earned his sixth victory tonight, tops on the team. Johnson has currently tossed 10 consecutive innings without having allowed an earned run and he was one inning short of qualifying for a quality start, ending his consecutive quality start streak of five. . . . Brian Barden's 7th inning two-run single extended his hitting streak to 7 games. . . . The annual Isotopes baseball card team set giveaway night has been rescheduled. Originally scheduled for June 24th, the new promotion night is July 8th with sets being given away to the first 3,000 fans. . . . The Isotopes hope to defeat the Express Wednesday night to put together their first two-game winning streak since wins on May 30th and 31st. Probables are LHP Aaron Laffey (2-2, 6.38) for the Isotopes and LHP Martin Perez (3-1, 2.63) for the E-train.
Filed 06/11/2013

June 10, 2013 - Isotopes (33-31)

Dell Diamond Albuquerque 002 000 000 -- 2 8 0 Round Rock 010 202 00x -- 5 6 1 WP: Ryan Feierabend (4-1) LP: Rob Rasmussen (0-1) HR: ABQ Elian Herrera (5) off Feierabend (3rd inning, 2R) RR Mike Olt (3) off Rasmussen (2nd inning, S) RR Jim Adduci (7) off Rasmussen (6th inning, S) TIME: 2:28 ATT: 7,896
Isotopes starter Rob Rasmussen made his Isotopes debut and gave up all five runs to the Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) as the Isotopes dropped the series opener 5-2 in Round Rock on Monday evening.
Mike Olt solo homered for the Express in the 2nd inning and Albuquerque took their only lead of the game in the 3rd inning. Dee Gordon ground-rule doubled, went to third base on an error during a pickoff attempt and scored on Elian Herrera's two-run homer.
The Express tied the game in the 4th inning on a run-scoring wild pitch and Jared Hoying sacrifice flied out later in the frame to give the Express a 3-2 lead.
Round Rock added insurance runs in the 6th inning, both charged to Rasmussen. Jim Adduci solo homered, Hoying tripled and after Jose Dominguez relieved Rasmussen, Greg Miclat doubled home Hoying.
Isotopes Starter Line: Rob Rasmussen (L, 0-1) 5.2 IP, 5H, 5 R, 5 ER, 4 BB, 2 K, 2 HR, 7.94 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Rob Rasmussen: (L, 0-1) 5.2 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 4 BB, 2 K, 2 HR, 7.94 ERA Josh Wall: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, 0 HR, 2.50 ERA
'TOPES NOTES: The Dodgers recalled IF Justin Sellers and optioned P Matt Magill to the Isotopes. IF Elevys Gonzalez was added to the Isotopes roster from rookie-level Ogden. . . . Express starter Ryan Feierabend tossed a complete game. . . . A fireballing reliever, Jose Dominguez, made his Isotopes debut tonight and went 1.1 innings, allowing a hit, no runs, walked 2 and struck out 2. Most of his pitches seemed to be between 97 and 99 MPH on the Dell Diamond radar gun. . . . Luke Montz of the Sacramento River Cats (AAA Athletics) is the PCL Hitter of the Week. Montz hit .421 (8x19) with 3 homers and 13 RBI during the award week. . . . Carlos Torres of the Las Vegas 51s (AAA Mets) is the PCL Pitcher of the Week. Torres won both of his starts for the week and compiled a 0.50 ERA (1 eaqrned run in 18 innings pitched). Torres allowed 5 hits, 2 walks and fanned 15. . . . The Isotopes and Express continue their series Tuesday evening. Probables are RHP Blake Johnson (5-3, 3.33) for the Isotopes and LHP Brad Mills (6-0, 2.87) for the E-train.
Filed 06/10/2013

June 9, 2013 - Isotopes (33-30)

Zephyr Field Albuquerque 000 160 000 -- 7 12 0 New Orleans 000 000 103 -- 4 7 1 WP: Red Patterson (3-1) LP: Matt Neil (1-2) HR: ABQ Matt Angle (6) of Neil (5th inning, 3R) NRL Kyle Skipworth (1) off Ortega (9th inning 3R) NRL Jordan Brown (2) off Ortega (7th inning, S) TIME: 2:53 ATT: 5,035
Red Patterson made another spot start and was marvelous, tossing six scoreless innings while allowing just one hit, and Matt Angle homered and drove in three runs as the Isotopes concluded their series with a 7-4 victory over the New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Marlins) on Sunday afternoon in Metarie, Louisiana.
In the 4th inning, Angle singled, stole second base and scored on Justin Sellers' double for the first run of the game.
The Isotopes got what proved to be very important runs in the 5th inning. Nick Buss singled, Elian Herrera laid down a sacrifice bunt and reached safely on a throwing error on the play and Angle followed with a three-run homer. Rusty Ryal singled, Jeremy Moore doubled and Sellers singled them both home before scoring on Brian Barden's double for a 7-0 lead.
Jordan Brown solo homered in the 7th inning and Kyle Skipworth three-run homered in the 9th inning for the only Zephyrs runs of the game.
Isotopes Starter Line: Red Patterson (W, 3-1) 6 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 9 K, 0 HR, 4.19 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: (none)
'TOPES NOTES: The Dodgers made the rumors from Saturday official on Sunday, recalling P Matt Magill to make the start Sunday against the Atlanta Braves at Dodger Stadium and placing P Ted Lilly on the major-league Disabled List with a neck strain. Isotopes C J.R. Towles went on the Disabled List with a sprained left thumb and C Dashenko Ricardo was transferred to Albuquerque from Rookie-level Ogden. . . . The Isotopes and Zephyrs split the series 2-2 and 23,847 attended the four game series at Zephyr Field for a per-game average of 5,962. . . . Justin Sellers had a four-hit game, his team-leading third of the season. . . . Red Patterson struck out 9 batters in the starting assignment, the most in a game for a starter this season and he also had his first quality start of the season. . . . The Isotopes start a four game series in Round Rock, Texas against the Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) starting Monday evening. Probables in the opener are LHP Rob Rasmussen (No Record) for the Isotopes and a pitcher to be named for the Express. Rasmussen will be making his Triple-A debut.
Filed 06/09/2013

June 8, 2013 - Isotopes (32-30)

Zephyr Field Albuquerque 100 000 100 -- 2 8 1 New Orleans 000 002 01x -- 3 5 1 WP: Jonathan Albaladejo (2-2) LP: Geison Aguasviva (3-3) SV: Chris Hatcher (19) HR: NRL Bryan Petersen (4) off Palmer (6th inning, 2R) TIME: 3:13 ATT: 6,768
An Isotope error led to the New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Marlins) plating the game winning run in the 8th inning in Albuquerque's 3-2 loss to New Orleans on Saturday night in Metarie, Louisiana.
It did not take long for the Isotopes to take a 1-0 lead. Dee Gordon led off the game with a single, went to second base on Justin Sellers' single, advanced to third base on Tony Gwynn Jr.'s groundout and scored on Alex Castellanos' groundout.
The Zephyrs took a 2-1 lead in the 6th inning when Bryan Petersen two-run homered and the Isotopes knotted the game at 2-2 in the 7th inning. Brian Barden doubled, went to third base on J.R. Towles' sacrifice bunt and scored on Sellers' sacrifice fly.
In the 8th inning that decided the game, New Orleans' Jordan Brown drew a one out walk and Jake Smolinski doubled. A fielding error by Isotopes left fielder Gwynn Jr. on the play allowed Brown to score the go-ahead run.
Isotopes Starter Line: Matt Palmer 5 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 Er, 3 BB, 7 K, 1 Hr, 4.60 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Steve Ames: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, 0 HR, 4.22 ERA Alex Castellanos: 0x3 (.270), 1 RBI (28), 1 BB
'TOPES NOTES: In the lone Isotopes transaction Saturday, P Jose Dominguez was transferred from Class-AA Chattanooga to Albuquerque. Dominguez made 14 relief appearances for Chattanooga in 2013, going 1-0 with 5 saves and a 2.60 ERA. The unofficial transaction -- in that the Dodgers have not made it official -- is that P Matt Magill has been recalled by the Dodgers. It has been reported Dodgers P Ted Lilly will miss his start Sunday and go on the major-league Disabled List and another clue to the transaction is the Isotopes probable starter for Sunday was Magill but it was changed to Red Patterson. The transaction will be reported here tomorrow if the Dodgers make it official. . . . Dee Gordon made his first start at Second Base in the game as part of the Dodgers wanting to try to make him more position-versatile. . . . The Isotopes have lost two games in this series by one run and are now 5-13 in games decided by one run this season. . . . The series concludes Sunday afternoon. Probables are RHP Red Patterson (2-1, 4.86) for the Isotopes and RHP Matt Neil (1-1, 6.87) for the Zephyrs.
Filed 06/08/2013

June 7, 2013 - Isotopes (32-29)

Zephyr Field Albuquerque 100 110 010 -- 4 7 1 New Orleans 000 100 000 -- 1 3 0 WP: Aaron Laffey (2-2) LP: Brian Flynn (2-5) SV: Josh Wall (3) HR: ABQ Alex Castellanos (9) off Flynn (4th inning, S) ABQ J.R. Towles (6) off Flynn (5th inning, S) ABQ Tony Gwynn Jr. (2) off Leverton (8th inning, S) TIME: 2:36 ATT: 7,923
In a game televised by Cox Sports Television regional sports network in Louisiana, Isotopes starter Aaron Laffey was spectacular, allowing just one run that shouldn't have been in 7 innings and a trio of Isotopes homered in Albuquerque's 4-1 victory over the New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Marlins) on Friday evening in Metarie, Louisiana. Dee Gordon exerted more effort than he had to in getting the Isotopes' first run of the game. Gordon led off the game being hit by a pitch, stole second base, went to third base on Elian Herrera's sacrifice bunt and then scored easily on Tony Gwynn Jr.'s triple. Alex Castellanos deposited a pitch over the left field wall in the 4th inning to extend the Isotopes' lead to 2-0. The Zephyrs scored their only run of the contest in the home half of the 4th inning. Koyie Hill doubled on a fly ball that Isotopes left fielder Alex Castellanos either lost off the bat or lost in the lights. Hill went to third base on Bryan Petersen's groundout and scored on former-Isotope Nick Green's fielder's choice. J.R. Towles solo homered to left field in the 5th inning and in the 8th inning, Tony Gwynn Jr. homered to right field with the ball making a "splash landing" in the swimming pool located just behind the right field fence at Zephyr Field.
Isotopes Starter Line: Aaron Laffey (W, 2-2) 7 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, 0 HR, 6.38 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Josh Wall: (SV, 3) 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 Bb, 2 K, 0 HR, 2.65 ERA Chris Withrow: (H, 5) 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, 0 HR, 1.93 ERA Alex Castellanos: 1x4 (.276), 1 R, 1 HR (9), 1 RBI (27), 1 K
'TOPES NOTES: P Javy Guerra was placed on the Isotopes Disabled List on Friday with a right elbow strain and P Rob Rasmussen was transferred to Albuquerque from Class-AA Chattanooga. Rasmussen was a player the Dodgers acquired in an offseason trade with the Houston Astros that sent Isotope fan favorite P John Ely to Houston. Rasmussen appeared in 12 games (11 starts) with Chattanooga and went 3-3 with a 2.42 ERA. In 63.1 innings, Rasmussen allowed 48 hits, 18 runs (17 earned), gave up 3 homers, walked 20 and fanned 60. . . . The series continues Saturday evening. Probables are RHP Matt Palmer (2-3, 4.73) for the Isotopes and LHP Duane Below (2-2, 3.12) for the Zephyrs.
Filed 06/07/2013

June 6, 2013 - Isotopes (31-29)
Zephyr Field Albuquerque 002 000 000 -- 2 7 0 New Orleans 200 000 01x -- 3 8 1 WP: Jonathan Albaladejo (1-2) LP: Javy Guerra (0-3) SV: Chris Hatcher (18) HR: NRL Bryan Petersen (3) off Guerra (8th inning, S) TIME: 2:33 ATT: 4,121
The New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Marlins) plated the game-winning run on a homer in the 8th inning as they nipped the Isotopes 3-2 in the series opener on Thursday evening in Metarie, Lousiana.
Petersen doubled home two runs in the 1st inning as the Zephyrs led 2-0 and the Isotopes tied the game in the 3rd inning. Dee Gordon bunt singled with one out, Elian Herrera reached on an error and Matt Angle singled them both home.
The game remained knotted at 2-2 until Petersen led off the New Orleans half of the 8th inning with a solo homer for the eventual game-winner.
Isotopes Starter Line: Blake Johnson 6 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 7 K, 0 HR, 3.33 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Alex Castellanos: 1x4 (.276), 3 K
'TOPES NOTES: There was one Isotope transaction on Thursday -- P Matt Shelton was transferred from the Isotopes to Extended Spring Training. . . . The Isotopes bad luck in one run games continued as tonight's loss makes Albuquerque 5-12 in games decided by one run and Albuquerque has eight losses in which their opponents scored the game-winning runs in their last at-bats. . . . Blake Johnson allowed two 1st inning runs, ending a 10 consecutive scoreless innings streak. Johnson's streak ties Angel Castro's recently concluded 10 inning scoreless inning streak for the longest on the club for a starter this season. . . . Albuquerque has lost their last three games played at Zephyr Field, dating back to the 2012 season. . . . Rusty Ryal singled to extend his hitting streak to 6 games, while Elian Herrera went hitless in three at-bats to snap a 6-game hitting streak. . . . The series continues Friday evening with the game televised on the Cox Sports Louisiana regional sports network. Probables are LHP Aaron Laffey (1-2, 7.58) for the Isotopes and LHP Brian Flynn (2-4, 4.04) for the Zephyrs.
Filed 06/06/2013

June 4, 2013 - Isotopes (31-28)
Isotopes Park Oklahoma City 000 011 000 -- 2 11 3 Albuquerque 010 215 10x -- 10 9 0 WP: Anthony Ortega (3-3) LP: Philip Humber (0-1) HR: ABQ Matt Angle (4) off Humber (2nd inning, S) ABQ Matt Angle (5) off Cruz (7th inning, S) TIME: 3:07 ATT: 4,585
Matt Angle had two solo homers and the Isotopes plated nine runs in the 4th though 7th innings to turn a close game into a comfortable 10-2 victory over the divison-leading Oklahoma City Redhawks (AAA Astros) on Tuesday afternoon. The Redhawks leave town with a two game lead over the Isotopes. Matt Angle solo homered in the 2nd inning as Albuquerque took a 1-0 lead. The Isotopes extended the lead to 3-0 in the 4th inning with some two-out magic. Rusty Ryal doubled, Angle walked and Brian Barden doubled home Ryal while Angle scored on a throwing error on the play. Brandon Laird doubled home a run for Oklahoma City in the 5th inning and the Isotopes matched that run in the bottom of the frame when Elian Herrera tripled and later scored when Nick Buss reached on an error. Cody Clark singled home a run in the top of the 6th inning as the Redhawks closed to two runs down at 4-2 and Albuquerque put the game away with a five-run bottom of the 6th inning. Angle walked, Barden was hit by a pitch and after J.R. Towles struck out, Dee Gordon tripled Angle and Barden home. Herrera sacrifice flied out to drive in Gordon, Tony Gwynn Jr. singled and Alex Castellanos reached on a two-base fielding error. Buss followed with a ground rule double to bring Gwynn Jr. and Castellanos home for a 9-2 lead.
Angle hit his second solo homer of the game in the 7th inning to close out the scoring in the contest.
Isotopes Starter Line: Red Patterson 4.2 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 3 K, 0 HR, 4.86 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Steve Ames: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 2 K, 0 HR, 4.35 ERA Chris Withrow: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, 0 HR, 2.01 ERA Alex Castellanos: 0x4 (.277), 1 R, 1 K
'TOPES NOTES: There were a few Isotope transactions on Tuesday. P Red Patterson was transferred from Rookie-level Ogden to Albuquerque to make the start in today's game. P Angel Castro was placed on the Disabled List after straining his left oblique in last night's game and P Matt Shelton was transferred to Albuquerque from Class-A Rancho Cucamonga. It was also thought the Dodgers would be optioning P Stephen Fife to Albuquerque when IF Hanley Ramirez was activated from the Disabled List, but the Dodgers placed P Chris Capuano on the Disabled List instead of optioning Fife, who had started in place of Capuano Monday. . . . The Isotopes and Redhawks split the four-game series 2-2. 30,114 attended at Isotopes Park for a per-game average of 7,529. The series marked the final game between the Isotopes and Redhawks at Isotopes Park in 2013 and each club won four games. All-time, the Isotopes have a 49-39 record in games against the Redhawks at Isotopes Park. The Isotopes play three games in July and five games in August, both in Oklahoma City, in order to complete the 16-game season series. . . . Matt Angle scored four runs in the game, tying an Isotope franchise record and Angle became the fourth different Isotope this season to have a multi-homer game. . . . The Isotopes and the rest of the PCL have Wednesday off. On Thursday, Albuquerque begins an eight-game roadtrip starting with four games in Metarie, Louisiana against the New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Marlins). Probables in the opener are RHP Blake Johnson (5-3, 3.36) for the Isotopes and RHP Doug Mathis (2-4, 2.81) for the Zephyrs.
Filed 06/04/2013

June 3, 2013 - Isotopes (30-28)
Isotopes Park Oklahoma City 200 202 101 -- 8 14 0 Albuquerque 100 030 000 -- 4 7 1 WP: Eric Berger (2-1) LP: Kelvin De La Cruz (0-1) TIME: 3:59 ATT: 7,971
The Isotopes tied up the game in the 5th inning before the division-leading Oklahoma City Redhawks (AAA Astros) plated four unanswered runs in the rest of the game to take a 8-4 victory over Albuquerque.
The Redhawks plated two runs in the 1st inning. With one out, Jake Elmore, Brett Wallace and Brandon Laird had consecutive singles with Elmore scoring. Fernando Martinez then reached on a fielder's choice with Wallace scoring.
The Isotopes got on the scoreboard in the home half of the 1st inning. Elian Herrera bunt singled and went to second base on a passed ball. After Tony Gwynn Jr. walked and Alex Castellanos was hit by a pitch to load the bases, Herrera scored on a wild pitch.
Jonathan Villar bunt singled to drive in a run and Robbie Grossman reached on a fielder's choice with a run scoring in the 4th inning as the Redhawks led 4-1.
The Isotopes tied the game at 4-4 with a 5th inning rally. Herrera and Gwynn Jr. walked, Castellanos was hit by another pitch to load the bases and Nick Buss grounded out to score Herrera. Sellers walked to reload the bags and Jeremy Moore drew a walk to plate Gwynn Jr. Rusty Ryal followed with a sacrifice fly to drive in Castellanos.
Martinez singled home two runs as the Redhawks quickly regained the lead in the 6th inning, Elmore drove in a run with a sacrifice fly in the 7th inning and Grossman sacrifice flied out in the 9th inning to drive in yet another run as the Redhawks built their lead to 8-4..
Isotopes Starter Line: Angel Castro 1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, 0 HR, 3.45 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Josh Wall: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, 0 HR, 2.81 ERA Alex Castellanos: 0x1 (.285), 1 R, 2 BB, 1 K, 2 HBP
'TOPES NOTES: For the second day in a row, an Isotopes pitcher was recalled by the Dodgers to make a spot start. Yesterday it was Matt Magill and today Stephen Fife was recalled by the Dodgers to make a spot start in place of Chris Capuano. Fife picked up the win in the Dodgers' 2-1 victory and allowed 1 run and 5 hits in 5 1/3 innings with 2 walks and 5 strikeouts. . . . The Isotopes welcomed the franchise's 6 milionth fan just after the gates opened. The lucky fan was Rose Rodriguez who entered the park through the First Base entry gate. Rodriguez won a prize package that included $600 worth of airline tickets anywhere she would like to fly, a bouquet of balloons, a special customized "6-Millionth Fan" Isotopes jersey, and she was honored on the field before the game. It took 695 calendar days to draw the million fans since the 5-Millionth fan came through the Isotopes Park turnstiles, the most days it's taken the Isotopes to draw a million fans. The shortest million fan draw was 482 calendar days for the 1-Millionth fan milestone. . . . Isotope starter Angel Castro left the game in the 2nd inning due to injury. The 1st inning runs he gave up ended his consecutive scoreless inning streak at 10 innings, a team season-high. Castro's streak of four straight games with a quality start ended because of his short outing. . . . Redhawks shortstop Jonathan Villar was ejected by First BAse umpire Jordan Ferrell in the 8th inning. . . . Kole Calhoun of the Salt Lake Bees (AAA Angels) is the PCL Hitter of the Week. Calhoun hit .407 (11x27) for the week with 2 homers and 9 RBI. . . . Robbie Erlin of the Tucson Padres (AAA Padres) is the PCL Pitcher of the Week. Erlin won his only start of the week and did not allow a run in 7 innings pitched while allowing 2 hits, 3 walks and he fanned 11 batters. . . . The series concludes on Tuesday afternoon with a probable yet to be named for the Isotopes and RHP Philip Humber (0-0, 6.14) for the Redhawks.
Filed 06/03/2013

June 2, 2013 - Isotopes (30-27)
Isotopes Park Oklahoma City 200 000 000 -- 2 7 0 Albuquerque 101 002 00x -- 4 8 0 WP: Matt Palmer (2-3) LP: Ross Seaton (2-5) SV: Javy Guerra (1) HR: OKC Brandon Laird (5) off Palmer (1st inning, 2R) ABQ Jeremy Moore (1) off Seaton (6th inning, 2R) TIME: 2:39 ATT: 7,135
Tonight's game was almost deja vu of last night's heartbreaking contest. The game was tied going into the 6th inning and Jeremy Moore knocked in the go-ahead runs in the 6th inning. Unlike last night, however, the Isotopes bullpen did not implode in the 9th inning and Albuquerque was able to come away with a 4-2 victory over the Oklahoma City Redhawks (AAA Astros) to close to two games back of the division-leading Redhawks. Brandon Laird two-run homered with two outs in the 1st inning as the Redhawks quickly took a 2-0 lead. Albuquerque got one of those runs back in their first at-bat of the game. Elian Herrera singled with one out and scored on Nick Buss' double. In the 3rd inning, Dee Gordon ground-rule doubled, went to third base on Herrera's sacrifice bunt and scored on Buss' sacrifice flyout to knot the game at 2-2. Albuquerque took the lead in the 6th inning when Alex Castellanos drew a one out walk and scored on Jeremy Moore's two-run homer.
Isotopes Starter Line: Matt Palmer (W, 2-3) 7 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 8K, 1 HR, 4.73 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Alex Castellanos: 0x3 (.287), 1 R, 1 BB
'TOPES NOTES: There were several Isotopes transactions on Sunday. It was finally found out why P Matt Magill missed his last Isotopes start - his recall to the Dodgers was possible. On Sunday, the Dodgers recalled Magill to make the start against the Rockies since Dodgers P Hyun-Jin Ryu couldn't make his start due to a bruised left foot. Magill was lit up by the Rockies for 7 runs (6 earned) with 4 homers allowed in 6 innings as he earned his first MLB loss. Magill allowed 5 hits, 9 walks and struck out 5. After the game, Magill was optioned to Albuquerque and the Dodgers recalled highly hyped OF Yasiel Puig from Class-AA Chattanooga. Puig was hitting .313 with 8 homers and 37 RBI in 40 games with the Lookouts at the time of his promotion to the Dodgers. IF Alfredo Amezaga was released and IF Elian Herrera was activated off the Temporary Inactive List. . . . The Isotopes drew 7,135 on Sunday evening, missing the 6 million fan mark by just 554. The Isotopes Park attendance milestone will be set Monday not long after the gates open. . . . Tonight's victory snapped a three-game home losing streak. . . . Dee Gordon's 3rd inning ground-rule double snapped an 0x11 slump over 2+ games. . . . The series continues Monday when the 6 millionth fan in Isotopes franchise history will come through the turnstiles. Probables are RHP Angel Castro (4-2, 3.20) for the Isotopes and RHP Jarred Cosart (5-2, 2.65) for the Redhawks.
Filed 06/02/2013

