Albuquerque Isotopes Baseball Unofficial Web Page Isotopes Pennant Images
Isotopes 2009 Division Champions News and Game Archive Isotopes Official Web Page Rockies Official Web Page Minor League Baseball Past Season Archives
Isotopes 2003 Division Champions Roster Scores and Standings Schedule and Game Log Transactions Team Info and Albuquerque Professional Baseball Hall of Fame
Isotopes Park Photo Album
Albuquerque Sports Stadium photos on Digitalballparks.com
Albuquerque Isotopes 2018 Regular Season At-A-Glance:
Home Record: 33-37Road Record: 30-40
Division Record: 20-28Extra Innings Record: 0-4
Current Streak: Lost 3

Rockies Bring Up Four More Isotopes and PCL News

The Colorado Rockies promoted four more Isotopes to their roster as part of September roster expansions. The Rockies recalled P Sam Howard, IF Garrett Hampson and OF Raimel Tapia. The Rockies purchased the contract of P DJ Johnson and Johnson will be making his MLB debut when he makes his first appearance with the Rockies.

In PCL news, the Oklahoma City Dodgers (AAA Dodgers) and Los Angeles Dodgers extended their Player Development Agreement for two more years making the affiliation effective through 2020. The renewed affiliation removes the Dodgers from the list of MLB clubs who are in the running to become the Las Vegas franchise's new MLB affiliate with the Mets purchasing the Syracuse franchise in the International League and making Syracuse their Triple-A club.

The mayor of Wichita, Kansas announced today that the New Orleans Baby Cakes (AAA Marlins) filed a relocation request to move the franchise to Wichita. The request needs approval of Minor League Baseball, the Pacific Coast League and the Office of the Commissioner of Baseball and approval is expected to happen by year end. It was reported New Orleans' lease with the Shrine on Airline ballpark in Metarie, Louisiana is through 2021 while the city of Wichita is hoping the relocated franchise will begin play in 2020, so it is undecided if the Wichita ballclub will join the PCL in 2020 or in 2022. The new Wichita ballclub will not use the Baby Cakes name and brings affiliated baseball back to Wichita for the first time since the Wichita Wranglers Double-A club relocated at the end of the 2007 season. The Baby Cakes had the worst attendance in the PCL in 2018 (252,614 in 66 openings for a per-opening average of 3,827) and New Orleans officials are looking at options to relocate a minor league team, likely a Double-A team, to New Orleans to replace the Baby Cakes. Wichita is planning on demolishing Lawrence-Dumont Stadium to build a brand new ballpark on the banks of the Arkansas River with a capacity of 10,000-11,000 at an estimated construction cost of $60-73 million.

The final PCL players of the week were announced and the awards were swept by Las Vegas 51s (AAA Mets) players. The hitter is Patrick Kivlehan, who hit .407 (11x27) with 4 homers and 9 RBI in the final week of the season. The pitcher is Drew Gagnon, who made two starts and went 1-0 with a shutout and a 0.54 ERA. In 16 2/3 innings of work, Gagnon allowed 10 hits, 1 run, 1 walk and fanned 12.

Kyle Tucker of the Fresno Grizzlies (AAA Astros) is the PCL Player of the Month for August in a vote taken of the league's field managers. Tucker hit a league-leading .471 (33x70) in the month and had 10 homers and 27 RBI.


Filed 09/06/2018

September 3, 2018 - Isotopes (63-77)

Greater Nevada Field

Completed Early, 8 innings, Travel Curfew

Albuquerque  000 200 10x --  3   9  0
Reno         002 130 20x --  8  11  0

WP: Taylor Clarke (13-8)
LP: David Holman (5-5) 

HR: RENO Alberto Rosario (1) off Holman (5th inning, 2R)
	
TIME: 3:02
ATT: 4,186
In Albuquerque's final game of the 2018 season, the Reno Aces (AAA Diamondbacks) defeated the Isotopes 8-3 in 8 innings in a game shortened due to a travel curfew.

Rey Fuentes' two-run double opened the scoring in the 3rd inning and the Isotopes tied the game at 2-2 in the top of the 4th inning. Josh Fuentes singled and scored on Mike Tauchman's triple before Tauchman scored on Stephen Cardullo's groundout.

Marcus Littlewood singled home a run in the 4th inning as Reno regained the lead and the Aces added to their lead in the 5th inning when a run scored as Jose Vinicio grounded into a double play and Alberto Rosario added a two-run homer.

The Isotopes placed their last run of the season in the 7th inning. Raimel Tapia singled, went to third bse on Fuentes' double and scored on Tauchman's fielders choice.

After the 7th inning stretch, Rosario's sacrifice flyout and pinch-hitter Cody Decker's RBI double plated the final runs of the game.

Isotopes Starter Line: Nelson Gonzalez - 3 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, 0 HR, 43 GS, 5.36 ERA


'TOPES NOTES:
P David Holmberg was placed on the Disabled List and pitchers David Holman and Mason Melotakis were activated from the Disabled List. . . . Josh Fuentes finished with 180 hits, best in all of Minor League Baseball and 11 more hits than the previous Isotope single-season hits record (Jamie Hoffmann, 2010 - 169 hits). Fuentes ended his season with a five game hitting streak which is the current longest Isotope hitting streak at the end of the season. . . . The Isotopes are 8-8 in Labor Day games and have a two game losing streak. . . . The last Albuquerque shortened game was July 14, 2018 in Las Vegas when the Isotopes lost 2-1 in a game that had a rain delay and the game could not continue as Las Vegas' ballpark does not have a tarp. . . . Today was the first Isotopes game to be shortened due to a travel curfew and it was the 13th shortened game in franchise history. The Isotopes had a few instances where the game could have been stopped due to travel curfew but the game deciding runs were scored right before the curfew time. . . . The Isotopes finished the season a season-worst 14 games under the breakeven mark and 19.5 games back in the division, flirting with but not tying or breaking the franchise record of 20 games back in the division. . . . Reno won three games in the four game series and 22,470 attended at Greater Nevada Field for a per-game average of 5,618. . . . In 2018, the Isotopes won five out of the eight games at Isotopes Park and each team won four games in Reno. Albuquerque leads the all-time series 55-45. . . . The Oklahoma City Dodgers (AAA Dodgers) punched the final ticket to the PCL playoffs with a 16-4 victory over the Colorado Springs Sky Sox (AAA Brewers) in the second game of a doubleheader that was a "must-win to clinch the division title" for each team. The Dodgers were 1.5 games back in the division as the five game series with the Sky Sox started and Colorado Springs failed to hold their division lead to clinch a division title in their final year in the PCL. The Colorado Springs franchise is moving to San Antonio, Texas for the 2019 season and Colorado Springs will be getting a Rookie-level team in the Pioneer League when the Helena Brewers relocate to Colorado Springs and get a new name. . . . The final game at Cashman Field in Las Vegas ended in spectacular fashion when Las Vegas 51s (AAA Mets) slugger Peter Alonso hit a two-run walkoff homer to help the 51s defeat the Sacramento River Cats (AAA Giants) 4-3. . . . The PCL playoffs begin Wednesday evening when the Fresno Grizzlies (AAA Astros) visit the El Paso Chihuahuas (AAA Padres) in the Pacific Conference Championship and the Memphis Redbirds (AAA Cardinals) visit the Oklahoma City Dodgers (AAA Dodgers) in the American Conference Championship with a best-of-five series format. . . . The Isotopes return to action on Thursday, April 4, 2019 to begin their 2019 season with a five-game series at Isotopes Park against the Salt Lake Bees (AAA Angels). 2019 will feature the second straight season of a 140-game schedule so it appears there is no plan to shorten the schedule even further to give the players more days off during the season. Next season is already exciting with a new club (Colorado Springs relocating to San Antonio), San Antonio is likely to retain their traditional Missions nickname although nothing official has been announced, there will be PCL realignment in the American Conference due to the San Antonio club joining the league, creating great Texas/Oklahoma regional rivalries while the conference alignment remains the same in the Pacific Conference that the Isotopes play in. Isotopes' division foe Las Vegas will get a new name (rumored to be the Aviators), new affiliation and start play in a new ballpark that will be carrying the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Bureau name, called Las Vegas Ballpark in Summerlin, Nevada. There will likely be a few more affiliation changes as there are four other clubs than Las Vegas who need to renew or get a new affiliation by Opening Day 2019.

Filed 09/03/2018

September 2, 2018 - Isotopes (63-76)

Greater Nevada Field

Albuquerque  000 101 000 --  2   5  0
Reno         000 002 30x --  5  10  0

WP: Kirby Bellow (1-0)
LP: Santiago Casilla (0-2)
SV: Joey Krehbiel (2)

HR: RENO Ildemaro Vargas (7) off Casilla (7th inning, 2R)
	
TIME: 3:04
ATT: 5,834
The Isotopes got another great pitching start as Peter Lambert allowed no runs in five innings and left with the game with a 2-0 lead before the Isotopes bullpen gave up five runs as Albuquerque lost their penultimate game of the season 5-2 to the Reno Aces (AAA Diamondbacks) in Reno on Sunday evening.

