Isotopes Eliminated from Contention after Twin-Bill Split

The Isotopes (65-71) were officially eliminated from playoff contention on Wednesday despite splitting their twin-bill with the Aces (78-59). Albuquerque took game one in walk-off fashion but dropped game two. The loss, coupled with Salt Lake's win means the Isotopes will miss the post-season for the fifth consecutive season.

However, the mood was from solemn after the Isotopes walk-off victory in game one in front of 10,142 fans at Isotopes Park. With the game tied at 4-4 in the eighth inning, Ryan Howard delivered a walk-off, two-run home run to give the Isotopes the 6-4 victory. Howard's home run was the 497^th of his professional career.
Isotopes starter Jeff Hoffman received a no-decision in game one despite an excellent performance on the mound. The right-hander rebounded from a tough start in his last outing, allowing two runs over his 5.0 innings on the mound. Hoffman struck out eight while walking just one.
Zach Jemiola started game two for the Isotopes but his outing did not go as smoothly as Hoffman's did. The right-hander allowed six runs over just 4.1 innings on the mound.
At the plate in game two, Ryan McMahon led the way for Albuquerque, connecting on his 14^th Triple-A home run of the season. The 23-year-old finished game two 3-for-4, and combined 4-for-6 with two walks and three RBI in the doubleheader.
The Isotopes conclude the 2017 home schedule on Thursday. Albuquerque will send right-hander Yency Almonte (2-1, 5.90) to the mound for the series finale. First pitch for the final home game of the 2017 season is set for 6:35 p.m.