June 1, 2013 - Isotopes (29-27)
Isotopes Park Oklahoma City 032 020 006 -- 13 18 3 Albuquerque 012 402 001 -- 10 16 2 WP: Alex Sogard (1-0) LP: Steven Ames (1-2) SV: Jose Valdez (12) HR: OKC Brandon Laird (4) off Laffey (3rd inning, S) OKC Fernando Martinez (3) off Laffey (3rd inning, S) OKC Che-Hsuan Lin (2) off Ames (9th inning, 2R) ABQ Justin Sellers (1) off Oberholtzer (4th inning, 3R) TIME: 4:07 ATT: 10,423
In a record-breaking 9-inning contest, the Isotopes were two outs from defeating the division-leading Oklahoma City Redhawks (AAA Astros) when the Redhawks plated six runs to come from behind to defeat the Isotopes 13-9 and extend their division lead over Albuquerque to three games.
Carlos Perez doubled home two runs in the 2nd inning and Robbie Grossman followed with a single to drive in Perez as the Redhawks were first on the scoreboard .
The Isotopes found the scoreboard themselves in the home half of the inning. Alex Castellanos singled and scored on Matt Angle's double with a Redhawk throwing error on the play.
Brandon Laird and Fernando Martinez back-to-back solo homered in the 3rd inning as the Redhawks led 5-1.
The Isotopes added two runs to the scoreboard with two outs in the 3rd inning. Justin Sellers and Tony Gwynn Jr. back-to-back doubled with Sellers scoring and Gwynn Jr. scored on Castellanos' triple.
Albuquerque struck for four runs in the 4th inning to take their first lead of the game at 7-5. Alfredo Amezaga doubled with one out, Jeremy Moore walked and J.R. Towles singled to drive in Amezaga. Moore and Towles executed a double steal before Sellers brought them home with a three-run homer.
Laird grounded out to bring in a run and Jonathan Villar drew a bases-loaded walk in the 5th inning as the Redhawks tied the game at 7-7.
Albuquerque regained the lead in the 6th inning when Amezaga singled and scored on Moore's triple and Moore came around to score on an error during that triple.
Albuquerque held that two-run lead until the decisive 9th inning. Che-Hsuan Lin two-run homered with one out to tie the game at 9-9. Before the Isotopes could even get the second out recorded, Oklahoma City had plated four more runs -- one on an error, two on Jake Elmore's triple and another run on a fielder's choice.
In Albuquerque's bottom of the 9th inning, Gwynn Jr. singled, Castellanos walked and Rusty Ryal lined into a double play with Castellanos doubled off first base. Angle drew a walk and Amezaga singled home Gwynn Jr. A wild pitch moved Angle to third base and Amezaga to second base. Moore drew a walk to load the bases before Towles struck out to end the game.
Isotopes Starter Line:Aaron Laffey 4 IP, 9 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, 2 HR, 7.58 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Steve Ames: (BS, 1) (L, 1-2) 0.1 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, 1 HR, 4.82 ERA Alex Castellanos: 2x4 (.293), 1 R, 1 3B (2), 1 RBI (26), 1 BB
'TOPES NOTES: The 4 hour, 7 minute game was the longest 9-inning contest in Isotopes franchise history. . . . The Isotopes are just under 7,700 fans from drawing their 6 millionth fan in franchise history. The milestone attendance mark is very reachable on Sunday evening. . . . In a lone Isotopes transaction Saturday, P Red Patterson was transferred from the Isotopes to Rookie-level Ogden. . . . Tonight was the first game the Isotopes have lost this season when they have plated 10 or more runs. Their season record with double digit runs scored is 9-1. . . . Justin Sellers was a triple shy of hitting for the cycle. . . . Albuquerque allowed the most runs in a home game this season (13) and set season-bests in combined runs (23) and combined hits (34) in a game. . . . The Isotopes stole two bases in the game, snapping a season-worst streak of seven games without a stolen base. . . . The series continues Sunday evening. Probables are RHP Matt Palmer (1-3, 5.18) for the Isotopes and RHP Ross Seaton (2-4, 7.78) for the Redhawks.
Filed 06/01/2013

May 31, 2013 - Isotopes (29-26)
Autozone Park Albuquerque 000 100 100 -- 2 7 0 Memphis 000 000 000 -- 0 2 1 WP: Blake Johnson (5-3) LP: Richard Castillo (0-1) SV: Josh Wall (2) HR: ABQ Alex Castellanos (8) off Castillo (4th inning, S) TIME: 2:34 ATT: 6,274
Blake Johnson, Chris Withrow and Josh Wall combined Albuquerque's first shutout of the season and also combined to allow a team season-low two hits as the Isotopes ended a great roadtrip with a 2-0 victory over the Memphis Redbirds (AAA Cardinals) on Friday evening in Memphis. Alex Castellanos solo homered to left field in the 4th inning and in the 7th inning, Matt Wallach singled and later scored on Justin Sellers' single to center. Johnson gave up the only Redbird hits, Kolten Wong's 1st inning single and Greg Garcia's 2nd inning single.
Isotopes Starter Line: Blake Johnson (W, 5-3) 7 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 5 K, 0 HR, 3.36 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Josh Wall: (SV, 2) 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, 0 HR, 2.45 ERA Chris Withrow: (H, 4) 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, 0 HR, 2.11 ERA Alex Castellanos: 1x4 (.287), 1 R, 1 HR (8), 1 RBI (25), 1 K
'TOPES NOTES: The Dodgers purchased the contract of P Peter Moylan. Moylan, who went 2-1 with 2 saves and compiled a 3.52 ERA in 17 relief appearances with the Isotopes, had a clause in his contract that he could elect to become a free agent if the Dodgers had not added him to the big league roster by June 1st. The Dodgers made active 25-man roster room for Moylan by optioning P Javy Guerra to Albuquerque and made 40-man roster room by transferring P Scott Elbert from the 15-day major-league Disabled List to the 60-day major-league Disabled List. P Sean White was activated from the Isotopes' Disabled List. . . . The Isotopes took three out of the four games in the series with the Redbirds and 19,839 attended at Autozone Park for a per-game average of 4,960. The Isotopes drew 41,748 on their eight game roadtrip and had an excellent 6-2 record. . . . Blake Johnson extended his consecutive scoreless innings streak to 10 innings when he tossed 7 scoreless innings tonight. Johnson tossed his fourth quality start in a row with 5 runs allowed in 25 innings in those four starts and Johnson also regained the team lead with his 5th victory. . . . With May now in the books, here are some Isotopes statistics for May: 15-15 record (6-8 at home, 9-7 on the road), .276 team batting average, 4.19 team ERA, 145 runs scored, 22 stolen bases, and 23 homers hit. . . . Josh Wall earned his first save since April 6th against Iowa at Isotopes Park. . . . May 31st is the deepest into a season the Isotopes have gone in franchise history before tossing their first shutout. . . . The official groundbreaking for El Paso's new stadium was on Friday. The estimated $52 million ballpark will seat approximately 9,500 and is located in downtown El Paso at the site of the former City Hall. Construction should be completed in April 2014 and the Tucson Padres (AAA Padres) will be the franchise relocated to El Paso to play in the new ballpark. . . . Albuquerque returns home for a very quick but extremely important four-game homestand against the division-leading Oklahoma City Redhawks (AAA Astros) that will also feature Albuquerque drawing their 6 millionth fan in their 11th season of play. The Isotopes sit two games back of the Redhawks and winning three out of the four games would put them in a tie for first place and if the Isotopes could sweep the Redhawks, Albuquerque would be in first place at the end of the series. Splitting or losing the series to Oklahoma City, on the other hand, won't get Albuquerque any closer to first place than they are coming into the series. The Redhawks should be well rested after having their last two games in Oklahoma City postponed due to weather. Probables in the opener are LHP Aaron Laffey (1-2, 6.31) for the Isotopes and RHP Ross Seaton (2-4, 7.78) for the Redhawks.
Filed 05/31/2013

May 30, 2013 - Isotopes (28-26)
Autozone Park Albuquerque 000 004 102 -- 7 11 1 Memphis 010 101 002 -- 5 9 1 WP: Geison Aguasviva (3-2) LP: Boone Whiting (2-1) SV: Kelvin De La Cruz (2) HR: ABQ Rusty Ryal (1) off Delgado (6th inning, GS) MEM Brock Peterson (9) off Patterson (2nd inning, S) MEM Brock Peterson (10) off Aguasviva (6th innng, S) TIME: 2:51 ATT: 4,450
Rusty Ryal's grand-slam homer gave the Isotopes the lead in an eventual 7-5 victory over the Memphis Redbirds (AAA Cardinals) on Thursday night in Memphis.
Brock Peterson solo homered in the 2nd inning and Ryan Jackson doubled home a run in the 4th inning as Memphis took a 2-0 lead.
In the 6th inning, Dee Gordon doubled, Alfredo Amezaga walked and after Tony Gwynn Jr. struck out, Alex Castellanos walked. Nick Buss foul popped out for the second out of the inning before Ryal hit his grand-slam homer to left field to give Albuquerque a 4-2 lead.
Peterson hit his second solo homer of the game in the bottom of the 6th inning as the Redbirds closed to 4-3 and Albuquerque got that run back in the 7th inning. Matt Wallach singled, went to second base on Isotopes reliever Geison Aguasviva's sacrifice bunt and scored on Amezaga's single.
The Isotopes loaded the bags with one out in the 9th inning -- Gordon single, Gwynn Jr. single and a Castellanos walk. Buss followed with a two-run double to drive in Gordon and Gwynn Jr. for a 7-3 Isotopes lead.
In Memphis' final rally in the bottom of the 9th inning, Rob Johnson doubled home a run and Dee Gordon committed a fielding error that allowed a run to score, both runs scoring with two outs. Isotopes reliever Kelvin De La Cruz then got Justin Christian to ground out to end the game.
Isotopes Starter Line: Red Patterson 4 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 6 K, 1 HR, 5.29 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Chris Withrow: (H, 3) 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, 0 HR, 2.21 ERA Alex Castellanos: 2x3 (.288), 1 R, 2 BB
'TOPES NOTES: There were quite a few Isotopes transactions on Thursday. The Dodgers recalled C Tim Federowicz. The Dodgers then activated P Stephen Fife from the major-league disabled list (right shoulder bursitis) and optioned Fife to Albuquerque. IF Elian Herrera was placed on the Temporary Inactive List and the Dodgers signed free agent C J.R. Towles and assigned him to Albuquerque. Towles had been released by the Cardinals organization and was playing for Memphis at the time of his release. . . . Matt Magill was the probable starter today but did not make the start. It has not been reported if he got injured or if the Dodgers may have his callup imminent. . . . Albuquerque is 3-1 in games decided by two runs this season. . . . Rusty Ryal's grand-slam homer was Albuquerque's second grand-slam of the season (Tim Federowicz). . . . The series (and the road trip) concludes Friday evening. Probables are RHP Blake Johnson (4-3, 3.79) for the Isotopes and RHP Richard Castillo (0-0, 1.80) for the Redbirds.
Filed 05/30/2013

May 29, 2013 - Isotopes (27-26)
Autozone Park Albuquerque 000 000 100 -- 1 4 0 Memphis 000 000 50x -- 5 8 0 WP: Kevin Siegrist (1-0) LP: Anthony Ortega (2-3) HR: MEM Jamie Romak (9) off Ortega (7th inning, 2R) MEM Justin Christian (3) off Ortega (7th inning, 2R) MEM Adron Chambers (2) off Ortega (7th inning, S) TIME: 2:43 ATT: 4,507
Angel Castro continued his hot streak of pitching with six scoreless innings and his teammates gave him the lead in the 7th inning before Isotopes reliever Anthony Ortega gave it up by allowing three Memphis Redbirds (AAA Cardinals) homers in a 5-1 loss to the Redbirds.
Neither team scored until the 7th inning. Before the stretch, Jeremy Moore singled, went to second base on Brian Barden's sacrifice bunt, took third base on a wild pitch and scored on Matt Angle's bunt single for a 1-0 Isotope lead.
After the stretch, Chris Swauger singled and scored on Jamie Romak's two-run homer. An out later, Rob Johnson walked and scored on Justin Christian's two-run homer. Adron Chambers followed with a solo shot to make it 5-1 Memphis.
Isotopes Starter Line: Angel Castro 6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 6 K, 0 HR, 3.20 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Steve Ames: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, 0 HR, 2.95 ERA Alex Castellanos: 0x4 (.279), 3 K Tim Federowicz: 0x2 (.418), 2 BB, 1 K
'TOPES NOTES: Several media outlets reported that Dodgers P Scott Elbert's rehabilitation assignment would be transferred to Albuquerque today and that he would be making an appearance in tonight's game. The Dodgers have not filed any official transaction to send Elbert's rehabilitation assignment to Albuquerque and Elbert did not appear in Wednesday's game. Stay tuned to see if Elbert will eventually join the Isotopes as he nears a return to the Dodgers. . . . The three 7th inning homers that cost the Isotopes the game was the most homers allowed by Isotopes pitching in an inning in 2013 and Anthony Ortega tied a team season-worst (Aaron Laffey) for most homers given up in a game. Justin Christian and Adron Chambers were the first Isotope opponents to homer back-to-back this season. . . . The Isotopes have gone a season-high five games without a stolen base. . . . Angel Castro is in the middle of a team-best 10 inning scoreless innings streak and turned in his fourth straight quality start of the season. In those four straight quality starts consisting of 25 innings pitched, Castro has allowed 7 runs. Castro definitely deserves attention from the league office to be next week's PCL Pitcher of the Week . . . The series continues on Thursday evening. Probables are RHP Matt Magill (1-0, 2.16) for the Isotopes and RHP Boone Whiting (2-0, 2.25) for the Redbirds.
Filed 05/29/2013

May 28, 2013 - Isotopes (27-25)
Autozone Park Albuquerque 000 020 230 -- 7 15 1 Memphis 002 000 000 -- 2 4 2 WP: Geison Aguasviva (2-2) LP: Nick Additon (3-2) HR: ABQ Alex Castellanos (7) off Additon (5th inning, 2R) TIME: 3:12 ATT: 4,608
After spotting the Memphis Redbirds (AAA Cardinals) a 2-0 lead, the Isotopes roared back with seven unanswered runs to take a 7-2 victory in the series opener in Memphis on Tuesday evening. Albuquerque has won two straight games.
Brock Peterson knocked in Memphis' only two runs of the game in the 3rd inning with a single and the Isotopes tied the game in the 5th inning with one swing of the bat. Matt Angle singled and scored on Alex Castellanos' two-run homer.
The Isotopes took the lead in the 7th inning when Tim Federowicz reached on a fielder's choice and scored on Rusty Ryal's triple. Justin Sellers followed with a single to bring home Ryal for a 4-2 Isotopes lead.
Albuquerque added their final three runs in the 8th inning. Elian Herrera singled, went to second base on a wild pitch and scored on Federowicz's single. Ryal and Sellers drew walks to load the bags and Jeremy Moore singled home Federowicz and Ryal.
Isotopes Starter Line: Matt Palmer 4.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 0 dER, 4 BB, 4 K, 0 HR, 5.18 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Josh Wall: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, 0 HR, 2.63 ERA Alex Castellanos: 1x6 (.288), 1 R, 1 HR (7), 2 RBI (24), 3 K Tim Federowicz: 1x4 (.429), 2 R, 1 RBI (25), 2 BB, 1 K
'TOPES NOTES: Albuquerque left 16 men on base in the game, tying the franchise record for a 9-inning contest. . . . The Isotopes have homered in a season-best six straight games. . . . Geison Aguasviva earned his first victory since Opening Night - April 4 against Iowa. Both victories came in relief. . . . The series continues Wednesday evening. Probables are RHP Angel Castro (4-2, 3.57) for the Isotopes and RHP Maikel Cleto (2-2, 6.48) for the Redbirds.
Filed 05/28/2013

May 27, 2013 - Isotopes (26-25)
Herschel Greer Stadium Albuquerque 011 000 203 -- 7 14 2 Nashville 100 010 110 -- 4 6 1 WP: Chris Withrow (4-0) LP: Tim Dillard (0-1) SV: Kelvin De La Cruz (1) HR: ABQ Tim Federowicz (8) off Thornburg (3rd inning, S) NSH Cole Garner (5) off Laffey (5th inning, S) NSH Cole Garner (6) off Patterson (7th inning, S) TIME: 3:04 ATT: 4,144
Alfredo Amezaga three-run doubled in the 9th inning to snap a 4-4 tie and give the Isotopes a 7-4 series ending victory over the Nashville Sounds (AAA Brewers) on Memorial Day afternoon in Nashville. Khris Davis singled home a run for the Sounds in the 1st inning and Albuqurque tied the game at 1-1 in the 2nd inning. Nick Buss singled, went to third base on Brian Barden's single and scored on Isotopes starter Aaron Laffey's single. Tim Federowicz solo homered in the 3rd inning to give the Isotopes a 2-1 lead. Cole Garner solo-homered in the 5th inning as the Sounds knotted the game at 2-2. Albuquerque reclaimed the lead in the 7th inning. Tony Gwynn Jr. singled, Alex Castellanos reached on catcher's interferrence and Federowicz followed with a two-run double. Garner hit his second solo homer of the game in the 7th inning and an Isotope error allowed the game-tying run to score in the 8th inning.
In Albuquerque's big 9th inning game-winning rally, Federowicz and Buss singled with one out, Rusty Ryal reached on a fielder's choice to load the bases and Amezaga cleared them with a double to left field. Amezaga was thrown out at third base trying to stretch the double into a triple.
Isotopes Starter Line: Aaron Laffey 6 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, 1 HR, 6.31 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Chris Withrow: (BS, 1)(W, 4-0) 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, 0 HR, 2.33 ERA Alex Castellanos: 0x3 (.294), 1 R, 1 BB, 2 K Tim Federowicz: 3x5 (.438), 2 R, 1 2B (8), 1 HR (8), 3 RBI (24), 2 K
'TOPES NOTES: The Dodgers optioned IF Dee Gordon to Albuquerque after IF Jerry Hairston Jr. was activated from the major-league Disabled List. . . . Albuquerque improved to 5-6 in Memorial Day contests with a two-game winning streak and had their first Memorial Day road victory (1-5 on the road). . . . The Isotopes won three out of the four games against the Sounds and 21,909 attended at Greer Stadium for a per-game average of 5,477. It was Albuquerque's second series win out of 13 series' played in 2013. . . . Albuquerque batters have homered in a season-best five straight games. . . . Aaron Laffey typically has a rough beginning to a game. In his five starts made so far, he has allowed a 1st inning run in four of those. Today worked out well for him as he was able to get settled and turn in his second quality start of the season. . . . Kelvin De La Cruz became the fifth Isotope to record a save this season. . . . Albuquerque got good starting pitching in the series as every starter turned in a quality start of 6 or more innings pitched with 3 or fewer runs allowed. . . . Scott Moore of the Sacramento River Cats (AAA Athletics) is the PCL Hitter of the Week. Moore hit .455 with 3 homers and 7 RBI during the award week. Martin Perez of the Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) is the PCL Pitcher of the Week. Perez won his only start of the week, tossing seven innings of three-hit, scoreless ball with 7 strikeouts and 3 walks. . . . The Isotopes conclude their roadtrip with a four-game series against the Memphis Redbirds (AAA Cardinals). Probables in the opener Tuesday evening are RHP Matt Palmer (1-1, 5.97) for the Isotopes and a pitcher to be named for Memphis.
Filed 05/27/2013

May 26, 2013 - Isotopes (25-25)
Herschel Greer Stadium Albuquerque 000 010 001 -- 2 5 0 Nashville 011 000 10x -- 3 9 0 WP: Johnny Hellweg (3-4) LP: Blake Johnson (4-3) SV: Rob Wooten (6) HR: ABQ Matt Wallach (2) off Hellweg (5th inning, S) NSH Hunter Morris (10) off Johnson (2nd inning, S) NSH Khris Davis (6) off Ortega (7th inning, S) TIME: 2:32 ATT: 4,449
With division-leader Oklahoma City losing both games of a doubleheader today, the Isotopes were not able to capitalize on the opportunity to close to a game back in the division, dropping a 3-2 decision to the Nashville Sounds (AAA Brewers) on Sunday afternoon in Nashville.
Hunter Morris solo-homered for Nashville in the 2nd inning and a run scored on a fielders choice in the 3rd inning as the Sounds led 2-0.
The Isotopes hitters were no-hit through the first 4 1/3 innings until Matt Wallach solo homered in the 5th inning to get Albuquerque on the scoreboard.
Khris Davis solo homered in the 7th inning as the Sounds added an insurance run.
The Isotopes tried to rally to tie the game in their last at-bat. Nick Buss and Rusty Ryal led off with singles before Jeremy Moore and Justin Sellers each struck out swinging to get the Isotopes down to their last out. Pinch-hitter Tony Gwynn Jr. singled home Buss before Wallach struck out swinging to end the game and strand the game-tying run on 2nd base.
Isotopes Starter Line: Blake Johnson (L, 4-3) 6 IP, 8 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 6 K, 1 HR, 3.79 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: (none)
'TOPES NOTES: The loss snapped a season-best four game road winning streak. . . . With the 2nd inning homer Blake Johnson allowed, Johnson's 8 consecutive scoreless innings streak came to an end. . . . Justin Sellers went 0x4 to snap a 10-game hitting streak. . . . The 4.1 innings that the Isotopes batters were held hitless was the deepest into the game that they were held hitless this season. . . . The series concludes Memorial Day afternoon. Probables are LHP Aaron Laffey (1-2, 7.78) for the Isotopes and RHP Tyler Thornburg (0-6, 6.99) for the Sounds.
Filed 05/26/2013

May 25, 2013 - Isotopes (25-24)
Herschel Greer Stadium Albuquerque 000 001 020 -- 3 6 0 Nashville 000 000 002 -- 2 4 2 WP: Matt Magill (1-0) LP: R.J. Seidel (0-2) SV: Steven Ames (5) HR: ABQ Alex Castellanos (6) off Seidel (6th inning, S) NSH Hunter Morris (9) off Ames (9th inning, 2R) TIME: 2:43 ATT: 8,301
Matt Magill returned to the Isotopes rotation after being optioned from the Dodgers and tossed six scoreless innings and the Isotopes held off a Nashville Sounds (AAA Brewers) 9th inning rally to take a 3-2 victory over the Sounds on Saturday evening. Albuquerque has won two straight games and improved their season mark to a game over the .500 mark. Alex Castellanos solo homered in the 6th inning to give Albuquerque a 1-0 lead. The Isotopes extended their lead to 3-0 with two runs in the 8th inning. Brian Barden led off with a single, went to second base on a pickoff attempt throwing error, and after pinch-hitter Tony Gwynn Jr. walked, Matt Angle drove in Barden with a single. Elian Herrera then sacrifice bunted with Gwynn Jr. racing home on the play. In Nashville's 9th inning rally, Isotopes reliever Steven Ames gave up a leadoff single to Khris Davis before getting a groundout and a flyout to get the Isotopes to one out away from the win. Hunter Morris launched a two-run homer as Nashville closed to one run down before Ames was able to get a line out to end the game.
Isotopes Starter Line: Matt Magill (W, 1-0) 6 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 8 K, 0 HR, 2.16 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Steve Ames: (SV, 5) 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, 1 HR, 3.24 ERA Matt Magill: (W, 1-0) 6 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 8 K, 0 HR, 2.16 ERA Josh Wall: (H, 3) 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, 0 HR, 3.09 ERA Chris Withrow: (H, 2) 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, 0 HR, 2.45 ERA Alex Castellanos: 1x4 (.302), 1 R, 1 HR (6), 1 RBI (22), 3 K Tim Federowicz: 0x4 (.426), 3 K
'TOPES NOTES: The Isotopes have moved into a tie for second-place in the American Conference Southern Division with Round Rock with both clubs 2.5 games back of Oklahoma City. . . . Albuquerque improved to 5-10 in games decided by one run this season. . . . Justin Sellers hit safely to extend his hitting streak to 10 games, tying him with Scott Van Slyke and Alfredo Amezaga for the longest Isotope hitting streak occuring during 2013. Elian Herrera went hitless to snap a 7-game hitting streak. . . . Matt Magill did not allow his first hit until one out into the 4th inning and with his scoreless innings tonight, Magill extended his current consecutive scoreless innings streak to 7 innings. The Isotopes are 5-0 when Magill starts, the best record for an Isotope starter this season who has made more than one start. . . . The series continues Sunday afternoon. Probables are RHP Blake Johnson (4-2, 3.88) for the Isotopes and RHP Johnny Hellweg (2-4, 4.33) for the Sounds.
Filed 05/25/2013

May 24, 2013 - Isotopes (24-24)
Herschel Greer Stadium Albuquerque 412 003 000 -- 10 16 2 Nashville 030 000 400 -- 7 13 1 WP: Angel Castro (4-2) LP: Frankie De La Cruz (1-6) SV: Peter Moylan (2) HR: ABQ Elian Herrera (4) off F. De La Cruz (2nd inning, S) ABQ Nick Buss (8) off Webb (6th inning, 2R) NSH Josh Prince (3) off K. De La Cruz (7th inning, 3R) TIME: 3:53 ATT: 5,015
The Isotopes jumped all over former-Isotope Frankie De La Cruz for seven runs in the first three innings on their way to outslugging the Nashville Sounds (AAA Brewers) 10-7 in the series opener in Nashville on Friday evening.
Albuquerque plated four runs in the 1st inning. Tony Gwynn Jr. led off the game with a triple and Elian Herrera walked ahead of Alex Castellanos' run-scoring double that plated Gwynn Jr. Tim Federowicz walked and Nick Buss sacrifice flied out to bring home Herrera. Justin Sellers followed with a double to drive in Castellanos and Federowicz.
Herrera solo-homered with two outs in the 2nd inning and after Nashville plated three runs in the bottom of the 2nd inning to trail 5-3, the Isotopes added two runs to the scoreboard in the 3rd inning. Federowicz doubled and scored an out later on Sellers' second run-scoring double of the game. Sellers went to third base on a wild pitch and scored on Alfredo Amezaga's single.
In the 6th inning, Castellanos singled with one out and was later thrown out at home plate trying to score on Federowicz's double. Buss followed with a two-run homer and then the Isotopes loaded the bases on a Sellers single, Amezaga hit-by-pitch and Brian Barden walk before Isotopes starter Angel Castro drew a walk to bring home Sellers to extend the Isotope lead to 10-3.
Josh Prince three-run homered and Blake Davis added an RBI single later in the 7th inning as the Sounds added their final four runs of the game.
Isotopes Starter Line: Angel Castro (W, 4-2) 6 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, 0 HR, 3.57 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Alex Castellanos: 2x5 (.304), 1 R, 1 2B (4), 1 RBI (21), 1 BB, 1 K Tim Federowicz: 2x4 (.453), 3 R, 2 2B (7), 2 BB, 1 K
'TOPES NOTES: The 3 hour, 53 minute game was Albuquerque's longest 9-inning game of the season. . . . The Isotopes are a perfect 9-0 when they score double-digit runs. . . . Hitting streaks extended in the game included Justin Sellers (9 games) and Elian Herrera (7 games). . . . Albuquerque set season-bests in hits in a road game (16), won their third straight road contest, and tied a season-best with 8 extra base hits. . . . Angel Castro picked up his 4th victory, tying him with Blake Johnson for the team lead. Castro also threw 105 pitches, the most for an Isotope starter this season. Castro is also giving his club a great chance to win lately, having thrown his third quality start in a row while leading the club with five overall. . . . The series continues Saturday evening. Probables are RHP Matt Magill (0-0, 2.84) for the Isotopes as he makes his first start since returning from the Dodgers and Nashville is expected to send RHP R.J. Seidel (0-1, 5.14) to the bump.
Filed 05/24/2013

