Isotopes Outlast Memphis 4-2 In 11 Innings

NEED TO KNOW: The Albuquerque Isotopes (54-69) outlasted the Memphis Redbirds (62-61) 4-2 in 11 innings Monday night at AutoZone Park in Memphis, TN. Angelys Nina picked up a clutch two-out, two-RBI single in the top of the 11th to give the Isotopes the win, and Roger Bernadina collected a game-high three hits. Albuquerque will go for their first four-game series sweep of the season Tuesday.

THE TURNING POINT: Albuquerque jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the third inning when Rafael Ynoa singled in Tim Wheeler, and the Isotopes expanded their lead when Roger Bernadina singled in Tommy Murphy in the sixth. Topes pitchers Jason Gurka and Simon Castro combined to no hit the Redbirds for six innings before a leadoff homer in the seventh ended the attempt. Memphis added another run on a two-out double in the seventh to tie it up. After stringing together scoreless frames, the Isotopes were finally able to break through with two runs in the 11th. An intentional walk to Bernadina loaded the bases, and Angelys Nina delivered a clutch two-out, two-RBI double to give the Isotopes the 4-2 lead and eventual win.

MOVING LIKE BERNIE: Outfielder Roger Bernadina continued to be the hottest Isotopes hitter of late, going 3-for-4 with a double, an RBI and an intentional walk. He now has hits in 12 of his last 14 games with 13 runs scored, six doubles, two homers and seven RBI. He is batting .407 (22-for-54) during that stretch. Bernadina has also started 43 of the last 44 games for Albuquerque.

SLAMMIN' NINA: Angelys Nina has been on fire in Memphis. After a grand slam on Saturday and two more hits on Sunday, he picked up the game-winning two-out, two-RBI single in the top of the 11th on Monday. It was his only hit of the game. Nina now has hits in his last six games and is 9-for-25 with two runs scored, a double, a triple, a homer and nine RBI during that stretch.

ON DECK: The Isotopes and Redbirds will play the finale of their four-game series Tuesday night at 6:05. Right-handed pitcher Eddie Butler (2-2, 6.27 ERA) is scheduled to start for Albuquerque on the mound, while Memphis is slated to go with left-hander John Gast (5-0, 4.98 ERA) on the hill.

IN THE HOLE: Following their eight-game road trip, the Isotopes will return home for their final eight-game homestand of the season against Oklahoma City and the Colorado Springs Sky Sox beginning August 23 at 6:05.