2013 Albuquerque Isotopes Unofficial Web Page

Albuquerque Sports Stadium photos on Digitalballparks. com

Albuquerque Isotopes 2013 Regular Season At-A-Glance:
Home Record: 42-30	Road Record: 34-38
Division Record: 23-25	Extra Innings Record: 5-4
Current Roadtrip: 2-2	Last Homestand: 7-2
Current Streak: Won 2

September 17, 2013 - Triple-A National Championship Game

Coca-Cola Park, Allentown, PA

Omaha    010 001 000 --  2  10  0
Durham   000 000 010 --  1   3  0

WP: Chris Dwyer
LP: Jake Odorizzi
SV: Zach Jackson

HR: DUR Leslie Anderson off Michael Mariot (8th inning, S)
	
TIME: 2:58
ATT: 9,602

Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) starter Chris Dwyer had a perfect game through 6 2/3 innings to help the Storm Chasers claim the 2013 Triple-A Championship with a 2-1 victory over the Durham Bulls (AAA Rays) on Tuesday night in front of an above-capacity crowd in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

Omaha plated their first run in the 2nd inning. Lane Adams doubled to the left-center field wall with two outs and scored on Manny Pina's single to center field.

The Storm Chasers added their second and final run of the game in the 6th inning. Pina drew a two-out walk, advanced to second base on Paulo Orlando's single to left field and scored on Irving Falu's single that deflected off Durham Shortstop Tim Beckham's glove and into left field.

With two outs in the 7th inning, Dwyer allowed his only hit of the game, Beckham's single to right field.

Storm Chasers reliever Michael Mariot allowed the only Durham run of the game when Leslie Anderson had a pinch-hit solo homer with two outs in the 8th inning.

Mariot got the first two outs in the bottom of the 9th inning, then allowed a single to Cole Figueroa and a walk to Beckham. Zach Jackson relieved Mariot and got Vince Belnome to strike out to end the threat and preserve the Omaha championship.

TRIPLE-A CHAMPIONSHIP NOTES: Durham was the "home" team due to the International League's victory over the PCL in the 2013 Triple-A All-Star Game held in Reno. . . . Chris Dwyer tossed seven scoreless innings for Omaha, allowing a hit, walking none and striking out 8 Bulls batters. . . . Jake Odorizzi started for Durham and allowed a run and 5 hits in 4 innings while walking 1 and fanning 8. . . . Chris Dwyer was named the MVP of the 2013 Triple-A National Championship Game. . . . All-time, the PCL now has 5 Triple-A championships while the International League has 3 Triple-A Championships in the current format that started as the Bricktown Showdown in Oklahoma City before becoming the Triple-A National Championship Game with a host that changes every season. The PCL has a two-game Triple-A championship win streak, with Reno having won the Triple-A championship in 2012. . . . All-time in the current Triple-A championship format, Omaha is 1-1 and Durham is 1-1. . . . The 2014 host of the Triple-A National Championship Game has not been announced but expect an announcement sometime during the offseason or as the season approaches in April 2014.

Filed 09/17/2013

September 14, 2013 - PCL Championship Game 4

Spring Mobile Ballpark

OMA wins series 3-1

Omaha     300 001 060 --  10  19  0
Salt Lake 000 020 021 --   5  14  0

WP: Brian Sanches (1-0)
LP: Matt Shoemaker (0-1) 

HR: SLC Efren Navarro (1) off Sanches (5th inning, 2R)
	
TIME: 3:13
ATT: 5,933

The Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) plated six runs in the 8th inning to turn a close game into a runaway with a 10-5 victory over the Salt Lake Bees (AAA Angels) to claim the 2013 PCL Championship. The Storm Chasers won the best-of-five series 3-1 and advance to the Triple-A Baseball National Championship Game on Tuesday night.

The Storm Chasers quickly built a 3-0 lead in the 1st inning. Rey Navarro, Brian Fletcher and Lane Adams each had two-out RBI singles.

Salt Lake's Roberto Lopez drew a one-out walk and scored on Efren Navarro's two-run homer in the 5th inning as the Bees edged to 3-2.

Rey Navarro doubled and scored on Fletcher's single in the 6th inning as the Storm Chasers opened up their lead to 4-2.

In Omaha's big 6-run 8th inning to put the game away, Anthony Seratelli bunt singled, Ben Broussard singled and Rey Navarro singled to load the bases. Fletcher drew a walk to bring home Seratelli and Adams cleared the bases with a three-run triple before scoring on Manny Pina's single. Pina later scored on Seratelli's single for a 10-2 Storm Chasers lead.

Salt Lake plated two runs in their half of the 8th inning. Efren Navarro tripled and scored on Luis Rodriguez's sacrifice flyout. Later in the inning, Drew Heid doubled with two outs and scored on former-Isotope Rusty Ryal's double.

The Bees plated the final run of their season in the bottom of the 9th inning. Efren Navarro singled with two outs, went to second base on defensive indifference and scored on Rodriguez's single.

PCL CHAMPIONSHIP NOTES: Brian Sanches started for the Storm Chasers and allowed 2 runs and 9 hits in 5 innings. . . . Matt Shoemaker was the Bees starter and gave up 4 runs and 10 hits in 5.2 innings. . . . Omaha's PCL Championship feels like that of an underdog considering Omaha's season record was 70-74, the worst record of any of the four PCL division winners in 2013 and the Storm Chasers had the second fewest regular season wins of any PCL Champion since 1963. . . . Omaha has won two PCL Championships out of the last three seasons. . . . The Durham Bulls (AAA Rays) defeated the Pawtucket Red Sox (AAA Red Sox) 7-0 to win the Governor's Cup in the International League, 3 games to 1 game. The Bulls and Storm Chasers will meet in the one-game 2013 Triple-A Baseball National Championship Game on Tuesday evening in Allentown, Pennsylvania, home of the IL's Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA Phillies). The game will be televised on the NBC Sports Network.

Filed 09/14/2013

September 13, 2013 - PCL Championship Game 3

Spring Mobile Ballpark

OMA leads series 2-1

Omaha      000 000 000 --  0   2  2
Salt Lake  020 202 30x --  9  17  0

WP: Jarrett Grube (1-0)
LP: Justin Marks (0-1) 

HR: SLC Roberto Lopez (1) off Marks (4th inning, 2R)
	
TIME: 3:01
ATT: 8,144

Salt Lake Bees starter Jarrett Grube kept his Bees alive in the 2013 PCL Championship Series, tossing a complete game 2-hit shutout with 11 strikeouts and a walk as the Bees defeated the Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) 9-0. The Bees still trail the Storm Chasers 2-1 in the best-of-five series.

In the 2nd inning, Scott Cousins doubled, went to third base on a fielding error on the play and scored on Drew Heid's single. Heid went to second base on Luke Carlin's sacrifice bunt, advanced to third base on former-Isotope Rusty Ryal's groundout and scored when Tommy Field reached on a throwing error.

