Isotopes Bested By Bees, 4-1
The Isotopes jumped on the scoreboard first in the top of the third, when Tyler Henson smashed a one-out solo homer to left that gave the visitors an immediate 1-0 edge. In just four games since joining the 'Topes on May 12, Henson has gone 5-for-13 (.385) with two doubles, two homers, and five RBI.
Albuquerque's advantage would prove fleeting as Salt Lake answered with a big-fly of its own in the fifth to seize control of the contest. After Luis Jimenez laced a one-out double, Paul McAnulty hit an Ely offering that just barely cleared the wall in right, giving the Bees a 2-1 edge.
With runs at a premium for both sides, Salt Lake added some valuable insurance in the seventh when Efren Navarro drew a one-out walk, the only free pass issued by Ely on the day, and motored into third on another double by Jimenez. The starter then gave way to reliever Wil Ledezma, who coaxed a sacrifice fly from McAnulty that plated Navarro and increased the home team's margin to 3-1.
The Bees would tack one more run on for good measure in the eighth on an RBI single by Kole Calhoun to cruise to a 4-1 victory.
Ely (3-3) ended up suffering a hard-luck defeat after surrendering three runs on just four hits in 6.1 innings of work while walking one and striking out eight. Between the first inning and the Jimenez double in the fifth, the right-hander set down 12 Bees in succession. Meanwhile, Salt Lake starter Eric Hurley (3-3) was exceptional as well, allowing one run on a mere two knocks through 7.0 innings while walking two and fanning four to earn the victory. Reliever Bobby Cassevah (2) got the save.
After a flurry of roster activity, the Isotopes welcomed Albuquerque native Brian Cavazos-Galvez to the roster from Single-A Rancho Cucamonga and the Manzano High School and University of New Mexico product made his Triple-A debut with the start in left, going 0-for-3 in his 'Topes debut.
Albuquerque will get a much-deserved day off on Wednesday before welcoming the Sacramento River Cats, Triple-A affiliate of the Oakland A's, to Isotopes Park on Thursday to begin a four-game set. Lefty Michael Antonini (1-1, 4.00) will make the start for the 'Topes against Cats right-hander Brad Peacock (4-1, 3.66) in a 6:35 PM start from The Lab.
The Isotopes will need the off-day because the following homestand beginning on Thursday promises to be gigantic, both in terms of games played and promotions. The 12-game stretch includes a replica jersey giveaway, Celebrity Softball Game, "Bark In the Park," and a special Military Appreciation Weekend with back-to-back fireworks shows.
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.