Isotopes Off Key in Loss to Sounds

NASHVILLE -- Johnny Hellweg allowed one unearned in six innings, lowering his Pacific Coast League-leading ERA to 2.44, and the Nashville Sounds held off the Albuquerque Isotopes, 3-2, at Herschel Greer Stadium on Thursday night. 

The Isotopes (59-47) split the four-game series with the Sounds. They remain tied for first place with Round Rock in the PCL's American Southern division.

Chili Buss drove in both runs for the Topes. His sacrifice fly scored Scott Van Slyke in the fourth inning. He beat out a potential double-play grounder to score Tony Gwynn, Jr. in the eighth inning. Buss also threw out Scooter Gennett at home plate to end the seventh inning. 

Topes starting pitcher Rob Rasmussen (0-5) allowed three runs in six innings to take the loss. He walked a season-high five batters, struck out four and allowed four hits. In the first inning, Robinzon Diaz singled home one run. Center fielder Matt Angle saved a couple runs in that inning with a diving catch on the warning track in left-center for the second out.

In the fifth, a leadoff walk to Kentrail Davis sparked a two-run rally. Cole Garner doubled home a run, then after a sac bunt by Hellweg, Josh Prince hit a sacrifice fly for what proved to be the difference in the game.

Hellweg (9-4) walked four, struck out four, and allowed four hits. In two starts against the Topes this year, he's allowed two runs (one earned) in 12 innings.

The Topes return home to Albuquerque on Friday to open a four-game series against the New Orleans Zephyrs. Angel Castro will start for the Topes. The Zephyrs are undecided. First pitch is at 7:05 pm Mountain Time and all the action can be heard on 610 "The Sports Animal" with Josh Suchon on the call.