Isotopes pound Zephyrs, 14-8

Slidell native Xavier Paul had three hits, drove home three runs and scored four times for Albuquerque on Monday night as the Isotopes defeated the New Orleans Zephyrs 14-8 in front of 7,660 fans on Opening Night at Isotopes Park.

The loss was the ninth straight for the Zephyrs at Isotopes Park, and the 14th in their last 15 contests in the Duke City.

New Orleans scored three runs in the top of the first inning, but the Isotopes rallied with four in the bottom of the first to take the lead. Albuquerque later sent 11 hitters to the plate in the fourth frame, scoring six runs to take control of the game.

Isotopes starter Josh Towers earned the win, allowing six runs (two earned) in six innings. Matt DeSalvo suffered the loss for the Z's, lasting just 3 1/3 innings and surrendering seven runs (six earned). Chris Schroder gave up five runs in 2 2/3 innings of relief.

Logan Morrison had a three-hit day for the Z's and was a single shy of hitting for the cycle.

Game Notes: Pregame ceremonies honoring the University of New Mexico Lobos men's basketball team were interrupted by the infield sprinklers coming on, causing a 19-minute delay for the first pitch ... Bryan Petersen and Daniel Murphy each extended their hit streaks to five games ... Barry Wesson was the last Zephy to hit for the cycle on May 11, 2002 at Nashville.

Coming Up: The Zephyrs and Isotopes meet on Tuesday at 7:35 p.m. CT. The Z's will start RH Ryan Tucker (0-0, 0.00) against RH James McDonald (0-0, 1.80). RADIO: 106.1 FM WMTI