PCL: Isotopes chart record-breaking territory

The New Mexican |

7/9/2008 - 7/10/08

Wednesday afternoon was record-breaking territory for the Albuquerque Isotopes.

They now have produced the worst record while during a season, after the Oklahoma RedHawks beat them
3-1 in eight innings before a crowd of 5,861 at Bricktown Ballpark.

The game was declared official afterthe eighth because of rain that created an unplayable field.

Albuquerque is 40-53, the first time the club has been this far below the
.500 mark. The previous mark was 65-77 on Sept. 4, 2004.

The loss also knocked the Isotopes 11 1/2 games behind the American Southern Division-leading RedHawks, who are 52-42. It also was Albuquerque's ninth straight road loss, one shy of the team record set in ... 2004.

The Isotopes continued to look sluggish at the plate, collecting only four hits, but held a 1-0 lead after two innings.

Andrew Beattie tripled, then scored on a fielding error by RedHawks first baseman Chris Shelton on Chris Barnwell's grounder.

The lead evaporated in the third as Jason Ellison and John Mayberry Jr. each had RBI singles against Albuquerque starter Steve Woodard. Ryan Roberts provided more insurance for the with a solo home run in the eighth.

Jared Hyatt pitched the final three innings in relief to earn a win in his first decision. Woodard (0-2) gave up two runs on five hits over five innings.

Frankie De La Cruz (9-4, 4.55 ERA) takes the mound for Albuquerque in tonight's 6:05 start. Elizardo Ramirez (8-3, 4.21) is scheduled to start for Oklahoma.