Isotopes Conclude Road Trip With 8-2 Win Against 51s
NEED TO KNOW: Capping a five-game road trip, the Albuquerque Isotopes (56-67) beat the Las Vegas 51s (69-55) 8-2 Monday night at Cashman Field in Las Vegas, NV. The Isotopes return home Tuesday night to face the Memphis Redbirds at 6:35 p.m.
WHAT WENT DOWN: The 51s were gifted a pair of runs in the first inning by way of two two-out singles, a walk and a wild pitch, but that was about all the offense they could muster after right-hander Zach Lee settled in. Clint Robinson drew a leadoff walk in the top of the second ahead of a Jamie Romak double. Alex Guerrero and Mike Baxter notched back-to-back singles to tie the game at two-all. After a groundout advanced Guerrero and Baxter into scoring position, Lee singled through the right side, scoring both runners and capping the four-run inning. Albuquerque would tack on a pair of runs in the both the third and fifth innings to expand its lead to 8-2.
GO-GO GUERRERO: Alex Guerrero turned in his best performance since rejoining the Isotopes on July 26. He posted a 2-for-4 evening with one run scored, a double and three RBI. It is his third multi-hit game since coming off the disabled list and third extra-base hit. He is also now riding a nine-game hitting streak.
ZACH-TASTIC: Isotopes starting pitcher Zach Lee turned in six innings of five-run, two-hit ball to get Albuquerque back in the win column. The right-hander struck out five and walked only two. After giving up a pair of runs in the first, Lee settled in and allowed just three hits over his final five innings. He also went 2-for-3 with two RBI at the plate.
RAKING ROMAK: Jamie Romak continued to be a run-producer, going 3-for-4 with two runs scored, two doubles and an RBI. Since the Dodgers outrighted him to the Minors in late June, Romak has 39 RBI in 41 games to along with eight homers, one triple and 13 doubles.
MEAT IN THE MIDDLE: The three through six batters in the Isotopes lineup Monday night provided a huge punch, going a combined 9-for-15 with seven runs scored, four doubles, a home run, five RBI and a walk. Tim Federowicz turned in a 2-for-4 game with two runs scored, a home run and an RBI. Clint Robinson was 2-for-3 with two runs scored, a double and a walk. Jamie Romak was 3-for-4, while Alex Guerrero added his 2-for-4 evening.
ON DECK: The Isotopes return home to open an eight-game homestand against the Memphis Redbirds and Nashville Sounds. The Topes and Redbirds open up their series Tuesday night with a 6:35 p.m. first pitch. Right-hander Jeff Bennett (6-6, 3.97 ERA) is slated to take the hill for Albuquerque, while left-hander Tim Cooney (11-6, 3.69 ERA) is scheduled to go for Memphis.
IN THE HOLE: After their four-game set against the Redbirds, the Isotopes will welcome the Nashville Sounds to Isotopes Park for a four-game series beginning Saturday at 7:05 p.m.