May 23, 2013 - Isotopes (23-24)
Isotopes Park Colorado Springs 000 211 000 -- 4 9 0 Albuquerque 201 000 000 -- 3 10 2 WP: Rob Scahill (3-0) LP: Matt Palmer (1-3) SV: Logan Kensing (4) HR: CSP Charlie Culberson (5) off Palmer (4th inning, 2R) CSP Charlie Culberson (6) off Palmer (6th inning, S) ABQ Alex Castellanos (5) off Carpenter (1st inning, 2R) TIME: 3:26 ATT: 5,176
Colorado Springs Sky Sox (AAA Rockies) hitter Charlie Culberson homered twice, including the homer that gave the Sky Sox the lead in the 6th inning, and the Isotopes closed out their eight-game homestand with a 4-3 loss to the Sky Sox. The Isotopes have dropped two straight games and have a season mark back below the .500 mark.
Elian Herrera singled and scred on Alex Castellanos' two-run homer in the 1st inning and the duo struck again in the 3rd inning with Herrera singling ahead of Castellanos' RBI double as the Isotopes built a 3-0 lead.
Culberson two-run homered in the 4th inning and in the 5th inning, Ryan Wheeler singled home a run to knot the game at 3-3.
Culberson's solo homer in the 6th inning was the eventual game-winning run.
Isotopes Starter Line: Matt Palmer (L, 1-3) 5.1 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 5 K, 2 HR, 5.97 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Steve Ames: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, 0 HR, 2.30 ERA Alex Castellanos: 2x3 (.299) 1 R, 1 2B (3), 1 HR (5), 3 RBI (20), 2 BB, 1 K Tim Federowicz: 0x4 (.450), 1 BB, 2 K
'TOPES NOTES: C Jesus Flores was released on Thursday and C Matt Wallach was transferred from Rookie-level Ogden to the Isotopes. . . . The Isotopes and Sky Sox split their only four-game series of the season and 26,016 attended for a per-game average of 6,504. All-time, the Sky Sox lead the series 35-31 including a 19-17 advantage over the Isotopes in games played at Isotopes Park. 53,441 attended the eight-game homstand at "The Lab" that saw Albuquerque go 3-5. . . . Albuquerque worsened to 4-10 in games decided by one run this season. . . . Justin Sellers hit safely to extend his hitting streak to eight games. . . . The Isotopes begin an eight-game roadtrip on Friday evening. The first stop is Nashville for a four-game series against the Nashville Sounds (AAA Brewers). Probables are RHP Angel Castro (3-2, 3.64) for the Isotopes and former-Isotope RHP Frankie De La Cruz (1-5, 7.15) for the Sounds.
Filed 05/23/2013

May 22, 2013 - Isotopes (23-23)
Isotopes Park Colorado Springs 304 100 100 -- 9 16 1 Albuquerque 010 000 000 -- 1 6 0 WP: Jeff Manship (3-1) LP: Aaron Laffey (1-2) HR: CSP Tyler Colvin (5) off Laffey (1st inning, S) CSP Matt McBride (7) off Laffey (1st inning, 2R) CSP Matt McBride (8) off Laffey (3rd inning, 3R) TIME: 3:04 ATT: 9,306
Isotopes starter Aaron Laffey was roughed up for 7 runs in 2 1/3 innings as the Isotopes lost 9-1 to the Colorado Springs Sky Sox (AAA Rockies) on Wednesday evening at "The Lab". Albuquerque suffered their worst loss of the season and snapped a three-game winning streak.
Laffey gave up a solo homer to Tyler Colvin and a two-run homer to Matt McBride in the 1st inning as Albuquerque was put into a quick 3-0 hole.
Jeremy Moore singled, stole second base and scored on Justin Sellers' double as the Isotopes plated their only run of the game.
McBride homered for the second time on the night, a three-run homer, and Lars Davis doubled home a run in the 3rd inning as the Sky Sox led 7-1.
Colorado Springs extended the lead to seven runs at 8-1 in the 4th inning with a Colvin RBI single.
The Sky Sox added their last run in the 7th inning on Hernan Iribarren's RBI single.
Isotopes Starter Line: Aaron Laffey (L, 1-2) 2.1 IP, 7 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, 3 HR, 7.78 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Josh Wall: 0.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, 0 HR, 3.38 ERA Chris Withrow: 1.2 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, 0 HR, 2.60 ERA Alex Castellanos: 2x4 (.288), 2 K
'TOPES NOTES: Aaron Laffey has made four starts for Albuquerque and has allowed first-inning runs in three of those. Laffey had the shortest Isotope start of the season (2.1 innings) and gave up the most homers in a start (3). . . . Justin Sellers' RBI double extended his hitting streak to 7 games. . . . The only series of the season between the Isotopes and Sky Sox concludes Thursday afternoon. Probables are RHP Matt Palmer (1-2, 6.17) for the Isotopes and RHP Drew Carpenter (1-4, 6.45) for the Sky Sox. The game time was changed last week to 11:05 AM, an hour earlier than originally printed on pocket schedules/tickets/newspaper ads.
Filed 05/22/2013

May 21, 2013 - Isotopes (23-22)
Isotopes Park Colorado Springs 000 000 030 -- 3 11 0 Albuquerque 002 002 30x -- 7 14 1 WP: Blake Johnson (4-2) LP: Drew Pomeranz (6-1) HR: CSP Ryan Wheeler (3) off Aguasviva (8th inning, 3R) TIME: 2:50 ATT: 4,915
Blake Johnson tossed six scoreless innings, got plenty of run support, and picked up his team leading 4th victory of the season as the Isotopes defeated the Colorado Springs Sky Sox (AAA Rockies) 7-3 on Tuesday evening at "The Lab". Albuquerque is winners of three-straight games and has improved their season record back over the .500 mark at 23-22. Albuquerque put up a two-spot in the 3rd inning. Alfredo Amezaga and Brian Barden each singled, Isotopes starter Johnson sacrifice bunted them both up a base and Tony Gwynn Jr. grounded out to bring home Amezaga. Elian Herrera followed with a single to plate Barden. The Isotopes extended the lead to 4-0 in the 6th inning. Rusty Ryal drew a one-out walk, Matt Angle doubled and Amezaga delivered a two-run single. Barden followed with a double to put runners on 2nd and 3rd with one out, but pinch-hitter Matt Palmer struck out and Gwynn Jr. grounded out to end the inning without cashing in those runners. The Isotopes capped their scoring after the 7th inning stretch. Herrera singled and scored on Nick Buss' triple. An out later, Ryal doubled home Buss and after Ryan went to third base on Angle's groundout, Amezaga singled home Ryal.
Colorado Springs scored their only runs of the game in the 8th inning on a Ryan Wheeler three-run homer.
Isotopes Starter Line: Blake Johnson (W, 4-2) 6 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, 0 HR, 3.88 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Alex Castellanos: 0x3 (.280), 1 K Tim Federowicz: 0x4 (.482), 1 BB, 2 K
'TOPES NOTES: Former UNM Lobo P Steve Smith was transferred from Albuquerque to Class-AA Chattanooga before the game. . . . The Isotopes have won their last four contests against the Sky Sox in games played at Isotopes Park. . . . Blake Johnson has two quality starts this season, including a current streak of two in a row. Johnson also became the second Isotopes pitcher to not allow a run in 5 or more innings of work in a start this season (Angel Castro - April 29th). . . . Elian Herrera had four of Albuquerque's 14 hits in the game. It was Herrera's first four-hit game of the season. . . . Isotopes right fielder Alex Castellanos was ejected by Home Plate umpire Mike Muchlinski in the 6th inning after arguing being called out on strikes. . . . The series continues Wednesday night with LHP Aaron Laffey (1-1, 5.19) expected to start for Albuquerque against Colorado Springs' RHP Jeff Manship (2-1, 6.82).
Filed 05/21/2013

May 20, 2013 - Isotopes (22-22)
Isotopes Park Colorado Springs 002 000 100 -- 3 8 1 Albuquerque 100 600 00x -- 7 11 1 WP: Anthony Ortega (2-2) LP: Roman Colon (0-1) TIME: 2:58 ATT: 6,619
In the opener of a series with the Colorado Springs Sky Sox (AAA Rockies) at "The Lab" on Monday evening, the Isotopes erupted for six runs in the 4th inning to grab the lead and cruise to a 7-3 victory. Albuquerque has won two straight games.
In the 1st inning, Elian Herrera bunt singled, went to second base on a passed ball and scored on Tim Federowicz's double as the Isotopes quickly led 1-0.
Tyler Colvin tripled home two runs in the 3rd inning as the Sky Sox took their only lead of the game.
In Albuquerque's big 4th inning, Rusty Ryal led off by reaching on a throwing error, Jeremy Moore singled and Justin Sellers laid down a sacrifice bunt to advance both runners into scoring position. Alfredo Amezaga singled home Ryal and pinch-hitter Tony Gwynn Jr. walked to load the bases. Nick Buss reached on a fielder's choice with Moore scoring and with runners on the corners, Herrera singled home Amezaga. Buss went to third base on a wild pitch and then scored on another wild pitch. Herrera stole second and third bases and Alex Castellanos and Federowicz walked to reload the bags. Ryal followed with a two-run single to drive in Herrera and Castellanos to cap the scoring in a six-run inning that gave Albuquerque a 7-2 lead.
The Sky Sox scored their final run of the game on a groundout in the 7th inning.
Isotopes Starter Line: Steve Smith 4 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 6 K, 0 HR, 4.07 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Steve Ames: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, 0 HR, 2.45 ERA Josh Wall: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, 0 HR, 3.48 ERA Alex Castellanos: 1x3 (.289), 1 R, 1 BB, 1 K Tim Federowicz: 1x3 (.519), 1 2B (5), 1 RBI (21), 1 BB, 1 K
'TOPES NOTES: C Tim Federowicz reported to the Isotopes today so C Matt Wallach was transferred to Rookie-level Ogden to free up roster room for Federowicz. The Dodgers activated P Ted Lilly from the major-league Disabled List and optioned P Matt Magill to Albuquerque. . . . Elian Herrera stole three bases in the contest, tying him with Dee Gordon for the most steals in a game this season. . . . The Minor League Baseball organization announced that licensed merchandise sales for the 160 clubs that are in the domestic-based leagues that charge admission to their games totalled $54 million in 2012, a 3.3% increase over the 2011 total licensed merchandise sales total. The Isotopes sold enough licensed merchandise in 2012 to move back into the Top 25 list. The specific licensed merchandised sales revenue amount for the Isotopes or where they rank in the Top 25 was not disclosed. Other PCL clubs with Top 25 licensed merchandise sales totals are the Reno Aces, Round Rock Express, Sacramento River Cats and Salt Lake Bees. . . . Juan Perez of the Fresno Grizzlies (AAA Giants) is the PCL Hitter of the Week. Perez hit .522 (12x23) with 2 homers and 6 RBI during the award week. . . . Bruce Billings of the Sacramento River Cats (AAA Athletics) is the PCL Pitcher of the Week. Billings won both of his starts and allowed just 3 runs (1 earned) in 13 innings of work for a 0.69 ERA. Billings walked 3, struck out 16 and allowed 7 hits. . . . The series continues Tuesday evening. Probables are RHP Blake Johnson (3-2, 4.43) for the Isotopes and LHP Drew Pomeranz (6-0, 3.22) for the Sky Sox. Pomeranz looks to add to his league-leading wins total.
Filed 05/20/2013

May 19, 2013 - Isotopes (21-22)
Isotopes Park Reno 100 000 004 -- 5 8 1 Albuquerque 010 002 201 -- 6 9 2 WP: Chris Withrow (3-0) LP: Evan Marshall (1-3) HR: ABQ Elian Herrera (3) off Spruill (7th inning, 2R) TIME: 3:01 ATT: 5,081
Angel Castro was magnificent, allowing only three hits and an unearned run in 7 innings and the Isotopes escaped a 9th inning disaster when Alex Castellanos drove in the game winning run in the bottom of the 9th inning in Albuquerque's 6-5 victory over Reno. Albuquerque snapped a three game losing streak and kept a several years-old streak alive of having not been swept in a home series.
The Isotopes spotted the Aces a run in the 1st inning. Tony Campana led off with a single, went to third base when Chris Owings reached on a fielding error and scored on Matt Davidson's sacrifice fly.
The Isotopes tied the game at 1-1 in the 2nd inning. Rusty Ryal singled, went to third base on Jeremy Moore's double and scored on Justin Sellers' sacrifice fly.
The game remained knotted until the 6th inning. In the home half, Alex Castellanos reached on a fielder's choice, Ryal singled to put runners on the corners and Brian Barden walked to load the bags with two outs. Sellers ground-rule doubled to drive in Castellanos and Ryal to give Albuquerque a 3-1 lead.
Nick Buss walked and later came around to score on Elian Herrera's two-run homer in the 7th inning to make it a four run lead.
Reno's rally in the 9th inning almost cost the Isotopes the game. Chris Withrow entered the game in relief for Albuquerque and got the first two batters out before running into trouble. Brad Snyder singled and went to second base on defensive indifference. Juan Rivera followed with a RBI single to drive in Snyder and Taylor Harbin singled and Ed Easley walked to load the bses. Alfredo Marte singled home Rivera and Harbin and a wild pitch plated Easley with the game tying run. Pinch-hitter Evan Frey then grounded out to end the half-inning.
In the bottom of the 9th inning, Matt Wallach and Matt Angle each drew walks. Tony Gwynn Jr. grounded into a double play with Wallach advancing to third base. Herrera drew a walk before Alex Castellanos was able to cash in Wallach to win the game with an infield single.
Isotopes Starter Line: Angel Castro 7 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 7 K, 0 HR, 3.45 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Chris Withrow: (W, 3-0) 1 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, 0 HR, 2.87 ERA Alex Castellanos: 1x5 (.287), 1 R, 1 RBI (17)
'TOPES NOTES: The Dodgers optioned C Tim Federowicz to Albuquerque on Sunday after Dodgers IF Mark Ellis came off the major-league Disabled List. A corresponding Isotope roster move to free up an active roster spot for Federowicz will be made when Federowicz reports to the Isotopes. . . . Reno took three out of the four games in the only series of the season between the two clubs and 27,425 attended for a per-game average of 6,856. All-time, Albuquerque leads the series 13-7, including a 7-5 advantage in games at Isotopes Park. . . . The walkoff win was Albuquerque's third walkoff win of the season. . . . Angel Castro's 7 innings tied the mark he set earlier in the season for the longest starting pitcher outing for 2013. Castro leads the Isotopes pitching staff with four quality starts, including two in a row. . . . The Colorado Springs Sky Sox (AAA Rockies) visit Albuquerque for their only four game series of the season starting Monday evening. Probables are yet to be named for both clubs.
Filed 05/19/2013

May 18, 2013 - Isotopes (20-22)
Isotopes Park Reno 012 200 000 -- 5 12 1 Albuquerque 010 000 000 -- 1 6 2 WP: Randall Delgado (1-3) LP: Matt Palmer (1-2) TIME: 3:02 ATT: 10,642
The Isotopes' woes against the Reno Aces (AAA Diamondbacks) continued on Saturday evening. After Albuquerque tied the game at 1-1 after 2 innings of play, the Aces plated the next four runs over the next two frames and then both teams did not score the remainder of the game as Reno took a 5-1 victory over the Isotopes. Albuquerque has dropped all three games in the series so far to Reno and fell to a season-worst two games below the .500 mark.
In the top of the 2nd inning, Juan Rivera reached on an error and scored on Ed Easley's double for a short-lived Reno 1-0 lead.
In the home half of the 2nd inning, Justin Sellers and Jesus Flores singled, Isotopes starter Matt Palmer laid down a sacrifice bunt but was safe at first on an error to load the bases with one out and Matt Angle grounded out to first base to bring Sellers home. Alfredo Amezaga followed with a flyout to right field to end the threat and the inning.
Rivera and Taylor Harbin each singled home runs in the 3rd inning and Kila Ka'aihue doubled home a pair of runs in the 4th inning to close out the scoring for Reno.
Isotopes Starter Line: Matt Palmer (L, 1-2) 4 IP, 8 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 6 K, 0 HR, 6.17 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Alex Castellanos: 0x1 (.292), 1 K
'TOPES NOTES: Albuqurque has a four-game home losing streak, the worst of the season. . . . The Isotopes are 3-8 in games in which they have committed two errors. . . . The only series of the season between the Isotopes and Aces concludes Sunday afternoon. Probables are RHP Angel Castro (3-2, 4.05) for Albuquerque and RHP Zeke Spruill (1-1, 4.08) for the Reno.
Filed 05/18/2013

May 17, 2013 - Isotopes (20-21)
Isotopes Park Reno 300 110 400 -- 9 12 0 Albuquerque 120 000 010 -- 4 9 2 WP: Tyler Skaggs (3-5) LP: Aaron Laffey (1-1) HR: RENO Tuffy Gosewisch (5) off Laffey (4th inning, S) RENO Kila Ka'aihue (10) off Laffey (1st inning, 3R) RENO Kila Ka'aihue (11) off Smith (7th inning, 2R) TIME: 2:59 ATT: 7,165
Unlike the series opener last night, the Reno Aces (AAA Diamondbacks) did not snap a 3-3 tie with a big last at-bat to claim the victory. Instead, the Aces plated six unanswered runs from the 4th through 7th innings to break the 3-3 deadlock after 2 innings and claim a 9-4 victory over Albuquerque. The Isotopes have dropped two straight games.
Isotopes starter Aaron Laffey was roughed up for three runs in the 1st inning. Reno's Brad Snyder led off the game with a single, Chris Owings reached on a fielding error and Kila Ka'aihue followed with a three-run homer before any outs were recorded.
Albuquerque started to chip away at the defecit in their half of the 1st inning. Matt Angle led off with a single, stole second base two outs later and scored on Rusty Ryal's double.
The Isotopes completed the early innings comeback in the 2nd inning. Alfredo Amezaga and Laffey singled and Angle brought them both home with a triple.
The Aces' Tuffy Gosewisch homered for the second game in a row, a solo shot, in the 4th inning and in the 5th inning, Matt Davidson's sacrifice fly brought home a run as Reno led 5-3.
Owings doubled home two runs and Ka'aihue hit his second homer of the game, a two-run homer, in the 7th inning as Reno extended the lead to 9-3.
Albuquerque tacked on their final run in the 8th inning when Justin Sellers singled with two outs and scored on Amezaga's double.
Isotopes Starter Line: Aaron Laffey (L, 1-1) 6 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 2 K, 2 HR, 5.19 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Josh Wall: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, 0 HR, 3.86 ERA Chris Withrow: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, 0 HR, 0.61 ERA Alex Castellanos: 1x4 (.295), 1 2B (2), 2 K
'TOPES NOTES: The game time for Thursday, May 23rd's homestand finale against the Colorado Springs Sky Sox (AAA Rockies) has been changed from 12:05 PM to 11:05 AM. . . . Albuquerque batters struck out 13 times for the second game in a row, making it 48% of the Isotope outs in both games of the series have come by strikeout. . . . Matt Angle stole a base in the game, making it a season-high six straight games that the Isotopes have a stolen base. . . . The Isotopes are 0-3 in games started by Aaron Laffey. . . . The series continues on Saturday evening. Probables are RHP Matt Palmer (1-1, 5.59) for the Isotopes and RHP Randall Delgado (0-3, 9.09) for the Aces.
Filed 05/17/2013

May 16, 2013 - Isotopes (20-20)
Isotopes Park Reno 000 210 005 -- 8 10 0 Albuquerque 000 003 000 -- 3 11 2 WP: Joe Paterson (2-1) LP: Steven Ames (1-1) HR: RENO Tuffy Gosewisch (4) off Steven Ames (9th inning, 3R) TIME: 3:18 ATT: 4,537
In a 3-3 game, the Reno Aces (AAA Diamondbacks) plated five runs in the 9th inning on their way to a 8-3 victory over the Isotopes in the series opener at "The Lab" on Thursday evening. Albuquerque snapped a two-game winning streak with the loss.
Reno built a 3-0 lead with scoring in two frames. In the 4th inning, Kila Ka'aihue doubled home a run and Matt Davidson singled home a run and in the next inning, Tony Campana singled home a run.
Albuquerque knotted the game at 3-3 in the 6th inning. Tony Gwynn Jr. and Elian Herrera singled with one out and Alex Castellanos, fresh off the Disabled List, doubled them both home. An out later, Rusty Ryal singled Castellanos home.
In the 9th inning that doomed the Isotopes, Davidson drew a leadoff walk, Alfredo Marte singled and Evan Frey laid down a sacrifice bunt but was safe at first base on an Isotope error. With the bases loaded, Tyler Kuhn sacrifice flied out to bring home Davidson and Tuffy Gosewisch followed with a three-run homer. Later in the inning, a wild pitch brought home a fifth run in the frame.
Isotopes Starter Line: Blake Johnson 6 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 8 K, 0 HR, 4.43 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Steve Ames: (L, 1-1) 0.2 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 0 K, 1 HR, 2.63 ERA Alex Castellanos: 1x5 (.298), 1 R, 1 2B (1), 2 RBI (16), 3 K
'TOPES NOTES: IF/OF Alex Castellanos was activated from the Disabled List and IF Ozzie Martinez was transferred from Albuquerque to Class-AA Chattanooga. . . . Blake Johnson had his third quality start of the season, tying him for the team lead (Angel Castro). . . . The series continues Friday evening. The Isotopes have yet to name a probable while LHP Tyler Skaggs (2-5, 6.21) is expected to start for Reno.
Filed 05/16/2013

Jonathan Sanchez Joining Isotopes
Just because the Isotopes (and the rest of the PCL) had the day off on Wednesday did not necessarily mean that the Isotopes roster would remain the same.
The Dodgers inked free agent P Jonathan Sanchez to a minor league deal and assigned him to Albuquerque. Sanchez stared the 2013 campaign with the Pittsburgh Pirates. In five games (four starts), Sanchez went 0-3 with a 11.85 ERA (18 earned runs in 13.2 innings) with 25 hits allowed, 8 walks and 15 strikeouts. The Pirates designated Sanchez for assignment on April 30th and after he cleared waivers, the Pirates unconditionally released him on May 8th.
Baseball fans may recall the highlight of Sanchez's MLB career - while a member of the San Francisco Giants, Sanchez tossed a no-hitter against the San Diego Padres on July 10, 2009.
Filed 05/15/2013

May 14, 2013 - Isotopes (20-19)
Cashman Field Albuquerque 400 102 001 -- 8 11 2 Las Vegas 020 010 002 -- 5 12 2 WP: Angel Castro (3-2) LP: Chris Schwinder (2-4) HR: ABQ Matt Wallach (1) off Peavey (6th inning, 2R) TIME: 3:06 ATT: 11,522
Isotopes starter Angel Castro turned in a quality start, allowing 3 runs in 6 innings, and the Isotopes built a solid early lead on their way to defeating the Las Vegas 51s (AAA Mets) 8-5 on Tuesday afternoon in Las Vegas. Albuquerque has won two straight games and improved their season record to back above the .500 mark.
The Isotopes plated four runs in the 1st inning. Matt Angle led off the game being hit by a pitch and went to second base on a passed ball. Alfredo Amezaga walked and after Jeremy Moore struck out, Brian Barden doubled home Angle and Amezaga. Nick Buss flew out before Elian Herrera singled to drive in Barden. Justin Sellers followed with a double to bring home Herrera.
The 51s halved the defecit in the 2nd inning. Zach Lutz walked and scored on Eric Campbell's triple. Campbell then scored on an Isotope error.
Sellers doubled in the 4th inning, went to third base on Matt Wallach's groundout and scored on Angle's single to make it 5-2.
Collin Cowgill singled home a run for Las Vegas in the 5th inning and Albuquerque got that run back and more with one swing of the bat in the 6th inning. Sellers singled and scored on Wallach's homer to right field as Albuquerque led 7-3.
The Isotopes scored their final run in the 9th inning. Moore doubled, stole third base and scored when Herrera reached on a throwing error.
Wilmer Flores doubled home a run and Lutz singled home a run in the bottom of the 9th inning as Las Vegas plated their final runs.
Isotopes Starter Line: Angel Castro (W, 3-2) 6 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, 0 HR, 4.05 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: (none)
'TOPES NOTES: The crowd of 11,522 was the largest road crowd the Isotopes have played in front of this season. . . . The Isotopes and 51s split their only four game series of the season and 28,307 attended at Cashman Field for a per-game average of 7,077. All-time, Albuquerque leads the series 29-15, including a 15-9 advantage in games played at Cashman Field. . . . The Isotopes went 3-5 on the just-completed roadtrip and played in front of 36,401 in Tucson and Las Vegas. . . . Angel Castro earned his third victory today, tying him with Blake Johnson for the team lead. Castro's quality start was his third of the season, leading the team. . . . After a day off on Wednesday, the Isotopes return home for an eight-game homestand. The first four games are against the Reno Aces (AAA Diamondbacks). Probables in the opener are RHP Blake Johnson (3-2, 4.42) for the Isotopes and RHP Charles Brewer (2-3, 4.24) for Reno.
Filed 05/14/2013

