Isotopes Shutout by Bees to Open Pivotal Series

The Isotopes (62-68) saw their playoff hopes take a hit on Thursday, falling to the first place Salt Lake Bees (66-65), 12-0. With the loss, the Isotopes have fallen back to 3.5 games behind the first place Bees with just 11 games left in the season. The Isotopes have now been shutout eight times on the year.

The Bees wasted no time jumping out to a lead, plating six runs in the first inning against Isotopes starter Jeff Hoffman. All of the runs scored in the initial frame came with two outs. Hoffman exited the contest after just 0.2 innings.
After reliever Jerry Vasto finished off the first inning, Zach Jemiola entered the game for the Isotopes. The right-hander allowed four runs (two earned) over his 6.0 innings out of the bullpen.
At the plate, the Isotopes failed to solve Salt Lake pitching. Bees starter Jaime Barria tossed 5.0 scoreless innings in his Triple-A debut. Albuquerque hitters stranded nine on base while going 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position.
The Isotopes and Bees continue their four-game set Friday on Superhero Night at Isotopes Park. Albuquerque will send right-hander Yency Almonte (1-1, 7.43) to the mound while Salt Lake counters with fellow righty Daniel Wright (6-9, 7.44).