Josh Fuentes doubled and scored on Jordan Patterson's single in the 4th inning and in the 6th inning, Patterson was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to bring home a run as the Isotopes led 2-0.

Reno got their first two runs of the game in the bottom of the home half of the 6th inning on run-scoring singles from Rey Fuentes and Tyler Ladendorf.

After the 7th inning stretch, Jose Vinicio drew a leadoff walk and scored on Ildemaro Vargas' inside-the-park homer. Juniel Querecuto walked, stole second and third bases and scored on Anthony Recker's double for the final run of the game.

Isotopes Starter Line: Peter Lambert - 5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, 0 HR, 64 GS, 5.04 ERA


'TOPES NOTES:
IF Shawn O'Malley was activated from the Disabled List. . . . Reno's Ildemaro Vargas had an inside-the-park homer, the third Isotope opponent with an inside-the-park homer this season and first since Las Vegas 51s (AAA Mets) Jeff McNeil on July 13, 2018 in Las Vegas. . . . The season concludes Monday afternoon. Probables are RHP Nelson Gonzalez (3-2, 5.32) for the Isotopes and RHP Taylor Clarke (12-8, 4.04) for the Aces.

Filed 09/02/2018

September 1, 2018 - Isotopes (63-75)

Greater Nevada Field

Albuquerque  000 010 001 --  2  6  0
Reno         200 000 02x --  4  8  0

WP: Neftali Feliz (6-5)
LP: Sam Howard (3-8)
SV: Jake Barrett (8)

TIME: 2:23
ATT: 6,291
The Isotopes continue to get good pitching as Sam Howard allowed 2 runs in 6 innings for his fourth quality start of the season. A quiet Isotopes offense on the night did not help Howard get the win as the Reno Aces (AAA Diamondbacks) defeated Albuquerque 4-2 on Saturday evening in Reno.

Howard gave up his only two runs of the game in the 1st inning. Tyler Ladendorf singled with one out, went to second base on a passed ball and scored on Kevin Cron's double. Juniel Querecuto followed with a single to plate Cron.

Back-to-back doubles from Daniel Castro and Jan Vazquez got the Isotopes on the scoreboard in the 5th inning.

Reno added two insurance runs in the 8th inning when Cron came up to the plate with the bases loaded and one out and singled home a pair of runs.

Stephen Cardullo tripled and scored on Castro's groundout for Albuquerque's final run of the game in the 9th inning.

Isotopes Starter Line: Sam Howard (L, 3-8) 6 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 4 K, 0 HR, 66 GS, 5.06 ERA


'TOPES NOTES:
The Rockies recalled five players Saturday in the first wave of September 1st roster expansion. Joining the Rockies from the Isotopes are pitchers Yency Almonte and Harrison Musgrave, C Tom Murphy, IF Pat Valaika and OF Noel Cuevas. . . . In Albuquerque's last nine games, there have been seven quality starts and the Isotopes have gone 3-4 in those games with a quality start. . . . Game three of the series is Sunday evening, the final night game of the 2018 season for the Isotopes. Probables are RHP Peter Lambert (2-5, 5.54) for the Isotopes and a pitcher to be named for the Aces.

Filed 09/01/2018

August 31, 2018 - Isotopes (63-74)

Greater Nevada Field

Albuquerque  406 001 030 --  14  16  1
Reno         000 030 010 --   4  10  2

WP: Brett Oberholtzer (7-10)
LP: Jake Buchanan (11-9) 

HR: ABQ Mike Tauchman (20) off Hagens (8th inning, S)
	
TIME: 3:01
ATT: 6,159
Isotopes starter Brett Oberholtzer had a quality start with three runs allowed in 7 innings and he got huge run support early with his teammates giving him a 10 run lead through the first three innings in a 14-4 Isotopes victory over the Reno Aces (AAA Diamondbacks) in the final series opener of the season.

Garrett Hampson led off the game with a single into left field and hustled to second base when the Aces left fielder mishandled the ball for a fielding error. Hampson went to third base on Raimel Tapia's sacrifice bunt and scored on Brendan Rodgers' single. After Mike Tauchman walked, Josh Fuentes doubled home two runs and scored on Stephen Cardullo's single as the Isotopes led 4-0.

Albuquerque put six more runs on in the scoreboard in the 3rd inning. Anthony Bemboom came up with the bases loaded and had a two-run single, Hampson singled home a run, Tapia had a two-run double and Elliot Soto had a RBI single.

The Aces got on the scoreboard in the 5th inning on Deven Marrero's two-run double and a run on a groundout to trail 10-3.

Bemboom's ground-rule double brought home a run in the 6th inning. Tauchman solo homered and Jordan Patterson and Bemboom each had run-scoring singles in the 8th inning to close out the scoring for Albuquerque.

Kevin Cron's RBI double in the home half of the 8th inning closed out the scoring in the game.

Isotopes Starter Line: Brett Oberholtzer (W, 7-10) 7 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 5 K, 0 HR, 62 GS, 5.77 ERA

ROCKIES Rehab Report

Mike Dunn: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, 0 HR, 5.79 ERA

Dunn pitched the 8th inning in his fourth outing of his current MLB Rehabilitation Assignment and faced five batters and threw 20 pitches (10 for strikes). Dunn issued a leadoff walk and after getting a foul out and strikeout, a double plated a run before a batter was called out on strikes to end the inning.


'TOPES NOTES:
The Rockies traded P Jerry Vasto to the Kansas City Royals for former-Isotope C Drew Butera. Vasto had 37 relief appearances for the Isotopes and went 2-1 with 3 saves and had a 3.16 ERA. In 37 innings, Vasto had 44 strikeouts and issued 18 walks. Vasto made his MLB debut with the Rockies this season and in his only game with the Rockies, gave up 3 earned runs in 2/3 of an inning pitched for an ERA of 40.50. Vasto was assigned by the Royals to the Triple-A Omaha Storm Chasers. IF Daniel Castro, P Keith Hessler and OF Stephen Cardullo were all activated from the Isotopes' Disabled List. . . . Tonight's victory guaranteed Albuquerque won't tie the franchise record for fewest losses in a season (62). . . . There was a good contribution throughout the Isotopes lineup as every position player in the Isotopes lineup had at least one hit and one RBI and all but Elliot Soto had at least one run scored. . . . Brett Oberholtzer had his seventh quality start of the season. . . . With August in the books, the Isotopes went 12-17 in the month (8-10 at home, 4-7 on the road), the team batting average was .286, the team ERA was 5.41, and there were 150 runs scored, 28 homers and 13 stolen bases. . . . Game two of the series is Saturday evening. Probables are LHP Sam Howard (3-7, 5.20) for the Isotopes and RHP Neftali Feliz (5-5, 5.04) for the Aces.

Filed 08/31/2018

Josh Fuentes Wins 2018 PCL MVP Award

Josh Fuentes continues to have an eventful end of season, adding the final PCL end of season award to his trophy case when he won the 2018 PCL Most Valuable Player award, edging out teammate Mike Tauchman.

Through games of August 30th, Fuentes leads the league in hits (171), games played (131), at bats (536), and total bases (270) while he is second in the league in RBI (93), triples (12), extra-base hits (59) and runs scored (88). Fuentes' batting average of .319 is sixth best in the league.

Fuentes has the all-time Isotope single season hits record and is one triple shy of tying the franchise's individual season triples mark.

Fuentes is the second Isotope to be named PCL MVP (Joc Pederson, 2014) and is the ninth player in Albuquerque Triple-A baseball history to be named league MVP, joining Albuquerque Dukes MVP winners Tom Paciorek (1972), Jerry Royster (1975), Dennis Lewallyn (1980), Mike Marshall (1981), Jose Offerman (1990), Billy Ashley (1994) and Paul Konerko (1997).

Filed 08/31/2018

August 30, 2018 - Isotopes (62-74)

Raley Field

Albuquerque  020 302 030 --  10  16  0
Sacramento   000 050 300 --   8  14  3

WP: Yency Almonte (3-5)
LP: Roberto Gomez (1-2)
SV: DJ Johnson (18)
	
TIME: 3:21
ATT: 12,483
Albuquerque's offense showed some fight against the Sacramento River Cats (AAA Giants) in the series finale unlike in the two prior games in the series. When the River Cats would tie or take a lead in the game, the Isotopes immediately responded to regain the lead in a 10-8 victory in West Sacramento on Thursday evening.

Josh Fuentes singled home a run and another run scored on a groundout as the Isotopes scored as many runs in the 2nd inning as they had in the previous two games of the series.