Matt Long singled with two outs and scored on Roberto Lopez's two-run homer as the Bees led 4-0 after 4 innings.

In the 6th inning, Field drew a one out walk, Long and Lopez singled to load the bases and Efren Navarro delivered a two-run single to score Field and Long.

The Bees plated their final three runs in the 7th inning. Heid singled and stole second base, Carlin walked and Ryal singled home Heid. An out later, Long singled to load the bases and after Lopez struck out, Navarro singled home Carlin and Ryal.

PCL CHAMPIONSHIP NOTES: Salt Lake starter Jarrett Grube's complete game shutout was the first one in the Salt Lake franchise's playoff history. . . . Justin Marks started for Omaha and allowed 4 runs (3 earned) and 9 hits in 4.2 innings. . . . In International League Governor's Cup action, the Durham Bulls (AAA Rays) defeated the Pawtucket Red Sox (AAA Red Sox) 2-0 in 14 innings to take a 2-1 series lead in their best-of-five series. . . . Game 4 of the PCL Championship Series is Saturday evening with the Bees looking for another win to stay alive in the series. Probables are RHP Billy Buckner for Salt Lake and RHP Brian Sanches for Omaha.

Filed 09/13/2013

September 11, 2013 - PCL Championship Game 2

Werner Park

OMA leads series 2-0

Salt Lake  000 100 000 --  1  4  0
Omaha      000 000 101 --  2  6  0

WP: Zach Jackson (1-0)
LP: Chad Cordero (0-1) 

HR: OMA Brian Fletcher (1) off Cordero (9th inning, S)
	
TIME: 3:13
ATT: 4,312

Brian Fletcher's walkoff homer gave the Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) a commanding 2-0 best-of-five 2013 PCL Championship series lead over the Salt Lake Bees (AAA Angels). The Storm Chasers only need one win in three possible games at Salt Lake to claim their second PCL Championship in three seasons.

Salt Lake took a 1-0 lead in the 4th inning. Efren Navarro singled, went to second base on a wild pitch, advanced to third base on Roberto Lopez's groundout and scored on Scott Cousins' single.

After the 7th inning stretch, the Storm Chasers knotted the game at 1-1. Lane Adams reached on a fielder's choice, stole second base and scored on Rey Navarro's single.

Fletcher didn't waste any time giving the Storm Chasers the win, leading off the bottom of the 9th inning with his game-winning homer.

PCL CHAMPIONSHIP NOTES: Tommy Hanson started for Salt Lake and allowed a run and 4 hits in 6 innings. Yordano Ventura started for Omaha and allowed a run and 3 hits in 6 innings. . . . In International League Governor's Cup action, the Durham Bulls (AAA Rays) defeated the Pawtucket Red Sox (AAA Red Sox) 2-1 to even their best-of-five championship series at 1-1. Game three is Friday. . . . In the PCL Championship Series, Game 3 is also Friday after a travel day Thursday and probables are LHP Justin Marks for Omaha and RHP Jarrett Grube for Salt Lake.

Filed 09/11/2013

September 10, 2013 - PCL Championship Game 1

Werner Park

Completion of a Suspended Game -- OMA leads series 1-0

Salt Lake  010 100 000 --  2   5  0
Omaha      100 000 11x --  3  11  0

WP: Buddy Baumann (1-0)
LP: Dustin Richardson (0-1)
SV: Michael Mariot (1)

HR: SLC Luis Rodriguez (1) off Mortensen (4th inning, S)
	
TIME: 2:39
ATT: 3,963

The Salt Lake Bees (AAA Angels) and Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) were tied 1-1 in the middle of the 2nd inning when the game was delayed and eventually suspended by rain. When the game resumed Wednesday afternoon, the Storm Chasers plated a run in each of their last two at-bats to come from behind to win 3-2 to take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-five 2013 PCL Championship Series.

In the bottom of the 1st inning, Christian Colon was hit by a pitch with one out, went to second base on a wild pitch and scored an out later on Ben Broussard's single.

Salt Lake knotted the game at 1-1 in the top of the 2nd inning before the rains came. Efren Navarro singled, went to second base on a wild pitch and scored on former-Isotope Rusty Ryal's two-out single.

Luis Rodriguez solo homered to lead off the 4th inning as the Bees took a 2-1 lead.

After the 7th inning stretch, Rey Navarro singled with two outs and scored on Manny Pina's double to tie the game at 2-2.

Omaha plated their game-winning run in the 8th inning. Irving Falu singled, went to second base on Colon's sacrifice bunt and after Anthony Seratelli was intentionally walked to set up the possibility of a force play out, Broussard singled home Falu for his second run-scoring single of the game.

PCL CHAMPIONSHIP NOTES: There was 31 minutes of game action before the rain delay Tuesday evening and the game was suspended after waiting 2 hours, 35 minutes. . . . Matt Shoemaker started for Salt Lake Tuesday night and allowed a run and a hit in 1 inning. When the game resumed, Barry Enright was on the mound for the Bees and allowed no runs and 5 hits in 4.1 innings. . . . Omaha's starter before the suspension of the game was Chris Dwyer, who allowed a run and 3 hits in 2 innings. Clay Mortensen picked up the game for the Storm Chasers on Wednesday afternoon and allowed a run on a homer and 2 hits in 5 innings. . . . The PCL Championship Series Game 1 winner has won the PCL Championship in each of the last 10 seasons and 13 of the last 14 seasons, so Omaha would seem to have the advantage to become champions based on recent history of the series. . . . The Bees and Storm Chasers split their only four game series of the regular season. . . . This PCL Championship Series appearance is Salt Lake's first appearance in a PCL Championship since 2002 when they were known as the Salt Lake Stingers. It is Omaha's third straight PCL Championship Series with a PCL Championship in 2011 and a loss to Reno in 2012. . . . In the International League Governor's Cup action on Tuesday evening, the Pawtucket Red Sox (AAA Red Sox) defeated the Durham Bulls (AAA Rays) 2-1 to take a 1-0 series lead in their best-of-five series. The PCL and IL champions will meet in a winner-take-all single Triple-A championship game in Allentown, PA next Tuesday.

Filed 09/11/2013

September 10, 2013 - PCL Championship Game 1

Werner Park

Suspended in the middle of the 2nd inning, Rain

Salt Lake  01                  --  1  3  0
Omaha      1                   --  1  1  0

WP: 
LP: 
SV: 

TIME: 
ATT:

The Salt Lake Bees (AAA Angels) and Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) were tied 1-1 in the middle of the 2nd inning when the game became delayed by rain. 2 hours and 35 minutes later, the game was suspended.

In the bottom of the 1st inning, Christian Colon was hit by a pitch with one out, went to second base on a wild pitch and scored an out later on Ben Broussard's single.