May 13, 2013 - Isotopes (19-19)
Cashman Field Albuquerque 100 000 400 -- 5 6 1 Las Vegas 010 010 000 -- 2 10 1 WP: Matt Palmer (1-1) LP: Dylan Owen (0-3) SV: Steven Ames (4) HR: LVG Zach Lutz (4) off Palmer (2nd inning, S) TIME: 2:59 ATT: 4,903
On Monday evening in the Sin City, the Isotopes used the strength of a four-run 7th inning to come from behind to defeat the Las Vegas 51s (AAA Mets) 5-2 to snap a four game losing streak.
The Isotopes plated a 1st inning run without any hits. Tony Gwynn Jr. drew a leadoff walk, stole second base, advanced to third on Alfredo Amezaga's groundout and scored on Jeremy Moore's groundout.
Zach Lutz solo homered for Las Vegas in the bottom of the 2nd inning to tie the game at 1-1 and in the 5th inning, an Isotopes error lead to the 51s plating a run to take a 2-1 lead.
In Albuquerque's decisive 7th inning, Brian Barden led off with a single, Justin Sellers laid down a sacrifice bunt to get Barden to second base, Jesus Flores drew a walk and pinch-hitter Matt Angle walked to load the bases. Gwynn Jr. walked to bring home Barden to tie the game and Amezaga cleared the bags with a three-run double to give the Isotopes the lead.
Isotopes Starter Line: Matt Palmer (W, 1-1) 6 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 3 K, 1 HR, 5.59 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Steve Ames: (SV, 4) 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, 0 HR, 0.69 ERA Josh Wall: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, 0 HR, 4.32 ERA Chris Withrow: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, 0 HR, 0.66 ERA
'TOPES NOTES: The victory was the Albuquerque franchise's 750th regular season win. . . . The Isotope hitters were held hitless through the first 3.2 innings of the game. . . . Albuquerque tied a season high with four double-plays turned in the game. . . . Matt Palmer tossed 102 pitches, the first Isotope starter of 2013 to have more than 100 pitches in a start and Palmer had his first quality start of the season. . . . Max Ramirez of the Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) is the PCL Hitter of the Week. Ramirez hit .500 (13x26) with 3 homers and 8 RBI during the award week. . . . Brett Oberholtzer of the Oklahoma City Redhawks (AAA Astros) is the PCL Pitcher of the Week. Oberholtzer earned the victory and allowed no runs in 5 2/3 innings in his only start of the award week while allowing just a hit and fanning 9 batters. . . . The series (and roadtrip) concludes on Tuesday morning. Probables are RHP Angel Castro (2-2, 3.97) for the Isotopes and RHP Chris Schwinden (2-3, 5.40) for the 51s.
Filed 05/13/2013

May 12, 2013 - Isotopes (18-19)
Cashman Field Albuquerque 000 001 002 -- 3 8 2 Las Vegas 010 300 00x -- 4 7 1 WP: Collin McHugh (3-2) LP: Anthony Ortega (1-2) SV: Sean Henn (1) HR: ABQ Nick Buss (7) off McHugh (6th inning, S) TIME: 2:39 ATT: 3,489
On Mothers Day afternoon in Las Vegas, the Las Vegas 51s (AAA Mets) built a four run lead and held off an Isotope 9th inning rally to claim a 4-3 victory over Albuquerque. The Isotopes have dropped three straight games, lost five of six on the roadtrip, and are below the .500 mark for the first time since April 21st.
The 51s built up that four-run lead with a Juan Centeno RBI single in the 2nd inning and in the 4th inning, former-Isotope Jamie Hoffmann singled home a run and Centeno reached on a fielding error with two runs scoring.
Nick Buss solo homered to get Albuquerque on the scoreboard in the 6th inning and in the 9th inning rally, Ozzie Martinez drew a one out walk, Alfredo Amezaga singled and Tony Gwynn Jr. drove them both in with a single to get Albuquerque close at 4-3. Elian Herrera was called out on strikes and pinch-hitter Jeremy Moore struck out swinging to end the rally and the game.
Isotopes Starter Line: Anthony Ortega (L, 1-2) 3 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, 0 HR, 3.07 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: (none)
'TOPES NOTES: The Isotopes are now 4-7 on Mother's Day, including 2-2 on the road. . . . Albuquerque has difficulty winning close games - with today's loss, they are 3-9 in games decided by one run. . . . The Isotopes look to find the win column on Monday evening. Probables are RHP Matt Palmer (0-1, 7.43) for the Isotopes and RHP Carlos Torres (1-3, 7.39) for the 51s.
Filed 05/12/2013

May 11, 2013 - Isotopes (18-18)
Cashman Field Albuquerque 100 000 101 -- 3 8 1 Las Vegas 000 200 101 -- 4 4 0 WP: Justin Hampson (2-0) LP: Peter Moylan (2-1) HR: ABQ Matt Angle (3) off Wheeler (7th inning, S) LVG Wilmer Flores (3) off Laffey (4th inning, 2R) LVG Eric Campbell (4) off Patterson (7th inning, S) TIME: 2:50 ATT: 8,393
Pinch-hitter Reese Havens drew a bases loaded walk in the bottom of the 9th inning as the Las Vegas 51s (AAA Mets) defeated the Isotopes 4-3 in the opener of a four-game series in Las Vegas on Saturday evening. Albuquerque has dropped two straight games.
Elian Herrera returned to the Isotopes lineup after his recent option from the Dodgers and singled in the 1st inning, went to second base on Jeremy Moore's groundout and scored on Rusty Ryal's single to give Albuquerque a 1-0 quick lead.
Josh Satin walked and scored on Wilmer Flores' two-run homer in the bottom of the 4th inning as the 51s took the lead with one swing of the bat.
Matt Angle's solo homered to lead off the 7th inning to knot the game at 2-2 and right after the 7th inning stretch, it didn't take long for the 51s to regain the lead when Eric Campbell solo homered.
Ryal doubled to lead off the 9th inning, went to third base on Angle's single and scored on Brian Barden's sacrifice fly as the Isotopes tied the game at 3-3, but the 9th inning heroics went for naught as in the bottom half of the frame, Zach Lutz singled, Campbell waked and after Juan Centeno laid down a sacrifice bunt to advance both runners into scoring position, Omar Quintanilla was intentionally walked to load the bases and pinch-hitter Havens drew a walk with Lutz scoring the winning run.
Isotopes Starter Line: Aaron Laffey 6 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 5 K, 1 HR, 4.76 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: (none)
'TOPES NOTES: Isotopes P Sean White was placed on the Disabled List with a right lateral strain and IF Leo Rodriguez was transferred from the Isotopes back to Extended Spring Training. . . . The Isotopes' season mark is at .500 for the first time since April 22nd. . . . Las Vegas made the most of their hits. Isotopes pitching allowed four hits (tying for the fewest hits given up in a game this season) yet Las Vegas was able to score enough runs to win. . . . Albuquerque has lost five games this season when their opponents have scored the game-winning runs in their last at-bats. . . . Aaron Laffey had his first quality start of the season tonight. . . . The series continues Sunday afternoon. Probables are RHP Anthony Ortega (1-1, 3.09) for the Isotopes and RHP Collin McHugh (2-2, 2.98) for the 51s.
Filed 05/11/2013

May 10, 2013 - Isotopes (18-17)
Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium Albuquerque 010 000 100 -- 2 10 1 Tucson 010 003 11x -- 6 9 0 WP: Nick Vincent (1-3) LP: Blake Johnson (3-2) SV: Miles Mikolas (5) HR: TUC Jaff Decker (4) off Wall (7th inning, S) TIME: 2:47 ATT: 2,331
In the series finale, the Tucson Padres (AAA Padres) plated three runs in the 6th inning to snap a 1-1 tie and get a more comfortable lead on their way to a 6-2 victory over the Isotopes.
Each team plated a run in the 1st inning. In the top half, Brian Barden walked and scored on Jesus Flores' double. In the home half, Rene Rivera doubled and scored on Jaff Decker's single.
In the 6th inning that became the decisive inning, Tucson's Jonathan Galvez singled, James Darnell reached on an error and Gregorio Petit doubled them both home. Rivera followed with a single to drive in Petit.
Albuquerque edged to two runs down in the 7th inning. Pinch-hitter Tony Gwynn Jr. singled, went to second base on Alfredo Amezaga's single and scored on Jeremy Moore's single.
Decker's solo homer after the 7th inning stretch got that run back and Decker doubled home a run in the 8th inning for Tucson's final run.
Isotopes Starter Line: Blake Johnson (L, 3-2) 5.2 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 K, 0 HR, 4.42 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Josh Wall: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, 1 HR, 4.91 ERA Chris Withrow: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, 0 HR, 0.71 ERA
'TOPES NOTES: IF/OF Scott Van Slyke was the only Isotope to play in every game this season (34 games) until tonight because the Dodgers purchased his contract from Albuquerque. 40-man roster room was made by transferring P Chad Billingsley from the 15-day major league disabled list to the 60-day major league disabled list. Van Slyke hit .397 (46x116) with 9 homers and 30 RBI. The Dodgers optioned IF/OF Elian Herrera to Albuquerque. OF Jeremy Moore was activated from the disabled list. Moore has the distinction of having been the most recent Isotope opponent to steal home when he was a member of the Salt Lake Bees (AAA Angels) in 2011. Moore missed the entire 2012 season because of hip surgery. . . . The Dodgers announced their April Dodger Pride award winners. At the Triple-A level, Scott Van Slyke was the hitter. Van Slyke hit eight homers in April while hitting .419, scoring 24 runs, and driving 26 runs. He started off the 2013 Isotopes campaign with a 10 game hitting streak. Chris Withrow is the pitcher winner, having not allowed a run in eight relief appearances (9.2 innings pitched) while compiling a 2-0 record. . . . Tucson took three out of the four games in their only series of the season against Albuquerque and 8,094 attended for a per-game average of 2,024. All-time with this expected to be the last meeting between the two clubs before Tucson possibly relocates to El Paso in 2014, Tucson holds a 7-5 advantage (including a 5-3 advantage in games played in Tucson). . . . The season is now one-quarter over with the completion of tonight's game. The Isotopes are 18-17 (one game below .500) and are in a tie for last place in the PCL American Conference Southern Division with a season-worst 4.5 games back of first place. . . . The Isotopes conclude their roadtrip with a four-game series in Las Vegas against the Las Vegas 51s, who are in their first season as a Mets affiliate. Probables in the opener are LHP Aaron Laffey (1-0, 6.75) for the Isotopes and RHP Zack Wheeler (2-1, 4.00) for the 51s.
Filed 05/10/2013

May 9, 2013 - Isotopes (18-16)
Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium Albuquerque 500 002 100 -- 8 13 3 Tucson 201 021 001 -- 7 16 0 WP: Red Patterson (2-1) LP: Tommy Layne (0-3) SV: Steven Ames (3) HR: ABQ Alfredo Amezaga (2) off Stange (7th inning, S) TIME: 3:42 ATT: 2,953
The Isotopes got off to a great start with a five-run 1st inning and later held off a Tucson Padres (AAA Padres) 9th inning rally to take a thrilling 8-7 victory. Albuquerque snapped a three-game losing streak while Tucson saw their five game winning streak come to an end.
The first seven Isotope batters reached on hits to get Albuquerque off to a great start. Tony Gwynn Jr. and Alfredo Amezaga led off with singles and Scott Van Slyke doubled home Gwynn Jr. Rusty Ryal singled home Amezaga, Matt Angle singled home Van Slyke, Brian Barden singled to drive in Ryal and Matt Wallach's single plated Angle as Albuquerque led 5-0. Padres starter Eddie Bonine was removed from the game after those 7 batters, resulting in not even an out being recorded on his pitching line.
Isotopes starter Angel Castro was not very sharp either in the bottom of the 1st inning as Tucson set themselves up for an equally as-big rally. Dean Anna led off with a double and scored on Dan Robertson's single. James Darnell followed with a walk. Castro struck out Brandon Allen and Cody Decker before allowing a single to Gregorio Petit to drive in Robertson. Rene Rivera singled to load the bags and Castro worked out of the jam by getting Jesus Merchan to ground out and thus limiting the Padres to just two runs in the inning.
Castro worked out of another jam with little damage in the 3rd inning. After seeing the bases get loaded with no outs, Castro struck out Merchan, pinch-hitter Jaff Decker singled home a run, and then Anna grounded into a double play to end the inning.
Tucson loaded the bases again in the 5th inning off Castro before Isotopes reliever Red Patterson entered the game. Merchan sacrifice flied out and another run scored later in the inning on an Isotope error as the Padres tied the game at 5-5.
Albuquerque's offense found the scoreboard again in the 6th inning. Van Slyke drew a one out walk, Angle walked another out later and Barden singled home Van Slyke. Wallach drew a walk to load the bags and Ozzie Martinez drew a walk of his own with Angle scoring.
Daniel Stange tripled and scored on Rivera's single in the home half of the 6th inning as Tucson closed to 7-6 and Alfredo Amezaga solo homered in the 7th inning to increase Albuquerque's lead back to two runs at 8-6.
In Tucson's 9th inning rally, the Padres scored a run on an Isotope error with two outs and then Darnell flew out with Dacker on third base looking to be the game-tying run.
Isotopes Starter Line: Angel Castro 4 IP, 10 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 3 K, 0 HR, 3.97 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Steve Ames: SV (3) 1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, 0 HR, 0.75 ERA Scott Van Slyke: 1x2 (.397), 2 R, 1 2B (10), 1 RBI (30), 2 BB, 1 K
'TOPES NOTES: The 3 hour, 42 minute contest was Albuquerque's longest 9-inning game of the season. . . . The Isotopes improved to 3-7 in games decided by one run. . . . With his third save tonight, Steven Ames took over the team lead in saves. . . . Angel Castro has allowed 10 hits in each of his last two starts. . . . The Isotopes and Padres play their final game of the regular season on Friday evening. Probables are RHP Blake Johnson (3-1, 4.94) for the Isotopes and LHP Robbie Erlin (3-0, 3.44) for the T-Pads.
Filed 05/09/2013

May 8, 2013 - Isotopes (17-16)
Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium Albuquerque 010 001 001 -- 3 8 0 Tucson 000 080 00x -- 8 7 2 WP: Thad Weber (4-1) LP: Matt Palmer (0-1) SV: Wilfredo Boscan (1) TIME: 2:40 ATT: 1,351
Playing for the second night in a row in front of the smallest crowd of the season -- 1,351 on Wednesday -- Albuquerque pitching gave up a season-worst eight runs in an inning as the Tucson Padres (AAA Padres) plated all the runs they would need in claiming a 8-3 victory over the Isotopes. Albuquerque has dropped three straight games and now sits in a tie with New Orleans in the basement of the PCL American Conference Southern Division.
The Isotopes continued the trend in this series of scoring first. In the 2nd inning, Nick Buss bunt singled, went to second base on a wild pitch, advanced to third base on Rusty Ryal's groundout and scored on Brian Barden's egroundout.
Isotopes starter Matt Palmer no-hit Tucson through the first 4 1/3 innings until the wheels came off in the 5th inning. With one out, Jonathan Galvez walked and scored on Rene Rivera's double. Jaff Decker singled and Jesus Merchan was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Padres starter Thad Weber singled Rivera home, Dean Anna singled Decker home and Dan Robertson singled Merchan home. After Steve Smith replaced Palmer on the mount, James Darnell doubled to drive in Weber and Anna and then Smith walked Brandon Allen and Galvez with Robertson trotting home on Galvez's bases-loaded walk. Rivera had the bags still loaded when he singled in Darnell. When the 5th inning ended, Tucson had sent 14 batters to the plate to score the eight runs.
Matt Angle singled, went to second base when Alfredo Amezaga reached on a fielding error and scored on Scott Van Slyke's single in the 6th inning, and the Isotopes plated their final run in the 9th inning when Ryal singled and scored on Ozzie Martinez's double.
Isotopes Starter Line: Matt Palmer (L) 4.1 IP, 5 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 1 BB, 5 K, 7.43 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Scott Van Slyke: 1x4 (.395), 1 RBI (29), SB (3)
'TOPES NOTES: The Dodgers optioned IF Justin Sellers to Albuquerque and recalled C Tim Federowicz from the Isotopes. C Matt Wallach rejoins the Isotopes from Class-AA Chattanooga. . . . Albuquerque is 3.5 games back in the division, the most games out of first place that they have been this season. . . . Matt Palmer's 4 1/3 innings of no-hit ball was Albuquerque deepest no-hit bid of the season. . . . The series continues Thursday evening. Probables are RHP Angel Castro (2-2, 3.30) for the Isotopes and RHP Eddie Bonine (0-2, 5.32) for the T-Pads.
Filed 05/08/2013

May 7, 2013 - Isotopes (17-15)
Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium Albuquerque 020 000 000 -- 2 10 2 Tucson 000 120 03x -- 6 9 1 WP: Sean O'Sullivan (2-2) LP: Sean White (1-4) TIME: 2:51 ATT: 1,459
The Isotopes built an early lead and then the Tucson Padres (AAA Padres) plated six unanswered runs from the 4th inning to the end of the game to claim a 6-2 series opening victory over Albuquerque on Tuesday evening. Albuquerque has dropped two straight games.
Albuquerque plated their only runs in the 2nd inning. Rusty Ryal singled, Ozzie Martinez reached on a fielding error and Jesus Flores cashed them both in with a double.
The Padres scored their first run on an error in the 4th inning and took the lead in the 5th inning on Dean Anna's two-run ground-rule double.
Tucson added insurance runs in the 8th inning. Jonathan Galvez grounded out to drive in a run and Rene Rivera singled home a run and a throwing error on the play allowed a second run to score on the play.
Isotopes Starter Line: Sean White (L, 1-4) 5.2 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K, 4.80 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Steve Ames: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, 0 HR, 0.82 ERA Josh Wall: 1 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 0 K, 0 HR, 4.26 ERA Chris Withrow: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, 0 HR, 0.00 ERA Scott Van Slyke: 2x3 (.400), 0 R, 1 2B (9), 1 BB
'TOPES NOTES: There were several Isotopes transactions on Tuesday. The Dodgers placed Jerry Hairston Jr. on the major-league disabled list and recalled Elian Herrera from Albuquerque. Herrera played in 27 of Albuquerque's 31 games and hit .250 with 2 homers and 16 RBI with 20 runs scored and 5 stolen bases. C Eliezer Alfonzo was activated from the restricted list and then the Dodgers loaned him to the Diablos Rojas del Mexico club of the Mexican League. Finally, IF Leo Rodriguez joins the Isotopes from Extended Spring Training. Rodriguez has never played above Rookie Level until tonight when he made his Triple-A debut as a defensive substitute in the bottom of the 8th inning at Second Base and then singled in his first Triple-A plate appearance in the 9th inning. . . . Albuquerque Third Baseman Brian Barden was ejected by First Base umpire Gerard Ascani in the 6th inning. It was the second Isotope ejection of the season and first ejection involving a player. . . . The Isotopes played in front of a season-lowest crowd of 1,459. Considering it was free tickets night just for asking during a visit to a local Tucson restaurant chain, it shows a good reason that there might be better fan support for baseball when the club supposedly makes a relocation to El Paso next season. . . . Sean White earned his team-leading fourth loss of the season. . . . The series continues on Wednesday evening. Probables are RHP Matt Palmer (0-0, 4.00) for the Isotopes and RHP Thad Weber (3-1, 5.06) for the T-Pads.
Filed 05/07/2013

May 6, 2013 - Isotopes (17-14)
Isotopes Park New Orleans 100 123 010 01 -- 9 21 2 Albuquerque 300 001 004 00 -- 8 11 0 WP: Jordan Smith (3-1) LP: Anthony Ortega (1-1) HR: NRL Bryan Petersen (1) off Laffey (5th inning, S) ABQ Tim Federowicz (6) off Mathis (6th inning, S) ABQ Tim Federowicz (7) off Hatcher (9th inning, S) TIME: 4:08 ATT: 7,656
PCL Hitter of the Week Tim Federowicz homered twice and the Isotopes had a big 9th inning rally to tie the game but all went for naught when the New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Marlins) plated a run in the 11th inning to take a 9-8 victory over Albuquerque on Monday afternoon.
It only took the opening two batters of the game for New Orleans to lead 1-0. Gorkys Hernandez led off the game with a single and scored on Bryan Petersen's double.
In the bottom of the 1st inning, Tony Gwynn Jr. led off with a single, went to second base on Elian Herrera's groundout, advanced to third base when Matt Angle reached on a fielding error and after Scott Van Slyke was hit by a pitch to load the bags, Federowicz singled home Gwynn Jr. to tie the game. Nick Buss followed with a two-run single as the Isotopes led 3-1.
The Zephyrs took the next three innings to regain and build a lead. In the 4th inning, Zephyrs starter Doug Mathis singled home a run, Petersen solo homered and Jordan Brown doubled home a run in the 5th inning and in the 6th inning, Matt Downs had a two-run single and scored on Koyie Hill's double as the Zephyrs led 7-3.
Albuquerque's Federowicz solo homered in the 6th inning and New Orleans' Brown answered that run with a run-scoring single in the 8th inning as the Zephyrs built their lead back to four runs at 8-4.
In Albuquerque's big 9th inning rally to send the game to extras, Federowicz led off with a solo homer. Buss walked and an out later, Ozzie Martinez singled to put runners on the corners. After pinch-hitter Brian Barden popped out to second base, Gwynn Jr. singled to drive in Buss and Herrera singled to drive in Martinez. Herrera went to second base on a wild pitch, Angle drew a walk to load the bags and Van Slyke was plunked for the second time in the game with a pitch that brought home Gwynn Jr. to knot the game at 8-8.
Albuquerque almost worked out of things in the 11th inning until New Orleans was able to plate the eventual game winning run. Herandez singled to lead off, Petersen was called out on strikes and Hernandez was caught stealing on the same play to empty the bases with two outs. Ed Lucas then singled, went to second base on a wild pitch, Ben Lasater walked and then Downs doubled to drive in Lucas.
Isotopes Starter Line: Aaron Laffey 4.2 IP, 9 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, 1 HR, 3.90 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Chris Withrow: 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, 0 HR, 0.00 ERA Scott Van Slyke: 0x3 (.393), 1 R, 1 RBI (28), 2 HBP Tim Federowicz: 4x5 (.531), 2 R, 1 2B (4), 2 HR (7), 3 RBI (20)
'TOPES NOTES: Tim Federowicz is the PCL Hitter of the Week. Federowicz hit .571 (12x21) with 3 homers and 10 RBI during the award week and became the second Isotope to win a PCL weekly award this season (Scott Van Slyke). . . . The Dodgers recalled P Chris Capuano from his rehabilitation assignment in Albuquerque on Monday and then activated him on the big league roster to make the start Monday night. No players were sent to Albuquerque because the Dodgers placed IF Mark Ellis on the disabled list. There may be a transaction involving the Isotopes tomorrow because it is anticipated the Dodgers will place IF Jerry Hairston Jr. on the disabled list on Tuesday. . . . The Isotopes and Zephyrs each took two games in the four game series. A season-best mark for a four-game home series -- 37,839 -- attended for a per-game average of 9,460. Albuquerque drew 61,563 and went 5-3 in the just-completed eight game homestand. . . . The 11 inning length and 4 hour, 8 minute gametime were both season longs for Albuquerque. . . . Brian Barden went hitless in two at-bats to snap a 7-game hitting streak. . . . Albuquerque is 2-2 in extra innings contests this year and their division record is 6-6. . . . Tim Federowicz turned in his second four-hit game of the season and approached franchise record territory with his 11 total bases, just three short of the record. Federowicz has homered in the last two games he has played in and is the third different Isotope to have a multi-homer game this season. . . . It was amazing the game went 11 innings - the Zephyrs banged out 21 hits against the Isotopes (the most hits allowed this season for Albuquerque pitching) and left 18 men on base in the game. . . . Jeremy Bonderman of the Tacoma Rainiers (AAA Mariners) is the PCL Pitcher of the Week. Bonderman won his only start for the week and tossed 8 innings of 2-hit, scoreless ball with 7 strikeouts. . . . Albuquerque ends playing against fellow American Conference foes for the next 16 games and begins their annual May span of games against Pacific Conference opponents on Tuesday night. First up to start an eight game roadtrip starting in Tucson to play the Tucson Padres (AAA Padres). It is likely this is the Isotopes' last journey to Tucson as there have been approvals to relocate the Tucson club to El Paso in time for the start of the 2014 season. Probables in the opener are RHP Sean White (1-3, 5.18) for the Isotopes and RHP Sean O'Sullivan (1-2, 5.34) for the Padres.
Filed 05/06/2013