Noel Cuevas ground-rule doubled home a run and Raimel Tapia added a two-run single in the 4th inning to extend Albuquerque's lead to 5-0.

Isotopes starter Jeff Hoffman was cruising with a two-hit shutout until he hit a wall in the 5th inning. Brock Stassi singled home a run, Ryder Jones came up with the bases loaded and cleared them with a three-run triple before scoring on a passed ball to knot the game at 5-5 with all five runs scoring with no outs.

Run-scoring singles from Brendan Rodgers and Mike Tauchman gave the Isotopes the lead back at 7-5 in the 6th inning before the River Cats regained the lead after the 7th inning stretch. Chris Shaw had a run-scoring double and Miguel Gomez had a two-run double to give Sacramento a 8-7 lead.

Albuquerque scored the final three runs of the game in the 8th inning to take the lead back. Tapia singled home a run to tie the game and Tauchman had a RBI single for the go-ahead run and a fielding error on the play allowed Tauchman to fly around the bases to score.

Isotopes Starter Line: Jeff Hoffman - 4 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 6 K, 0 HR, 41 GS, 4.94 ERA


'TOPES NOTES:
Two current Isotopes were named to play in the Arizona Fall League. Infielders Brendan Rodgers and Josh Fuentes will play for the Salt River Rafters, a club that plays at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick and features prospects from the Rockies, Diamondbacks, Marlins, Nationals and Twins. Other Rockies prospects playing on the Rafters include outfielder Sam Hilliard and pitchers Ryan Castellani, Justin Lawrence, Jesus Tinoco, and Mitch Horacek. . . . Josh Fuentes had two hits to increase his season hits total to 171, the new Isotopes single season hits record, eclipsing Jamie Hoffmann's 2010 mark of 169 hits. . . . DJ Johnson had his 18th save of the season tonight as he continues to add to the mark for the most Isotopes saves in a season since Josh Wall's 28 saves in 2012. . . . Albuquerque and Sacramento combined for 30 hits, the most in an Isotopes road game this season, and Albuquerque tied single-game season-highs in team doubles (6) and opponent batters struck out (14). . . . The Isotopes have scored double-digit runs in 23 games. . . . The River Cats won two games out the three game series and 27,885 attended at Raley Field for a per-game average of 9,295. . . . Tonight's game was the final game of the season between the Isotopes and River Cats. Albuquerque went 5-3 against Sacramento at Isotopes Park and 4-4 in Sacramento this season. All-time, Sacramento leads the series 71-52. . . . Memphis Redbirds (AAA Cardinals) hurler Dakota Hudson is the 2018 PCL Pitcher of the Year, having garnered over 85 percent of the votes of the league's field managers, media representatives and broadcasters. Through August 29th, Hudson leads the PCL in wins (13) and ERA (2.50) and has allowed only one homer in his 111 2/3 innings of work this season. Hudson was both a mid-season All-Star, having started the 2018 Triple-A All-Star Game for the PCL squad, and named to the All-PCL team. Hudson also appeared for the U.S. team in the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game during the MLB All-Star weekend in Washington, DC. . . . The Isotopes head to Reno for their final series of the season. Probables in Friday evening's opener are LHP Brett Oberholtzer (6-10, 5.94) for the Isotopes and RHP Jake Buchanan (11-8, 4.72) for the Reno Aces (AAA Diamondbacks).

Filed 08/30/2018

August 29, 2018 - Isotopes (61-74)

Raley Field

Albuquerque  010 000 000 --  1  5  0
Sacramento   000 001 10x --  2  6  0

WP: Tyler Herb (2-8)
LP: David Holmberg (7-8)
SV: Tyler Rogers (3)

HR: ABQ Jordan Patterson (26) off Herb (2nd inning, S)

    SAC Chris Shaw (24) off Holmberg (7th inning, S)
	
TIME: 2:09
ATT: 7,401
For the second straight night, the Isotopes had a 1-0 lead before the Sacramento River Cats (AAA Giants) plated two later game runs to claim a 2-1 victory over Albuquerque.

Jordan Patterson's team-leading 26th homer gave Albuquerque a 1-0 lead in the 2nd inning.

Sacramento's Ronnie Freeman led off the 6th inning with a single and later scored on Peter Bourjos' single to knot the game at 1-1 and Chris Shaw solo homered after the 7th inning stretch to give the River Cats the game-winning run.

Isotopes Starter Line: David Holmberg (L, 7-8) 6.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 5 K, 1 HR, 63 GS, 5.21 ERA


'TOPES NOTES:
In a vote of the PCL's field managers, media representatives, broadcasters and other league officials, Isotopes infielder Josh Fuentes was named the 2018 PCL Rookie of the Year. Fuentes is the second Isotope to be named to the honor (Joc Pederson in 2014). Through August 28th, Fuentes hit .321 with 169 hits, 87 runs scored, 59 extra-base hits, 12 triples, 14 homers and 92 RBI. Fuentes was the starting Third Baseman for the PCL in the 2018 Triple-A All-Star Game, won the All-Star Game MVP award for the PCL, was named to the All-PCL team, and earned an Isotopes team Defensive Player of the Year award. The runner-up was the Reno Aces' (AAA Diamondbacks) Kevin Cron. . . . Jordan Patterson's 26th homer tied his career season homer high that was established while he was with the Isotopes in 2017. . . . David Holmberg had his third straight quality start of the season and has five quality starts this season. . . . Josh Fuentes went 0x4 to remain at 169 hits this season, still tied for the all-time Isotope single season franchise record for hits with Jamie Hoffmann (2010). . . . The Isotopes are 13 games under the 500 mark, their most games under breakeven this season. . . . Albuquerque pitching has been good as of late with three straight quality starts and five quality starts in their last six games. . . . The Isotopes have had three one-run losses in their last four contests and have had 18 one-run losses this season. . . . There were zero combined walks in the game for the first time this season. Isotope pitchers have not issued a walk in four games this season. . . . The final matchup of the season between Isotopes and River Cats is Thursday evening. Probables are RHP Jeff Hoffman (6-8, 4.69) for the Isotopes and RHP Shaun Anderson (2-2, 3.61) for the River Cats.

Filed 08/29/2018

August 28, 2018 - Isotopes (61-73)

Raley Field

Albuquerque  000 100 000 --  1  3  0
Sacramento   000 000 011 --  2  6  0

WP: Ray Black (3-0)
LP: Yency Almonte (2-5)

HR: SAC Orlando Calixte (11) off Estevez (8th inning, S)
    SAC Gregor Blanco (4) off Almonte (9th inning, S)
	
TIME: 2:33
ATT: 8,001
Isotopes starter Peter Lambert's best outing in his 10 career Triple-A starts of allowing no runs in six innings went to waste as the Sacramento River Cats (AAA Giants) powered their way to a 2-1 victory over the Isotopes in the series opener in West Sacramento, California on Tuesday evening.

In the 4th inning, Brendan Rodgers singled with out out and scored an out later on Josh Fuentes' double.

Orlando Calixte's solo homer to lead off the 8th inning tied the game at 1-1 and Gregor Blanco ended it in walkoff fashion in the bottom of the 9th inning.

Isotopes Starter Line: Peter Lambert - 6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 2 K, 0 HR, 68 GS, 5.54 ERA

ROCKIES Rehab Report

Mike Dunn: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, 0 HR, 4.91 ERA

Dunn tossed the 7th inning in his third outing of his current MLB rehabilitation assignment and faced 3 batters, tossing 10 pitches (8 for strikes). Dunn struck out the first two batters looking and got a flyout to end his evening.


'TOPES NOTES:
Josh Fuentes had one hit for his 169th hit of the season, tying him with Jamie Hoffmann (2010) for the most hits in a single season in Isotopes history. . . . Peter Lambert had the third quality start of his Triple-A career. . . . The Isotopes were no hit for the first 3 1/3 innings of the game. . . . Albuquerque suffered its fifth walk off loss and 17th one-run loss of the season. . . . In a vote of PCL field managers, media representatives, broadcasters and team officials, Memphis Redbirds (AAA Cardinals) manager Stubby Clapp has won the PCL Manager of the Year award for the second year in a row. Clapp has helmed the Redbirds to the PCL's best record (currently 80-54) and the American Conference Southern Division title. Runners-up included El Paso Chihuahuas (AAA Padres) manager Rod Barajas and Fresno Grizzlies (AAA Astros) manager Rodney Linares. . . . Game two of the short three game series is Wednesday evening. Probables are LHP David Holmberg (7-7, 5.38) for the Isotopes and RHP Tyler Herb (1-8, 6.17) for the River Cats.

