Albuquerque Isotopes at Round Rock Express June 12 2009
So the battle for the Pacific Coast League American South Division is on. After last night’s rainout, the series finally got underway, with both teams tied for first in the division at 28-32. Albuquerque had been in a bit of a slump, going 3-7 in their last ten games, while Round Rock went 6-4. Oddly, the teams had identical home and road records going into the series. Offensively, the Isotopes overall stats looked better; they completely eclipsed the Express in home runs, RBIs, total bases, walks drawn and whiffed on fewer strike outs. They also were way ahead in stolen bases and OPS (my new favorite stat). Pitching-wise, Round Rock held a slight (and I mean VERY slight) edge. For the most part the pitching was evenly matched concerning overall stats, but the Express were facing Charlie Haeger, who was 7-3 with an ERA just over 4, one of the better ones in the PCL. And to give credit where credit is due, Haeger pitched a helluva game, good by any standards: he went seven innings, gave up four hits and one run, and only walked two. Usually that’s more than enough for a win against Round Rock’s pitching, but Mark McLemore is improving very fast. In his third start since returning from extended spring training, he only gave up three hits (all singles) in six innings, allowing no runs and getting four strikeouts while only issuing two walks. After him, Casey Daigle and Brendan Donnelly got the hold and the save. In three innings of relief, they combined to allow one hit and no runs while notching three strikeouts and doling no walks (Round Rock only gave up two walks the whole game, quite remarkable for team who throws more BBs than a shotgun).
Add to that the fact that the ‘Topes have Hector Luna (.358 with 12 homers, 45 RBIs and 127 total bases on 68 hits and a fantastic 1.089 OPS), Mitch Jones (.287 with 20 homers, 124 total bases and 46 RBIs), Dee Brown (.314 with 12 homers, 41 RBIs, a 1.008 OPS and 99 total bases on 50 hits). Throw in A.J. Ellis, who’s gone .314 with 43 hits and the Isotopes have a formidable core. But McLemore and company handled those batters just fine; none of them even got a hit. Luna and Ellis even struck out twice apiece. The only standouts for them were Luis Maza, who went 2-4, and the nicely-improving Chin-Lung Hu, who went 1-3 and notched another stolen base on his belt. Juan Gonzalez (not the one you’re thinking about) went 1-2 and had a walk, but Albuquerque couldn’t capitalize. They left four men on base for the game. Round Rock left five on, but got Jason Smith drove one run in with a double in the second inning that proved to be the game winner.
This was totally a pitcher’s duel, and McLemore is looking better with every game. If the Express make a playoff run, he could be a key component. Actually, he would probably be an essential part if Round Rock can have a chance at all in the postseason.
So Round Rock won, 1-0. Here are some notable occurrences:
-Saccomanno went 0-3 and was pulled in the 7th. Sacc hits .263, so he was due for one. I wonder what Bombard’s thinking was.
-Bogusevic stole a base. Anytime an Express player gets a steal it’s worth mentioning. Maybe one day they’ll figure out the value of putting a man in scoring position.
-Abercrombie’s no-show. He went 0-4 and grounded into a double play, even though he hits .275. His inconsistencies seem to be a constant.
-Chris Johnson went 1-3 and scored the winning (and only) run. Let’s hope this .306 batter can keep it up.
-Jason Smith’s RBI double. He needed that. Good for him.
-Hu batting .270 in his last ten games, and going 1-3 with a SB tonight. Yeah, he plays for the other team, but I sense an up-and-coming player. Look for him to be in the majors next year or the year after.
So now Round Rock is one full game up in their division. The cancelled game from last night will be finished in July, so if the Express can win one tomorrow they will at the least be one good game up on the ‘Topes, and maybe two if they can sweep the shortened series. There is a lot of baseball left to be played, but Round Rock has come on strong lately. Barring any injuries or emergency call-ups, and if the pitching continues to improve (work ‘em, Burt!) this team could be a real sleeper hit
