'Topes Tidbits - April 12

Setting The Stage // Game Nine
The Albuquerque Isotopes opened their home schedule with a win for the 10th time in 12 tries since their first season in 2003. The 'Topes have also won six straight home openers dating back to 2009. They'll try to make it two in a row tonight as RHP Henry Sosa (1-0, 1.50 ERA) takes the hill looking to build off his first outing of the season, an impressive six-hit, one-run performance. The Rainiers are slated to send RHP Chance Ruffin (0-1, 14.40) to the hill, who gave up eight runs on six hits in five innings to the El Paso Chihuahuas earlier this week. Following this four-game set, Albuquerque will welcome those Chihuahuas to Isotopes Park. Coverage begins at 6:30 pm MT with announcer Josh Suchon joining "The Sports Drive" on 610 The Sports Animal. The pre-game starts at 6:45 p.m. and first pitch at 7:05. Audio and video will also be streamed online via ABQIsotopes.com.

The Magic School Buss
Outfielder Nick Buss is 5-for-9 in his last two outings, including five RBI's and two runs scored. Friday night, the 27-year-old outfielder provided the big hit with a bases-clearing, three-run triple to vault the Isotopes to a 6-3 victory against Tacoma. He has reached base in all but one of Albuquerque's games this season and has recorded a hit in five of the last six games. After leading the PCL a season ago with 100 RBI, Buss has driven in a team second-best seven runs behind Olivo (8) and drawn the second-most walks (5) for the 'Topes this season behind Pederson (8).

Tonight's Promotional Item
The first 3,000 fans 18 and older to tonight's game will receive a Manager Damon Berryhill t-shirt courtesy of Coca-Cola to the first 3,000 fans 18 and older.

One-Two Punch
Teams facing Zach Lee and Henry Sosa in back-to-back games may have a tall task ahead of them. Sosa currently leads all Albuquerque starters with a 0.67 WHIP and has four strikeouts against zero walks. On the same token, Lee has struck out six batters in two outings without walking a batter. Because Sosa doesn't have enough innings to qualify in the Pacific Coast League rankings, Lee is the one that ranks fourth with a 0.84 WHIP.

All Hail The Chief
Pacific Coast League President Branch Rickey will be in attendance for tonight's game. Rickey has been at the helm of the PCL since 1997. During Friday night's game, the Isotopes were joined by Hall of Fame Manager Tommy Manager and Albuquerque Mayor Richard Berry.

Duke City Reunion
The Isotopes current roster features plenty of ties to the former Albuquerque Dukes. Hitting coach Franklin Stubbs starred for the Dukes from 1983-85. Other connections include Joc Pederson, whose dad played for the Dukes in 1983 and from 1985-87. Trayvon Robinson returns to the Duke City after previously playing for the Isotopes in 2011. Steve Smith also has previously played for the 'Topes and starred for the University of New Mexico Lobo baseball team in 2005 and 2006.

On The Move Again
RHP Jose Dominguez and OF Mike Baxter joined the Isotopes prior to Friday's game. OF Brian Cavazos-Galvez was sent to Double-A Chattanooga, while RHP Steve Smith was placed on the disabled list with a left oblique strain. Through nine games and ten days in the 2014 season, Albuquerque has already had 14 roster moves.