Filed 08/28/2018

August 27, 2018 - Isotopes (61-72)

Isotopes Park

Reno          000 001 061 --  8  15  3
Albuquerque   010 200 24x --  9   9  1

WP: Brooks Pounders (2-3)
LP: Joey Krehbiel (3-3)
SV: DJ Johnson (17)

HR: RENO Yasmany Tomas (13) off Howard (6th inning, S)
    RENO Yasmany Tomas (14) off Musgrave (8th inning, 2R)

    ABQ Josh Fuentes (14) off Shipley (7th inning, S)
    ABQ Noel Cuevas (5) off Krehbiel (8th inning, S)
    ABQ Jordan Patterson (25) off Krehbiel (8th inning, 3R)
	
TIME: 3:20
ATT: 7,851
Isotope starter Sam Howard's excellent performance of allowing a run in six innings got overlooked as the Reno Aces (AAA Diamondbacks) took a late lead before Albuquerque had back-to-back homers to plate the go-ahead runs in a 9-8 victory over the Aces in the Isotopes' final home game of the season.

Tom Murphy was hit by a pitch, stole second base and scored when Elliot Soto reached on a throwing error in the 2nd inning and Raimel Tapia doubled home a pair of runs in the 4th inning to give Albuquerque a 3-0 lead.

Yasmany Tomas solo homered in the 6th inning to get the Aces on the scoreboard.

Josh Fuentes solo homered, Jordan Patterson reached on a fielding error and scored on Noel Cuevas single in the 7th inning as Albuquerque built the lead to 5-1.

Reno appeared they would steal the game from the Isotopes with a six-run 8th inning to take a 7-5 lead. Christian Walker had a two-run triple, Tomas two-run homered and Ildemaro Vargas had a RBI double in the half-inning.

In the big bottom of the 8th inning to give Albuquerque the victory, Tapia walked, Fuentes had a single and Jordan Patterson belted his team leading 25th homer of the season for the lead and Cuevas followed with a solo homer for an insurance run.

Tomas singled home Reno's final run of the game in the 9th inning.

Isotopes Starter Line: Sam Howard - 6 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 6 K, 1 HR, 55 GS, 5.20 ERA


'TOPES NOTES:
Albuquerque drew 556,330 fans at Isotopes Park in 2018 for a per-game average of 7,948. There were the full 70 openings since the Isotopes did not have a home game postponed and it was the first time since the 2009 season that Albuquerque did not have a home game postponed. The 556,330 figure was the largest season attendance since the 2015 season. The Isotopes have drawn 9,107,697 fans in their 16-season history. . . . The Isotopes went 33-37 at home this season, their first home losing record since 2015. . . . Albuquerque is 9-7 in their final home game of a season with a two game winning streak. . . . Sam Howard had his third quality start of the season. . . . Josh Fuentes and Jordan Patterson have each homered in back-to-back games. . . . Albuquerque won their fifth game of the season when scoring the game-winning runs in their last time at-bat. . . . The Isotopes have won ten games by one run this season and the 6 runs allowed in the 8th inning matched a season-worst for most runs allowed to an opponent in an inning. . . . The Isotopes have had six back-to-back homer instances this season. . . . Yasmany Tomas was the 12th opponent to have a multi-homer game against Albuquerque this season. . . . The Isotopes and Aces each won two games in the four game series and 35,893 attended for a per-game average of 8,973. . . . There was an interesting game cancellation in the PCL on Monday evening. The Salt Lake Bees (AAA Angels) game against the Fresno Grizzlies (AAA Astros) in Fresno was cancelled due to a water main break that resulted in no running water at Chukchansi Park. Despite the fact the two clubs meet in the final series of the season, the game will not be made up as the Grizzlies have clinched their division and the Bees were previously eliminated from making the postseason. . . . Kyle Tucker of the Fresno Grizzlies (AAA Astros) is the PCL Hitter of the Week. Tucker hit .560 (14x25) during the award week with 6 homers and 13 RBI. He will be best remembered this past week for a walkoff homer that gave Fresno a victory over the Salt Lake Bees and clinched division titles for two PCL clubs with his one swing of the bat. Fresno clinched their division with the victory and the El Paso Chihuahuas clinched a division title due to the Bees loss. . . . Chris Rowley of the Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) is the PCL Pitcher of the Week. Rowley made two starts during the award week and went 1-0 with a 0.75 ERA. In 12 innings over the two starts, Rowley allowed 6 hits, 1 run, walked 3 and fanned 14. . . . The Isotopes head to the road for the final seven games of the season. The first three games are against the Sacramento River Cats (AAA Giants). Probables in the opener are RHP Peter Lambert (2-5, 6.29) for the Isotopes and RHP Jordan Johnson (1-6, 5.36) for the River Cats.

Filed 08/27/2018

2018 All-PCL Team Named

In a vote of the league's field managers, media representatives and broadcasters, the 2018 All-PCL Team was named. The Isotopes were represented by two players - Mike Tauchman (Outfield) and Josh Fuentes (Third Base). Both players were also mid-season All-Stars and participated in the 2018 Triple-A All-Star Game in Columbus, Ohio in July.

Tauchman was named to the All-PCL Team in two straight seasons -- 2017 and 2018 -- while Fuentes made his first All-PCL Team. There have been 21 Isotopes named to the All-PCL Team in the 16 seasons since the franchise started in 2003.

The complete 2018 All-PCL Team:

C Christian Bethancourt - Colorado Springs Sky Sox (Brewers)
1B AJ Reed - Fresno Grizzlies (Astros)
2B Luis Urias - El Paso Chihuahuas (Padres)
3B Josh Fuentes - Albuquerque Isotopes (Rockies)
SS Ildemaro Vargas - Reno Aces (Diamondbacks)
OF Tyler O'Neill - Memphis Redbirds (Cardinals)
OF Mike Tauchman - Albuquerque Isotopes (Rockies)
OF Alex Verdugo - Oklahoma City Dodgers (Dodgers)
DH Kevin Cron - Reno Aces (Diamondbacks)
RHP SP Dakota Hudson - Memphis Redbirds (Cardinals)
LHP SP Manny Banuelos - Oklahoma City Dodgers (Dodgers)
RP RJ Alvarez - Round Rock Express (Rangers)


Filed 08/27/2018

August 26, 2018 - Isotopes (60-72)

Isotopes Park

Reno         110 202 010 --  7  13  0
Albuquerque  300 101 001 --  6  10  0

WP: Jake Buchanan (11-8)
LP: Brett Oberholtzer (6-10)
SV: Silvino Bracho (8)

HR: RENO Rey Fuentes (6) off Oberholtzer (4th inning, 2R)

    ABQ Josh Fuentes (13) off Buchanan (1st inning, 3R)
    ABQ Jordan Patterson (24) off Buchanan (4th inning, S)
    ABQ Pat Valaika (8) off Bracho (9th inning, S)
	
TIME: 2:55
ATT: 9,984
The Isotopes scored all of their runs using the long ball but six runs were not enough to win as the Reno Aces (AAA Diamondbacks) defeated the Isotopes 7-6 on Sunday evening at "The Lab".

Ildemaro Vargas doubled to lead off the game and scored on Christian Walker's double to give Reno a quick 1-0 lead. Albuquerque powered to the lead in the home half of the inning when Brendan Rodgers was hit by a pitch with one out, Mike Tauchman singled and Josh Fuentes followed with a three-run homer.

Reno edged to a run down in the 2nd inning after a run scored on a botched rundown during Anthony Recker's single and the Aces took the lead in the 4th inning when Yasmany Tomas singled ahead of Rey Fuentes' two-run homer.

Jordan Patterson solo homered to lead off the home half of the 4th inning to knot the game at 4-4.

The Aces regained the lead in the 6th inning when Vargas' infield single brought home a run and Chris Owings added a RBI single. The Isotopes edged to a run down at 6-5 in the home half of the frame on Anthony Bemboom's RBI single.

Walker's sacrifice flyout in the 8th inning extended the Aces lead back to two runs at 7-5 and the final run of the game was scored in the bottom of the 9th inning on Pat Valaika's pinch-hit solo homer.

Isotopes Starter Line: Brett Oberholtzer (L, 6-10) 5.2 IP, 9 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 3 BB, 4 K, 1 HR, 30 GS, 5.94 ERA


'TOPES NOTES:
P Brett Oberholtzer was activated from the Temporary Inactive List to make tonight's start and OF Stephen Cardullo was placed on the Disabled List, retroactive to August 24th. . . . Pat Valaika's 9th inning homer was Albuquerque's first pinch-hit homer of the season. . . . Garrett Hampson went 0x5 to snap a 17-game hitting streak, the second longest Isotope hitting streak this season. . . . Brett Oberholtzer lost his 10th game of the season tonight, the first Isotope pitcher since 2015 to lose double digit games in a season. . . . The final home game of the 2018 season is tomorrow night. Probables are LHP Sam Howard (3-7, 5.46) for the Isotopes and RHP Neftali Feliz (5-5, 5.22) for the Aces.

