Isotopes Fold the Aces 5-2, Win Third Straight
Behind a powerful performance by starting pitcher Jeff Hoffman (2-0, 1.38), the Albuquerque Isotopes defeated the Reno Aces 5-2 Thursday afternoon. The win moves the Isotopes back to the .500 mark as the club will now travel back to Albuquerque for tomorrow's Home Opener.
Hoffman once again showed why he is such a highly-touted prospect in the Rockies system. The 23-year-old allowed two runs on just three hits over 7.0 innings on the hill, striking out three and walking one. Hoffman retired 13 of his last 14 hitters before he was lifted from the game. The outing marks the right-hander's second quality start in as many Triple-A outings.
The Isotopes offense was also busy on Thursday, collecting 11 hits on the afternoon. Rafael Ynoa drove home two of Albuquerque's five runs on the day, with Jordan Patterson and Jeff Hoffman himself each driving home a run. The Isotopes scored their fifth and final run of the day on a wild pitch.
The Isotopes will now head home to Albuquerque and open an eight-game homestand against the Tacoma Rainiers and the Aces. Shane Carle (0-1 24.75) is in line to start the Isotopes 14th Home Opener tomorrow evening. He will be opposed by Tacoma's James Paxton (0-1, 2.25). First pitch on Opening Night from Isotopes Park is slated for 7:05 p.m.