May 5, 2013 - Isotopes (17-13)
Isotopes Park New Orleans 101 000 000 -- 2 11 0 Albuquerque 101 103 00x -- 6 11 0 WP: Blake Johnson (3-1) LP: Brad Hand (2-2) HR: NRL Ed Lucas (5) off Johnson (1st inning, S) ABQ Tony Gwynn Jr. (1) off Hand (3rd inning, S) ABQ Alfredo Amezaga (1) off Hand (4th inning, S) TIME: 2:49 ATT: 5,822
Blake Johnson turned in a quality start, allowing 2 runs over 6 innings and Rusty Ryal drove in three runs as the Isotopes claimed a 6-2 victory over the New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Marlins) on Cinco de Mayo afternoon at "The Lab".
Ed Lucas solo homered with two outs in the top of the 1st inning and the Isotopes tied the game at 1-1 in the bottom half of the frame. Tony Gwynn Jr. drew a leadoff walk and scored on Elian Herrera's double.
Gorkys Herandez singled and scored on Bryan Petersen's double in the 3rd inning as the Zephyrs took a 2-1 lead.
The rest of the game was all Isotopes. Gwynn Jr. solo homered in the 3rd inning and Alfredo Amazaga solo homered in the 4th inning as Albuquerque led 3-2.
Gwynn Jr. reached on a fielder's choice, Herrera singled and Scott Van Slyke drew a walk to load the bases and Ryal cleared them with a triple for the final Albuquerque runs of the game.
Isotopes Starter Line: Blake Johnson (W, 3-1) 6 IP, 8 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 Bb, 2 K, 1 HR, 4.94 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Scott Van Slyke: 0x1 (.404), 1 R, 4 BB, 1 K
'TOPES NOTES: With Dee Gordon joining the Dodgers, his roster spot on the Isotopes was claimed by former UNM Lobo P Steve Smith, who was transferred to Albuquerque from Rookie-level Ogden. . . . The newest Chile Pepper Race character is the tortilla. . . . Alfredo Amezaga was a double shy of hitting for the cycle. . . . Scott Van Slyke drew four walks in the game, tying a franchise record that was also tied earlier in the week by Dee Gordon. . . . Blake Johnson earned his team-leading 3rd victory today. . . . The series (and homestand) concludes Monday afternoon. Probables are LHP Aaron Laffey (1-0, 0.00) for the Isotopes and RHP Doug Mathis (1-2, 1.66) for the Zephyrs.
Filed 05/05/2013

May 4, 2013 - Isotopes (16-13)
Isotopes Park New Orleans 022 020 000 -- 6 14 2 Albuquerque 100 010 300 -- 5 14 1 WP: Duane Below (2-0) LP: Angel Castro (2-2) SV: Chris Hatcher (10) HR: ABQ Tim Federowicz (5) off Below (5th inning, S) ABQ Nick Buss (6) off Aardsma (7th inning, 2R) ABQ Scott Van Slyke (9) off Aardsma (7th inning, S) TIME: 3:22 ATT: 13,305
Isotopes starter Angel Castro had his worst start of the season, allowing 6 runs in 5 innings, and the Isotopes comeback from a five run defecit fell just short in a 6-5 loss to the New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Marlins) in front of a season-high 13,305 fans at "The Lab" on Saturday evening.
For the second time in the two games in the series, Albuquerque tallied a 1st inning run. Matt Angle bunt singled, advanced to second base on Scott Van Slyke's single, stole third base and scored on Tim Federowicz's sacrifice fly.
Former-Isotope Wilson Valdez two-run single in the 2nd inning and Matt Downs added a two-run single in the 3rd inning to give New Orleans a 4-1 advantage.
The Zephyrs plated their final runs of the game in the 5th inning on a Koyie Hill sacrifice fly and on a wild pitch to lead by five runs at 6-1.
Tim Federowicz solo homered in the 5th inning and Albuquerque's final tallies of the game occurred in the 7th inning. Van Slyke led off with a solo homer, an out later Rusty Ryal reached on an error and scored on Nick Buss' homer as the Topes trailed by a run.
The Isotopes blew a golden 8th inning opportunity to cross the game-tying or even game-winning runs. The bases were loaded with one out when Buss and Tony Gwynn Jr. each struck out to end the inning.
Isotopes Starter Line: Angel Castro (L, 2-2) 5 IP, 10 H, 6 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 6 K, 0 HR, 3.30 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Steve Ames: 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, 0 HR, 0.90 ERA Josh Wall: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 Bb, 1 K, 0 HR, 1.69 ERA Scott Van Slyke: 2x4 (.408), 1 R, 1 HR (9), 1 RBI (27), 1 BB, 1 K Tim Federowicz: 2x4 (.500), 1 R, 1 HR (5), 2 RBI (17), SF
'TOPES NOTES: The Dodgers placed IF Hanley Ramirez on the major-league disabled list with a strained left hamstring and recalled IF Dee Gordon from Albuquerque. Gordon appeared in 25 games with the Isotopes in 2013, hitting .314 (32x102) with no homers, 12 RBI, 19 runs scored and a PCL-leading 14 stolen bases. . . . Due to high winds, the postgame fireworks show was posponed and has been rescheduled for July 27th. . . . When Angel Castro gave up runs in the 2nd inning, his 9 inning scoreless inning streak ended. . . . Scott Van Slyke leads the league in batting average (.408) and homers (9) and is tied for third in RBI (27). . . . Tim Federowicz has three homers in his last five games. . . . The crowd of 13,305 was the 23rd largest regular season crowd in Isotopes Park history. . . . Nick Buss was a double shy of hitting for the cycle. . . . The series continues Sunday afternoon with "Los Isotopes" sporting special Cinco De Mayo uniforms and a fifth Chile Pepper Race character will make their debut. Probables are RHP Blake Johnson (2-1, 5.40) for the Isotopes and LHP Brad Hand (2-1, 2.00) for the Zephyrs.
Filed 05/04/2013

May 3, 2013 - Isotopes (16-12)
Isotopes Park New Orleans 000 020 204 -- 8 12 2 Albuquerque 100 001 36x -- 11 13 2 WP: Aaron Laffey (1-0) LP: Dan Jennings (1-2) SV: Peter Moylan (1) TIME: 3:39 ATT: 11,056
The Isotopes plated ten runs over their last three at-bats and held off a late New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Marlins) 9th inning rally to take a series-opening 11-8 victory in front of an Isotopes Park season-largest crowd of 11,056 on Friday evening.
Albuquerque was quick on the scoreboard with a manufactured run in the 1st inning. Dee Gordon bunt singled, swiped his league-leading 14th stolen base, advanced to third base on Elian Herrera's bunt single and scored on Matt Angle's sacrifice fly.
Zephyrs starter Jacob Turner singled home two runs in the 5th inning to give New Orleans a 2-1 lead and Albuquerque tied the game in the bottom of the 6th inning as they began their late-game runs eruption. Tim Federowicz singled, advanced to second base on Nick Buss' sacrifice bunt and scored on Rusty Ryal's double.
New Orleans regained the lead with two runs in the top of the 7th inning. Turner drove in his third run of the night with a double and Kevin Mattison singled home a run.
After the 7th inning stretch, the Isotopes took back the lead and never gave it up the rest of the game. Pinch-hitter Ozzie Martinez walked, Gordon laid down a sacrifice bunt and Herrera reached on a fielder's choice with Martinez safe at third base on a throwing error. Martinez scored on a groundout, Herrera advanced to third base on a wild pitch and scored on another wild pitch to knot the game at 4-4. Federowicz followed with a triple and scored when Buss reached on an error.
Albuquerque put the game away with a six-run 8th inning. Brian Barden doubled with one out, Martinez drew a walk and Gordon ground-rule doubled to drive in Barden. Herrera was hit by a pitch to load the bases and Angle walked to bring home Martinez. After Federowicz struck out swinging, Buss drove in Gordon and Herrera with a single. Scott Van Slyke drew a walk in a pinch-hit appearance to reload the bags and Tony Gwynn Jr. delivered a two run single with Angle and Buss scoring.
The Zephyrs rallied for four runs in the 9th inning to close out the game. Ed Lucas drove in a run with a single, Matt Downs drew a bases loaded walk and Kyle Sipworth drove in two runs with a single.
Isotopes Starter Line: Matt Palmer 5 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, 0 HR, 4.00 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Steve Ames: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, 0 HR, 1.00 ERA Chris Withrow: .2 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, 0 HR, 0.00 ERA Scott Van Slyke: 0x0 (.404), 1 BB Tim Federowicz: 2x5 (.500), 2 R, 1 3B (1), 1 K
'TOPES NOTES: Scott Van Slyke did not start in the game but did appear as a pinch-hitter later in the game and drew a walk. Van Slyke kept his streak of appearing in every 2013 Isotopes game alive (28 games). . . . Chris Withrow had not given up any runs in relief (9 2/3 innings) -- until tonight. Withrow allowed four runs in 2/3 of an inning but none were earned so his ERA remains a perfect 0.00. . . . Albuquerque is 8-4 when they plate a 1st-inning run and a perfect 8-0 when scoring double-digit runs in a game. . . . The 3 hour, 39 minute game was the longest game of the season, time-wise. . . . The Isotopes used a season-high six pitchers in the game. . . . The series continues Saturday evening with a celebration of the 2012-2013 UNM Lobos Mens Basketball team and another fireworks show, weather permitting. RHP Angel Castro (2-1, 2.52) is the probable for Albuquerque as he looks to continue his excellence as a starter while the Zephyrs are expected to counter with LHP Duane Below (1-0, 3.60).
Filed 05/03/2013

May 2, 2013 - Isotopes (15-12)
Isotopes Park Memphis 300 032 000 -- 8 15 2 Albuquerque 000 011 200 -- 4 7 0 WP: Nick Greenwood (1-1) LP: Sean White (1-3) HR: MEM Oscar Taveras (3) off Aguasviva (6th inning, 2R) TIME: 3:23 ATT: 6,425
Albuquerque fell into a quick 3-0 hole, then eventually got behind by six runs at the halfway point of the game and never able to muster a comeback in falling to the Memphis Redbirds (AAA Cardinals) 8-4 in the series finale on Thursday evening at "The Lab". Albuquerque saw their season-best five game home winning streak come to an end.
In Memphis' 1st inning, Kolten Wong and Oscar Taveras drove in runs with doubles and Rob Johnson brought home a run with a sacrifice fly.
Johnson singled home a run and Justin Christian followed with a two-run single as the Redbirds added three more runs in the 5th inning to lead 6-0.
Albuquerque found the scoreboard in their half of the 5th inning. Scott Van Slyke doubled, tagged up to third base on Nick Buss' flyout and scored on Rusty Ryal's single.
Taveras two-run homered as Memphis made it 8-1 after their half of the 6th inning and the Isotopes scored another run in their half of the inning. Dee Gordon reached on an error with one out, Isotopes reliever Geison Aguasviva laid down a sacrifice bunt to move Gordon to second and Matt Angle followed with a single to drive in Gordon.
Albuquerque added their final two runs in the 7th inning when Ryal singled, Tony Gwynn Jr. walked and both came around to score on Ozzie Martinez's double.
Isotopes Starter Line: Sean White (L, 1-3) 4.2 IP, 10 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 3 BB, 5 K, 0 HR, 5.18 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Scott Van Slyke: 1x4 (.404), 1 R, 1 2B (8), 1 BB, 1 K, 1 SB (2) Tim Federowicz: 0x1 (.514), 1 K
'TOPES NOTES: The Dodgers signed free agent P Aaron Laffey and assigned him to Albuquerque. Laffey is a major-league veteran, having played parts of the last seven seasons in the major leagues. To make roster room for Laffey, former UNM Lobo P Steve Smith was assigned to Rookie-level Ogden. . . . Albuquerque hitters were no hit for the first 3 2/3 innings of the game and drew a season-best 11 walks in the game. . . . The Isotopes took three out of the four games in the series with the Redbirds and 23,724 attended for a per-game average of 5,931. . . . Despite the fact he played at shortstop in tonight's game, the Dodgers are thinking about having Dee Gordon move to second base, according to the DODGERTALK Dodgers postgame radio show. Gordon drew 4 walks, tying an Isotopes franchise record for walks in a game and swiped his PCL-leading 13th stolen base. . . . Alfredo Amezaga went hitless in three at-bats to snap a 10-game hitting streak. . . . The Isotopes certainly had their chances to score in the game - they left a franchise record-tying (for a 9 inning game) 16 men on base. . . . Albuquerque's homestand concludes with a four-game series against the New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Marlins), their first game against the division-foe Zephyrs this season. Probables in the opener are RHP Matt Palmer (0-0, 4.50) for the Isotopes and RHP Jacob Turner (1-3, 6.56) for the Zephyrs.
Filed 05/02/2013

May 1, 2013 - Isotopes (15-11)
Isotopes Park Memphis 001 003 000 0 -- 4 10 1 Albuquerque 101 101 000 1 -- 6 8 0 WP: Peter Moylan (2-0) LP: Jorge Rondon (1-3) HR: ABQ Elian Herrera (2) off Additon (3rd inning, S) ABQ Tim Federowicz (4) off Rondon (10th inning, 2R) TIME: 2:49 ATT: 6,498
Tim Federowicz went 3x4 and drove in four of Albuquerque's six runs including the most important runs -- a walkoff two-run homer in the 10th inning -- that gave Albuquerque an exciting 6-4 victory over the Memphis Redbirds (AAA Cardinals) on Wednesday evening at "The Lab". Albuquerque has won a season-best five straight home games. The Isotopes found the scoreboard first with a run in the 1st inning. Nick Buss reached on an error with one out, advanced to second base on Scott Van Slyke's groundout and scored on Federowicz's double. After the Redbirds plated a run on a groundout in the 3rd inning to tie the game at 1-1, Albuquerque untied the game when Elian Herrera solo homered in the home half of the 3rd inning. Rusty Ryal and Brian Barden each singled to lead off the 4th inning before Tony Gwynn Jr. grounded into a double play with Ryal scoring to extend Albuquerque's lead to 3-1. Rob Johnson singled home a run and pinch-hitter Oscar Taveras added two more runs with a single as the Redbirds took a 4-3 lead in the top of the 6th inning.
Van Slyke walked and scored on Federowicz's double in the 6th inning as the Isotopes knotted the game at 4-4.
Things would remain that way until the bottom of the 10th inning when Van Slyke drew a one out walk and scored on Federowicz's game winning homer.
Isotopes Starter Line: Chris Capuano 5.1 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, 0 HR, 3.38 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Scott Van Slyke: 0x1 (.411), 2 R, 2 BB, 1 K Tim Federowicz: 3x4 (.529), 1 R, 2 2B (3), 1 HR (4), 4 RBI (15), 1 K, SAC
DODGERS Rehab Report Chris Capuano: Capuano made his first Rehabilitation Assignment start for Albuquerque and allowed 2 runs -- both earned, 7 hits, 1 walk and fanned 4 in 5 1/3 innings of work. Capuano faced 23 batters, tossed 76 pitches (53 for strikes) and induced 7 groundouts and 1 flyout.
'TOPES NOTES: In the lone Isotopes transaction, the Dodgers officially assigned P Chris Capuano to Albuquerque on a rehabilitation assignment. Capuano is the 34th Dodger rehabilitation assignment to Albuquerque (and 29th different Dodger player) since the Dodgers and Isotopes became affiliated in 2009. . . . Tim Federowicz's walkoff homer was the first Isotope walkoff homer of 2013 and first one since Jerry Sands on 7/20/12 vs Iowa. Federowicz's homer was the 17th total walkoff homer in franchise history. With his three-hit night, Federowicz extended his hitting streak to 7 games. Federowicz has homered in back-to-back games and has had a team tying season-best mark of 8 total bases in each of those contests. . . . The Isotopes have gone four games without swiping a base, the season-longest stolen base drought. . . . Albuquerque is 2-1 in extra-inning contests and in games decided by two runs. . . . The Isotopes had their first win of the season in which they were outhit by an opponent (currently a 1-10 record when being outhit in a game). . . . Albuquerque has 90 wins all-time against Memphis, tonight edging out the Omaha Royals/Omaha Storm Chasers (89 wins) for the most wins all-time against a single opponent. . . . The Isotopes have three last at-bat wins in 2013, including two walk-off wins. . . . Albuquerque announced they will honor the fine season of the 2012-2013 UNM Lobo Mens Basketball Team on Saturday evening, including new Lobo coach Craig Neal tossing out the first pitch and the basketball team signing autographs for fans for a limited time. . . . The series concludes Thursday evening as the Isotopes look to sweep the series from the Redbirds. Probables are RHP Sean White (1-2, 3.66) for the Isotopes and a probable to be named for Memphis.
Filed 05/01/2013

April 30, 2013 - Isotopes (14-11)
Isotopes Park Memphis 000 004 300 -- 7 12 0 Albuquerque 000 410 62x -- 13 18 0 WP: Red Patterson (1-1) LP: Keith Butler (0-1) HR: MEM Jamie Romak (5) off Johnson (6th inning, 3R) MEM Chad Huffman (3) off Patterson (7th inning, 2R) MEM Travis Tartamella (1) off Patterson (7th inning, S) ABQ Blake Johnson (1) off Lyons (4th inning, 2R) ABQ Nick Buss (5) off Butler (7th inning, 3R) ABQ Tim Federowicz (3) off Freeman (8th inning, 2R) TIME: 2:50 ATT: 3,853
It was a wild contest at "The Lab" on Tuesday night. Albuquerque plated the first five runs of the game through the first five innings, then Memphis rallied for seven unanswered runs to take the lead before the Isotopes eruptied for eight unanwered runs to reclaim the lead and put the game away in a 13-7 slugfest victory over the Memphis Redbirds (AAA Cardinals). Albuquerque has won two straight games.
Albuquerque broke up the scoreless game in the 4th inning. Rusty Ryal drew a two out walk, Brian Barden singled and Alfredo Amezaga doubled them both home. Blake Johnson followed with an inside-the-park homer as the Isotopes led 4-0.
Scott Van Slyke singled and scored on Tim Federowicz's double in the 5th inning for a 5-0 Albuquerque lead.
Jamie Romak three-run homered and Kolten Wong singled home a run in the 6th inning as the Redbirds tallied four runs to start chipping away at the Isotopes lead.
Memphis homered their way to a 7-5 lead in the 7th inning with a Chad Huffman two-run homer and Travis Tartamella solo homer.
After the 7th inning stretch, Albuquerque put up a six spot on the scoreboard to claim a 11-7 lead. Elian Herrera and Matt Angle singled to start off the half-inning and after Van Slyke struck out, Federowicz singled home Herrera. Ryal followed with a double to plate Angle and Barden was intentionally walked to load the bases. Amezaga sacrifice flied out to bring home Federowicz and pinch-hitter Nick Buss three-run homered.
Herrera singled and later scored on Federowicz's two-run homer in the 8th inning to close out the scoring in the game.
Isotopes Starter Line: Blake Johnson 5 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 5 K, 1 HR, 5.40 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Steve Ames: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 Bb, 1 K, 0 HR, 1.13 ERA Scott Van Slyke: 1x5 (.419), 1 R, 3 K Tim Federowicz: 4x5 (.500), 2 R, 1 2B (1), 1 HR (3), 4 RBI (11)
'TOPES NOTES: There were many Isotopes transactions on Tuesday. IF Alex Castellanos was put on the Disabled List with right forearm inflammation and IF Ozzie Martinez was activated from the Disabled List. The Dodgers recalled P Javy Guerra from the Isotopes and optioned P Josh Wall back to the Isotopes, one day after Wall gave up 8 hits and 7 runs in 2 innings of relief for the Dodgers against the Colorado Rockies. . . . Blake Johnson had the 12th pitcher homer in Isotopes history but was the first pitcher to do it by the inside-the-park route instead of hitting the ball over the fence (last: Will Savage - May 3rd 2012 against Oklahoma City). Johnson's homer was the 11th inside-the-park homer in Isotopes franchise history and 9th to occur at Isotopes Park. Johnson's 2 RBI was the most for a pitcher in a game this season and Johnson leads the season total for RBIs by a pitcher with those two RBI. . . . Nick Buss was the first Isotope to hit a pinch-hit homer since Josh Fields had a pinch-hit solo homer in Iowa against the Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) on April 10, 2012. Buss' pinch-hit homer was the 17th pinch-hit homer in Isotopes franchise history. . . . The Isotopes set season bests with 13 runs scored in a home game, 6 combined homers in a game, and 20 combined runs in a game at Isotopes Park and set a season worst with a five-run lead blown in a game. . . . Alfredo Amezaga extended his hitting streak to 10 games, the second Isotope to have a double-digit hitting streak this season (Scott Van Slyke). . . . With April in the books, here are some Isotope stats for the month: 14-11 record (9-5 at home and 5-6 on the road); 25 homers, 34 stolen bases, 150 runs scored, .297 team batting average, and 3.63 team ERA. . . . Albuquerque has a four-game home winning streak, tying their longest of the season set in a four-game series sweep of the Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) to start the season. . . . The series continues Wednesday evening. Dodgers pitcher Chris Capuano is expected to make a rehabilitation assignment start for the Isotopes while the Redbirds are expected to counter with LHP Nick Additon (1-1, 4.74).
Filed 04/30/2013

April 29, 2013 - Isotopes (13-11)
Isotopes Park Memphis 000 000 010 -- 1 7 1 Albuquerque 000 001 001 -- 2 7 1 WP: Chris Withrow (2-0) LP: Jorge Rondon (1-2) HR: ABQ Elian Herrera (1) off Wacha (6th inning, S) TIME: 2:52 ATT: 6,948
Elian Herrera singled home the game-winning run in the bottom of the 9th inning to give the Isotopes a dramatic 2-1 victory over the Memphis Redbirds (AAA Cardinals) on Monday evening at "The Lab".
The game was scoreless until the 6th inning when Herrera launched a solo homer to give Albuquerque the lead.
The Redbirds tied the game in the 8th inning. Greg Garcia singled, stole second base and scored on pinch-hitter Chad Huffman's double down the left field line.
Brian Barden led off the 9th inning with a double and was replaced by pinch-runner Alfredo Amezaga. Isotopes reliever Chris Withrow was hit by a pitch and a wild pitch moved both runners up a base. Dee Gordon was intentionally walked to load the bases and set up a force out at Home Plate scenario but that strategy backfired when Herrera promptly delivered a single to right field to drive in Amezaga.
Isotopes Starter Line: Angel Castro 7 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Chris Withrow: (W, 2-0) 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, 0 HR, 0.00 ERA Scott Van Slyke: 0x3 (.432), 1 BB, 1 K Tim Federowicz: 1x2 (.440), 2 BB, 1 K
'TOPES NOTES: The Dodgers activated IF Hanley Ramirez from the Disabled List but the move did not affect the Isotopes as the Dodgers placed P Clayton Kershaw on the Bereavement List. The Dodgers did made an announcement that will affect the Isotopes soon -- P Chris Capuano will be coming to Albuquerque on Wednesday to make a rehabilitation assignment start. . . . 17,071 hot dogs were sold on 50 cent hot dog night, for a per-fan average of 2.46. . . . Based on his two starts for Albuquerque this season after four relief appearances, it seems Angel Castro should remain in the starting rotation. Castro tossed 7 scoreless innings with 4 hits allowed and 5 strikeouts tonight and turned in his second quality start of the season to lead the club. Castro also had Albuquerque's longest starter outing of the season (7 innings) and was the first starter not to allow a run in a start this season. In Castro's two starts, Castro has thrown 13 innings, allowing just a run (0.69 ERA), 9 hits, 1 walk and has fanned 7. . . . The Isotopes are 2-5 in contests decided by one run this season. . . . The three combined runs was the fewest for Albuquerque in a game this season. . . . Nick Franklin of the Tacoma Rainiers (AAA Mariners) is the PCL Hitter of the Week. Franklin hit .474 (9x19) with 1 homer and 6 RBI during the award week. . . . Andrew Carraway of the Rainiers is the PCL Pitcher of the Week as Tacoma swept the weekly PCL awards. Carraway made one start and went 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA (no runs in 7 innings with 2 hits allowed and 5 strikeouts). . . . The series continues Tuesday evening. Probables are RHP Blake Johnson (2-1, 5.40) for the Isotopes and LHP Tyler Lyons (2-1, 3.28) for the Redbirds.
Filed 04/29/2013