PCL CHAMPIONSHIP NOTES: The Bees and Storm Chasers split their only four game series of the regular season. . . . This PCL Championship Series appearance is Salt Lake's first appearance in a PCL Championship since 2002 when they were known as the Salt Lake Stingers. It is Omaha's third straight PCL Championship Series with a PCL Championship in 2011 and a loss to Reno in 2012.

Filed 09/10/2013

September 7, 2013 - Pacific Conf. Championship Game 4

Cashman Field

SLC wins series 3-1

Salt Lake      000 210 100 --  4  9  1
Las Vegas      100 100 010 --  3  7  1

WP: Billy Buckner (1-0)
LP: Aaron Harang (0-1)
SV: Daniel Stange (1)

HR: SLC Tommy Field (1) off Harang (5th inning, S)

    LVG Kirk Nieuwenhuis (2) off Buckner (1st inning, S)
	
TIME: 2:58
ATT: 1,342

On Saturday afternoon in Las Vegas, the Salt Lake Bees (AAA Angels) defeated the Las Vegas 51s (AAA Mets) 4-3 to claim the 2013 Pacific Conference Championship.

In another must-win game for Las Vegas, Kirk Nieuwenhuis solo homered in the 1st inning to give the 51s a quick 1-0 lead.

Salt Lake took a 2-1 lead in the top of the 4th inning. Matt Long singled, went to third base on Luis Rodriguez's single and scored on Efren Navarro's sacrifice flyout. Rodriguez went to third base on Roberto Lopez's single and scored on Scott Cousins' fielders choice groundout.

Former-Isotope Jamie Hoffmann doubled and scored on Rylan Sandoval's single in the home half of the 4th inning as the 51s knotted the game at 2-2.

Tommy Field solo-homered in the 5th inning and in the 7th inning, Luke Carlin singled, went to second base on Drew Heid's sacrifice bunt and scored on Rodriguez's double as Salt Lake took a 4-2 lead.

Las Vegas scored the final run of their season in the 8th inning on back-to-back doubles from Ruben Tejada and Mike Baxter.

PAC CONF NOTES: Both of Las Vegas hitter Kirk Nieuwenhuis' homers in the series were leadoff homers. . . . The Bees will meet the Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) in the 2013 PCL Championship best-of-five series. The Bees have the home field advantage (Game 3, and Games 4 and 5 if necessary) but the first two games of the series will be played in Omaha. The series opens up Tuesday night and neither club has announced a probable.

Filed 09/07/2013

September 6, 2013 - American Conf. Championship Game 3

Werner Park

OMA wins series 3-0

Oklahoma City  203 010 000 --  6  15  0
Omaha          001 102 03x --  7   7  1

WP: Maikel Cleto (1-0)
LP: Jason Stoffel (0-1) 

HR: OKC George Springer (1) off Marks (1st inning, 2R)
    OKC Japhet Amador (1) off Marks (3rd inning, 2R)
    OKC Eric Thames (1) off Marks (5th inning, S)

    OMA Gorkys Hernandez (1) off Stoffel (8th inning, 3R)
	
TIME: 3:00
ATT: 5,135

The Oklahoma City Redhawks (AAA Astros) had three homers in the game, but it was an Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) 8th inning homer that completed a comeback in Omaha's 7-6 victory to claim the 2013 PCL American Conference Championship. The Storm Chasers will face the Pacific Conference Champion Salt Lake Bees or Las Vegas 51s in the 2013 PCL Championship Series.

Oklahoma City had a 2-0 lead after the 1st inning in their must-win game. Jimmy Paredes led off the game by reaching on a throwing error, went to second base on a balk and scored on George Springer's two-run homer.

The Redhawks extended the lead to 5-0 in the 3rd inning. Jonathan Singleton singled with one out and scored on Japhet Amador's homer. Singles from Eric Thames, Rene Garcia and Paredes added another run.

Gorkys Hernandez, Irving Falu and Christian Colon drew one-out walks for the Storm Chasers to load the bases in the home half of the 3rd inning and Anthony Seratelli reached on a fielder's choice with Hernandez scoring to get Omaha on the scoreboard.

Lane Adams tripled and scored on Rey Navarro's groundout in the bottom of the 4th inning as Omaha trailed 5-2.

Oklahoma City got their last run of the game on Thames' solo homer in the 5th inning.

The Storm Chasers began their comeback with a two-run 6th inning to trail 6-4. Ben Broussard and Adams singled. Navarro doubled home Broussard and after Paulo Orlando hit into a double play with Adams out at home and Navarro advancing to third base, Navarro scored on a wild pitch.

Omaha completed the comeback and took the lead with one swing of the bat in the 8th inning. Orlando and Mitch Canham drew two-out walks and Hernandez followed with a three-run homer.

AMER CONF NOTES: Omaha has won the American Conference Championship the last three seasons and won the PCL Championship in 2011, lost to Reno in 2012 and their 2013 PCL Championship fate is yet to be decided. . . . Oklahoma City starter Jake Buchanan allowed 2 runs and 3 hits in 4.2 innings. Omaha starter Justin Marks allowed 6 runs (5 earned) and 12 hits in 4.2 innings and allowed all three Redhawks homers.

Filed 09/06/2013

September 6, 2013 - Pacific Conf. Championship Game 3

Cashman Field

SLC leads series 2-1

Salt Lake      001 000 010 --  2  9  0
Las Vegas      000 012 00x --  3  9  0

WP: Hamilton Bennett (1-0)
LP: Kevin Johnson (0-1)
SV: Cory Wade (1)

HR: LVG Dustin Lawley (1) off Johnson (6th inning, S)
	
TIME: 3:19
ATT: 4,548

In a must-win game to stay alive in the 2013 Pacific Conference Championship, former-Isotope and current Las Vegas 51s (AAA Mets) starter Giancarlo Alvarado was solid, allowing a run and 5 hits in 5.2 innings, and the 51s plated two runs in the 6th inning to take the lead and held off a late Salt Lake Bees (AAA Angels) rally to win 3-2. Salt Lake leads the best-of-five series 2-1 and still just needs a win to advance to the PCL Championship Series.

Salt Lake's Matt Long singled with one out in the 3rd inning, went to third base on Efren Navarro's single and scored on Roberto Lopez's single.

Las Vegas knotted the game at 1-1 in the 5th inning. Brandon Hicks was hit by a pitch, Kirk Nieuwenhuis walked and Ruben Tejada laid down a successful sacrifice bunt. Mike Baxter was intentionally walked ahead of Eric Campbell's sacrifice flyout that brought home Hicks.

Dustin Lawley solo homered in the 6th inning to give the 51s the lead and Las Vegas added an insurance run when Hicks reached on a fielders choice, Niewenhuis singled and Tejada singled to drive in Hicks.

Navarro tripled and scored on former-Isotope Rusty Ryal's single for the Bees' final run of the game in the 8th inning. Salt Lake had runners on 1st base and 3rd base with one out in the inning and was unable to push across the game tying run.

