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PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

Isotopes endure rain, walk away with 6-3 victory

July 24, 2005 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


Jason Wood plated the go-ahead run with a bases-loaded walk in the eighth inning and Eric Reed hit the sixth inside-the-park home run in franchise history in the ninth to push the Albuquerque Isotopes (56-46) to a 6-3, rain-delayed victory over the New Orleans Zephyrs (44-55) Sunday night at Zephyrs Field. With the win, the first-place ‘Topes maintained their four-game lead over Round Rock, which defeated Memphis, 13-5.

With the score tied at 3, the ‘Topes loaded the bases with one out against reliever Bill Bray (1-1) on a walk by Joe Dillon, a double by Todd Sears, and an intentional walk to Wilson Delgado. After a line out by Larry Barnes, Jason Wood - who was pinch hitting for John Pachot - followed with a free pass that lifted Albuquerque to the victory. Reed led off the ninth with a liner that eluded a diving attempt by Zephyrs centerfielder Brandon Watson and beat the relay throw to the plate to become the first Isotopes player to hit an inside-the-park home run since Derek Wathan accomplished the feat last season. Delgado followed with an RBI single to left-center field that closed out the scoring for the game.

Ben Howard (5-2), who relieved starter Ariel Prieto in the seventh inning, picked up the win for Albuquerque. Prieto pitched well enough to win, however, with six strong innings in which he allowed three runs - two earned - and struck out five. Jim Crowell pitched a perfect ninth inning to earn his 11th save of the year in a game that was delayed by one hour and 18 minutes in the fourth inning due to wet playing conditions.

Dillon put the ‘Topes up early with an RBI single that brought home Reed in the first inning and Barnes made it 2-0 with his fourth home run of the season. Prieto retired the first six batters he faced, but ran into trouble in the third inning when the Zephyrs tied up the contest on a solo home run by Craig Kuzmic and a sacrifice fly by Tyrell Godwin. Kevin Orie pushed New Orleans ahead in the fifth with a two-out homer to center field, but Albuquerque knotted the game back up in the sixth when Sears scored Wilson with a sacrifice fly.

The Isotopes will face the Zephyrs in the final game of a four-game set Monday night with right-hander Frank Castillo (7-7, 5.31) taking the mound for Albuquerque against New Orleans lefty Matt White (4-4, 3.29). The first-place ‘Topes will return home this Tuesday to begin an eight-game homestand that will be kicked off by Beach Night and an Orbit Bobblehead giveaway, one of the most highly anticipated Isotopes promotions all season courtesy of Coca-Cola.

The Isotopes will be wearing beach-inspired jerseys and fans are encouraged to wear their own best beach garb for an opportunity to win a free trip for two to Florida. Other highlights include baseball giveaways on Wednesday, courtesy of CASA Automotive, free Louisville Slugger replica bats for the kids courtesy of Comcast, and the triumphant return of Myron Noodleman, complete with special bobbleheads on July 30 presented by ABC Seamless. Tickets are available at the Isotopes Park Box Office, at local Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster.com, and Ticketmaster by phone at 883-7800.

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