Filed 08/26/2018

2018 Isotope End of Season Award Winners Announced

Prior to Sunday evening's game against the Reno Aces, there was a ceremony to announce the Isotopes' 2018 end of season award winners.

Mike Tauchman was named both the MVP and the Fan Favorite. Tauchman has won the MVP in back-to-back seasons and is a four time Isotopes end of season award winner, having won the Best Defensive Player in 2016, the MVP in 2017 and 2018 and the Fan Favorite in 2018.

Jordan Patterson is the Power Hitter winner, also in back-to back seasons and Patterson has won three end of season awards - the Power Hitter in 2017 and 2018 and the MVP in 2016.

The rest of the award winners are first time end of season award winners. Shawn O'Malley wins the Mr. Hustle award, Josh Fuentes is the Best Defensive Player award winner, and Jerry Vasto is the Pitcher of the Year.

The Most Community Minded award was renamed this year as the "Jennifer Riordan Community Award" in honor of Riordan, who died in an accident on a Southwest Airlines flight in April. This year's winner of the newly-renamed award is DJ Johnson.

Filed 08/26/2018

August 25, 2018 - Isotopes (60-71)

Isotopes Park

Reno         000 000 230 --  5  9  1
Albuquerque  010 000 110 --  3  5  1

WP: Matt Koch (2-4)
LP: Santiago Casilla (0-1)
SV: Jimmie Sherfy (15)

TIME: 2:49
ATT: 9,649
Isotopes Jeff Hoffman was perfect for 6 innings before the Reno Aces (AAA Diamondbacks) surged for five runs to defeat Albuquerque 5-3 in the second game of the series on Saturday evening at "The Lab".

Josh Fuentes doubled and later scored on a balk in the 2nd inning to give the Isotopes a 1-0 lead.

Ildemaro Vargas doubled to lead off the 7th inning, ending Hoffman's perfect game bid, and Chris Owings followed with a RBI single to end the shutout and tie the game. Later in the inning, Rey Fuentes singled home a run to give the Aces the lead.

Jordan Patterson reached on a fielding error and scored on Fuentes' double after the 7th inning stretch to tie the game before Reno put the game away with three runs in the 8th inning. Vargas had a RBI double and Socrates Brito doubled home two runs.

Albuquerque plated the final run of the game in the bottom of the 8th inning when Garrett Hampson walked, stole second and third bases and scored on a wild pitch.

Isotopes Starter Line: Jeff Hoffman - 7 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 7 K, 0 HR, 75 GS, 4.69 ERA


'TOPES NOTES:
It has been an interesting series in the radio booth for both teams. Reno Aces broadcaster Ryan Radtke was away for the first two games of the series while he worked the Hawaii/Colorado State college football opener national radio broadcast for Westwood One Sports. Josh Suchon's radio call of Friday evening's series opener was simulcast on the Aces flagship station in Reno. Suchon was absent from the radio booth tonight to attend a friend's wedding so Suchon's streak of calling all 844 Isotopes games since starting the job in 2013 ended. Isotopes flagship radio station The Sports Animal morning show host Jeff Siembieda and Isotopes Director of Public Relations Kevin Collins worked tonight's radio broadcast that was also simulcast in Reno. Suchon and Radkte will both be back behind the microphone for Sunday and Monday's games. . . . The start of the game was delayed 21 minutes by a pregame rain shower. . . . Jeff Hoffman had his fourth quality start of the season tonight. . . . It was division clinching night in three out of the four divisions in the PCL. The Memphis Redbirds (AAA Cardinals) started things off by clinching the American Conference Southern Division. Later in the evening, one swing of the bat clinched two divisions. Kyle Tucker's three-run walk-off homer clinched the Pacific Conference Northern Division for the Fresno Grizzlies (AAA Astros) while the Salt Lake Bees (AAA Angels) loss in that game gave the El Paso Chihuahuas (AAA Padres) the Pacific Conference Southern Division crown. Eliminated from the PCL playoff races tonight were the Nashville Sounds (AAA Athletics), Bees and Reno Aces (AAA Diamondbacks). The only division race left is the American Conference Northern Division where there is tight race between the Oklahoma City Dodgers (AAA Dodgers) and Colorado Springs Sky Sox (AAA Brewers) with Oklahoma City leading the division by a half-game. . . . Game three of the series is Sunday evening. Probables are LHP Brett Oberholtzer (6-9, 5.78) for the Isotopes and RHP Jake Buchanan (10-8, 4.60) for the Aces.

Filed 08/25/2018

August 24, 2018 - Isotopes (60-70)

Isotopes Park

Reno         001 000 000 --  1  7  0
Albuquerque  000 011 00x --  2  7  2

WP: David Holmberg (7-7)
LP: Taylor Clarke (12-8)
SV: Yency Almonte (1)

TIME: 2:45
ATT: 8,409
Isotopes starter David Holmberg allowed a run in 6 innings and the Isotopes plated both of their runs after falling behind in a 2-1 low-scoring final homestand series-opening affair at Isotopes Park on Friday evening.

Ildemaro Vargas' sacrifice flyout in the 3rd inning provided the only Reno run of the game.

Jordan Patterson singled and later scored on Tom Murphy's triple in the 5th inning to tie the game and Albuquerque plated the game-winning run in the 6th inning as Garrett Hampson led off with a double, made it to third base on a wild pitch and scored on Pat Valaika's single.

Isotopes Starter Line: David Holmberg (W, 7-7) 6 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, 0 HR, 67 GS, 5.38 ERA

ROCKIES Rehab Report

Mike Dunn: (H, 2) 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, 0 HR, 6.75 ERA

Dunn made his second appearance of his current MLB Rehabilitation Assignment stint and faced 4 batters in the 7th inning, tossed 11 pitches (10 for strikes) and gave up a leadoff double before getting a fly out and two groundouts to end the inning.


'TOPES NOTES:
Surprisingly the three combined runs in the game was not the lowest of the season for a home game. There was a game at "The Lab" earlier this season in which two combined runs were scored. . . . David Holmberg had his fourth quality start of the season tonight and second in a row. Holmberg is tied for the team lead in victories - 7 (Scott McGough). . . . Albuquerque has nine one-run victories this season. . . . For the second straight season, El Paso Chihuahuas (AAA Padres) groundskeeper Travis Howard is the PCL's Sports Turf Manager of the Year. The only other PCL groundskeeper to win the award in back-to-back seasons was the Isotopes' Jarad Alley who won the award in 2007 and 2008. The Sports Turf Manager of the Year is voted on by the league's field managers and on-field officials based on 11 different criteria categories. Runner-ups included the Isotopes' Clint Belau, Round Rock Express' (AAA Rangers) Nick Rozdilski, and Salt Lake Bees' (AAA Angels) Brian Soukup. The next PCL end-of-season award announcement is Monday with the All-PCL Team. . . . Game two of the series is Saturday evening. Probables are RHP Jeff Hoffman (6-8, 4.85) for the Isotpes and a pitcher to be named for the Aces.

Filed 08/24/2018

August 23, 2018 - Isotopes (59-70)

Southwest University Park

Albuquerque  000 011 000 --   2  10  3
El Paso      201 333 02x --  14  13  2

WP: Cal Quantrill (2-0)
LP: Peter Lambert (2-5) 

HR: ABQ Pat Valaika (7) off Quantrill (5th inning, S)

    ELP Ty France (4) off Lambert (1st inning, 2R)
    ELP Forrestt Allday (4) off Lambert (4th inning, 3R)
    ELP Dusty Coleman (13) off Casilla (5th inning, 3R)
	
TIME: 2:56
ATT: 7,418
The El Paso Chihuahuas (AAA Padres) used three homers to plate eight runs in a 14-2 series-ending victory over the Isotopes in El Paso on Thursday evening.

Ty France two-run homered in the 1st inning to give the Chihuahuas a quick lead in the game, Brett Nicholas had an RBI groundout in the 3rd inning and Forrestt Allday three-run homered in the 4th inning to make it 6-0 El Paso.

Pat Valaika solo homered in the 5th inning to get the Isotopes on the scoreboard and El Paso's Dusty Coleman three-run homered in the home half of the inning to give the Chihuahuas a 9-1 lead.

Josh Fuentes singled in the 6th inning, advanced to third base when Jordan Patterson reached on a fielding error and Noel Cuevas' groundout brought Fuentes home. Nicholas singled home a run and Coleman added a two-run single in the bottom half of the frame as El Paso extended the lead to 12-2.

Shane Peterson had a run-scoring single and another run scored on a force out as the Chihuahuas plated their final two runs in the 8th inning.