April 28, 2013 - Isotopes (12-11)
Dell Diamond Albuquerque 020 010 000 -- 3 6 0 Round Rock 100 101 001 -- 4 9 0 WP: Yohan Yan (1-0) LP: Geison Aguasviva (1-2) HR: ABQ Brian Barden (1) off Mills (2nd inning 2R) TIME: 2:35 ATT: 9,489
The game was a see-saw affair early on and at the end it was a walkoff single that decided it as the Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) handed Albuquerque a tough loss, 4-3, on Sunday afternoon at Dell Diamond in Round Rock. Albuquerque fell out of first place and into third place in the division with the loss.
Engel Beltre singled, stole second base and scored on Jurickson Profar's triple in the 1st inning as Round Rock quickly built a 1-0 lead.
Tim Federowicz singled and came around to score on Brian Barden's first homer of the season as the Isotopes took the lead at 2-1 in the 2nd inning.
Yangervis Solarte sacrifice flied out in the 4th inning to tie the game and Albuquerque reclaimed the lead the next half inning. In that 5th inning, Rusty Ryal singled, advanced to second base on Tony Gwynn Jr.'s bunt single and scored on Jesus Flores's single.
Round Rock would knot the game at 3-3 in the 6th inning when Joey Butler doubled and scored on Robinson Chirinos' single and the Express would break the tie in the 9th inning. Chirinos drew a leadoff walk and went to second base on Aaron Cunningham's sacrifice bunt. Chirinos raced to third base on a wild pitch and scored the game-winner on Chris McGuiness' single.
Isotopes Starter Line: Matt Palmer 4 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, 4.50 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Scott Van Slyke: 0x4 (.447) Alex Castellanos: 0x2 (.304), 1 K Tim Federowicz: 1x4 (.435), 1 R, 1 K
'TOPES NOTES: The Dodgers signed free agent P Matt Palmer during the offseason and on Sunday he was assigned to Albuquerque. Palmer spent 2012 in the San Diego Padres organization and played with Tucson most of the season. In 21 games (20 starts) with Triple-A Tucson, Palmer went 6-9 with a 5.66 ERA. Palmer made three relief appearances with the Padres major league club, going 0-0 with a 9.00 ERA. Palmer is taking the roster spot of C Matt Wallach, who was assigned to Class-AA Chattanooga. . . . The Isotopes and Express split the series 2-2 and 33,978 attended at Dell Diamond for a per-game average of 8,495. . . . Albuquerque pitching did not allow a homer in the game, snapping a season-worst streak of six consecutive games in which the opponent had at least one homer. . . . Alex Castellanos went hitless in two at-bats, snapping a 7-game hiting streak. . . . The Isotopes return home for an eight-game homestand starting Monday evening. Arrive starving as it is a 50 cent hot dog night at Isotopes Park. With the longer homestand and a few Dodgers nearing return to the big club from injury, the homestand could feature some Dodger players being sent to the Isotopes on a rehabiliation assignment. Probables in the opener against the Memphis Redbirds (AAA Cardinals) are RHP Angel Castro (2-1, 3.50) for the Isotopes and RHP Seth Maness (2-2, 4.32) for the Redbirds.
Filed 04/28/2013

April 27, 2013 - Isotopes (12-10)
Dell Diamond Albuquerque 100 400 000 -- 5 12 1 Round Rock 000 010 010 -- 2 8 3 WP: Sean White (1-2) LP: Richard Bleier (0-1) SV: Steven Ames (2) HR: RR Chris McGuiness (4) off White (5th inning, S) TIME: 3:10 ATT: 9,226
Sean White was excellent in an unexpected start -- one run and five hits allowed in 5 2/3 innings -- and the Isotopes plated the first five runs of the game en route to a 5-2 victory over the Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) on Saturday evening in Round Rock. With the win, Albuquerque goes back into first place, tied with Oklahoma City, a half-game up over Round Rock.
Albuquerque did not take long to lead 1-0. Elian Herrera singled in the 1st inning with one out, advanced to third base on Scott Van Slyks's single and an error and scored on Tim Federowicz's sacrifice flyout.
The 4th inning was the eventual game-winning inning for Albuquerque. Matt Angle singled and stole second base, Rusty Ryal walked and Brian Barden reached on a fielder's choice with Angle scoring. An error on the fielder's choice advanced Barden to second base where he was cashed in on a Tony Gwynn Jr. single. Alfredo Amezaga singled to put runners on the corners and Dee Gordon bunt singled to drive in Gwynn Jr. An out later, Van Slyke singled home Amezaga as the Isotopes led 5-0.
Chris McGuiness solo homered in the 5th inning and Aaron Cunningham doubled home a run in the 8th inning for Round Rock's only runs of the game.
Isotopes Starter Line: Sean White (W, 1-2) 5.2 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 5 BB, 5 K, 1 HR, 3.66 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Steve Ames: SV (2) 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 Bb, 0 K, 0 HR, 1.29 ERA Scott Van Slyke: 3x4 (.469), 1 RBI (26), 1 BB, 1 K, SB (1) Tim Federowicz: 1x4 (.474), 1 RBI (7), 2 K, SF
'TOPES NOTES: P Matt Magill was scheduled to start for the Isotopes but things changed when the Dodgers placed P Stephen Fife on the 15-day major-league disabled list with right shoulder bursitis and recalled Magill from Albuquerque. Magill had a tough MLB debut for the Dodgers Saturday evening, leaving the game with the lead and watching the bullpen give the game away giving him a no decision. Magill's line with the Dodgers was 6 2/3 innings pitched, 4 hits, 2 runs, 2 earned runs, 2 walks and 7 strikeouts. Magill made four starts for Albuquerque before the promotion and went 0-0 with a 2.84 ERA (6 earned runs in 19 innings with 23 strikeouts). . . . Former Isotope Ross Wolf was the scheduled starter for Round Rock but did not play in the game. . . . Outhitting opponents in the game is apparently the key to a good chance of winning. Albuquerque is 11-1 when outhitting their opponents and 0-9 when their opponents outhit them. . . . The series (and quick four-game roadtrip) concludes on Sunday afternoon. Probables are RHP Angel Castro (2-1, 3.50) for the Isotopes and LHP Brad Mills (3-0, 2.52) for the E-train.
Filed 04/27/2013

April 26, 2013 - Isotopes (11-10)
Dell Diamond Albuquerque 000 001 200 -- 3 7 2 Round Rock 002 110 00x -- 4 11 1 WP: Josh Lindblom (3-0) LP: Javy Guerra (0-2) SV: Cory Burns (5) HR: ABQ Matt Angle (2) off Lindblom (7th inning, 2R) RR Eli Whiteside (3) off Guerra (4th inning, S) RR Jim Adduci (3) off Guerra (5th inning, S) TIME: 2:41 ATT: 8,630
The Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) plated four runs over the first five innings and Albuquerque's later game rally fell short in a 4-3 loss to the Express. Albuquerque snapped a three-game winning streak with the loss and fell out of first place in the division.
Round Rock's Yangervis Solarte doubled home a run and Robinson Chirinos singled home a run in the 3rd inning, Eli Whiteside solo homered in the 4th inning and Jim Adduci solo homered in the 5th inning as the Express led 4-0.
Dee Gordon tripled and scored on Alfredo Amezaga's groundout in the 6th inning to get Albuquerque on the scoreboard and Rusty Ryal was hit by a pitch and scored on Matt Angle's two-run homer in the 7th inning for Albuquerque's final runs of the game.
Isotopes Starter Line: Javy Guerra (L, 0-2) 5 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, 2 HR, 4.02 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Scott Van Slyke: 0x3 (.455), 1 BB, 1 K Alex Castellanos: 1x4 (.312)
'TOPES NOTES: The Isotopes announced how much was raised in their "Batting for Boston" fundraiser held last Saturday at Isotopes Park. Fans donated $4,368.65 with those funds going directly to the One Fund Boston, Inc. organization to benefit the victims affected by the bombing at the Boston Marathon. . . . Albuquerque is 1-4 in contests decided by one run. . . . A pair of Isotopes extended healthy hitting streaks tonight - Alex Castellanos (7 games) and Alfredo Amezaga (8 games). . . . The series continues Saturday evening. Probables are RHP Matt Magill (0-0, 2.84) for the Isotopes and another former-Isotope, RHP Ross Wolf (0-1, 1.62) for the Express.
Filed 04/26/2013

April 25, 2013 - Isotopes (11-9)
Dell Diamond Albuquerque 012 003 031 -- 10 11 0 Round Rock 200 020 100 -- 5 7 1 WP: Blake Johnson (2-1) LP: Collin Balester (1-3) HR: ABQ Scott Van Slyke (8) off Balester (3rd inning, 2R) ABQ Alex Castellanos (4) off Meek (9th inning, S) RR Eli Whiteside (2) off Aguasviva (7th inning, S) TIME: 3:05 ATT: 6,633
The Isotopes plated seven runs over the back half of the game to come from behind to defeat the Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) 10-5 in the opener of a four-game series at Dell Diamond in Round Rock on Thursday evening. Albuquerque is riding a three-game winning streak and vaulted into first place in the division.
The Express plated two runs in the 1st inning to take a quick lead -- Jim Adduci brought home a run with a sacrifice flyout and Robinson Chirinos doubled home a run.
Albuquerque got on the scoreboard in the top of the 2nd inning. Nick Buss and Matt Angle singled to set up a successful double steal with Buss scoring on an error on the play.
Scott Van Slyke launched his league-leading 8th homer of the season with Dee Gordon base as Albuquerque took a 3-2 lead in the 3rd inning.
Round Rock regained the lead at 4-3 in the 5th inning when Jurickson Profar reached on a fielder's choice with a run scoring and Adduci had his second sacrifice flyout of the game.
Albuquerque took back the lead and never relinquished it with a three-run 6th inning. Alex Castellanos singled and stole second base and Van Slyke followed with a single. Buss drew a walk to load the bags and Angle delivered a two-run single for the lead. Tony Gwynn Jr. later sacrifice flied out to bring home Buss.
Eli Whiteside solo homered for the Express' final run of the game in the 7th inning and the Isotopes added three more runs in the 8th inning. Van Slyke and Buss singled, Angle moved them up a base with a sacrifice bunt and after Jesus Flores was intentionally walked to load the bases, Brian Barden unloaded them with a three-run double.
Castellanos solo homered in the 9th inning for the final run of the game.
Isotopes Starter Line: Blake Johnson (W, 2-1) 6 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, 0 HR, 5.40 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Chris Withrow: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, 0 HR, 0.00 ERA Scott Van Slyke: 3x5 (.473), 3 R, 1 HR (8), 2 RBI (25), 1 K Alex Castellanos: 2x5 (.315), 2 R, 1 HR (4), 1 RBI (14), SB (8)
'TOPES NOTES: Chris Withrow continues to put up monster numbers in relief. In seven relief apperances, Withrow has tossed 8 1/3 innings with no runs allowed for a 0.00 ERA. Withrow is 1-0 with 3 hits and 5 walks allowed, has fanned 13 batters and has a 0.96 WHIP. . . . The Isotopes ran at will during the game. There were six Isotope steals, the most in a game this season. Matt Angle and Dee Gordon led the way with a pair of steals each while Nick Buss and Alex Castellanos had one stolen base each. . . . Gordon stole two bases in the 3rd inning, tying a franchise record. Gordon has stolen two bags in an inning three times this season. . . . Albuquerque is all alone in first place in the American Conference Southern Division for the first time since April 7th. . . . In a "Where Are They Now?" update, the original radio voice of the Isotopes, Bob Socci, is one of two radio voices for the Pawtucket Red Sox (AAA Red Sox) in the International League and was just named the new radio play-by-play voice of the New England Patriots NFL club on 98.5 The Sports Hub in Boston. Socci called the Isotopes first franchise game on the radio in 2003 and remained with the club through the 2005 season. Socci is no stranger to calling football on the radio, having worked the U.S. Naval Academy football radio broadcasts for the past 16 years. . . . The series continues Friday evening. Probables are RHP Javy Guerra (0-1, 4.22) for the Isotopes and former-Isotope RHP Josh Lindblom (2-0, 1.06) for the E-train.
Filed 04/25/2013

Tim Federowicz Rejoins Isotopes
Catcher Tim Federowicz will be rejoining the Isotopes after the Dodgers activated P Ted Lilly from the disabled list and optioned Federowicz to Albuquerque.
Federowicz started the season with the Dodgers, was optioned to Albuqurque April 12 and played in five Isotope games, recalled to the Dodgers on April 17th and made two pinch-hit appearances, going 0x1 in each appearance.
There has not been an Isotopes roster move made yet to make roster room for Federowicz.
The Isotopes and the rest of the PCL are enjoying their first day off of the season today. Albuquerque returns to action Thursday night with a quick four-game roadtrip to Round Rock to play the Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers). Albuquerque is a half-game back of the division-leading Express so a great Isotopes series should put the Isotopes in first place when they return to "The Lab" Monday for an eight-game homestand.
Filed 04/24/2013

April 23, 2013 - Isotopes (10-9)
Isotopes Park Oklahoma City 000 010 100 -- 2 9 1 Albuquerque 530 002 02x -- 12 21 2 WP: Angel Castro (2-1) LP: Jordan Lyles (1-2) HR: OKC Jimmy Paredes (3) off Castro (5th inning, S) TIME: 2:43 ATT: 6,152
Making his first start of the season, Angel Castro turned in a quality start, allowing a run in 6 innings to earn his team leading 2nd victory, and the Isotopes offense delivered an early knockout blow to Oklahoma City starter Jordan Lyles on their way to a 12-2 series finale victory over the Oklahoma City Redhawks (AAA Astros) on Tuesday afternoon.
The Isotopes got to Lyles for five runs in the first inning, the only inning Lyles worked. Dee Gordon led off with a double, advanced to third base on Elian Herrera's groundout and scored on Alex Castellanos' single. After Castellanos was picked off, Scott Van Slyke, Nick Buss and Matt Angle each singled with Angle's single driving in Van Slyke. Alfredo Amezaga singled home Buss, Tony Gwynn Jr. singled home Angle and after Matt Wallach singled to load the bases, Gordon drew a walk to bring home Amezaga.
In the 2nd inning, Van Slyke singled, Buss walked and Angle singled to load the bases with one out. Amezaga's sacrifice fly brought home Van Slyke, Gwynn Jr. singled to reload the bags and Wallach singled home Angle for a 8-0 Isotopes lead.
Jimmy Paredes solo homered to get Oklahoma City on the scoreboard in the 5th inning and Albuquerque tallied for two runs in the 6th inning to lead 10-1. Angle singled home Buss and later scored on a wild pitch.
The Redhawks scored their final run on an error in the 7th inning and Albuquerque tallied their final two runs in the 8th inning. Wallach sacrifice flied out to bring home Amezaga and Gordon singled home Tony Gwynn Jr.
Isotopes Starter Line: Angel Castro (W, 2-1) 6 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, 1 HR, 3.50 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Scott Van Slyke: 3x4 (.454), 2 R, 1 BB Alex Castellanos: 3x5 (.309), 1 RBI (13)
'TOPES NOTES: After dropping the first two games of the series, the Isotopes salvaged a series split by winning the final two games. 29,829 attended the series for a per-game average of 7,457. . . . Albuquerque ends series' well - they are 4-1 in the final game of a series this season, the best record for any game of a series. . . . The Isotopes had eight hits in the 1st inning, the most hits in an inning this season and two shy of tying the franchise record. . . . Multiple players had 3 hits in the game - Alex Castellanos, Scott Van Slyke, Matt Angle, Alfredo Amezaga and Tony Gwynn Jr. Only Elian Herrera (0x5) went hitless in the game. . . . Albuquerque had 21 hits in the game, a season high. . . . Alfredo Amezaga extended his hitting streak to 7 games. . . . The Isotopes have their first official day off of the season before starting a short four-game road trip in Round Rock against the division-leading Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers). The Isotopes are a half-game back of the Express entering the game. Probables in Thursday's opener are are RHP Blake Johnson (1-1, 5.14) for the Isotopes and RHP Collin Balester (1-2, 5.40) for the E-train. Two of Round Rock's probables in the series are former Isotopes.
Filed 04/23/2013

April 22, 2013 - Isotopes (9-9)
Isotopes Park Oklahoma City 001 000 000 -- 1 5 1 Albuquerque 000 500 21x -- 8 11 1 WP: Anthony Ortega (1-0) LP: Rudy Owens (0-3) HR: OKC Cody Clark (1) off Magill (3rd inning, S) ABQ Scott Van Slyke (7) off Hallock (7th inning, 2R) TIME: 2:51 ATT: 6,958
Scott Van Slyke homered and drove in three runs and the Isotopes used the strength of a five run inning to take the lead and eventually claim a 8-1 victory over the Oklahoma City Redhawks (AAA Astros) on Monday evening at "The Lab". The victory snapped a season-worst four game losing streak.
Cody Clark solo homered in the 3rd inning for Oklahoma City's only run of the game before Albuquerque erupted for five runs in the 4th inning. Alex Castellanos walked, went to second base on a wild pitch and scored on Van Slyke's double. Rusty Ryal singled to put runners on the corners and Nick Buss bunt singled with Van Slyke scoring. Two outs later, a wild pitch brought home Ryal, Jesus Flores drew a walk and Buss scored on Dee Gordon's single. Elian Herrera followed with a single to drive in Flores with the final run of the inning as Albuquerque led 5-1.
Castellanos singled and scored on Van Slyke's two-run homer in the 7th inning and Flores doubled and scored on Herrera's single in the 8th inning for the final run of the game.
Isotopes Starter Line: Matt Magill - 4 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 7 K, 1 HR, 2.84 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Steve Ames: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, 0 HR, 1.50 ERA Matt Magill: 4 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 7K, 1 HR, 2.84 ERA Chris Withrow: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, 0 HR, 0.00 ERA Scott Van Slyke: 3x5 (.446), 2 R, 2 2B (7), 1 HR (7), 3 RBI (23), 1 K Alex Castellanos: 1x3 (.286), 2 R, 1 BB, 1 K
'TOPES NOTES: The Isotopes snapped a six-game losing streak, dating back to the 2012 season, in games played against the Redhawks. . . . Nine different Isotope pitchers have earned the winning decision for all nine Isotope wins this season. . . . Marc Krauss of the Oklahoma City Redhawks (AAA Astros) is the PCL Hitter of the Week. Krauss hit .455 (10x22) during the week with 1 homer and 10 RBI. . . . John Gast of the Memphis Redbirds (AAA Cardinals) is the PCL Pitcher of the Week. Gast made two starts adn went 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA (0 ER in 13 2/3 innings with 10 strikeouts). . . . The series concludes Tuesday afternoon. RHP Angel Castro (1-1, 4.50) will be making his first start of the season for Albuquerque after four relief appearances. RHP Jordan Lyles (1-1, 4.08) is expected to start for Oklahoma City.
Filed 04/22/2013

April 21, 2013 - Isotopes (8-9)
Isotopes Park Oklahoma City 022 220 110 -- 10 15 3 Albuquerque 100 140 100 -- 7 9 3 WP: Eric Berger (1-0) LP: Red Patterson (0-1) SV: Jose Valdez (5) HR: OKC Jimmy Paredes (2) off Patterson (2nd inning, 2R) OKC Brett Wallace (1) off Patterson (4th inning, S) OKC Marc Krauss (4) off Smith (5th inning, S) TIME: 3:25 ATT: 6,654
The good news... Albuquerque's offense awokened for a seven run output on Sunday afternoon. The bad news... the Oklahoma City Redhawks (AAA Astros) put up 10 runs on the scoreboard to take a 10-7 victory and hand Albuquerque their season-worst fourth straight defeat.
Albuquerque got a lone run in the 1st inning when Elian Herrera doubled with one out and scored on Alex Castellanos' single with an error on the play.
Oklahoma City went "two"'s crazy on the scoreboard for the next four frames. In the 2nd inning, Jimmy Paredes two-run homerd and in the 3rd inning, Jonathan Villar drove in a run and another run scored on an error by Isotopes catcher Matt Wallach on a pickoff attempt.
The Redhawks added two more runs in the 4th inning on a Brett Wallace solo homer and a Robbie Grossman RBI single.
Scott Van Slyke tripled and scored when Rusty Ryal reached on a fielding error in the 4th inning as Albuquerque trailed 6-2.
Marc Krauss solo homered and Che-Hsuan Lin singled home a run in the top of the 5th inning for Oklahoma City and Albuquerque made it a game at 8-6 with a four-spot in their half of the 5th inning. Alfredo Amezaga singled with one out, Dee Gordon walked and both runners advanced a base on a wild pitch. Herrera reached on an error with Amezaga scoring and Castellanos singled home Gordon. Van Slyke singled to load the bags and a wild pitch brought home Herrera. Ryal followed with a groundout to score Castellanos.
Grossman singled home another run for Oklahoma City in the top of the 7th inning and after the 7th inning stretch, the Isotopes plated their final run of the game. Gordon led off the frame with a single, went to second base on Herrera's walk, took third base on a wild pitch and scored on Van Slyke's sacrifice flyout.
The Redhawks added their final run in the 8th inning on a wild pitch.
Isotopes Starter Line: Red Patterson (L, 0-1) 3 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, 2 HR, 5.40 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Scott Van Slyke: 2x4 (.433), 1 R, 1 3B (1), 1 RBI (20), 1 K Alex Castellanos: 2x5 (.283), 1 R, 1 RBI (12)
'TOPES NOTES: The Dodgers placed P Chad Billingsley on the major league 15-day Disabled List with right elbow soreness and recalled P Stephen Fife from Albuquerque to start Sunday's game in Baltimore. Fife was scheduled to start today's game but due to the callup, Isotopes reliever Red Patterson drew the emergency starting assignment. Taking Fife's Isotope roster spot is P Anthony Ortega who the Dodgers signed as a free agent and assigned to Albuquerque. Ortega made his major league debut with the Angels in 2009 and was primarily a starter until his MLB debut and has been primarily a reliever since his debut. Ortega missed all of the 2012 season recouperating from Tommy John surgery. . . . Despite the outcome, the Isotopes may have benefitted by having to use all relievers to work all nine innings today with Fife's promotion to the Dodgers. With postponements in Omaha Wednesday and Thursday, two short doubleheader games on Friday, and a 9-inning game Saturday, Geison Aguasviva, Peter Moylan, Red Patterson, and Steve Smith all were able to get game action for the first time since at least last Tuesday night in Omaha. . . . At 8-9, the Isotopes find themselves with a season record below the .500 mark for the first time this season. At 2.5 games back in the division, it's also the furthest out Albuquerque has been from first place this season. . . . Alfredo Amezaga hit safely in the game to extend his hitting streak to six games. . . . Albuquerque pitching gave up double digit runs for the first time this season. . . . The series continues Monday evening. Probables are RHP Matt Magill (0-0, 3.00) for the Isotopes and RHP Jose Cisnero (1-1, 9.35) for the Redhawks.
Filed 04/21/2013

April 20, 2013 - Isotopes (8-8)
Isotopes Park Oklahoma City 000 200 010 -- 3 9 0 Albuquerque 000 100 000 -- 1 4 1 WP: Jarred Cosart (2-0) LP: Sean White (0-2) SV: Jose Valdez (4) TIME: 2:57 ATT: 10,065
In the first divisional game of the 2013 season, the Isotopes offense was only able to muster a run and four hits in a 3-1 loss to the Oklahoma City Redhawks (AAA Astros) on Saturday evening at "The Lab". Albuquerque has dropped three straight games.
In the 4th inning, Oklahoma City's Trevor Crowe drew a walk and scored on Marc Krauss' triple. Jimmy Paredes followed with a sacrifice flyout to bring home Krauss.
Elian Herrera doubled and scored on Alex Castellanos' single to center in the home half of the 4th inning as the Isotopes cut the defecit to a run at 2-1.
An Isotopes error in the 8th inning allowed the Redhawks to tally an insurance run.
Isotopes Starter Line: Sean White (L, 0-2) 5 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 2 K, 0 HR, 4.50 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Steve Ames: 1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, 0 HR, 2.25 ERA Chris Withrow: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, 0 HR, 0.00 ERA Scott Van Slyke: 0x4 (.429), 2 K Alex Castellanos: 1x4 (.273), 1 H, 1 RBI (11)
'TOPES NOTES: The Isotopes placed IF Ozzie Martinez on the Disabled List with a strained left calf and activated IF Alfredo Amezaga from the temporary inactive list. . . . During their three game losing streak, the Isotopes have dropped from a tie for first place in the American Conference Southern Division to third place, 1.5 games back of Round Rock. . . . Albuquerque drew 10,065 fans, the first time attendance was above 10,000 at Isotopes Park this season. . . . The Isotopes have lost their last five straight contests to the Redhawks, dating back to the 2012 season. . . . With the lack of offense support and despite only allowing 2 runs in 5 innings, Sean White earned his team leading second loss of the season. The Isotopes have also yet to win a game when White has started on the mound (0-3). . . . The series continues Sunday afternoon. Probables are RHP Stephen Fife (1-1, 4.61) for the Isotopes and RHP Ross Seaton (0-1, 9.00) for the Redhawks.
Filed 04/20/2013

