Isotopes Outslugged 17-7 By Redbirds Thursday Night

NEED TO KNOW: Neither team struggled for offense Thursday night, but the Albuquerque Isotopes (56-70) couldn't keep up with the Memphis Redbirds (68-58) and were outslugged 17-7 in game three of their four-game series.

STARTING EARLY: The Isotopes took an early lead with a pair of runs in the bottom of the first before the Redbirds claimed their first lead at 3-2 in the top of the second. Joc Pederson gave the lead right back to Albuquerque with a two-out, three-run bomb in the home half of the second. Memphis broke the game open with seven runs in the third inning, following by two runs in the fourth and five in the fifth.

30-30 VISION: Continuing his quest for a 30-30 season, Joc Pederson stole his 27th base of the year in the first inning and mashed his Pacific Coast League-leading 29th home run of the season in the second inning. It was his fifth homer in the last seven games and third in the last three. The 22-year-old prospect is now just one home run and three stolen bases shy of becoming the first member of the PCL's "30-30 Club" since Frank Demaree did it in 1934. There are 17 games remaining in the regular season.

RAKING ROMAK: Jamie Romak followed his two home run performance from Wednesday up with a 2-for-4 showing with a run scored, a double and an RBI on Thursday. Since the Dodgers optioned him back to Albuquerque on June 29, he has 44 RBI in just as many games, along with 10 homers, one triple and 16 doubles.

OH, THAT PETERSON: Brock Peterson turned in an impressive 3-for-5 showing with a double and two RBI Thursday night. He also tossed a perfect ninth inning, striking out a batter. It was his second appearance on the mound this season. Also during the ninth inning, an alien landed in center field. If you've read this far, I award you three points that have no redeemable value.

ON DECK: The Isotopes and Redbirds will play the finale of their four-game series Friday night at 7:05 p.m. MT. Right-hander Matt Magill (7-5, 4.89 ERA) is scheduled to start for Albuquerque, while Memphis will go with righty Carlos Martinez (1-0, 0.00 ERA).

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.