'Topes, Oeltjen Overpower Express For 8-2 Win

Starter Fernando Nieve delivered a quality start and Trent Oeltjen went 4-for-5 with four RBI as the Albuquerque Isotopes (49-38) celebrated Independence Day by cruising to an 8-2 victory over the Round Rock Express (38-49) Wednesday night at Isotopes Park. A total of 15,309 fans packed The Lab, a season-high and fourth most in franchise history.

Albuquerque snagged an early three-run lead in the second beginning with back-to-back singles from Matt Angle and Tim Federowicz. Brian Cavazos-Galvez then reached on a fielder's choice and Tyler Henson blasted a two-run double to left to give the 'Topes a 2-0 edge. Oeltjen followed with an RBI single to right that scored Henson and extended the advantage 3-0. With his first-inning knock, Angle now has hits in a season-high 12 straight games, collecting 22 during that span.

Round Rock began a rally in the fourth as Joey Butler reached on a fielder's choice and Guilder Rodriguez singled two batters later, taking second on the throw to third. With two runners in scoring position, Luis Martinez smashed a two-run single to right-center that narrowed the Express' deficit 3-2. The pair of runs proved to be the only time the visitors found the scoreboard all night.

The Isotopes scored an insurance run in the fifth as Oeltjen pushed a bunt single to Express pitcher Zach Jackson, who overthrew the first baseman, allowing the runner to take second. Three batters later, Josh Fields ripped an RBI single up the middle that plated Oeltjen to make it 4-2.

Nieve (4-6) retired from the contest allowing only two runs on six hits through 6.0 innings of work. The right-hander walked one and fanned six en route to his first win since June 8.

Albuquerque padded its cushion with a pair of runs in the seventh on RBI singles from Oeltjen and Fields, and two more in the eighth on a two-run single from Oeltjen that made the score 8-2. The 'Topes outfielder has collected an RBI in 10 of his last 13 games, driving in 17 runs during that span.

The final three frames were dominated by the Isotopes bullpen with relievers Cole St. Clair, Bret Montgomery and Scott Rice each tossing a scoreless inning to close out an 8-2 Isotopes win.

Albuquerque and Round Rock will battle tomorrow night in the second contest of the five-game set. 'Topes righty Will Savage (10-3, 5.38) will toe the rubber against Express right-hander Greg Reynolds (7-5, 4.39) with first pitch slated for 7:05 PM.

The Isotopes five-game homestand continues tomorrow night with upcoming promotions including an appearance by Myron Noodleman on Friday and the first of two baseball clinics as well as fireworks on Saturday.

Tickets for any Isotopes game may be purchased at the Isotopes Park Box Office, at Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 1-800-745-3000, or on-line at www.abqisotopes.com or www.ticketmaster.com.