Seabol, 'Topes top New Mexico

Scott Seabol's three-run homer in the third erased a one-run deficit and propelled the Albuquerque Isotopes to an 8-2 victory over the University of New Mexico in a seven-inning exhibition affair at Isotopes Park Tuesday night.

Down a run in the third, Seabol followed a Robert Andino single and a John Gall walk with a three-run blast to left-center, putting the 'Topes ahead 4-2. Albuquerque would go on to add a run in the fourth, then three more in the sixth to cruise to victory in the third-annual pre-season exhibition.

Isotopes starter Ricardo Rodriguez earned the win in four innings of work. The right-hander allowed two runs-zero earned-on four hits. He walked two and struck out two. The Albuquerque bullpen was dominant after Rodriguez's exit, as four pitchers combined to shut down the Lobos to the tune of one hit and no runs. Roy Corcoran and Ben Julianel each hurled a scoreless frame, while Eddy Rodriguez and Nate Field were perfect in a combined one inning.

The loss was pinned on New Mexico's Bobby Moore, who entered in the third and allowed three runs on two hits with a couple walks in one inning of work.

Seabol finished 2-for-4 with a run scored and three batted in. Chad Hermansen, Andino, Zach Sorensen and Josh Labandeira each collected two hits as well in the effort. Sorensen came off the bench to spell Andino at shortstop and was immediately effective, driving in a game-high-tying three runs on the strength of an RBI double in the fourth and a two-run single in the sixth.

At the plate for the Lobos, Scott Gracey picked up the lone RBI of the evening for New Mexico on a single to right in the second inning. Gracey finished with one hit, as did Daniel Stovall, Matt Hibbitts, Max Willett and Drew McDonald.

The 'Topes will begin the 2007 regular season this Thursday at Isotopes Park when they take on the Omaha Royals on Opening Day in the Pacific Coast League. Southpaw Chris George takes the ball for Albuquerque in the opener, while the O-Royals are set to counter with righty Brian Bannister. The first 3,000 fans through the turnstiles will receive a Stadium Blanket courtesy Sandia Resort and Casino. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 PM.

Tickets can be purchased at Isotopes Park or any Ticketmaster outlet, www.ticketmaster.com, or Ticketmaster by Phone 505-883-7800. For more information, visit www.albuquerquebaseball.com or call 505-924-2255.