PAC CONF NOTES: Jarrett Grube started for Salt Lake and allowed a run and 4 hits in 5 innings. . . . Probables in Game 4 of the series Saturday afternoon are RHP Billy Buckner for the Bees and RHP Aaron Harang for the 51s.

Filed 09/06/2013

September 5, 2013 - American Conf. Championship Game 2

Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark

OMA leads series 2-0

Omaha          010 105 000 --  7  10  0
Oklahoma City  000 400 000 --  4   7  3

WP: Clay Mortensen (1-0)
LP: Eric Berger (0-1)
SV: Zach Jackson (1)

HR: OKC Jonathan Singleton (1) off Mortensen (4th inning, 3R)
	
TIME: 3:18
ATT: 4,482

Irving Falu two-run doubled as a part of a five-run 6th inning as the Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) defeated the Oklahoma City Redhawks (AAA Astros) 7-4 to take a 2-0 American Conference Championship series lead. The Storm Chasers only need one more win out of the next three possible games in order to three-peat as American Conference champions.

Omaha's Lane Adams walked in the 2nd inning, stole second base, took third base on an error on the play and scored on Rey Navarro's sacrifice flyout for the first run of the game.

Adams was in the thick of things in Omaha's second run of the game in the 4th inning. Adams singled, went to second base on an error on a pickoff attempt, advanced to third base on Navarro's single and scored on Paulo Orlando's fielders choice.

The Redhawks powered their way to a 4-2 lead in the home half of the 4th inning. Jose Martinez singled, George Springer walked, a wild pitch advanced both runners a base and Brandon Laird singled Martinez home. Jonathan Singleton followed with a three-run homer.

The Storm Chasers had their big game-winning five run inning in the 6th inning. Navarro walked, Orlando doubled and Mitch Canham reached on an error to plate Navarro. Gorkys Hernandez doubled Orlando home to tie the game and Falu doubled to drive in Canham and Hernandez for the go-ahead runs. Christian Colon reached on a fielder's choice with Falu out at third base, Anthony Seratelli was intentionally walked and Ben Broussard singled Colon home for the final run of the game.

AMER CONF NOTES: Omaha starter Clay Mortensen allowed 4 runs and 5 hits in 5 innings. Oklahoma City starter David Martinez allowed 2 runs (none earned) and 4 hits in 4.2 innings. . . . The series shifts to the Omaha area for Game 3, and Games 4 and 5 if necessary. Probables are RHP Jake Buchanan for the Redhawks and LHP Justin Marks for the Storm Chasers. Omaha went 5-3 against Oklahoma City in the Storm Chasers' Papillon, Nebraska ballpark during the regular season.

Filed 09/05/2013

September 5, 2013 - Pacific Conf. Championship Game 2

Spring Mobile Ballpark

SLC leads series 2-0

Las Vegas      100 200 001 --  4   8  1
Salt Lake      002 010 011 --  5  11  1

WP: Daniel Stange (2-0)
LP: Robert Carson (0-2) 

HR: LVG Kirk Nieuwenhuis (1) off Hanson (1st inning, S)

    SLC Andy Marte (1) off Montero (5th inning, S)
	
TIME: 3:27
ATT: 2,994

Scott Counsins' sacrifice flyout in the bottom of the 9th inning gave the Salt Lake Bees (AAA Angels) their second straight walkoff win, 5-4, over the Las Vegas 51s (AAA Mets). The Bees hold a 2-0 Pacific Conference Championship series lead and are one win from heading to the 2013 PCL Championship.

Kirk Nieuwenhuis led off the game with a solo homer as the 51s led 1-0 before most fans were even settled into their seats.

The Bees took a 2-1 lead in the 3rd inning. Luke Carlin walked and scored two outs later on Matt Long's single. Long went to second base on Andy Marte's single and scored on Efren Navarro's single.

The 51s regained the lead at 3-2 in thh 4th inning. Ruben Tejada singled, Mike Baxter drew a walk and after Eric Campbell laid down a successful sacrifice bunt, Rylan Sandoval drove them both in a single.

The Bees tied the game at 3-3 in the 5th inning on Marte's solo homer.

It stayed tied until the bottom of the 8th inning when Salt Lake's Cousins singled, went to second base on a sacrifice bunt, and after former-Isotope Rusty Ryal walked, Tommy Field singled home Cousins for a 4-3 Bees lead.

With Las Vegas down to two outs and looking at defeat in the top of the 9th inning, former-Isotope Jamie Hoffmann singled and scored on pinch-hitter Francisco Pena's double to tie the game at 4-4.

In the bottom of the 9th inning, Marte led off with a single and went to second base on a passed ball. Navarro drew an intentional walk and pinch-hitter Drew Heid laid down a sacrifice bunt to advance both runners into scoring position. Roberto Lopez was intentionally walked to load the bases before Cousins lifted the game-winning sacrifice flyout to plate Marte.

PAC CONF NOTES: The 51s may want to not call on Robert Carson to pitch in a close game. Carson gave up the Bees' walkoff winner in both games of the series to have a 0-2 record while Salt Lake's Daniel Stange was the pitcher of the record both nights to improve his series record to 2-0. . . . Rafael Montero started for Las Vegas and gave up 3 runs and 5 hits in 4.1 innings. Major-league veteran Tommy Hanson started for the Bees and gave up 3 runs and 3 hits in 6 innings and fanned eight 51s batters. . . . The series switches to Las Vegas for Game 3, and Games 4 and 5 if necessary. Las Vegas has not named a Game 3 probable, while Salt Lake is expected to counter with RHP Jarrett Grube.

Filed 09/05/2013

September 4, 2013 - American Conf. Championship Game 1

Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark

Omaha leads series 1-0

Omaha          100 001 001 --  3  6  2
Oklahoma City  000 000 100 --  1  5  0

WP: Brian Sanches (1-0)
LP: Asher Wojciechowski (0-1)
SV: Michael Mariot (1)

HR: OMA Christian Colon (1) off Wojciechowski (9th inning, S)
	
TIME: 2:47
ATT: 4,309

Oklahoma City Redhawks (AAA Astros) pitcher Asher Wojciechowski pitched into the 9th inning and allowed all three Omaha runs. His teammates could only provide him with a run of support as the Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) won 3-1 to take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-five 2013 American Conference Championship.

In the 1st inning, Omaha's Irving Falu singled, stole second base, advanced to third base on Christian Colon's groundout and eventually scored on Ben Broussard's sacrifice flyout.

Storm Chaser Gorkys Hernandez led off the 6th inning with a single, went to second base on Falu's sacrifice bunt and scored on Colon's double to extend the Omaha lead to 2-0.

Oklahoma City plated their only run after the 7th inning stretch. Che-Hsuan Lin walked, went to second on Carlos Perez's walk, both runners advanced a base on a throwing error on a pickoff attempt and another error allowed Jimmy Paredes to reach base while Lin scored.

Colon solo-homered for Omaha in the 9th inning to close out the scoring.

Wojciechowski ended up allowing 3 runs and 5 hits in 8 innings with two walks and five strikeouts.

