The Albuquerque Isotopes return home today (4/30) after a challenging road trip where the ‘Topes were able to take five of eight games against division rivals Oklahoma City and New Orleans. Both opponents rank first and second in the PCL American Southern division respectively, leaving Albuquerque only three games out of first place.

On the road, the ‘Topes saw their pitching staff holdfast on the rubber as the rotation limited opponents to three runs or less in five of eight contests. Starting pitchers Stephen Fife (6.0 innings pitched, 0 earned runs), Will Savage (6.0, 2 in both games), Mike Parisi (7.0, 1) and Michael Antonini (5.2, 1) all pitched extremely strong frames to keep the ‘Hawks and Zephyrs in check throughout most of each series. The second road trip of the season also saw Albuquerque build some confidence away from Isotopes Park as the five road wins were more than double the team’s win total from the season-opening road trip against Omaha and Iowa.

Speaking of wins, the ‘Topes, after witnessing their PCL-leading win streak of seven games snapped on April 24, have since found two victories in a row to go along with their current four-game home winning streak.

Outfielder Jerry Sands appears to be heating up again after collecting five hits in his last four games, including belting his third home run of the season in the series opener at New Orleans. Likewise, fellow outfielder Trent Oeltjen has also found a hitter’s rhythm and ranks second among all Isotopes in batting average (.353) over the team’s last five games.

As the ‘Topes reconvene in Albuquerque for an eight-game homestand, fans will have plenty to cheer about along with the return of baseball. The upcoming homestand begins by challenging patron’s appetite with the always popular 50₵ hot dog night. The following weekend is marked with two Little League Nights and capped off with back-to-back fireworks shows on Friday and Saturday night. And no homestand would be complete without a team giveaway, with this home series featuring an Isotopes Pennant on Sunday, courtesy of Coca Cola.

So grab a ticket, a handful of hot dogs and settle in as this homestand kicks off tonight at 6:35 PM against the Oklahoma City RedHawks —

Let’s Go Topes!

April 30 Albuquerque Isotopes Game Notes

Probable Starters:
RedHawks: LHP Brett Oberholtzer (No Record- Triple-A debut)
Isotopes:  RHP John Ely (1-2, 6.64 ERA)

Click here for today’s notes 4-30-12_Notes

April 29 Albuquerque Isotopes Game Notes

Probable Starters:
Isotopes:  RHP Stephen Fife (1-2, 9.92 ERA)
Zephyrs:  LHP Wade LeBlanc (1-1, 3.86 ERA)

Click here for today’s notes 4-29-12_Notes

April 28 Albuquerque Isotopes Game Notes

Probable Starters:
Isotopes:  RHP Will Savage (4-0, 2.41 ERA)
Zephyrs:  LHP Brad Hand (2-1, 3.63 ERA)

Click here for today’s notes 4-28-12_Notes

April 27 Albuquerque Isotopes Game Notes

Probable Starters:
Isotopes:  RHP Mike Parisi (1-0, 3.27 ERA)
Zephyrs:  RHP Alex Sanabia (2-0, 2.10 ERA)

Click here for today’s notes 4-27-12_Notes

April 26 Albuquerque Isotopes Game Notes

Probable Starters:
Isotopes:  RHP Fernando Nieve (1-1, 13.06 ERA)
Zephyrs:  RHP J.D. Martin (1-1, 6.00 ERA)

Click here for today’s notes 4-26-12_Notes

FURTHER DOWN ON THE FARM

By James Hilchen

The first homestand of the 2012 season is in the books. Due to the stability of the Dodger roster thus far, the turnover on the roster for the Isotopes has been refreshingly slow. As happens every year, those transactions are bound to pick up as the season rolls on. With that being said, here is a look at some of the faces that may be appearing in a ‘Topes uniform in the future and how they are starting their 2012 seasons in Chattanooga and Rancho Cucamonga.

Chattanooga (Double-A)

Pedro Baez – (3B) Has appeared in 18 games for the Lookouts. He is currently hitting .254 with a HR and 6 RBI.

Nick Buss – (CF) In 74 AB, has a .243 average with 3 SB and 7 RBI.

Brian Cavazos-Galvez – (OF) The Albuquerque native and former Lobo is off to slow start in Chattanooga. He is currently hitting .153 with 2 HR and 7 RBI in 16 games.

Nathan Eovaldi – (RHP) Eovaldi, the #3 prospect in the Dodger organization by Baseball America, has started 3 games for the Lookouts. Although he has yet to register a decision, Eovaldi has thrown 12 innings, giving up 10 hits and 3 walks, while striking out 14.

Kyle Russell – (RF) Russell, who appeared in 11 games for the Topes last season, is hitting .325 with 2 HR and 6 RBI in 11 games.

Shawn Tolleson – (RHP) Tolleson continues to impress as he did last season. In 8 innings, Tolleson has allowed only 4 hits and 0 walks, while striking out 15. He has 4 saves in his 6 appearances.

Allen Webster – (RHP) Webster is the #2 prospect in the organization according to Baseball America. He has started 4 games and pitched 20 1/3 innings, giving up 31 hits, and has an ERA of 4.43.

Chris Withrow – (RHP) Withrow is the #7 prospect according to Baseball America. He recently appeared in his first game of the season, going 4 1/3 innings, giving up 6 hits and 2 walks, while striking out 3.

Rancho Cucamonga (Hi Single-A)

Garrett Gould – (RHP) The #6 prospect in the Dodgers organization is 0-3 with a 6.06 ERA. Gould has racked up the strikeouts however, with 28 K’s in 16 1/3 innings.

Zach Lee – (RHP) The #1 prospect of the Dodgers according to Baseball America has started 4 games for the Quakes. Lee has thrown 21 /13 innings and has a 2.95 ERA while striking out 25 batters.

Charlie Mirabal – (SS) Mirabal, who appeared briefly with the Isotopes in 2011, is hitting .174 in his first 16 games.

Chris Reed – (LHP) Reed is the #5 ranked Dodgers prospect. He has started 4 games and has a 1-2 record with a 3.68 ERA. Reed has 25 strikeouts in 22 innings pitched.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Here is an update on the whereabouts of some former Isotopes…Jason Repko was recently recalled from AAA Pawtucket and appeared in 5 games for Boston before going on the disabled list with a separated shoulder… Xavier Paul is currently playing in the Nationals organization for AAA Syracuse…Trayvon Robinson is playing for AAA Tacoma in the Mariners organization…Jamie Hoffman elected free agency after not making the opening day roster for the Rockies. Hoffman then signed a minor league contract with the Orioles and is playing at AAA Norfolk.

April 24 Albuquerque Isotopes Game Notes

Probable Starters:
Isotopes:  RHP John Ely (1-1, 6.19 ERA)
RedHawks:  RHP Jordan Lyles (3-0, 2.89 ERA)

Click here for today’s notes 4-24-12_Notes

April 23 Albuquerque Isotopes Game Notes

Probable Starters:
Isotopes:  RHP Will Savage (3-0, 2.13 ERA)
RedHawks:  LHP Dallas Keuchel (3-0, 0.90 ERA)

Click here for today’s notes 4-23-12_Notes

April 22 Albuquerque Isotopes Game Notes

Probable Starters:
Isotopes:  RHP Stephen Fife (1-2, 10.03 ERA)
RedHawks:  RHP Ross Seaton (No Record)

Click here for today’s notes 4-22-12_Notes