Isotopes Erase Six-Run Deficit, Beat River Cats 13-11

NEED TO KNOW: Early on it didn't look like it would be the Albuquerque Isotopes (45-55) night down six runs through just four innings, but the Topes mounted a rally to beat the Sacramento River Cats (57-42) in a 13-11 ballgame Friday night at Isotopes Park.

I PLEAD THE FIFTH: Trailing 8-2 through four and a half innings, the Isotopes erupted for a five-spot in the fifth inning. Chone Figgins got the inning rolling with a leadoff single, and Tim Federowicz reached on an error with one out. Having just rejoined the Topes, Clint Robinson doubled to left field, plating both Figgins and Federowicz. Brock Peterson, Mike Baxter and Walter Ibarra also tacked on singles with a double from Jamie Romak mixed in to cut the River Cats' lead to 8-7.

MORE WORK NEEDED: With their lead down to just one, Sacramento tacked on two insurance runs in the sixth to make it 10-7. Albuquerque struck for a single run in the sixth and two runs in the seventh to tie the game up. The tying run scored on a double steal when Joc Pederson stole second and Delvis Morales stole home. The River Cats took an 11-10 lead in the top of the eighth before Jamie Romak tripled in Brock Peterson in the home half of the eighth. Mike Baxter played the hero role with a go-ahead RBI single to center field.

DOUBLE OR NOTHING: Five Isotopes batters posted double-digit hit tallies Friday night. Joc Pederson went 2-for-4 with a home run, a walk, two runs scored and three RBI. Brock Peterson was also 2-for-4 with a double, two runs scored and two RBI. Jamie Romak and Walter Ibarra were each 2-for-5. Romak had a double, a triple, two runs score and two RBI. Ibarra also added an RBI. The big night game from Mike Baxter, who was 4-for-5 with two runs scored and the go-ahead RBI

RAKING ROMAK: After his 2-for-5 outing on Friday, Jamie Romak has five home runs, four doubles, a triple and 20 RBI in 16 games since the Dodgers outrighted him back to the Minors on June 25

SATURDAY NIGHT FESTIVITIES: A host of festivities will take place Saturday night, including Dukes Retro Night, the Albuquerque Professional Baseball Hall of Fame Ceremony and a post-game fireworks show. Terry Collins, Orel Hershiser and Von Joshua have been elected into the Albuquerque Professional Baseball Hall of Fame and a ceremony will be held to honor them, including a recorded acceptance video from each inductee. The post-game fireworks show is presented by New Mexico Highland University - Rio Rancho Center, weather permitting.

ON DECK: The Isotopes and River Cats will play game three of their four-game series Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. Right-hander Red Patterson (3-7, 5.15 ERA) will get the ball for Albuquerque, while Sacramento will go with lefty Tommy Milone (0-0, 2.25 ERA)

IN THE HOLE: After their four-game set against the River Cats, the Topes will welcome the Fresno Grizzlies to town for a four-game series beginning Monday, July 21.