The Albuquerque Isotopes stole game four from the Las Vegas Aviators with a 8-7 win on Friday, Aug. 22 at Isotopes Park. The Isotopes came into the game down 2-1 in the series, as they won the series opener, but dropped games two and three. The Isotopes were able to return from the back-to-back losses and tie the series at two-a-piece.
Similar to game three of the series, the beginning of the game did not start out so well for the Isotopes, who found themselves down 6-0 by the time the bottom of the third rolled around. This was mainly due to shaky pitching and sloppy play in the field; however, in the bottom of the third, the Isotopes started to pick things up with outfielder Zac Veen’s two run homer, making the score 6-2.
The Aviators scored 0 runs in the fourth inning, while the Isotopes were able to get three runs across thanks to infielder Adael Amador which cut the Las Vegas lead down to one.
After another scoreless inning from the Aviators, Amador showed up once again, finding himself back at the plate with the bases loaded. Amador was able to hit a triple, giving the Isotopes an 8-6 lead after the 5th inning.
However, the Aviators were not going to go out without a fight. After a scoreless 6th inning from both teams, Las Vegas’ catcher Daniel Susac was able to hit a solo home run in the 7th inning, cutting the lead down to 1. The Isotopes did not score a run in the 7th, and after a scoreless 8th from both teams, it came down to the ninth and final inning.
With the Aviators up to bat, they looked to spoil the Isotopes comeback but the closing pitcher for the Isotopes, Ryan Rolison, had other plans. Rolison was able to successfully get a quick three-and-out, closing the door and leaving no need for the bottom of the ninth to be played out as the Isotopes secured a 8-7 win.
The Isotopes won the fifth game of the series 10-6, spurred by Amador’s three hits. The Isotopes lost the last game of the series 3-2 in extra-innings. The series ultimately came to an end as a draw with both teams taking three games.
Rodney Prunty is the sports editor for the Daily Lobo. He can be contacted at sports@dailylobo.com or on X @rprunty05