April 19, 2013 - DH2 - Isotopes (8-7)
Werner Park Albuquerque 101 000 0 -- 2 4 0 Omaha 002 010 x -- 3 9 1 WP: Nate Adcock (2-0) LP: Angel Castro (1-1) SV: Michael Mariot (3) TIME: 2:05 ATT: 2,762
In front of a crowd of 2,762 -- the smallest the Isotopes have played in front of this season -- a single from a former Isotope doomed the Isotopes as the Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) took a 3-2 victory to sweep a doubleheader from the Isotopes for the second time in nine days.
Albuquerque plated a first inning run when Dee Gordon bunt singled, went to second base on an error during a pickoff play, went to third base on Alex Castellanos' single and scored on Scott Van Slyke's sacrifice flyout.
Each team found the scoreboard in the 3rd inning. In Albuquerque's half, Gordon singled, stole second base, went to third base on a wild pitch and scored on Alex Castellanos' single. Albuquerque's lead evaporated in the bottom half of the inning when Max Ramirez doubled into the left field corner to drive in two runs to tie the game at 2-2.
Former-Isotope Brett Hayes singled home the eventual game-winning run in the 5th inning as the Storm Chasers claimed a 3-2 lead.
Isotopes Starter Line: Javy Guerra - 4 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, 0 HR, 4.22 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Scott Van Slyke: 0x2 (.462), 1 RBI (19), SF, Alex Castellanos: 2x3 (.275), 1 RBI (10), 2 SB (7)
'TOPES NOTES: There have been two weird doubleheaders between the Isotopes and Storm Chasers in the span of 9 days. In Albuquerque, both games were swept by the Storm Chasers with identical scores of 6-3 and in Papillon, both games were swept by the Storm Chasers with identical scores of 3-2. . . . Albuquerque is 0-4 in doubleheader games so far in 2013. . . . 5,770 fans attended the rain-shortened series at Werner Park for a per-gate average of 2,885. The Isotopes went 3-4 on their first road trip with one game left to make up with a doubleheader in June against Omaha. . . . The Isotopes have two series losses this season, both at the hands of the Storm Chasers. . . . Albuquerque is 1-3 in games decided by one run and are 0-6 when having been outhit by their opponents. . . . The Isotopes return home for a quick four-game series against the Oklahoma City Redhawks (AAA Astros) to play their first divisional game of the 2013 campaign. Probables in the opener Saturday evening are RHP Sean White (0-1, 5.00) for the Isotopes and RHP Jarred Cosart (1-0, 0.71) for the Redhawks.
Filed 04/19/2013

April 19, 2013 - DH1 - Isotopes (8-6)
Werner Park Albuquerque 000 020 0 -- 2 2 1 Omaha 002 201 x -- 3 6 1 WP: Donnie Joseph (1-0) LP: Blake Johnson (1-1) SV: Blaine Boyer (1) HR: ABQ Nick Buss (4) off Verdugo (5th inning, 2R) OMA Anthony Seratelli (2) off Johnson (3rd inning, 2R) TIME: 1:37
The Albuquerque Isotopes were no hit through four innings and the Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) plated a run in the bottom of the 6th inning to claim a 3-2 victory in the first game of a doubleheader Friday afternoon in Papillon (near Omaha). Albuquerque snapped a two-game winning streak with the loss.
Anthony Seratelli's two-run homer in the bottom of the 3rd inning got Omaha on the scoreboard first.
Scott Van Slyke singled to lead off the 5th inning and break up Omaha starter Ryan Verdugo's no hit bid and Nick Buss launched a two-run homer to knot the game at 2-2.
In the decisive 6th inning, David Lough reached on a throwing error by Isotopes Shortstop Dee Gordon, went to second base on Christian Colon's sacrifice bunt and scored on Xavier Nady's double.
Isotopes Starter Line: Blake Johnson (L, 1-1), 6 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 5K, 1 HR, 5.14 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Scott Van Slyke: 1x3 (.480), 1 R, 2 K Alex Castellanos: 0x3 (.250), 1 K
'TOPES NOTES: Albuquerque has played three doubleheader games against Omaha so far in 2013 -- two in Albuquerque and the opener of a doubleheader today -- and Dee Gordon has had five errors in the three games. . . . Isotopes starter Blake Johnson had Albuquerque's first complete game of the season and was the first Isotope complete game since John Ely's effort on August 8, 2012 in the first game of a doubleheader at Isotopes Park against Tucson. . . . Albuquerque pitching allowed no walks in a game for the first time since the second game of a doubleheader July 29th, 2012 in Nashville. . . . The four innings that Isotopes batters went hitless was their longest "been no-hit" bid of the season. . . . The Isotopes only had 2 hits in the game (Scott Van Slyke, Nick Buss) for the fewest hits in a game this season.
Filed 04/19/2013

April 18, 2013 - Isotopes at Storm Chasers, Postponed
For the second straight day, a matchup between the Isotopes and Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) in Papillon (near Omaha) has been postponed due to inclement weather. The Isotopes and Storm Chasers will try to get a doubleheader played Friday to make up today's game and play Friday's regularly scheduled contest.
The Isotopes club is hosting a "Batting for Boston" fundraiser on Saturday April 20th from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM with donations collected going to The One Fund Boston, Inc. to help those affected by the Boston Marathon terrorist bombing. Donations will be collected in a special drive-thru located in Parking Lot C (west side of Isotopes Park - along University Blvd.) and each person donating with cash or check will receive a voucher good for one free Reserved Level ticket to a 2013 regular season Monday thru Thursday Isotopes home game (excluding July 4th).
Filed 04/18/2013

Tim Federowicz Rejoins Dodgers
The Dodgers placed P Chris Capuano on the major league 15-day Disabled List with a left calf strain and recalled C Tim Federowicz from Albuquerque. Federowicz played in four games with Albuquerque since being optioned from the Dodgers late last week and hit .533 (8x15) with 2 homers and 6 RBI with the Isotopes.
Rejoining the Isotopes is C Matt Wallach, who was transferred from Class-AA Chattanooga to Albuquerque. Wallach went to Chattanooga when Federowicz joined the Isotopes and hit .000 (0x7) with 3 K's in two games with the Lookouts.
Filed 04/17/2013

April 17, 2013 - Isotopes at Storm Chasers, Postponed
For the second time in just over a week, a matchup between the Isotopes and Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) has been postponed due to weather. Last week it was in Albuquerque and today it is in Omaha. Inclement weather forced the postponement and the game will be made up as part of a doubleheader on June 19th during Albuquerque's next trip to Omaha.
The Isotopes and Storm Chasers hope to get a single game played on Thursday night. Probables are RHP Blake Johnson (1-0, 6.75) for Albuquerque and LHP Ryan Verdugo (0-1, 7.71) for the Storm Chasers.
There was a transaction affecting the Isotopes. The Dodgers transferred Ted Lilly's rehabiliation assignment from Albuquerque to Class-A Rancho Cucamonga.
Filed 04/17/2013

April 16, 2013 - Isotopes (8-5)
Werner Park Albuquerque 000 000 010 0 -- 3 13 1 Omaha 010 000 000 0 -- 1 4 0 WP: Steve Smith (1-0) LP: Louis Coleman (0-1) SV: Steve Ames (1) HR: ABQ Alex Castellanos (3) off Wheeler (8th inning, S) TIME: 2:54 ATT: 3,008
Isotopes starter Matt Magill turned in Albuquerque's first quality start outing of the season and the Isotopes offense made the game too much of a nailbiter. Albuquerque looked like they were going to lose a 1-0 heartbreaker as they didn't score until late in the game and then added two runs in the 10th inning to claim a 3-1 victory over the Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) in the series opener in chilly Omaha on Tuesday evening.
Omaha scored their lone run in the 2nd inning when former-Isotope Brett Hayes reached on an error with a run scoring on the play.
Alex Castellanos solo-homered with two outs in the 8th inning to tie the game and in the 10th inning with one out, Matt Angle was called out on a very close play on an attempt to reach on a bunt. Isotopes Manager Lorenzo Bundy was ejected by First Base umpire D.J. Reyburn arguing the call. Castellanos followed with a single and went to third base on Scott Van Slyke's single. Rusty Ryal's soft fly ball into center field plated Castellanos with the go-ahead run and Tim Federowicz singled home Scott Van Slyke for an insurance run.
Isotopes Starter Line: Matt Magill - 6 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 7 K, 0 HR
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Steve Ames: (SV, 1), 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, 0 HR, 3.00 ERA Matt Magill: 6 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 7 K, 0 HR, 3.00 ERA Scott Van Slyke: 2x5 (.489), 1 R, 2 K Alex Castellanos: 3x5 (.267), 2 R, 1 HR (3), 1 RBI (9), 2 K
'TOPES NOTES: P Kelvin De La Cruz joined the Isotopes on Wednesday from Class-AA Chattanooga. . . . The victory was Albuquerque's first of the season in which the game winning run was scored in their final at-bat. . . . Former University of New Mexico pitcher Steve Smith earned the victory for Albuquerque in the game, becoming the eighth member of the Isotopes staff to lead the club with one victory. Smith tossed three scoreless innings and fanned two Storm Chasers batters. . . . Alex Castellanos has homered in back-to-back games. . . . The Isotopes are 3-0 in games started by Matt Magill. . . . Lorenzo Bundy's 10th inning ejection was Albuquerque's first ejection of the 2013 season. . . . Albuquerque evened their 2013 extra innings record at 1-1 with tonight's win. . . . The series continues Wednesday evening. Probables are RHP Blake Johnson (1-0, 6.75) for the Isotopes and LHP Ryan Verdugo (0-1, 7.71) for the Storm Chasers.
Filed 04/16/2013

Josh Wall Recalled by the Dodgers
The Dodgers placed P Shawn Tolleson on the major league 15-day Disabled List with a lower back strain. Tolleson had been recalled from the Isotopes to the Dodgers last Friday.
Taking Tolleson's roster spot is Josh Wall, who the Dodgers recalled from Albuquerque. Wall made four relief appearances for the Isotopes, going 0-0 with one save and a 2.08 ERA (1 earned run in 4 1/3 innings). Wall's last appearance for Albuquerque was Thursday.
Filed 04/16/2013

April 15, 2013 - Isotopes (7-5)
Principal Park Albuquerque 000 141 203 -- 11 15 0 Iowa 013 000 100 -- 5 10 1 WP: Stephen Fife (1-1) LP: Drew Carpenter (1-2) HR: ABQ Alex Castellanos (2) off Carpenter (5th inning, 2R) ABQ Scott Van Slyke (5) off Carpenter (5th inning, S) ABQ Scott Van Slyke (6) off Lewis (7th inning, S) ABQ Tim Federowicz (2) off Lewis (7th inning, S) IWA Ryan Sweeney (3) off Fife (3rd inning, 3R) TIME: 3:06 ATT: 3,860
After spotting Iowa a four-run lead, the Isotopes offense erupted for the next eight runs over four frames en route to a 11-5 victory over the Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) in the series finale on Monday afternoon in Des Moines.
Iowa plated a run in the 2nd inning and Ryan Sweeney three-run homered for Iowa in the 3rd inning.
Albuquerque's scoring barrage started in the 4th inning. Alex Castellanos led off with a single, Scott Van Slyke walked and two outs later, Matt Angle singled home Castellanos.
The Isotopes took the lead in the 5th inning. Dee Gordon bunt singled with one out and stole second base. Elian Herrera followed with a walk and both runners executed a double steal. An error on the play allowed Gordon to score and Alex Castellanos followed with a two-run homer. Van Slyke solo homered to go back-to-back with Castellanos for a 5-4 Isotopes advantage.
Rusty Ryal singled, went to third base on Tony Gwynn Jr.'s double and scored on Gordon's single in the 6th inning and Van Slyke and Tim Federowicz each solo homered in the 7th inning as Albuquerque led 8-4.
Iowa got their final run on a groundout in the 7th inning and Albuquerque plated their final three runs in the 9th inning. Federowicz singled to lead off the inning and two outs later, Gwynn Jr. singled and both runners advanced on a wild pitch before scoring on Gordon's triple. Gordon then scored the final run of the game on a wild pitch.
Isotopes Starter Line: Stephen Fife: (W, 1-1), 5 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 8 K, 1 HR
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Chris Withrow: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, 0 HR, 0.00 ERA Scott Van Slyke: 2x4 (.500), 2 R, 2 HR (6), 2 RBI (18), 1 BB, 1 K Alex Castellanos: 2x4 (.225), 2 R, 1 HR (2), 2 RBI (8), 1 K
'TOPES NOTES: The Isotopes and Cubs each won two games in the series and 17,101 attended the four games for a per-game average of 4,275. . . . The Albuquerque offense was hot and cold during the series, plating 26 combined runs in the opener and finale and only two runs in the middle two games of the series. . . . PCL Hitter of the Week Scott Van Slyke now leads the league with 6 homers after today's two-homer performance and is tied for the league lead with 18 RBI's. Van Slyke has turned in a pair of two-homer games so far in 2013. . . . Van Slyke and Alex Castellanos were the first Isotopes duo to go yard back-to-back in 2013. . . . The Isotopes are a perfect 4-0 when they score double-digit runs. . . . Dee Gordon had 3 stolen bases in the game, one shy of the franchise record for most steals in a game. Gordon also stole two bases in an inning for the second time this season. The four Isotopes stolen bases in the game was a season-best. . . . Isotopes pitching struck out a season-best 12 batters in the game and Stephen Fife struck out 8, the most for a starting pitcher in a game this season. . . . Albuquerque concludes their first season roadtrip with a four-game series in Omaha starting Tuesday evening against the Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals). Probables in the opener are RHP Matt Magill (0-0, 5.00) for the Isotopes and LHP Will Smith (1-1, 4.50) for the Storm Chasers.
Filed 04/15/2013

Scott Van Slyke first PCL Hitter of the Week
The first PCL players of the week were announced Monday and Albuquerque's Scott Van Slyke is the first PCL Hitter of the Week for games played in an extended opening week of April 4th to April 14th. Van Slyke hit .500, had a .574 on-base percentage, belted 4 homers, drove in 16 RBI, had 19 hits and 9 extra base hits. Van Slyke leads the league in batting average and is second in the league in RBI, hits and extra-base hits.
Brad Mills of the Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) is the PCL Pitcher of the Week. Mills won both of his starts for the week while compiling a 0.69 ERA.
Filed 04/15/2013

April 14, 2013 - Isotopes (6-5)
Principal Park Albuquerque 001 000 000 -- 1 4 1 Iowa 000 031 00x -- 4 6 0 WP: Chris Rusin (1-1) LP: Sean White (0-1) SV: Zach Putnam (1) HR: IWA Luis Flores (2) off Patterson (6th inning, S) TIME: 2:20 ATT: 4,279
For the second day in a row, the Isotopes scored first, were only able to score one run and saw the Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) plate unanswered runs to take the lead in a 4-1 loss on Sunday afternoon. Albuquerque has dropped two straight and fell into second place in the division.
In the 3rd inning, Tony Gwynn Jr. bunt singled, went to third base on Dee Gordon's double and scored on Elian Herrera's groundout for the lone Isotope run of the game.
In the 5th inning, Chicago Cubs rehabilitating infielder Ian Stewart drew a bases-loaded walk to tie the game and Brad Nelson followed with a two-run single to give Iowa the lead.
Luis Flores solo-homered in the 6th inning for the final run of the game.
Isotopes Starter Line: Sean White: (L, 0-1), 4 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 5 BB, 5 K, 0 HR, 5.00 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Scott Van Slyke: 0X4 (.500), 1 K Alex Castellanos: 0x4 (.194), 1 K
'TOPES NOTES: In Isotopes transactions Sunday, IF Ozzie Martinez was activated from the Disabled List and IF Alfredo Amezaga went on the Temporary Inactive List. . . . Scott Van Slyke went 0x4, snapping a 15-game regular season hitting streak dating back to 2012 and a 10-game hitting streak from just the 2013 season. Van Slyke has had not too shabby of start, leading the league with a .500 average (19x38) with 4 homers (tied for league lead), 16 RBI (tied for second in the league), and 5 doubles (tied for third in league lead), putting him in a great position to be the PCL's first 2013 Hitter of the Week. . . . Today was Albuquerque's quietest offense game of the season, setting a season low with 4 hits and tying a season low with 1 run scored. . . . The Isotopes are 0-4 when opponents have outhit them in a game. . . . The series concludes Monday morning. Probables are RHP Stephen Fife (0-1, 3.12) for the Isotopes and RHP Drew Carpenter (1-1, 7.00) for the I-Cubs.
Filed 04/14/2013

April 13, 2013 - Isotopes (6-4)
Principal Park Albuquerque 010 000 000 -- 1 8 0 Iowa 011 300 01x -- 6 12 0 WP: Barret Loux (1-1) LP: Javy Guerra (0-1) HR: IWA Logan Watkins (2) off Castro (4th inning, 2R) TIME: 2:46 ATT: 4,100
The Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) have finally figured out the Isotopes. After having dropped the last nine straight games played against Albuquerque, the Cubs scored six unanswered runs to defeat Albuquerque 6-1 on Saturday evening in Des Moines. The Isotopes snapped a two-game winning streak and are in a three-way first place tie in the American Conference Southern Division.
Albuquerque took their only lead in the 2nd inning. Brian Barden singled with one out and scored on Alfredo Amezaga's double.
Iowa's J.C. Boscan RBI-singled in the home half of the 2nd inning to tie the game and Brad Nelson's single plated the Cubs' go-ahead run in the 3rd inning.
Logan Watkins' two-run homer and Brett Jackson's run-scoring triple put up three more runs for Iowa in the 4th inning and Brian Bogusevic's RBI double in the 8th inning plated the Cubs' final run.
Isotopes Starter Line: Javy Guerra (L, 0-1) 2.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 5 K, 0 HR, 4.05 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Steve Ames: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, 0 HR, 4.50 ERA Scott Van Slyke: 1x3 (.559), 1 BB, 1 K Alex Castellanos: 0x4 (.219), 3 K
'TOPES NOTES: In the lone Isotopes transaction Saturday, P Steven Ames was activated from the Disabled List. . . . Scott Van Slyke continues to hit safely, getting a hit tonight to extend his regular season hitting streak to 15 games (5 from 2012 and every game -- 10 -- in 2013). . . . Albuquerque batters struck out a season-worst 14 times in the game and the one run was the lowest run output of the season. . . . The Isotopes had 2 steals in the game, extending their PCL best team total to 16. . . . Tim Federowicz had a bad night, striking out 4 times in the game. . . . The series continues Sunday afternoon. Probables are RHP Sean White (0-0, 5.40) for the Isotopes and LHP Chris Rusin (0-1, 4.91) for the I-Cubs.
Filed 04/13/2013

April 12, 2013 - Isotopes (6-3)
Principal Park Albuquerque 101 055 003 -- 15 15 0 Iowa 010 200 020 -- 5 8 2 WP: Blake Johnson (1-0) LP: Esmailin Caridad (0-1) HR: ABQ Tim Federowicz (1) off Caridad (5th inning, GS) ABQ Nick Buss (2) off Chapman (6th inning, 2R) ABQ Nick Buss (3) off Lewis (9th inning, 3R) ABQ Matt Angle (1) off Chapman (6th inning, S) IWA Ryan Sweeney (2) off Smith (8th inning, 2R) TIME: 3:29 ATT: 4,862
Welcome back, Tim Federowicz! Federowicz, optioned from the Dodgers earlier in the week and playing his first Isotope game of 2013, belted Albuquerque's first grand-slam homer of the season to give Albuquerque the lead and Nick Buss added two homers and 6 RBI as the Isotopes routed the Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) 15-5 in Iowa's home opener on Friday evening in Des Moines. Albuquerque has won two straight games and moved back into a tie for first place in the American Conference Southern Division. Albuquerque scored a 1st inning run. Dee Gordon singled and went to third base on an error on a pickoff attempt. Elian Herrera reached on a fielder's choice with Gordon out at home plate and an out later, Scott Van Slyke doubled home Herrera.
Edwin Maysonet's sacrifice flyout got Iowa on the scoreboard in the 2nd inning and Albuquerque regained the lead in the top of the 3rd inning. Matt Angle doubled, stole third base and scored on Van Slyke's sacrifice flyout.
Maysonet's two-run single in the 4th inning gave Iowa a 3-2 lead before Albuquerque erupted for a pair of five run innings to put the game away.
In the 5th inning, Gordon singled, Herrera reached on an error and Angle sacrifice bunted both runners up a base. Van Slyke drew a walk and Buss walked to plate Gordon to tie the game. Federowicz followed with a grand slam to left field to give Albuquerque a 7-3 lead.
In the 6th inning, Angle solo homered with one out. Van Slyke singled and scored on Buss' first homer of the game. Federowicz and Tony Gwynn Jr. singled, Alfredo Amezaga walked to load the bags and pinch-hitter Rusty Ryal sacrifice flied out to bring home Federowicz. Gordon then singled home Gwynn Jr. for a 12-3 lead.
Ryan Sweeney two-run homered for Iowa in the 8th inning and in the 9th inning, Angle and Van Slyke each drew two-out walks and Buss followed with a three-run homer, his second of the game to make it the final score of 15-5.
Isotopes Starter Line: Blake Johnson (W), 5 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 3 K, 0 HR
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Chris Withrow: 1 1/3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, 0 HR, 0.00 ERA Scott Van Slyke: 2x3 (.581), 3 R, 1 2B (5), 2 RBI (16), 2 BB
'TOPES NOTES: In Isotopes transactions, the Dodgers recalled P Shawn Tolleson after Los Angeles placed P Zack Greinke on the disabled list with a broken left collarbone. C Matt Wallach was also assigned to Class-AA Chattanooga. . . . The Isotopes have won all five matchups against the Cubs so far in 2013 and have nine straight victories in games against the Cubs dating back to 2012. . . . Albuquerque improved to 8-3 all-time in the first road game of the season. . . . The Isotopes had season bests for homers in a game (4), runs scored in a game (15), largest winning margin (10 runs), and most combined runs in a game (20). . . . Scott Van Slyke has hit safely in all 9 Isotopes games in 2013 and extended his regular season hitting streak to 14 games dating back to 2012. . . . Nick Buss' 6 RBI was the most for an Isotope this season and he joined Van Slyke in having a two-homer game this season. . . . Albuquerque had the "cycle" of homers tonight - Matt Angle provided a solo homer, Nick Buss provided two-run and three-run homers and Tim Federowicz provided a grand-slam homer. . . . Home Plate umpire Quinn Wolcott ejected both Iowa pitching coach Mike Mason and pitcher Cory Wade in the 9th inning. . . . The series continues Saturday evening. Probables are RHP Javy Guerra (0-0, 2.25) for the Isotopes and RHP Barret Loux (0-1, 54.00) for the I-Cubs.
Filed 04/12/2013

April 11, 2013 - Isotopes (5-3)
Isotopes Park Omaha 020 000 000 -- 2 5 2 Albuquerque 000 201 00x -- 3 8 0 WP: Peter Moylan (1-0) LP: Dan Wheeler (1-1) SV: Shawn Tolleson (2) TIME: 3:07 ATT: 3,800
Dee Gordon knocked in all three Isotopes runs, including the eventual game-winner in the 6th inning, as Albuquerque avoided being swept in the series with a 3-2 victory over the Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) in the series finale on Thursday afternoon at "The Lab". Albuquerque snapped a three-game losing streak with the win. In Omaha's 2nd inning, Isotopes starter Matt Magill was wild, walking Max Ramirez and Anthony Seratelli to start the inning, then uncorking a wild pitch to move both runners into scoring position. Former-Isotope Brett Hayes drew a walk to load the bases. After Irving Falu struck out, Paulo Orlando singled home Ramirez and David Lough singled home Seratelli. Magill worked out of the jam without any further damage by striking out Christian Colon and Johnny Giavotella. The Isotopes tied the game in the bottom of the 4th inning. Brian Barden singled, Nick Buss reached on an error and Jesus Flores sacrifice bunted both runners up a base. After Matt Angle struck out, Dee Gordon doubled Barden and Buss home. In the 6th inning, Buss doubled to lead off the frame and scored two outs later on Gordon's single.
Isotopes Starter Line: Matt Magill - 5 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 7 K, 5.00 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Matt Magill: 5.0 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 7 K, 0 HR, 5.00 ERA Josh Wall: (H, 1), 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, 0 HR, 2.08 ERA Scott Van Slyke: 1x4 (.571), 1 K Alex Castellanos: 0x4 (.250), 3 K
'TOPES NOTES: Omaha took three out of the four games in the series, handing Albuquerque their first series loss of the season. Due to the postponement and doubleheader during the series, there were only three openings against Omaha with 16,439 attending the series for a per-opening average of 5,480. . . . Scott Van Slyke extended his hitting streak to 13 regular season games dating back to 2012 (5 straight at the end of 2012 and 8 straight so far in 2013). . . . Albuquerque hits the road for their first roadtrip of the season. The first four games of the eight game roadtrip will be played in Des Moines against the Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs). Probables in the opener are RHP Blake Johnson (0-0, 9.00) for the Isotopes and RHP Nick Struck (0-1, 7.20) for the I-Cubs.
Filed 04/11/2013