Isotopes Starter Line: Peter Lambert (L, 2-5) 4 IP, 5 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 3 BB, 3 K, 2 HR, 21 GS, 6.29 ERA


'TOPES NOTES:
The Rockies purchased the contract of OF Matt Holliday from the Isotopes and optioned IF Garrett Hampson to Albuquerque. Holliday appeared in 15 games with the Isotopes and hit .346 with 3 homers and 14 RBI. . . . Harrison Musgrave was the only Isotopes pitcher out of the four used in the game to not allow a run. . . . Albuquerque tied for their season worst loss of the season - 12 runs. . . . El Paso's Ty France homered in all three games in the series. . . . The New Orleans Baby Cakes (AAA Marlins) in the American Conference Southern Division and Tacoma Rainiers (AAA Mariners) became the latest PCL clubs to be eliminated from playoff contention. The El Paso Chihuahuas, with a magic number of 2, can become the first PCL club to clinch a division title on Friday evening if they win and the Salt Lake Bees (AAA Angels) lose their game. . . . The first of the PCL's end-of-season awards was announced today and Fresno Grizzlies (AAA Astros) head athletic trainer Lee Meyer is the Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society (PBATS) top athletic trainer in the PCL for 2018. The vote was conducted by the full membership of PBATS. . . . The Isotopes return home for their final four-game series of the season against the Reno Aces (AAA Diamondbacks) starting Friday evening. Probables in the opener are LHP David Holmberg (6-7, 5.72) for the Isotopes and RHP Taylor Clarke (12-7, 4.21) for the Aces.

Filed 08/23/2018

August 22, 2018 - Isotopes (59-69)

Southwest University Park

Albuquerque  200 000 000 --  2   3  0
El Paso      222 010 00x --  7  14  2

WP: Logan Allen (3-0)
LP: Sam Howard (3-7)

HR: ELP Francisco Mejia (4) off Howard (1st inning, 2R)
    ELP Javy Guerra (13) off Howard (2nd inning, 2R)
    ELP Ty France (3) off Howard (3rd inning, S)
	
TIME: 2:39
ATT: 9,158
The Isotopes were only able to muster 3 hits in the game and the El Paso Diablos (AAA Padres) powered their way to a big early lead in defeating Albuquerque 7-2 on Wednesday evening in El Paso.

Albuquerque briefly led in the game with a two run 1st inning. Pat Valaika led off the game with a walk and two strikeouts later, Josh Fuentes walked and Jordan Patterson reached on a fielding error with Valaika scoring. Noel Cuevas followed with a single to plate Fuentes.

El Paso surged into the lead with a pair of two-run homers - Francisco Mejia's two-run 1st inning homer tied the game and Javy Guerra's two-run 2nd inning homer gave the Diablos the lead.

Ty France solo homered in the 3rd inning and Guerra doubled home a run later in the inning to extend the Diablos lead to 6-2.

Shane Peterson doubled and scored on Guerra's single in the 5th inning for the final run of the game.

Isotopes Starter Line: Sam Howard (L, 3-7) 4 IP, 8 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, 3 HR, 12 GS, 5.46 ERA


'TOPES NOTES:
P Brett Oberholtzer was placed on the Temporary Inactive List and C Jan Vazquez was activated from the Disabled List. . . . The El Paso Chihuahuas wore an El Paso Diablos throwback uniform in tonight's game. The Diablos were El Paso's baseball team in various classes mostly from the 1930's to the mid 2010's, best known as being a Double-A club in 1962-1970 and 1972-2004 and as an independent league club from 2005-2013 before the Chihuahuas arrived in El Paso as a Triple-A club in 2014. . . . El Paso hitter Javy Guerra was a triple short of hitting for the cycle. . . . The Isotopes had an online auction of their Mariachis de Nuevo Mexico jerseys that concluded today with the net proceeds being donated to the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce (AHCC) Foundation's Education Excellence Scholarship program. Most of the items were player game-worn jerseys autographed by the player, but other items included a team-signed Mariachis de Nuevo Mexico jersey and a unique Coco-themed, team-signed guitar and team-signed baseball. There is no word yet how much money was donated from the online auction to the AHCC Foundation. . . . The Las Vegas 51s (AAA Mets) became the fifth PCL club to be eliminated from playoff contention when division-leader El Paso defeated the Isotopes. The Pacific Conference Southern Division race is between El Paso and the Salt Lake Bees (AAA Angels) with the Bees 9.5 games out with 12 games left to play and El Paso having a magic number of 3. . . . The Isotopes and Chihuahuas close out the series on Thursday evening in their final matchup of 2018. Probables are RHP Peter Lambert (2-4, 5.58) for the Isotopes and RHP Cal Quantrill (1-0, 3.18) for the Chihuahuas.

Filed 08/22/2018

August 21, 2018 - Isotopes (59-68)

Southwest University Park

Albuquerque  011 100 100 --  4  12  1
El Paso      010 202 10x --  6  11  0

WP: Dillon Overton (7-2)
LP: Mike Dunn (0-1)
SV: Colten Brewer (3)

HR: ABQ Jordan Patterseon (23) off Lockett (4th inning, S)

    ELP Ty France (2) off Vasto (7th inning, S)
	
TIME: 2:57
ATT: 6,970
The El Paso Chihuahuas (AAA Padres) surged into the lead with four runs in the middle innings to defeat the Isotopes 6-4 in the series opener in El Paso on Tuesday evening. The loss snapped an Isotope three-game winning streak.

Each team plated their first run of the game in the 2nd inning. Jordan Patterson doubled and scored on Raimel Tapia's double for the Isotopes and Chihuahuas starter Walker Lockett singled home a run in the home half.

Matt Holliday singled home a run in the 3rd inning and Patterson solo homered in the 4th inning to give Albuquerque a 3-1 lead.

Shane Peterson doubled home a run and scored on Javy Guerra's single in the bottom of the 4th inning to knot the game at 3-3 and El Paso took the lead in the 6th inning when the Chihuahuas plated a run during a double play and Forrestt Allday singled home a run.

Brendan Rodgers brought home a run with a groundout in the top of the 7th inning and after the 7th inning stretch, Ty France's solo homer increased El Paso's lead back to two runs at 6-4.

The Isotopes put runners on 1st and 2nd bases with no outs in the top of the 9th inning but then went down in order without cashing in any of the baserunners.

Isotopes Starter Line: Brett Oberholtzer - 5 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, 0 HR, 49 GS, 5.78 ERA

ROCKIES Rehab Report

Mike Dunn: 0.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 0 H, 0 HR, 10.80 ERA

Dunn faced 6 batters and tosed 20 pitches (9 strikes) in his first appearance of his second MLB Rehabilitation Assignment with the Isotopes this season. Dunn gave up the go-ahead runs in the 6th inning. The inning started off with a walk and two singles to load the bases. Dunn got a double play with a run scoring and walked another batter before giving up a RBI single. Right after that run scored, a nearby lightning strike caused the game to go into a lightning delay and Dunn did not return after the delay.


'TOPES NOTES:
The Rockies sent Farmington, NM native P Mike Dunn to the Isotopes on a MLB Rehabilitation Assignment. . . . The game was delayed 1 hour, 21 minutes by lightning after the Chihuahuas plated two go-ahead runs in the bottom of the 6th inning. . . . Josh Fuentes, the PCL hits leader with 160, went 0x4 to snap a 6-game hitting streak. . . . Albuquerque grounded into a season-high four double plays. . . . Isotopes pitching allowed a homer in the game, snapping a season-best streak of five games without a homer allowed. . . . JD Davis of the Fresno Grizzlies (AAA Astros) is the PCL Hitter of the Week. Davis hit .462 (12x26) during the award week wtih 6 homers and 15 RBI. . . . The PCL Pitcher of the Week is Arnaldo Hernandez of the Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA Royals). Hernandez won a complete game in his only start of the week, allowing a run and 5 hits in the 9 inning outing. Hernandez issued no walks and fanned 6 batters. . . . Game two of the short three-game series is Wednesday evening. Probables are LHP Sam Howard (3-6, 5.06) for the Isotopes and LHP Logan Allen (2-0, 1.64) for the Chihuahuas.

Filed 08/21/2018

August 19, 2018 - Mariachis (59-67)

The Plaza

Sacramento    000 001 000 --  1   8  0
Albuquerque   111 200 02x --  7  14  0

WP: Jeff Hoffman (6-8)
LP: Mike Connolly (0-2) 

HR: ABQ Pat Valaika (6) off Connolly (4th inning, S)
    ABQ Stephen Cardullo (3) off Connolly (4th inning, S)
	
TIME: 2:41
ATT: 13,553
Mariachis starter Jeff Hoffman tossed eight innings of one-run ball and the Mariachis de Nuevo Mexico plated runs in the first four innings on their way to a series-ending 7-1 victory over the Dorados de Sacramento (AAA Giants) on Sunday evening at "The Plaza".

Brendan Rodgers singled in his first at-bat off the Disabled List and scored on Josh Fuentes' triple in the 1st inning, Noel Cuevas doubled and scored on Hoffman's single in the 2nd inning and back-to-back doubles from Mike Tauchman and Fuentes brought home a run in the 3rd inning for the Mariachis.

