04/27/2006 10:49 PM -

Paul Hoover was the hero both offensively and defensively, leading the Albuquerque Isotopes (15-6) to a dramatic, 2-0 victory over the Oklahoma RedHawks (8-12) Thursday night at AT&T Bricktown Ballpark. The victory is the Isotopes? ninth straight, a franchise record, and 12th triumph in their last 13 games. Hoover delivered a game-winning two-run single in the top of the ninth and saved a run with a heads-up play at the plate in the eighth.

 

Knotted up in a scoreless tie in the top of the ninth inning, Jason Stokes led off the frame by reaching on a throwing error by Oklahoma shortstop Joaquin Arias. After two fly-outs, Mike Kinkade drove a single to right and was followed by Scott Seabol, who walked to load the bases. That brought up Hoover, who hit a line drive single to center that plated Kinkade and Seabol to give Albuquerque a 2-0 lead.

The Isotopes were far from out of the woods, however, as the RedHawks loaded the bases with one out in the bottom of the ninth thanks to a single, a hit-by-pitch, and a walk, but reliever Brad Clontz proved up to the task, striking out both Vince Sinisi and Rashad Eldridge to nail down his fourth save of the season and seal the 2-0 win.

 

One inning earlier, it looked like Oklahoma would dent the scoreboard first if not for a heads-up defensive play by Hoover. With Adam Morrissey on first and two out in the bottom of the eighth, Erubiel Durazo smashed a double to center. Morrissey streaked around the bases, arriving at home before the throw from the outfield, but was forced to hop over the plate without touching it because of the leg of Paul Hoover, who stood in the way even though he didn?t possess the ball. Hoover collected the relay throw from second baseman Seabol, tagged Morrissey, and preserved the scoreless tie.

 

Prior to the late-inning fireworks, the game was a match-up of two pitchers on top of their game, as ?Topes starter Renyel Pinto and ?Hawks starting pitcher Rob Tejeda dueled through six scoreless frames. Pinto threw six excellent innings, allowing just four hits, a walk and striking out three, while Tejeda went seven frames in which he allowed four hits, two walks and fanned seven. Pinto was spelled by Eddie Gaillard and Jimmy Anderson (1-1), who got the win. Tejeda gave way to Scott Feldman and Brian Shouse (0-1), who took the loss in a Major League rehab appearance.

 

The ?Topes will look for double-digits tomorrow when they will again take on the RedHawks at AT&T Bricktown Ballpark. First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. with Albuquerque sending right-hander Yusmeiro Petit (2-0, 2.70) to the hill against Oklahoma lefty John Rheinecker (0-1, 5.20).

 

Albuquerque, the hottest team in baseball, will return home on May 1 for an eight-game homestand that is highlighted by a special Cinco De Mayo Celebration at IsotopesPark. A mariachi band will be on-hand to entertain fans throughout the game, which will be capped by a spectacular fireworks show. Tickets are available at the Isotopes Park Box Office, Ticketmaster outlets and right here on-line. For more information, please call (505) 924-2255.

 

:thumbup

These 'topes do not cease to impress. They pull off yet another win in the late innings! I was listening to the game last night via the internet and was very delighted to hear they extended their winning streak to a franchise-record nine straight. It was a bit scary in the bottom of the ninth, but they got the job done! Excellent work, 'topes! They'll try to continue the streak tonight with Petit on the mound.

wow. First start that Pinto has great command. If this trend continues he could put himself 4th in line for a rotation spot...He's battling Anibal right now for #4 on the pecking order.

 

IMO it goes Nolasco/Johnson/Petit/Pinto.Sanchez

Considering we have all our guys who should be in AAA in the majors I'm surprised we're playing taht well. Actually, in reality we have two full sets of AAA teams. At least we have guys who are gonna be readey to play when they are called up, I think the whole lore of a triple a team being full of distcontent is out the window for us this year.

Good to hear. :thumbup .