Bergman, Jurrjens Shutout El Paso 3-0

NEED TO KNOW: Right-handers Christian Bergman and Jair Jurrjens both turned in stellar performances as the Albuquerque Isotopes (29-36) shutout the El Paso Chihuahuas (31-33) 3-0 in the opening game of a seven-game homestand. It was just the 18th game in Isotopes Park history featuring three combined runs or fewer, and the first 3-0 victory for Albuquerque at The Lab.

THE TURNING POINT: Christian Bergman faced the minimum of nine batters in his three innings Monday night, but his most vital contribution perhaps came at the plate. Leading off the bottom of the third, he poked a single up the middle. After Tim Wheeler added another single, Cristhian Adames mashed an RBI double off the right field wall, scoring Bergman and giving the Isotopes a 1-0 lead. Albuquerque would go on to score two more runs in the fourth off a two-out, two-RBI single by Wheeler. That would be all the Topes needed as the pitching staff shut down the El Paso offense.

RED HOT HURLERS: In two of the last three games, Isotopes pitchers have faced the minimum through five innings. On Saturday night, left-hander John Lannan was perfect through five innings before allowing a leadoff single in the sixth. On Monday, right-handers Christian Bergman and Jair Jurrjens teamed up to face the minimum through five. Each pitcher allowed a base runner but induced double plays in the inning. After a leadoff single in the first, El Paso did not record another hit until a one-out triple in the sixth. Albuquerque's staff also coaxed three double plays in the game and now lead the Pacific Coast League with 78 twin killings. Bergman's final line included three innings of work, one hit, four strikeouts and no walks. Jurrjens tossed five innings, allowing two hits with two strikeouts.

WHEEL(ER)S ON THE BUS: Tim Wheeler turned in a 3-for-4 outing that included a clutch two-out, two-RBI single in the fourth. In his last 10 games, the right fielder is now batting .364 (12-for-33) three runs scored, one homer, five RBI and seven walks.

MULTI-HIT PERFORMANCES: Albuquerque also picked up a pair of 2-for-4 games from Kyle Parker and Cristhian Adames. In his last 29 games between Triple-A and the Major Leagues, Parker is hitting .384 (43-for-112) with 22 runs scored, four doubles, a triple, five homers and 24 RBI. Adames is also heating up with hits in his last three home games, including back-to-back multi-hit performances at Isotopes Park.

50¢ HOT DOGS: The Isotopes will host their first 50¢ Hot Dog Night of the season Tuesday night. Albuquerque's first scheduled 50¢ Hot Dog Night was rained out on May 4, and the organization donated all the hot dogs to local food banks. Tuesday's 50¢ Hot Dog night will also be dedicated to former Ovations Food Service employee Matt Butler, who passed away a week ago. 

ON DECK: The Isotopes and Chihuahuas will play game two of their three-game set Tuesday night at 7:05 p.m. Right-handed pitcher Jon Gray (3-5, 4.76) will look to keep his recent hot streak going as he starts for Albuquerque, while El Paso will go with left-hander Robbie Erlin (5-4, 5.77) on the hill.

IN THE HOLE: After this three-game series against the Chihuahuas, the Isotopes will welcome Tacoma Rainiers to town for a four-game series before an off day on Monday. Albuquerque will then hit the road for a seven-game road trip to El Paso and Salt Lake.