AMER CONF NOTES: Omaha's Game 1 probable was Kansas City prospect RHP Yordano Ventura, but according to the Omaha World-Herald, Ventura was a late scratch because he violated team rules. Omaha starter Brian Sanches found out 45 minutes prior to first pitch that he would be starting and he allowed no runs and 4 hits in 5.2 innings while walking 2 and fanning 2. . . . Game 2 of the series is Thursday night in Oklahoma City. Probables are RHP David Martinez for the Redhawks and RHP Clay Mortensen for the Storm Chasers.

Filed 09/04/2013

September 4, 2013 - Pacific Conf. Championship Game 1

Spring Mobile Ballpark

Salt Lake leads series 1-0

Las Vegas      201 000 000 --  3  8  0
Salt Lake      000 200 011 --  4  8  1

WP: Daniel Stange (1-0)
LP: Robert Carson (0-1)

HR: SLC Matt Long (1) off Carson (9th inning, S)
	
TIME: 3:06
ATT: 3,129

Matt Long's walkoff homer in the 9th inning gave the Salt Lake Bees (AAA Angels) a 4-3 victory over the Las Vegas 51s (AAA Mets) in the opener of the best-of-five Pacific Conference Championship on Wednesday evening in Salt Lake City.

Las Vegas led 2-0 in the 1st inning. Ruben Tejada singled with one out, went to second base on a groundout and Eric Campbell and Rylan Sandoval drew walks to load the bases. Dustin Lawley followed with a single to drive in Tejada and Campbell.

Mike Baxter tripled and scored on Campbell's single in the 3rd inning to extend Las Vegas' lead to 3-0.

The Bees began their comeback in the 4th inning. Long walked, went to second base on Andy Marte's groundout and scored on Efren Navarro's single. Luis Rodriguez singled and an out later, a wild pitch advanced Rodriguez to second base. Scott Cousins drew a walk to load the bases and Luke Carlin drew a walk to bring Navarro home as Salt Lake trailed 3-2.

Navarro walked with one out in the 8th inning, former-Isotope Rusty Ryal singled and after Roberto Lopez was out on the infield fly rule, Scott Cousins singled home Navarro to knot the game at 3-3.

Long's game-winning homer came in the bottom of the 9th inning with two outs.

PAC CONF NOTES: RHP Matt Fox started for Las Vegas and allowed 2 runs and 5 hits in 5.2 innings. . . . RHP Matt Shoemaker was the Bees starter and allowed 3 runs and 7 hits in 6 innings. . . . Game Two of the series is Thursday evening in Salt Lake City. Probables are RHP Tommy Hanson for the Bees and RHP Rafael Montero for the 51s.

Filed 09/04/2013

2013 Albuquerque Isotopes By-The-Numbers

Before we get to today's feature, there is some news items to report. The Dodgers recalled P Chris Withrow from the Isotopes.

The final PCL Hitter of the Week is Mike Bianucci of the Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers). Bianucci hit .474 (9x19) with 3 homer and 8 RBI during the award week.

Burch Smith of the Tucson Padres (AAA Padres) is the final PCL Pitcher of the Week. Smith tossed 7 scoreless innings, allowing 3 hits and fanned 10 batters in his only start of the award week. Smith did not earn a decision for his effort.

Here is a look at some of the stats of the 2013 Albuquerque Isotopes:

76-68 record, +8G over the .500 mark and finished in second place in the PCL American
Conference Southern Division, -6G back of the Oklahoma City Redhawks

drew 567,568 fans, the second lowest season attendance mark in the 11 seasons of the
franchise.  The draw was still good for 3rd best in the PCL, 8th best in Triple-A, and 
9th best in all of Minor League Baseball.  Had 71 openings (one home game postponed 
due to rain/cold) and the average per opening was 7,994

Alex Castellanos, Tim Federowicz and Scott Van Slyke were only PCL Hitter of the Week
award winners this season; no pitcher was PCL Pitcher of the Week this season

Six different Dodgers players were sent on a rehabilitation assignment to Albuquerque
this season -- there were seven total assignments as Chris Capuano came to the 
Isotopes twice

Isotopes were eliminated from making the PCL postseason in game 138

Reached 70th victory of season in game 134 - tied for fourth fewest games to reach
win number 70

Was 40-32 at the season mid-point, 56-42 at the All-Star Break and went 20-26 (-6G
under .500) after the All-Star Break, the third worst after-All-Star Break record in
franchise history

All-time regular-season franchise mark is 807-771 (36G over .500) through the 2013 season
Lorenzo Bundy is 226-206 in the regular season as Isotopes manager in three seasons

2013 longest win streak was 7 games and longest losing streak was 8 games

Albuquerque had a .500 season record every day after last being at the .500 mark on
May 26th

Most games above .500 was 15 and fewest games below .500 was 2

The last day Albuquerque was in first place by themselves was July 31st; August 1st
was a tie for division lead and they were not in first place every day since August 2nd

Largest division lead was 2 games; most games out of first place was 8 games

Had a 9-10 record wearing the special home weekend/holiday "Dodgers"-like blue uniforms; 
had six weekend/holiday home games in which there were special theme uniforms instead of
wearing the blue uniform jersey tops

5-4 Extra Innings record

involved in 9 shutouts - 5 pitched and 4 times been shutout

17-26 in games decided by one run (most one-run losses in franchise history)

13-9 in games decided by two runs

42-30 record at home; 34-38 record on the road

58-59 in night games; 18-9 in day games

10-8 record in the first game of a home series; 9-9 record in the first game of a road series

23-25 against the PCL American Conference Southern Division (same division as Isotopes)
42-22 against PCL American Conference Northern Division
6-10 against PCL Pacific Conference Northern Division
5-11 against PCL Pacific Conference Southern Division

9 Series Wins
10 Series Losses
14 Series Splits
3 Series that Isotopes swept
0 Series that Isotopes were swept

At home, 5 Rain Delays, 1 Pre-game Ceremony Delay, 1 game delayed due to on-field brawl

one game rained out at home this season; one rain-shortened home game victory

Two games postponed due to weather on the road - back-to-back April days in Omaha

Three doubleheaders played - swept in Albuquerque; Swept and split on the road

Longest home game was 11 innings; longest road game was franchise-record-setting 18 innings

Most Isotopes runs in a game was 15; most Isotope hits in a game was 21

Largest comeback in a game was four runs; largest lead lost in a game was 6 runs

Scored 9 runs in an inning -- 3rd inning, June 19th at Omaha in Game 1 of a doubleheader

Most runs given up was 8 -- 5th inning, May 8th at Tucson

Had 14 last at-bat wins (8 winning runs scored in last at-bat, 6 walkoff wins); one walkoff homer

Had 17 last at-bat losses ( 13 losing runs scored in opponent's last at-bat; 4 walkoff losses)


Isotopes had no hitting for the cycles or allowed any cycles; last Isotope cycle was 2008

