Well, that didn't go as planned.
The Albuquerque Isotopes drubbed the Omaha Storm Chasers in New Mexico tonight 10-5. They blew the game open in the sixth inning, scoring five runs against Omaha reliever Steven Shell.
Notes about the game:
- Clint Robinson was so anxious to play, he showed up at noon -- seven hours before the game was scheduled to begin. In his first at bat, he knocked a solo home run to right field. Then, in the eighth inning, he hit another bomb to right field. Robinson won the triple crown in Double-A NW Arkansas last season and he's off to a fast start this year.
- Coming into the game, starting pitcher Mike Montgomery had an ERA of 2.27 as a pro. But Albquerque didn't seem to be impressed. Montgomery had a 1-2-3 first inning, but he struggled with his control -- especially with his breaking stuff -- and the Isotopes got to him in the second inning for four runs. On a positive note, he finally settled down and retired the final 7 hitters he faced. His final line: 5.0 IP, 5 ER, 6 H, 2 BB, 3 K.
- Eric Hosmer lined two singles to center and finished the game 2-for-5.
- Mike Moustakas lined a single to right field in the third inning for his first RBI of the season. He made a nice play on a ground ball to his left in the fourth inning, but then made an error on a similar ball in the sixth. He was aggressive at the plate all night, seeing just six pitches in his first four at bats. And he struck out in his final at bat. He was 1-for-5.
- Johnny Giavotella picked up his first Triple-A hit, a single to right, in the third inning.
- Gregor Blanco knocked an opposite field double off the left field wall in the sixth inning, chasing Albuquerque starting pitcher Dana Eveland from the game.
- David Lough and Paulo Orlando appeared to collide on a ball hit to right center field in the sixth inning. Lough stayed down for a while as trainers tended to him. He was able to get up on his own and leave the field under his own power. Irving Falu replaced him in right field.
- Blake Wood displayed a good slider, striking out two of the three guys he faced in the seventh. Greg Holland replaced him in the eighth, exhibiting a nice splitter. Neither guy gave up a hit or walk.