April 10, 2013 - DH2- Isotopes (4-3)
Isotopes Park Omaha 210 210 0 -- 6 9 0 Albuquerque 000 101 1 -- 3 5 3 WP: Chris Dwyer (1-1) LP: Ted Lilly (0-1) HR: OMA Max Ramirez (2) off Lilly (5th inning, S) ABQ Scott Van Slyke (3) off Dwyer (4th inning, S) ABQ Scott Van Slyke (4) off Dwyer (6th inning, S) TIME: 2:05 ATT: 6,828
Dodgers rehabilitating lefthander Ted Lilly was a victim of sloppy Isotopes play early and eventually gave up 6 runs (5 earned) as Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) swept the Isotopes in the doubleheader with a 6-3 nightcap victory. Albuquerque has dropped three straight games and has plunged in the standings from a tie for first place after Tuesday's game to third place -- one game back -- in the division.
In the 1st inning, Omaha's David Lough singled and Christian Colon reached on Isotopes Third Baseman Brian Barden's fielding error. Both executed a double steal ahead of Johnny Giavotella reaching on Isotopes Shortstop Dee Gordon's throwing error with Lough and Colon scoring.
Omaha extended the lead to 3-0 in the 2nd inning without the aid of an error. Adam Moore doubled and scored on Willy Taveras' single.
The Storm Chasers added two more runs in the 4th inning. Moore drew a one out walk and Taveras and Brandon Wood singled to load the bags. Lough followed with a two run single, plating Moore and Taveras before Christian Colon grounded into a double play to end the threat and the half-inning.
In the home half of the 4th inning, Albuquerque avoided the shutout when Scott Van Slyke homered.
Omaha's Max Ramirez answered with a solo homer off Lilly in the top of the 5th inning to extend the Storm Chasers lead back to five runs at 6-1.
Van Slyke belted his second homer of the game in the 6th inning, his fourth homer in four games.
Albuquerque scored their final run in the bottom of the 7th inning when Brian Barden singled and scored two outs later on Nick Buss' triple.
Isotopes Starter Line: Ted Lilly - (L, 0-1), 6 IP, 8 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 5 K, 1 HR, 7.50 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Chris Withrow: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, 0 HR, 0.00 ERA Scott Van Slyke: 2x3 (.625), 2 R, 2 HR (4), 2 RBI (14), 1 K Alex Castellanos: 0x3 (.292)
DODGERS Rehab Report Ted Lilly: (L, 0-1), 6 IP, 8 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 1 BB, 5 K, 1 HR, 7.50 ERA Lilly tossed six of the seven innings of the second game of the doubleheader, tossing 90 pitches with 67 strikes, the most strikes tossed in a game by an Isotopes pitcher this season. Lilly faced 27 batters, induced 10 groundouts, 3 flyouts, struck out 5 and his 6 innings was the longest Isotope starting pitcher outing of the season.
'TOPES NOTES: New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez pocket-vetoed (that is, didn't sign or veto the bill before the bill-signing deadline) the 2013 New Mexico Legislature House Bill 282 which would have allowed the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division to issue an Albuquerque Isotopes license plate with fees from the issuance and ongoing yearly vanity plate fees going to the New Mexico education department to be used for high school sports in New Mexico. Had the bill been signed, the Isotopes license plate would have been the first for-profit organization (that is, not an educational institution, special cause, military, public safety or city) to have a vanity license plate available. For now, Isotopes fans wanting an Isotopes plate will just have to install an Isotopes license plate frame over their New Mexico MVD issued legal license plate. . . . The Dodgers made two moves affecting the Isotopes roster on Wednesday. The Dodgers assigned P Ted Lilly to Albuquerque on a rehabilitation assignment and optioned C Tim Federowicz to Albuquerque when Los Angeles activated P Chad Billingsley from the Disabled List. . . . Scott Van Slyke is the only Isotope to have two homers in a game so far this season and Van Slyke extended his regular season hitting streak to 12 games, dating back to the 2012 season. . . . Albuquerque was swept in a doubleheader for the first time since July 14, 2011 in Nashville. In doubleheader history, Albuquerque has been swept 9 times in 39 total doubleheaders. . . . Alex Castellanos and Elian Herrera each went hitless in 3 at-bats to snap a six-game hitting streak (Castellanos) and 10 game regular season hitting streak dating back to 2012 (Herrera). . . . Dee Gordon's defense was sloppy in the doubleheader, having committed two errors in the opener and two more errors in the nightcap. . . . The series (and homestand) concludes Thursday morning at 11:05 AM with Albuquerque looking to avoid the series sweep. Probables are RHP Matt Magill (0-0, 6.57) for the Isotopes and LHP Ryan Verdugo (0-1, 18.00) for the Storm Chasers.
Filed 04/10/2013

April 10, 2013 - DH1 - Isotopes (4-2)
Isotopes Park Omaha 300 030 0 -- 6 9 0 Albuquerque 120 000 0 -- 3 7 2 WP: Will Smith (1-1) LP: Stephen Fife (0-1) SV: Louis Coleman (1) TIME: 2:11
The Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) used a pair of three-run innings to down the Isotopes 6-3 in the opener of a doubleheader on Wednesday afternoon at Isotopes Park. After starting the season 4-0, Albuquerque has dropped two straight.
Omaha stormed to a 3-0 1st inning led, led by an Anthony Seratelli two-run single and former-Isotope Brett Hayes' sacrifice flyout.
Albuquerque's Scott Van Slyke continued his knack to knock in a 1st-inning run when Elian Herrera singled and scored on Van Slyke's double.
The Isotopes tied the game in the 2nd inning. Brian Barden singled, went to second base on Matt Wallach's walk and scored on Alfredo Amezaga's single. An out later, Herrera singled home Wallach.
Omaha plated their final three runs in the 5th inning on run-scoring singles from Christian Colon and Max Ramirez and a Irving Falu bases-loaded walk.
Isotopes Starter Line: Stephen Fife - 4.2 IP, 6 H, 6 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, 3.12 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Scott Van Slyke: 1x1 (.619), 1 2B (4), 1 RBI (12), 2 BB Alex Castellanos: 1x3 (.333), 1 K
'TOPES NOTES: One final reflection of yesterday's postponement: it was the first April home game in Isotopes history that was postponed due to weather rather than by equipment problems (light bank failure a few games after the Isotopes Park debut in 2003). Albuquerque has had 13 home postponements in their 10+ seasons of play. . . . Albuquerque has scored 1st-inning runs in 5 of 6 contests played so far and Scott Van Slyke has knocked in a 1st inning run in three of those five games. . . . Alex Castellanos was caught stealing in the game, snapping a streak of having a stolen base in each of the first five Isotopes' contests in 2013. . . . Two Isotope players have double-digit regular season hitting streaks dating back to 2012 - Scott Van Slyke (11 games) and Elian Herrera (10 games).
Filed 04/10/2013

April 9, 2013 - Omaha Storm Chasers at Isotopes, Postponed
Tuesday evening's game between the Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) and Isotopes has been postponed due to rain and cold weather. The game will be made up as a doubleheader on Wednesday starting at 4:05 PM. Tickets for Tuesday's game may be exchanged for any available equal or lesser value ticket to any future 2013 regular season Isotopes home game (except July 4th) in accordance with the Albuquerque Isotopes Rain Check policy.
Probables in Game 1 are RHP Stephen Fife (0-0, 4.50) for Albuquerque and LHP Will Smith (0-1, 3.60) for the Storm Chasers. Probables in Game 2 are Dodgers rehabilitating LHP Ted Lilly (No Record) for Albuquerque against Omaha's LHP Chris Dwyer (0-1, 3.60).
Filed 04/09/2013

April 8, 2013 - Isotopes (4-1)
Isotopes Park Omaha 000 121 000 4 -- 8 10 1 Albuquerque 100 012 000 3 -- 7 11 2 WP: Dan Wheeler (1-0) LP: Geison Aguasviva (1-1) HR: OMA Xavier Nady (2) off White (4th inning, S) OMA Christian Colon (1) off White (5th inning, 2R) OMA Max Ramirez (1) off Wall (10th inning, 3R) ABQ Scott Van Slyke (2) off Boyer (10th inning, 2R) TIME: 3:34 ATT: 5,811
Isotopes closer Josh Wall was on the mound in the 10th inning when the Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) plated the go-ahead run on an error and got a three-run homer from Max Ramirez. Albuquerque's rally in the bottom half of the inning fell short as the Isotopes dropped their first game of the season, 8-7. Albuquerque snapped a six game regular season winning streak dating to 2012.
The Isotopes got on the scoreboard first, tallying for a first inning run when Dee Gordon led off with a double and scored on Elian Herrera's single.
Omaha used the longball -- Xavier Nady solo homer in the 4th inning and Christian Colon's two-run homer in the 5th inning -- to take a 3-1 lead.
Nick Buss led off the Isotopes' half of the 5th inning with a triple and scored on Jesus Flores' groundout.
After Omaha plated a run on an error in the 6th inning, Albuquerque tied the game at 4-4 in their half of the frame. Van Slyke doubled with two outs, scored on Matt Angle's single, and Rusty Ryal followed with a run scoring single.
The next three frames were scoreless, sending the game into extra innings. After the run-scoring error and Ramirez three-run homer in the top of the 10th inning, Albuquerque tried to rally to tie the game in the bottom half. Gordon reached on an error with one out, advanced to second base on Elian Herrera's groundout and scored on Alex Castellanos' single. Van Slyke followed with a two-run homer to close the Isotopes to a run down before Angle grounded out to end the game.
Isotopes Starter Line: Sean White: 5 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 2 K, 2 HR
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Josh Wall: 1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, 1 HR, 2.70 ERA Scott Van Slyke: 3x5 (.600), 2 R, 1 2B (3), 1 HR (2), 2 RBI (11) Alex Castellanos: 2x5 (.333), 1 R, 1 RBI (6), 1 K, SB (5)
'TOPES NOTES: The Isotopes announced that the Dodgers would be sending P Ted Lilly to Albuquerque on Wednesday for a rehabilitation assignment start. . . . Alex Castellanos stole a bag, making it a stolen base in each of the first five games of the season. . . . Scott Van Slyke was a triple shy of hitting for the cycle and has homered in back-to-back games. . . . Albuquerque committed two errors in the game, the most so far in the young season. . . . The Isotopes turned a season-high four double plays in the game. . . . While it was windy in Albuquerque, it was even worse in Colorado Springs. The Tucson Padres (AAA Padres) defeated the Colorado Springs Sky Sox (AAA Rockies) 14-3 in a game shortened to five innings due to wind. Game reports had the wind gusting over 50 MPH, dust and dirt were constantly in the air, and fly balls that should have been outs fell for hits or were misplayed by the players into hits. Tucson had 16 hits for the game, Colorado Springs had 6 hits, and the official scorer showed mercy on the players because of the wind, charging just one error in the game. . . . The series continues Tuesday evening. Probables are RHP Stephen Fife (0-0, 4.50) for the Isotopes and LHP Will Smith (0-1, 3.60) for the Storm Chasers.
Filed 04/08/2013

April 7, 2013 - Isotopes (4-0)
Isotopes Park Iowa 010 000 002 -- 3 4 0 Albuquerque 210 101 11x -- 7 13 0 WP: Angel Castro (1-0) LP: Nick Struck (0-1) HR: IWA Ryan Sweeney (1) off Guerra (2nd inning, S) ABQ Scott Van Slyke (1) off Coleman (6th inning, S) ABQ Nick Buss (1) off Lewis (8th inning, S) TIME: 2:39 ATT: 5,668
Things are going great for the Isotopes early in the 2013 campaign. Nick Buss went 4x4 with 2 RBI, Scott Van Slyke added a homer and 3 RBI and the Isotopes handed the Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) their 13th straight loss at Isotopes Park. Albuquerque defeated Iowa 7-3 to remain the only undefeated club in the PCL and took over first place in the PCL American Conference Southern Division outright when co-first place Round Rock dropped their first game of the season.
In the bottom of the 1st inning, Alfredo Amezaga and Alex Castellanos one-out singled ahead of Van Slyke's run-scoring double to stake Albuquerque a early 2-0 lead.
Iowa's Ryan Sweeney solo homered in the 2nd inning and Albuquerque responded with a run in their half of the 2nd inning. Buss doubled, went to third on Matt Wallach's groundout and scored on Isotope starter Javy Guerra's single.
Matt Angle doubled and scored on Buss' single in the 4th inning and Van Slyke added a solo homer in the 6th inning to extend Albuquerque's lead to 5-1.
Dee Gordon walked, went to third base on Amezaga's single and scored on Castellanos' fielder's choice in the 7th inning and Buss added a solo shot in the 8th inning as the Isotopes led 7-1.
Iowa added their final two runs of the game in the 9th inning.
Isotopes Starter Line: Javy Guerra - 4 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, 1 HR
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Scott Van Slyke: 2x3 (.600), 1 R, 1 2B (2), 1 HR (1), 3 RBI (9), 1 BB, 1 K Alex Castellanos: 1x4 (.308), 1 R, 1 RBI (5), SB (4)
'TOPES NOTES: Albuquerque drew 26,729 in the four-game series for a per-game average of 6,682. . . . The Isotopes have swept a four-game series three times since 2010 and all three were against Iowa. . . . Albuquerque is in the midst of a 6-game regular season (and home) winning streak dating back to the 2012 season. . . . Alex Castellanos has swiped a bag in each of the first four games of the season. The Isotopes as a club have swiped eight bases this season, tying Round Rock atop the team steals leaderboard. . . . Scott Van Slyke and Alex Castellanos have hit safely in all four Isotopes games this season. Van Slyke has a 9 game hitting streak dating back to 2012. . . . Former UNM Lobo Steve Smith made his Isotopes debut and pitched 1/3 of an inning, allowing a hit before getting the final out of the game. . . . Isotopes pitching gave up 4 hits, the lowest total so far this young season. . . . Nick Buss was a triple shy of hitting for the cycle. . . . Home Plate umpire Angel Campos ejected both Cubs Manager Marty Pevey and Cubs Third Baseman Donnie Murphy in the 4th inning. . . . Albuquerque finishes the homestand with a four game series against the Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) starting Monday evening. Probables are RHP Sean White (No Record) for Albuquerque and RHP Brian Sanches (No Record) for the Storm Chasers.
Filed 04/07/2013

April 6, 2013 - Isotopes (3-0)
Isotopes Park Iowa 021 000 000 -- 3 9 0 Albuquerque 202 000 04x -- 8 12 1 WP: Chris Withrow (1-0) LP: Brooks Raley (0-1) SV: Josh Wall (1) TIME: 3:22 ATT: 7,774
The Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) are probably starting to want to dynamite Isotopes Park. Albuquerque's Scott Van Slyke turned in the Isotopes' first four-hit game of the season and knocked in a team season-best five runs as the Isotopes handed the Cubs their 12th straight defeat in games played at Isotopes Park, 8-3.
Albuquerque built a quick 2-0 lead in the 1st inning. Elian Herrera and Alex Castellanos singled with one out and both scored on Van Slyke's double.
Iowa tied up the game in the 2nd inning and took the lead on a Ryan Sweeney double in the 3rd inning before Albuquerque plated two runs in their half of the 3rd inning to take the lead back for good. Castellanos drew a one-out walk, stole second base and scored on Van Slyke's single. An out later, Rusty Ryal doubled home Van Slyke.
The Isotopes held their slim one run lead until the 8th inning when they added four insurance runs on run-scoring singles from Alfredo Amezaga and Elian Herrera and a two-run Van Slyke single.
Isotopes Starter Line: Blake Johnson: 3 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, 0 HR, 9.00 ERA
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Josh Wall: (SV, 1), 1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0, ER, 0 BB, 1 K, 0 HR, 0.00 ERA Chris Withrow: (W, 1-0), 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, 0 HR, 0.00 ERA Scott Van Slyke: 4x5 (.583), 1 R, 1 2B (1), 5 RBI (6), 1 K Alex Castellanos: 1x3 (.333), 2 R, 2 BB, SB (3)
'TOPES NOTES: The first transaction of the regular season occurred Saturday when P Steve Ames was placed on the Disabled List with left shoulder inflammation and former UNM Lobo pitcher Steve Smith was assigned to Albuquerque from Extended Spring. . . . With tonight's Isotopes win, Manager Lorenzo Bundy became the second winningest manager in Isotopes history with his 153rd regular season victory, surpassing Tim Wallach. Dean Treanor is the winningest Isotopes manager with 362 wins. . . . Scott Van Slyke and Elian Herrera each have eight-game hitting streaks dating back to the 2012 regular season. . . . The series concludes Sunday afternoon with Albuquerque looking to continue their Isotopes Park dominance over the I-Cubs with a win and a series sweep. Probables are RHP Javy Guerra (No Record) for the Isotopes and RHP Nick Struck (No Record) for the Cubs.
Filed 04/06/2013

April 5, 2013 - Isotopes (2-0)
Isotopes Park Iowa 201 000 300 -- 6 12 0 Albuquerque 001 061 02x -- 10 15 1 WP: Steve Ames (1-0) LP: Drew Carpenter (0-1) SV: Shawn Tolleson (1) HR: IWA Brad Nelson (1) off Magill (3rd inning, S) IWA Brad Nelson (2) off Moylan (7th inning, 2R) ABQ Alex Castellanos (1) off Carpenter (5th inning, 2R) TIME: 3:25 ATT: 3,918
Alex Castellanos two-run homered as part of a six-run 5th inning as the Isotopes overcame a defecit to take a 10-6 victory over the Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) on Friday afternoon at "The Lab". Albuquerque has won both of their games in the 2013 season.
Iowa's Darnell McDonald two-run singled in the 1st inning and Brad Nelson added a solo homer in the 3rd inning to extend the Cubs lead to 3-0 before the Isotopes got on the scoreboard in their half of the 3rd inning.
In the Isotopes' 3rd inning, Matt Wallach doubled and an out later, advanced to third base on Dee Gordon's groundout. Elian Herrera walked and stole second base ahead of Castellanos' walk to load the bags. Scott Van Slyke followed with a walk to plate Wallach.
Albuquerque took the lead in the 5th inning. Isotopes reliever Steve Ames singled and went to third base on Gordon's single. Gordon stole second base ahead of Herrera's two-run double to knot the game at 3-3. Castellanos followed with his two-run homer for the lead and Van Slyke singled and scored on Rusty Ryal's triple. Ryal then scored on Tony Gwynn Jr.'s double for a 7-3 Albuquerque lead.
Herrera singled and later scored on Matt Angle's ground rule double in the 6th inning to extend the lead to 8-3.
Nelson two-run homered as part of a three-run 7th inning as Iowa pulled to two runs at 8-6.
The Isotopes added the final margin in the 8th inning. Castellanos drew a leadoff walk, stole second base and scored on Angle's double. An out later, Gwynn Jr. singled home Angle.
Isotopes Starter Line: Matt Magill: 4 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 4 BB, 2K
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Steve Ames: (W, 1-0), 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, 0 HR, 0.00 ERA Matt Magill: 4 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 4 BB, 2 K, 1 HR, 6.75 ERA Scott Van Slyke: 2x3 (.429), 1 R, 1 RBI (1), 2 BB, 1 K Alex Castellanos: 1x3 (.333), 2 R, 1 HR (1), 2 RBI (4), 2 BB, SB (2)
'TOPES NOTES: The Isotopes had moved up the game to a special 2:05 PM start to avoid parking conflicts with a George Strait concert at the Pit on Friday evening. . . . The Isotopes have won their last six games played against the Cubs going back to the 2012 season and 11 straight games played against the Cubs at Isotopes Park dating back to the 2011 season. . . . Albuquerque has scored double-digit runs in back-to-back games to start the season. . . . The series continues on Saturday evening. Probables are RHP Blake Johnson (No Record) for the Isotopes and LHP Brooks Raley (No Record) for the I-Cubs.
Filed 04/05/2013

April 4, 2013 - Isotopes (1-0)
Isotopes Park Iowa 002 010 000 -- 3 11 3 Albuquerque 300 000 70x -- 10 11 0 WP: Geison Aguasviva (1-0) LP: Jensen Lewis (0-1) TIME: 3:12 ATT: 9,369
Elian Herrera's two-run, 7th inning single ignited a seven run inning as the Isotopes turned a deadlocked 3-3 game into a 10-3 rout of the Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) in the season opening game at Isotopes Park on Thursday evening.
Albuquerque put up a three-spot on the board in the 1st inning. Dee Gordon drew a leadoff walk and swiped second base. Herrera reached on an error with Gordon scoring. Alex Castellanos reached on a fielders choice and Scott Van Slyke singled. Brian Barden flew out to right with both runners tagging up a base and Rusty Ryal singled into right field to drive them both in.
Iowa answered with two runs in the 2nd inning and one in the 5th inning to knot the game at 3-3.
It stood that way until the 7th inning. Jesus Flores singled and after pinch-hitter Tony Gwynn Jr. laid down a sacrifice bunt, Matt Angle singled and Dee Gordon reached on an error to load the bases. Herrera singled to center to drive in Flores and Angle and Castellanos followed with a two-run triple to right center field to bring home Herrera and Gordon. An out later, Barden singled to left field to drive in Castellanos. Ryal singled ahead of Flores' two-run double to bring home Barden and Ryal for the final 10-3 score.
Isotopes Starter Line: Stephen Fife: 5 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, 0 HR
DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME: Josh Wall: 1 IP (0.00 ERA), 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, 0 HR Scott Van Slyke: 1x4 (.250), 1 R, 1 K Alex Castellanos: 1z3 (.333), 2 R, 1 3B (1), 2 RBI (2), 1 BB, SB (1)
'TOPES NOTES: Before the game, the Isotopes presented a check to the City of Albuquerque in the amount of $1,521,967.02 for the 2012 season Isotopes Park lease payment and for the city's share of 2012 souvenir, tickets and concession sales. It is the lowest amount paid by the club to the city in the 10 years of franchise history. Almost $18.9 million in total has been paid to the city from the club, more than enough for the City of Albuquerque to cover financing obligations of the renovated ballpark. . . . Albuquerque is 9-2 in home openers with a five-game winning streak and a perfect 5-0 when the season starts at Isotopes Park. . . . The Isotopes have a three-game regular-season winning streak dating back to the 2012 season. . . . The Pacific Coast League announced their PCL Hall of Fame Class of 2013 inductees. They are Sandy Alomar Jr., Edgar Martinez and George Metkovich. . . . The series continues with a Friday afternoon game. Probables are RHP Matt Magill (No Record) for the Isotopes and RHP Drew Carpenter (No Record) for the I-Cubs.
Filed 04/04/2013

Launch of the 2013 Website!
Thursday evening is the Isotopes' 2013 season opener. The Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) are at "The Lab" and the probable starters are RHP Stephen Fife for Albuquerque and LHP Chris Rusin for Iowa.
The Opening Night roster has been posted. Ten of the players are on the Dodgers' 40-man roster, six of the players are on Baseball America's Dodgers Top 30 Prospects list, and 14 of the 25 active players have donned an Isotopes uniform before.
There has been some activity of note in the offseason. John Ely was named the Dodgers' Branch Rickey Minor League Pitcher of the Year after winning the PCL Pitching Triple Crown (14-7, 165 strikeouts and a 3.20 ERA) and claiming the 2012 PCL Pitcher of the Year award. Ely was named to both the mid-season and post-season PCL All-Star teams. Ely is no longer in the Dodgers organization, having been traded away in December to the Houston Astros. Ely is on the Astros' 40 man roster and it appears he will start the season with the Astros' Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Also no longer in the Dodgers organization is Jerry Sands. Sands (and Rubby De La Rosa) were both the players to be named later and both were shipped to the Boston Red Sox at the end of the 2012 season to complete the blockbuster Dodgers/Red Sox trade.
The voice of the Isotopes will be new in 2013. Robert Portnoy went to work for a competitor sports radio station in Albuquerque and is calling UNM Lobo college baseball now. Replacing Portnoy in the Isotopes radio booth on KNML-AM 610 and KTBL-AM 1050 (both Cumulus Radio) is Josh Suchon, a multifaceted broadcaster who has experience in television, radio, newspaper journalism and authoring books. This website's Team Info section has more details about Suchon.
The turf at Isotopes Park was replaced for the first time since Isotopes Park opened in 2003 and at the request of the Dodgers, the Isotopes are going to use a humidor for baseballs. Baseballs will be kept in a humidor at 72 degrees Farenheit and 50% humidity for at least two weeks and by using baseballs that have been stored in a humidor, it is believed to make Isotopes Park play more fair and allow the Dodgers to better evaluate the progress of their minor league hitters and pitchers.
Highly hyped, Cuban-defector Dodgers prospect, OF Yasiel Puig, was sent to Class-AA Chattanooga instead of Albuquerque when the Dodgers sent him to the minors to start the season. Puig has a chance to advance to Albuquerque sometime in 2013.
Lorenzo Bundy will remain the Manager and Glenn Dishman the pitching coach. John Valentin was promoted to be the Dodgers' assistant hitting coach and former-Albuquerque Duke Franklin Stubbs joins the Isotopes as their new hitting coach.
Former-Isotope Dallas McPherson inked a minor league deal with the Dodgers in December with an invite to Spring Training. Late in Spring Training, the Dodgers assigned McPherson to minor league camp and eventually released him.
Finally, Isotopes fans may have the opportunity to add an Isotopes license plate to their ride. In the 2013 New Mexico Legislative session, House Bill 282 was introduced that would create an Isotopes specialty license plate with proceeds going to the New Mexico Public Education Department to be used for high school sports around the state. The bill passed both the House and Senate and it is unknown if Governor Susana Martinez signed the bill or if the bill is waiting to be signed or vetoed. Is is also unknown at this time if the bill is signed, how soon the NM Motor Vehicle Division will start issuing the plate.

Filed 04/03/2013