Used a franchise-record 21 players and 62 at-bats in an 18-inning game at Iowa on July 14th

Nick Buss had the most RBI in a game (6)

Blake Johnson had 2 RBI in a game and his 2 RBI is the most pitcher total RBI this season

Dee Gordon 20 game hitting streak was longest hitting streak of the season; there were
six Isotope hitting streaks of 10 or more games

Most left-on-base in a game was 16 on both May 2nd against Memphis and May 28th in Memphis 
- tied a franchise record for 9-inning game

Individual Stat Leaders:

Nick Buss - 131 Games
Nick Buss - 459 At-Bats
Nick Buss - 84 Runs - 6th most in PCL
Nick Buss - 139 Hits
Nick Buss - 29 Doubles
Nick Buss - 11 Triples - 2nd most in PCL
Alex Castellanos - 19 Homers - tied for 6th most in PCL
Nick Buss - 100 RBI's - led PCL
Nick Buss - 241 Total Bases - 3rd most in PCL
Matt Angle and Dee Gordon - 51 walks
Alex Castellanos - 112 strikeouts
Dee Gordon - 49 stolen bases - Isotopes franchise record and led PCL
Dee Gordon - 11 Caught Stealing
Scott Van Slyke - .348 batting average (100 games or less)
Nick Buss - .303 batting average (100 or more games)
Dee Gordon - 19 errors

Angel Castro - 8 wins
Matt Palmer - 8 losses
Chris Withrow - 1.71 ERA (reliever - minimum 25 innings pitched)
Red Patterson - 3.03 ERA (starters/those with over 100 innings pitched)
Angel Castro - 3.48 ERA - highest ERA that qualifies for league leaders - 5th best in PCL
Kelvin De La Cruz - 47 games appeared in
Matt Palmer and Aaron Laffey - 22 games started
Blake Johnson and Jonathan Sanchez - 1 Complete Game
Javy Guerra - 12 saves
Matt Palmer - 133.2 innings pitched (starter)
Kelvin De La Cruz - 62.1 innings pitched (reliever)
Aaron Laffey - 140 hits allowed
Aaron Laffey - 85 runs allowed
Aaron Laffey - 78 earned runs allowed
Aaron Laffey - 17 homers allowed
Matt Palmer - 12 hit batters - tied for 2nd in PCL
Matt Palmer - 56 walks allowed - 6th most in PCL
Matt Palmer - 131 strikeouts - tied for 3rd in PCL
Kelvin De La Cruz - 9 holds

Team Hitting Totals:

4898 At-Bats
746 Runs
1325 Hits - franchise-record lowest
250 Doubles - franchise-record lowest
57 Triples - 2nd most in PCL
110 Homers - franchise-record lowest
695 RBI
2019 Total Bases
552 Walks - 4th most in PCL; franchise-record best total
1125 Strikeouts - 4th most in PCL; franchise-record highest total
165 Stolen Bases - 2nd most in PCL
42 Caught Stealing
.271 Team Batting Average - franchise record worst

Team Pitching Totals:

4.05 Team ERA - 4th best in PCL; franchise-record best season ERA
2 Complete Games
5 Shutouts
38 Saves
1259.2 Innings Pitched
1291 Hits
638 Runs
567 Earned Runs - franchise-record lowest
130 Homers allowed - 4th most in PCL
56 Hit Batsmen - 6th most in PCL
586 Walks allowed - most in PCL
1135 Strikeouts allowed - 3rd most in PCL; franchise-record highest total
1.49 Team WHIP
49 Holds


Home Run Breakdown:
61 Solo
37 Two-Run
10 Three-Run
2 Grand-Slam

Two pinch-hit homers hit this season

A pitcher, Blake Johnson, hit the only Isotope inside-the-park homer of the season

One opponent grand-slam homer allowed

Franchise-record 10 Isotope pitchers used in a game - 18-inning contest at Iowa on July 14th

Elevys Gonzalez was the only Isotope position-player to pitch in a game

No Isotope starting pitcher had an outing longer than 7 innings

Longest Isotope pitching no-hit bid was 4.2 innings pitched (Matt Palmer July 14 at Iowa 
  and Red Patterson August 22nd against Nashville)

Longest Isotope hitters have been no-hit - 7.1 innings - July 12th in Iowa

Isotopes won the most games when Angel Castro and Matt Magill started - 12 wins each

Isotopes lost the most games when Matt Palmer started - 14 losses

Angel Castro led the team with 12 quality starts and finished the season with five quality
starts in a row

Lorenzo Bundy lead the team in ejections (3) - 2nd highest was Justin Sellers (2)

Largest home attendance:  16,229 on July 4th (franchise record)
Lowest home attendance: 3,800 on April 11th

Longest 9-inning home game: 4 hours, 9 minutes (franchise record)
Shortest 9-inning home game: 2 hours, 26 minutes

Longest extra innings game: 4 hours, 8 minutes (May 6th against New Orleans, 11 innings)
Shortest extra innings game: 2 hours, 49 minutes (May 1st against Memphis, 10 innings)

Largest road attendance:  14,098 (July 12th in Iowa)
Smallest road attendance: 1,351 (May 8th in Tucson)

Longest 9-inning road game:  3 hours, 53 minutes (May 24th in Nashville)
Shortest 9-inning road game: 2 hours, 19 minutes (July 12th in Iowa)

Longest extra innings road game: 5 hours, 31 minutes (July 14th in Iowa, 18 innings) (Franchise record)
Shortest extra innings road game: 2 hours, 54 minutes (April 16th in Omaha, 10 innings)

Filed 09/03/2013

September 2, 2013 - Isotopes (76-68)

Zephyr Field

Albuquerque  102 000 001 --  4  11  1
New Orleans  100 100 001 --  3   7  0

WP: Matt Magill (6-2)
LP: Elih Villanueva (2-3)
SV: Javy Guerra (12)

HR: ABQ Matt Angle (8) off Villanueva (3rd inning, 2R)
 
    NRL Kyle Skipworth (11) off Guerra (9th inning, S)
 	
TIME: 2:37
ATT: 4,583

Damaso Espino's 9th inning run-scoring single proved to be very important as it ended up being the deciding run that gave Albuqueque a 4-3 season-ending victory over the New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Marlins) on Labor Day afternoon in Metarie, Louisiana. Albuquerque says goodbye as an PCL American Conference club with a two-game winning streak.

Back-to-back two-out doubles from Brian Barden and Eliezer Alfonzo got Albuquerque on the scoreboard in the 1st inning.

Kyle Jensen's sacrifice flyout in the bottom of the 1st inning knotted the game at 1-1 and Albuquerque took the lead for good in the 3rd inning. Elian Herrera singled with one out and scored on Matt Angle's homer.

Joe Mahoney singled home a run for New Orleans in the 4th inning as the Zephyrs trailed 3-2.

