Isotopes Put Up Valiant Effort In 15-8 Loss To Express

NEED TO KNOW: After erasing a seven-run deficit, the Albuquerque Isotopes (30-36) ran out of gas, and the Round Rock Express (30-36) claimed a 15-8 victory Wednesday night at Isotopes Park.

THE TURNING POINT: The Isotopes fell behind 7-0 through just two innings but used a six-run sixth and two-run eighth to tie the game at eight all headed to the ninth. After their furious comeback, Albuquerque finally ran out of gas and allowed seven runs to cross in the top of the ninth, highlighted by a grand slam from Round Rock designated hitter Kensuke Tanaka.

SIX-RUN SIXTH: After being blanked through the first five innings, Albuquerque exploded for six runs in the sixth inning, including five on consecutive pitches. With one out, Clint Robinson singled and Alex Liddi drew a walk. Mike Baxter notched an RBI single and later advanced to third on another single by Johnny Monell. Griff Erickson cleared the bases with a massive three-run homer to left. Erisbel Arrueberrena scored on a Walter Ibarra single. Trayvon Robinson mixed in a double, while Joc Pederson drew a walk before a double play ended the inning.

TRAYVON WITH A MOVE-ON: Outfielder Trayvon Robinson extended his hitting streak to eight games with a double in the sixth. He would also add a pair of singles in the eighth and ninth innings to finish with a 3-for-5 game. Robinson now has a hit in 13 of his last 14 starts, and in the last 15 games, he is batting .344 (21-for-61) with nine doubles, two home runs and seven RBI.

MONEY MONELL: Johnny Monell has hit safely in 11 of the 12 games he's played in since joining the Isotopes on May 29, including hits in eight straight games. His 3-for-5 night Wednesday was his fourth multi-hit game so far. The 28-year-old backstop is now batting .439 (18-for-41) this season with one triple, six doubles and eight RBI.

JERSEY GIVEAWAY COMING UP: Friday the first 3,000 fans 18 and older through the gates at the Lab will receive an Adult Replica Jersey courtesy of U.S. Bank.

FIREWORKS AND ZOOPERSTARS! SATURDAY: New Mexico Mutual will present post-game fireworks and Zooperstars! for Saturday night's 7:05 p.m. game.

ON DECK: Albuquerque and Round Rock will play the finale of their four-games series Thursday at 7:05 p.m. Right-hander Red Patterson (3-5, 4.30 ERA) will take the hill for the Topes, while the Express will go with righty Daniel McCutchen (1-5, 7.80 ERA).

IN THE HOLE: To conclude their upcoming eight-game homestand, the Isotopes will square off against the New Orleans Zephyrs beginning Friday, June 13, at 7:05 p.m.