The Albuquerque Isotopes (47-36) scored four runs in the fourth to tie the contest at 7-7, but it wasn't enough as the 'Topes ultimately fell 8-7 to the Omaha Storm Chasers (52-31) on Saturday night at Werner Park. The loss is the second straight defeat for the 'Topes, but marks only the second time Albuquerque has dropped consecutive road games in the month of June.

Trailing 7-3 in the fourth, Albuquerque mounted a four-run comeback that began with three consecutive singles from Tim Federowicz, Matt Angle and Brian Cavazos-Galvez. With the bases loaded and no outs, Tyler Henson ripped an RBI single that plated Federowicz and brought the 'Topes within 7-4. Trent Oeltjenfollowed with a three-run double to right that completed the Isotopes rally and knotted the contest at 7-7.

The game then took a turn for the worst in the fifth for the visiting 'Topes, as relief pitcher Bret Montgomery (1-1) struck out Anthony Seratelli with a wild pitch that sailed past catcher Federowicz and allowed Seratelli to take first. Seratelli wasted no time moving into scoring position, stealing second on the next batter and advancing to third on a deep fly-out to center. Cody Clark then lifted a one out sac-fly to score Seratelli and give the Storm Chasers an 8-7 edge.

The one-run lead proved to be enough as Omaha's bullpen stifled all attempted comebacks from the Isotopes and closed out an 8-7 Storm Chaser win.

The 'Topes initially drew first blood in the opening frame when Oeltjen slapped a leadoff single to center, took second on a wild pitch from Omaha starter Nathan Adcock and advanced to third on a deep fly to right from Alex Castellanos. Josh Fields then coaxed a walk and Jerry Sands smashed an RBI double to center that plated Oeltjen and gave Albuquerque a 1-0 lead. With two runners in scoring position, Luis Cruz roped a two-run double to center that extended the Isotopes advantage 3-0.

Omaha took over for the next three innings, beginning in the bottom half of the first with Will Myers singling to left and later scoring on an RBI double from Clint Robinson to narrow the deficit 3-1. Tony Abreu concluded the inning with an RBI knock to left that drove in Robinson and brought Omaha within 3-2.

The Storm Chasers again found the scoreboard in the second with a solo shot from Max Ramirez to knot the score 3-3. Clark followed with a bunt single and took second on a grounder to Castellanos. Chris Getz then ripped an RBI single to left that scored Clark from second and gave Omaha a 4-3 lead.

The visitors added three more in the third as Abreu singled to right, followed by David Lough and Anthony Seratelli who both reached on Isotopes' errors, with the latter allowing a run to score to make it 5-4. Clark then collected his second RBI of the night with an RBI single to left that scored Lough and extended the lead 6-4. Two batters later, Chris Getz slapped an RBI single that scored Seratelli and widened Omaha's lead to 7-3.

The Isotopes and Storm Chasers will square off in the second game of the series tomorrow night at Werner Park. 'Topes right-hander Stephen Fife (6-4, 4.87) will entertain Omaha southpaw Will Smith (2-4, 4.14) with first pitch slated for 1:05 PM.

After the series in Omaha, the Isotopes are back home Wednesday, July 4 for an Independence Day celebration in which fans will be able to watch the 'Topes' annual Fourth of July fireworks spectacular from the field! The day also features a pre-game concert in the team's Captain's Corner by classic rock cover band Stratus Phear. In addition to the July 4th fireworks, the short, five-game homestand also features Saturday fireworks and an appearance by Myron Noodleman. Tickets for any Isotopes game may be purchased at the Isotopes Park Box Office, at Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 1-800-745-3000, or on-line at www.abqisotopes.com or www.ticketmaster.com.