The Dodgers’ sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals not only sends LA to its second National League Championship Series in as many years, it exacts a small measure of revenge for the Isotopes.  Almost exactly one month ago in the first round of the PCL playoffs, the ‘Topes were swept in three straight games to the Memphis Redbirds, Triple-A affiliate of the the Cards and now Albuquerque’s Major League affiliate has returned the favor in a dominating performance.

It’s also gratifying for Isotopes fans that two of the three wins were secured by pitchers who played in Albuquerque this season.  Jeff Weaver won game one in a relief appearance and Vicente Padilla, who made one start for the ‘Topes before joining the Dodgers, helped Los Angeles clinch with seven shutout innings. 

The Dodgers will now get some well-deserved time off before facing the Phillies or the Rockies in the NLCS.      

The Major League Baseball playoffs have just gotten underway and already a pair of former Isotopes have made an impact.   On Tuesday, ‘Topes alum Bobby Keppel, who pitched for Albuquerque in 2008, going 9-11 with a 5.99 ERA, earned the win for Minnesota as the Twins edged the Detroit Tigers in 12-innings to claim the American League Central Division and berth in the post-season. 

Last night, Jeff Weaver, the only player on the Dodgers’ post-season roster to have logged significant time with Albuquerque last year, earned a HUGE victory in the first game of the National League Division Series in LA.  Weaver entered the game in relief of starter Randy Wolf in fourth with two outs and the bases loaded and promptly coaxed Ryan Ludwick into an inning-ending groundout.  Weaver kept the potent Cards at bay again in a scoreless fifth before handing the ball to Ronald Belsario, one of five Dodgers relievers to stymie St. Louis in the 5-3 win.  

In five appearances for the Isotopes last year (one start), Weaver went 1-0 with a 3.55 ERA. 

While watching the Dodgers’ playoff run, we here at Isotopes Park have settled into off-season mode.  While the pace is obviously different than during the season, there certainly is still a lot to do.  If you are a season ticket holder, you will receive notification on renewing shortly (if you haven’t already).  If you’re not a season ticket holder and would like to become one, give us a shout at info@albuquerquebaseball.com or (505) 924-2255.  It’s never too early to get your seat for the 2010 campaign!