Isotopes Walk Off Over the Redbirds for Sixth Straight Win
Down by a run in the ninth inning, the Isotopes (40-53) put together a rally to defeat the Memphis Redbirds 9-8 on Saturday night at Isotopes Park. The victory extended Albuquerque's winning streak to six games, the longest since the club won seven straight from April 18-24.
The Isotopes offense got off to a quick start, plating a run in the bottom half of the first inning on first baseman Ben Paulsen's RBI single.
Albuquerque padded their lead in the fourth inning, crossing the plate four times. Third baseman Alex Castellanos recorded an RBI triple to begin the scoring in the frame.
Second baseman Rafael Ynoa would then go on to single home two runs. The final run of the inning came on center fielder David Dahl's RBI single.
Dahl would finish the night 1-for-3 with a single and two walks, actually dropping his batting average to .526 (20-for-38) over his nine games with the Isotopes. The 22-year-old still sports a 1.053 slugging percentage.
The Redbirds answered the Isotopes five runs with a combined seven of their own during the fifth and sixth innings against Isotopes pitching, eventually taking an 8-7 lead in the top of the ninth over Albuquerque.
Isotopes starter Kyle Freeland exited the game after 5.1 innings on the mound. The southpaw allowed six runs on 11 hits, striking out four, and walking three. Freeland would receive a no-decision.
Down by a run in the bottom of the ninth inning, Ben Paulsen led off the frame with a double down the left field line. Right fielder Jordan Patterson brought home Paulsen, tying the game with an RBI triple hit up the center field hill. Shortstop Jeff Bianchi then ended the game, blooping a single over the first baseman's head to give the Isotopes the 9-8 victory.
The Isotopes go for the four-game sweep of the Redbirds tomorrow evening when left-hander Harrison Musgrave (4-5, 4.37) takes the hill. Memphis will counter with right-hander Deck McGuire (6-7, 4.81). First pitch from Isotopes Park is set for 6:05 p.m.