Stephen Cardullo and Pat Valaika solo-homered two outs apart in the 4th inning to extend the Mariachis lead to 5-0.

The Dorados plated their only run of the game in the 6th inning when Ryder Jones tripled and scored on Miguel Gomez's single.

Jordan Patterson and pinch-hitter Elliot Soto each singled home a run in the 8th inning to cap the scoring in the game.

Isotopes Starter Line: Jeff Hoffman (W, 6-8) 8 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 5 K, 0 HR, 72 GS, 4.85 ERA


'TOPES NOTES:
P Keith Hessler and IF Shawn O'Malley were both placed on the Disabled List, retroactive to August 18th, and IF Brendan Rodgers was activated from the Disabled List. . . . While the atmosphere was festive at The Plaza, the end of the game marked the Isotopes elimination from playoff contention with the division-leading El Paso Chihuahuas winning and remaining 14.5 games up on the Isotopes with 14 games left to play. Albuquerque was eliminated in game number 126, the earliest in franchise history the Isotopes have been eliminated from making the playoffs. There are now four PCL teams eliminated from playoff contention and two more could join the group on Tuesday evening. . . . The Sacramento River Cats wore their Dorados de Sacramento Copa de la Diversion uniforms in the game. . . . Albuquerque went 4-1 as the Mariachis this season with a 3-1 record at The Plaza. The Copa de la Diversion promo has been successful with 55,235 attending the four games at The Plaza for a per-game average of 13,809. . . . The crowd of 13,553 was the 26th largest regular season crowd in Isotopes Park history. The Mariachis have drawn two of the top 50 franchise record regular season home crowds. . . . Jeff Hoffman's eight innings was the longest Isotope start of the season and Hoffman had his third quality start of this year. . . . The Isotopes have won three straight games for the first time since July 5th. . . . Albuquerque pitching has gone a season-longest five games without allowing a homer. . . . The Isotopes went 3-1 in the series with the River Cats and 39,308 attended at "The Lab" for a per-game average of 9,827. Tonight concluded the Albuquerque portion of the season series and Albuquerque won five of the eight games. All-time at Isotopes Park, Albuquerque has won 28 games and Sacramento has won 31 games. The 16-game season series with the River Cats concludes in late August with a three game series in Sacramento. . . . There are four home games left for the Isotopes. . . . After an off day on Monday, the Isotopes play a quick three game series in El Paso against the division-leading El Paso Chihuahuas (AAA Padres). Probables in the opener Tuesday evening are LHP Brett Oberholtzer (6-9, 5.79) for the Isotopes and RHP Walker Lockett (5-9, 4.70) for the Chihuahuas.

Filed 08/19/2018

August 18, 2018 - Isotopes (58-67)

Isotopes Park

Sacramento   100 000 100 --  2  10  1   
Albuquerque  140 100 00x --  6   8  0

WP: David Holmberg (6-7)
LP: Tyler Herb (1-7) 

HR: ABQ Raimel Tapia (11) off Herb (2nd inning, 2R)
	
TIME: 2:37
ATT: 9,331
Isotopes starter David Holmberg allowed a run in 6 innings for his third quality start of the season and the Isotopes gave him a 4-run 2nd inning to put the game away in a 6-2 victory over the Sacramento River Cats (AAA Giants) on Saturday evening at "The Lab".

Both teams plated a run in the 1st inning. Brock Stassi singled home a run for Sacramento while Raimel Tapia led off the game for Albuquerque with a double, went to third base on a passed ball and scored on Jordan Patterson's single.

In Albuquerque's big 2nd inning, Josh Fuentes singled, went to second base on a wild pitch and scored on Stephen Cardullo's triple. Tom Murphy reached on an error and Elliot Soto's fielders choice brought home Cardullo. Holmberg laid down a sacrifice bunt to advance Soto into scoring position ahead of Tapia's two-run homer as the Isotopes led 5-1.

Back-to-back doubles from Cardullo and Murphy plated Albuquerque's final run in the 4th inning and Sacramento scored the final run of the game in the 7th inning when Peter Bourjos tripled home a run.

Isotopes Starter Line: David Holmberg (W, 6-7) 6 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 6 K, 65 GS, 5.72 ERA


'TOPES NOTES:
The Rockies optioned IF Pat Valaika to Albuquerque. . . . Albuquerque drew their 500,000th fan of the season through the Isotopes Park turnstiles. In 65 openings, the Isotopes have drawn 506,884. Albuquerque is on pace to draw 545,875 which would be the highest season attendance since the 2015 season. . . . Isotopes pitching issued no walks in a game for the third time this season and have not allowed a homer in a season-high four straight games, allowing the Las Vegas 51s (AAA Mets) to take over the league lead in homers allowed. . . . Mike Tauchman went 0x3 to snap an eight game hitting streak. . . . Matt Holliday flied out in the 1st inning, ending his eight consecutive at-bats streak with a hit, one short of the tying Ryan McMahon's franchise record of 9 consecutive at-bats with a hit. . . . The series (and homestand) concludes Sunday evening with the final Mariachis de Nuevo Mexico game of the season at "The Plaza". Probables are RHP Jeff Hoffman (5-8, 5.19) for the Mariachis and RHP Mike Connolly (0-1, 4.13) for the River Cats who might play as the Dorados de Sacramento if they brought their Copa de la Diversion uniforms on the road.

Filed 08/18/2018

August 17, 2018 - Isotopes (57-67)

Isotopes Park

Sacramento    010 000 420 --  7  12  0  
Albuquerque   000 210 50x --  8  10  0

WP: Yency Almonte (2-4)
LP: Manny Parra (3-2)
SV: DJ Johnson (16)

HR: ABQ Matt Holliday (3) off Anderson (4th inning, 2R)
    ABQ Josh Fuentes (12) off Law (7th inning, GS)
	
TIME: 2:50
ATT: 7,771
Josh Fuentes' grand-slam homer capped a five-run 7th inning as the Isotopes came from behind to defeat the Sacramento River Cats (AAA Giants) 8-7 on Friday evening at "The Lab".

Orlando Calixte's sacrifice flyout in the 2nd inning got the River Cats on the scoreboard and Albuquerque took the lead in the 4th inning with one swing of the bat. Mike Tauchman singled ahead of Matt Holliday's third homer as an Isotope.

Albuquerque built the lead to 3-1 in the 5th inning when Elliot Soto tripled and scored on Raimel Tapia's fielders choice.

Just before the 7th inning stretch, Sacramento plated four runs to take a 5-3 lead. Kelby Tomlinson singled home two runs, Miguel Gomez had a RBI single and a run scored on a passed ball.

The Isotopes reclaimed the lead for good after the 7th inning stretch. Shawn O'Malley bunt singled a run home and Fuentes' grand-slam homer provided the go ahead runs.

Sacramento plated the final two runs of the game in the 8th inning on Calixte's two-run double.

Isotopes Starter Line: Peter Lambert - 6.2 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 2 K, 0 HR, 49 GS, 5.58 ERA


'TOPES NOTES:
The Rockies optioned P Harrison Musgrave to Albuquerque. . . . The start of the game was delayed 38 minutes by a pregame rain shower. . . . Mike Tauchman hit safely to extend his hitting streak to 8 games. . . . Matt Holliday has a hit in his last eight straight at-bats dating back to the 9th inning of August 14th's contest, nearing the Isotope record of 9 by Ryan McMahon. . . . Josh Fuentes grand slam homer was his first of the season and the team's sixth this year with all of the grand slam homers hit at Isotopes Park. . . . Albuquerque had its eighth one-run victory of the season. . . . On Friday evening, the Iowa Cubs (AAA Cubs) became the third PCL team to be eliminated from playoff contention when they were eliminated from the PCL American Conference Northern Division race. . . . The series continues Saturday evening. Probables are LHP David Holmberg (5-7, 6.01) for the Isotopes and RHP Tyler Herb (1-6, 5.03) for the River Cats.

Filed 08/17/2018

August 16, 2018 - Isotopes (56-67)

Isotopes Park

Sacramento   200 000 020 --  4  10  1   
Albuquerque  010 001 000 --  2   7  0

WP: Jordan Johnson (1-6)
LP: Jerry Vasto (2-1)
SV: Steven Okert (1)

TIME: 2:46
ATT:  8,653
In the series opener at "The Lab" on Thursday evening, the Sacramento River Cats (AAA Giants) plated the game-winning runs in the 8th inning to defeat Albuquerque 4-2.

The River Cats took a quick 2-0 lead in the 1st inning. The first run of the game scored on a groundout and Myles Schroder doubled home a run.

Anthony Bemboom singled home Albuquerque's first run of the game in the 2nd inning and the Isotopes tied the game in the 6th inning. Mike Tauchman doubled, went to third base on Josh Fuentes' sacrifice bunt and scored on Jordan Patterson's single.