In the 9th inning, Alex Castellanos doubled but was erased from the basepaths on Justin Sellers' fielder's choice out. Sellers stole second base and scored on Espino's single for a 4-2 Isotopes lead.

Kyle Skipworth solo homered for New Orleans to plate the final run of the season.

Isotopes Starter Line: Matt Magill (W, 6-2) 5.2 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, 0 HR, 3.47 ERA

DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME:
Matt Magill: (W, 6-2) 5.2 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, 0 HR, 3.47 ERA
Onelki Garcia: (H, 3) 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, 0 HR, 3.72 ERA
Alex Castellanos: 1x4 (.257), 1 2B (14)

'TOPES NOTES: The Isotopes finished 76-68 in second place in the American Conference Southern Division, six games back of division champion Oklahoma City Redhawks. . . . It could be said as the Isotopes prepare to be a member of the Pacific Conference that their franchise history of 11 seasons as an American Conference club have been rather successful. The Isotopes had seven winning record seasons and won three division titles but was never able to win an American Conference championship, although they did lose to Omaha in a deciding Game Five last season. The Isotopes will be a member of the Pacific Conference Southern Division in 2014 with El Paso, Las Vegas and Salt Lake as division foes. Las Vegas and Salt Lake are current 2013 PCL division champions so half of the new division will be out to repeat as a division champion. . . . Albuquerque completed their fifth season as a Dodgers affiliate and have claimed two divison titles and three 2nd place finishes. There have been four winning seasons and one losing season (2011). . . . The Isotopes are 7-4 in Labor Day contests with a two-game winning streak. . . . The Zephyrs and Isotopes split the final series of the season and 28,581 attended at Zephyr Field for a per-game average of 7,145. Albuquerque took 9 out of the 16 games in the season series (5-3 in Albuquerque, 4-4 in New Orleans) and all-time, Albuquerque leads 95-80 (56-33 in Albuquerque, 39-47 losing record in New Orleans). With the PCL realignment, Albuquerque and New Orleans will play each other for one four-game series each season starting in 2014. . . . With Albuquerque's only two September games in the books, here's how the Isotopes did for September: 2-0 record (no games at home, 2-0 on the road), .296 team batting average, 2.00 team ERA, 9 runs scored, two stolen bases and two homers. . . . For the first time since 2011, the Isotopes have played in front of a combined one million fans at home and on the road this season (1,003,223 - 567,568 at home, 435,655 on the road). . . . Potential Dodgers callup Javy Guerra had a rough finish to his Isotopes season. Guerra made two one-inning appearances in the series at New Orleans and allowed five hits, four earned runs, two homers, no walks and fanned two batters. It snapped a string of three appearances -- 3 1/3 innings -- he made during the Isotopes' last homestand of the season in which he allowed no runs. . . . The Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) and Memphis Redbirds (AAA Cardinals) provided a thrill in the final day of the PCL 2013 season. The Redbirds and Storm Chasers entered the day in a tie atop the division with the final day deciding the final division champion of the season. The Oklahoma City Redhawks (AAA Astros) plated a walkoff run in the bottom of the 9th inning to defeat Memphis, while Omaha won their contest against the Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers), giving Omaha their third straight division title as the Storm Chasers claimed the American Conference Northern Division. We will soon find out if Omaha can also claim their third straight American Conference Championship. . . . Despite the fact today was the last game of the Isotopes season, there will be PCL playoff coverage and coverage of the 2013 Triple-A National Championship Game posted here. Omaha and Oklahoma City meet in the American Conference Championship, while Salt Lake and Las Vegas meet in the Pacific Conference Championship.

Filed 09/02/2013

September 1, 2013 - Isotopes (75-68)

Zephyr Field

Albuquerque  100 002 200 --  5  10  1
New Orleans  000 000 100 --  1   5  1

WP: Jonathan Sanchez (7-3)
LP: Rett Varner (3-4)

HR: ABQ Brian Barden (5) off Reifer (7th inning, 2R)
	
TIME: 3:15
ATT: 9,332

Isotopes starter Jonathan Sanchez tossed five scoreless innings and Brian Barden added a two-run homer as the Isotopes snapped their season-worst seven game road losing streak with a 5-1 victory over the New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Marlins) in Metarie, Louisiana on Sunday evening.

The Isotopes were off and running in the 1st inning. All-PCL team member Nick Buss struck out swinging with two outs but reached on a wild pitch and scored on Eliezer Alfonzo's double.

In the 6th inning, Barden and Justin Sellers each reached base on singles and Damaso Espino singled to drive in Barden. Pinch-hitter John Baker singled Sellers home to make it 3-0.

Alfonzo reached on an error with two outs in the 7th inning and scored on Barden's homer to make it 5-0 Albuquerque.

After the 7th inning stretch, Kevin Kouzmanoff singled home New Orleans' lone run of the game.

Isotopes Starter Line: Jonathan Sanchez (W, 7-3) 5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 6 BB, 8 K, 0 HR, 5.13 ERA

DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME:
Chris Withrow: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, 0 HR, 1.71 ERA
Alex Castellanos: 0x4 (.257), 2 K

'TOPES NOTES: As part of September roster expansions, the Dodgers recalled P Stephen Fife, P Peter Moylan, IF/OF Scott Van Slyke, IF Dee Gordon and C Drew Butera. It has been reported by several media outlets that P Chris Withrow wasn't recalled because he's ineligible to be recalled until the season ends and to expect Withrow to rejoin the Dodgers when eligible. . . . To keep the Albuquerque roster from being massively understaffed due to the Dodgers' moves, P Luis Vasquez, C Steve Cilladi and C Damaso Espino were all activated from the Disabled List. The Isotopes played with 23 active players out of a 25-player roster limit. . . In a surprise move, the Dodgers traded IF Rusty Ryal to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim for cash considerations. The Angels assigned Ryal to their Triple-A club, the Salt Lake Bees. . . . The last day of the season, Labor Day, is the decision day for the PCL American Conference Northern Division title. The Memphis Redbirds (AAA Cardinals) and Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals) are in a first place tie, each with a 69-74 record. If there is a tie atop the division at the end of each of their games, Memphis holds the tiebreaker due to a better season record against Omaha. . . . The Isotopes conclude their 2013 season Sunday afternoon. Probables are RHP Matt Magill (5-2, 3.49) for the Isotopes and RHP Elih Villanueva (2-2, 3.35) for the Zephyrs.

Filed 09/01/2013

August 31, 2013 - Isotopes (74-68)

Zephyr Field

Albuquerque  000 100 000 --  1  5  1
New Orleans  000 000 03x --  3  5  1

WP: Arquimedes Caminero (1-0)
LP: Matt Palmer (6-8)
SV: James Leverton (2)

HR: ABQ Nick Buss (17) off Rogers (4th inning, S)
	
TIME: 2:33
ATT: 5,671

Nick Buss solo homered and drove in his 100th run of the season for Albuquerque and the New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Marlins) spoiled what could have been a close 1-0 Albuquerque victory by plating three runs in the 8th inning to claim a 3-1 victory on Saturday evening in Metarie, Louisiana. The Isotopes have dropped a season-worst seven straight road games.

Buss solo homered in the 4th inning and Albuquerque held that slimmest of leads until the 8th inning.

New Orleans' Rob Brantly singled to lead off the bottom of the 8th inning, pinch-hitter Kyle Jensen walked and Kevin Mattison laid down a sacrifice bunt. A throwing error by Isotopes starter Matt Palmer on the sacrifice bunt allowed Brantly to score to tie the game at 1-1. Pitcher Onelki Garcia replaced Palmer and promptly gave up a two-run single to Gil Velazquez for the Zephyrs' go-ahead runs.

The Isotopes had the bases loaded in the 9th inning with two outs when John Baker struck out looking to end the game.

Isotopes Starter Line: Matt Palmer (L, 6-8) 7 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 8 K, 0 HR, 3.84 ERA

DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME:
Onelki Garcia: 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, 0 HR, 4.32 ERA

'TOPES NOTES: P Angel Castro was placed on the Disabled List with a strained right calf. . . . P Rob Rasmussen, who pitched part of this season with the Isotopes, and cash considerations were sent to the Philadelphia Phillies in a trade that brought IF Michael Young to the Dodgers. Rasmussen joined Albuquerque from Class-AA Chattanooga on June 7th, went 0-7 with a 6.46 ERA in 12 outings (10 starts) and tied an Isotope franchise record for most consecutive losing decisions before re-joining Chattanooga on August 11th. . . . With August in the books, here are some Isotopes August statistics: 11-19 record (10-7 at home, a playoff-run killer 1-12 on the road); .248 team batting average, 4.52 team ERA, 130 runs scored, 29 stolen bases, and 20 homers. . . . Matt Palmer is among the two workhorses on the Isotopes pitching staff. He tossed seven innings in a start for the fifth time this season, equaling Angel Castro who also has five starts of seven innings. Unfortunately, Palmer picked up his eighth defeat tonight to take over the team lead in losses. . . . Albuquerque is 13-9 in games decided by two runs this season. . . . At 21-25 against American Conference Southern Division foes, tonight's loss guarantees the Isotopes will not have a break-even or winning record against division opponents this season. . . . Brian Barden went 0x4 to snap his team-leading 6-game hitting streak. . . . The Iowa Cubs and Sacramento River Cats were the latest PCL clubs to be eliminated from playoff contention. All that is left to decide over the last two games of the season is the PCL American Conference Northern Division winner (Memphis or Omaha in a tight race of clubs who both who will end up with losing records). With Sacramento's elimination, the Las Vegas 51s (AAA Mets) became the PCL Pacific Conference Southern Division champions. Two of Albuquerque's new three division opponents in a re-aligned 2014 Pacific Coast League are 2013 division champions -- Las Vegas and the Salt Lake Bees (AAA Angels). . . . Albuquerque tries again to find a win at Zephyr Field on Sunday evening. Probables are LHP Jonathan Sanchez (6-3, 5.55) for the Isotopes and 2013 All-PCL left-handed starter Brian Flynn (6-11, 2.80) for the Zephyrs.

Filed 08/31/2013

August 30, 2013 - Isotopes (74-67)

Zephyr Field

Albuquerque  000 000 000 --  0   5  1
New Orleans  000 110 03x --  5  11  0

WP: Matt Neil (3-3)
LP: Angel Castro (8-5)

HR: NRL Chris Coghlan (1) off Castro (5th inning, S)
    NRL Rob Brantly (1) off Guerra (8th inning, 2R)
	
TIME: 2:39
ATT: 8,995

New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Marlins) starter Matt Neil and three relievers combined on a five-hit shutout of the Isotopes in the opener of Albuquerque's final road series of the season. The 5-0 loss snapped Albuquerque's two-game winning streak.

New Orleans' Kyle Jensen singled and scored two outs later on Rob Brantly's double in the 4th inning and Chris Coghlan solo homered in the 5th inning as the Zephyrs led 2-0 after five innings of play.

The Zephyrs tacked on their final three runs in the 8th inning - Brantly two-run homered and Coghlan singled home a run.

Isotopes Starter Line: Angel Castro (L, 8-5) 6 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, 1 HR, 3.48 ERA

DODGERS PROSPECTS IN TODAY'S GAME:
Alex Castellanos: 0x4 (.260), 1 K

'TOPES NOTES: On Friday, the Isotopes announced a change in the attendance figure from Thursday night's final home game of the season. The official box score had 14,588 as the attendance. After Isotopes management announced a corrected figure, the official box score and PCL attendance report was updated with the new tally of 14,855. With the new figure, 567,568 fans came through the Isotopes Park turnstiles in 71 home openings for a per-game average of 7,994. One home opening was lost due to the postponement of a game due to rain and cold weather in April. Even with the new total, it still remains the second lowest home season attendance mark in the 11 seasons of franchise history (2007 - 563,686) and the only season where the per-game average was less than 8,000. Last night's crowd of 14,855 was the 11th largest Isotopes Park crowd in franchise history and the second largest 2013 home crowd. 6,361,455 fans have visited Isotopes Park since the inaugural season of 2003. The Isotopes attendance ranking among the PCL, Triple-A level, and all of Minor League Baseball will be available once the season ends on Labor Day. . . . The Isotopes had not had a transaction since August 21st and that drought came to an end today when the Dodgers inked free-agent P Edison Volquez to a major-league deal and optioned P Chris Withrow to Albuquerque. The transactions torrent will hit again Sunday or early next week when MLB roster limits increase to 40 from 25 so expect some Isotopes to get the call to help the Dodgers clinch their division in September. . . . Albuquerque was shut out for the fourth time this season and for the third time in August. The closest the Isotopes got to scoring in the game was stranding baserunners at third base in the 3rd and 5th innings. . . . The Isotopes have lost their last six road contests, tying a season-worst mark for road losing streak. . . . Brian Barden had one of Albuquerque's five hits and now has a six-game hitting streak. . . . Angel Castro allowed two runs in 6 innings for his fifth quality start in a row. . . . Keith Johnson of the Salt Lake Bees (AAA Angels) was named 2013 PCL Manager of the Year. Johnson led the Bees to a 78-62 record through Thursday's games and the Bees are going to the playoffs as winners of the PCL Pacific Conference Northern Division. Albuquerque's Lorenzo Bundy finished in the top eight of vote-getters along with Steve Scarsone (Sacramento), Tony DeFrancesco (Oklahoma City), Mike Jirschele (Omaha), Pat Murphy (Tucson), Wally Backman (Las Vegas) and Ron Hassey (New Orleans). . . . The series continues Saturday evening. Probables are RHP Matt Palmer (6-7, 3.84) for the Isotopes and RHP Jared Rogers (7-4, 4.46) for the Zephyrs.

Filed 08/30/2013

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