Isotopes Swat Bees 6-4 To Split Four-Game Series

SALT LAKE CITY - Joc Pederson singled home the go-ahead run in the eighth inning and Alex Guerrero reached base all five times as the Albuquerque Isotopes rallied from behind twice for a 6-4 win against the Salt Lake Bees Tuesday afternoon at Smith's Ballpark.

The Isotopes (11-8) were able to earn a split of the four-game series during an afternoon brought strong winds blowing straight in, causing most fly balls to get knocked down for routine outs.

Salt Lake scored an unearned run in the first inning after a Guerrero error and C.J. Cron's RBI single. Clint Robinson singled home Miguel Rojas (3-for-4) to tie the game at one-all in the fifth inning.

The Bees (7-13) answered in the fifth on a Grant Green two-run single to retake the lead, 3-1.

The 'Topes cut the advantage to 3-2 on Guerrero's first triple of the game followed by Rojas' RBI single off former 'Topes reliever Josh Wall. In the seventh, Trayvon Robinson doubled over the head of left fielder Efren Navarro to tie the game at three-apiece. Nick Buss followed with a sacrifice fly to left field to push Albuquerque ahead 4-3. 

Another unearned run tied the game at 4-4 in the seventh. Taylor Lindsey grounded to first and the Isotopes were attempting a 3-6-1 double play. First baseman Jamie Romak went to second base for one out, but shortstop Walter Ibarra's return throw went off the glove of Josh Judy for a throwing error.

In the eighth, Rojas reached on a throwing error by Salt Lake shortstop Tommy Field. After Ibarra sacrificed him to second, Pederson drilled a single into right field for the 5-4 lead. Guerrero's second triple, into the teeth of the wind, scored Buss as an insurance run in the ninth. 

Isotopes starter Henry Sosa allowed three runs (one earned) in six innings. Paco Rodriguez struck out two in a clean eighth inning, and Sam Demel retired the side in order in the ninth for his fourth save.

The Isotopes first scheduled off day is Wednesday. The 'Topes will open a four-game series Thursday at Fresno. RHP Red Patterson starts for Albuquerque and LHP Mike Kickham goes for Fresno. Albuquerque returns home Monday to begin a 12-game homestand.