Sacramento's go-ahead runs were plated with two outs when Aramis Garcia came up to the plate with the bases loaded and singled home two runs.

Isotopes Starter Line: Sam Howard - 5.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 4 K, 0 HR, 64 GS, 5.06 ERA


'TOPES NOTES:
Mike Tauchman hit safely to extend his hitting streak to 7 games. . . . Gane two of the series is Friday evening. Probables are RHP Peter Lambert (2-4, 5.61) for the Isotopes and RHP Shaun Anderson (1-2, 4.30) for the River Cats.

Filed 08/16/2018

August 15, 2018 - Isotopes (56-66)

Isotopes Park

Tacoma       000 200 000 --  2   8  3
Albuquerque  202 111 00x --  7  13  1

WP: Brett Oberholtzer (6-9)
LP: Dan Altavilla (0-1)
	
TIME: 2:54
ATT: 7,244
Isotopes starter Brett Oberholtzer allowed 2 runs in 7 innings and Josh Fuentes knocked in three runs as the Isotopes avoided the series sweep with a 7-2 victory over the Tacoma Rainiers (AAA Mariners) on Wednesday evening at "The Lab".

Albuquerque took a quick 2-0 lead in the 1st inning on Fuentes' RBI single and a run-scoring wild pitch.

Fuentes and Jordan Patterson each doubled home runs in the 3rd inning to extend the Isotope lead to 4-0 before Tacoma plated their only runs of the game in the 4th inning. John Andreoli tripled home a run and scored on a groundout.

Elliot Soto tripled and scored on Raimel Tapia's sacrifice flyout in the home half of the 4th inning, Fuentes' groundout brought home a run in the 5th inning and Albuquerque scored the final run of the game in the 6th inning on Soto's single.

Isotopes Starter Line: Brett Oberholtzer (W, 6-9) 7 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 5 K, 0 HR, 63 GS, 5.79 ERA


'TOPES NOTES:
P Brett Oberholtzer was activated from the Temporary Inactive List to make tonight's start and had his sixth quality start of the season. Oberholtzer had his fifth outing of the season where he went 7 innings and Oberholtzer has been the workhorse of the pitching staff, tossing 26 2/3 more innings than David Holmberg who is second on the team in innings pitched. . . . Noel Cuevas went 0x5 to snap an eight game hitting streak. . . . The Rainiers won two out of the three games in the series and 22,599 attended at Isotopes Park for a per-game average of 7,533. There are eight home games left for Albuquerque. . . . Albuquerque won seven out of the 16 games in the season series with Tacoma and was 3-5 at home and 4-4 in Tacoma. All-time, Tacoma leads the series 63-60 while Albuquerque has a 34-30 all-time advantage at Isotopes Park. . . . The Nashville Sounds (AAA Athletics) lost on Wednesday evening, snapping a 15-game winning streak. . . . The homestand concludes with a four-game series against the Sacramento River Cats (AAA Giants). Probables in the opener are LHP Sam Howard (3-6, 5.21) for the Isotopes and RHP Jordan Johnson (0-6, 6.21) for the River Cats.

Filed 08/15/2018

August 14, 2018 - Isotopes (55-66)

Isotopes Park

Tacoma       100 152 000 --  9  13  1
Albuquerque  020 100 002 --  5   9  1

WP: Bryan Evans (5-2)
LP: Jeff Hoffman (5-8)
SV: Shawn Armstrong (12)

HR: TAC Daniel Vogelbach (19) off Hoffman (6th inning, 2R)

    ABQ Josh Fuentes (11) off Evans (2nd inning, 2R)
	
TIME: 3:13
ATT: 8,088
In the middle game of the three game series, the Tacoma Rainiers (AAA Mariners) used a five-run 5th inning to take a commanding lead in a 9-5 victory over the Isotopes. Albuquerque has dropped three straight games and is a season worst 11 games below the .500 mark.

After Tacoma plated the first run of the game on a groundout in the 1st inning, Albuquerque took the lead in the 2nd inning. Mike Tauchman tripled and was able to trot home on Josh Fuentes' two-run homer.

Ian Miller doubled home a run in the top of the 4th inning to the the game at 2-2 and Albuquerque regained the lead for the last time in the game in their half of the 4th inning when Tom Murphy scored on Elliot Soto's ground-rule double.

In the deciding 5th inning, Daniel Vogelbach doubled home two runs, scored on David Freitas' double and Miller added two runs with a single.

Gordon Beckham was hit by a pitch and scored on Vogelbach's two-run 6th inning homer as the Rainiers led 9-3 and Albuquerque plated the final two runs of the game in the 9th inning when Matt Holliday came to the plate with the bases loaded and delivered a two-run single.

Isotopes Starter Line: Jeff Hoffman (L, 5-8) 5 IP, 12 H, 9 R, 9 ER, 3 BB, 2 K, 1 HR, 9 GS, 5.19 ERA


'TOPES NOTES:
The Rockies recalled IF Garrett Hampson from the Isotopes after placing P Scott Oberg on the Paternity Leave list. OF Stephen Cardullo was activated from the Disabled List, IF Brendan Rodgers was placed on the Disabled List retroactive to August 12th, and IF Daniel Castro was placed on the Disabled List retroactive to August 13th. . . . Noel Cuevas extended his hitting streak to 8 games. . . . Jeff Hoffman gave up 9 earned runs, tying the Isotope pitching staff season high for most earned runs allowed by a starter in an outing. . . . In two items of PCL news, the Salt Lake Bees and Los Angeles Angels announced a two-year extension of their Player Development Contract today, affiliating the Bees and Angels through the 2022 season. The Nashville Sounds (AAA Athletics) defeated the Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) 8-4 to extend their winning streak to an incredible 15 games. The PCL record is 19 games set by Los Angeles Angels in 1939. . . . The final matchup of the season between Isotopes and Rainiers is Wednesday evening. Probables are LHP Brett Oberholtzer (5-9, 6.00) for the Isotopes and former-Isotope RHP Christian Bergman (7-9, 5.52) for the Rainiers.

Filed 08/14/2018

August 13, 2018 - Isotopes (55-65)

Isotopes Park

Tacoma       000 122 000 --  5   8  2
Albuquerque  000 100 100 --  2  11  0

WP: Austin Hutchison (1-0)
LP: David Holmberg (5-7)
SV: Nick Rumbelow (2)

HR: TAC Gordon Beckham (9) off Holmberg (4th inning, S)
	
TIME: 2:42
ATT: 7,267
There was a two hour, 2 minute pregame rain delay before the first pitch and once the game got going, the Tacoma Rainiers (AAA Mariners) plated four runs combined in the 5th and 6th innings to snap a tied game as the Isotopes lost to the Rainiers 5-2 in the series opener at "The Lab" on Monday evening.

Tacoma's Gordon Beckham solo homered in the 4th inning for the first run of the game and Albuquerque tied up the game in the bottom half. Jordan Patterson singled and later scored on Elliot Soto's single.

Tacoma used two-out magic to regain the lead in the 5th inning. Zach Vincej and John Andreoli each singled with two outs and scored on Ben Gamel's two-run triple. Cameron Rupp's RBI double and Seth Mejias-Brean's sacrifice flyout in the 6th inning brought home two more runs to extend the Rainiers lead to 5-1.

The Isotopes closed out the scoring after the 7th inning stretch. Matt Holliday doubled, advanced to third base on Mike Tauchman's groundout and scored on Josh Fuentes' groundout.

Isotopes Starter Line: David Holmberg (L, 5-7) 5.1 IP, 8 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 2 K, 1 HR, 31 GS, 6.01 ERA


'TOPES NOTES:
IF Elliot Soto was activated from the Disabled List and P Brett Oberholtzer was placed on the Temporary Inactive List. . . . Noel Cuevas hit safely to extend his hitting streak to 7 games. Garrett Hampson did not play so his current hitting streak remains at 15 games. . . . The first two PCL clubs were eliminated from PCL playoff contention on Monday evening -- the Round Rock Express (AAA Rangers) and Sacramento River Cats (AAA Giants). Albuquerque's tragic number stands at 8 after tonight's loss. . . . Austin Dean of the New Orleans Baby Cakes (AAA Marlins) is the PCL Hitter of the Week. Dean hit .647 (11x17) with 3 homer and 7 RBI in five games during the award week. . . . Drew Gagnon of the Las Vegas 51s (AAA Mets) is the PCL Pitcher of the Week. Gagnon won both of his starts for the week with one of those starts being a complete game. In 13 innings of work, Gagnon allowed 10 hits, 3 runs, 2 walks and fanned 19 batters. . . . Game two of the series is Tuesday evening. Probables are RHP Jeff Hoffman (5-7, 4.52) for the Isotopes and RHP Bryan Evans (4-2, 4.37) for the Rainiers.

Filed 08/13/2018
Page hits: