Mitchell's home run lifts Albuquerque over the Chasers

Omaha, Neb. – The last time the Albuquerque Isotopes ventured into Werner Park, third baseman Russ Mitchell hit a two-run home run to beat the Storm Chasers, 2-0, on July 3rd. Twenty-three days later, Mitchell delivered a repeat performance, blasting a two-run, go-ahead home run in the Isotopes’ 6-4 victory Tuesday night.

The ninth-inning long ball spoiled what was shaping up to be a fine performance by the Omaha bullpen, which was called upon in the fifth to replace ineffective starting pitcher Mike Montgomery. Right-hander Zach Miner held Albuquerque scoreless over the next four innings, giving the Storm Chasers an opportunity to get back in the game and have a chance at victory.

As has been the case quite often this season, Montgomery struggled with his control. Making his 20th start of the season, he allowed four runs on seven hits over four innings pitched, walking four and striking out three. He needed 93 pitches to get his first 10 outs, with the final two coming on a hard smash with the bases loaded that the Omaha defense turned into a 5-4-3, inning-ending double play with the Chasers trailing 4-1.

“He’s just been inconsistent with his command, and it’s something that’s got to get better,” said manager Mike Jirschele after the game. “He was fortunate to get through as far as he did.”

Jarrod Dyson trimmed the deficit to 4-3 with a two-run single down the left field line in the fourth, and an inning later David Lough tripled and scored on a Lorenzo Cain single to tie the game at 4-4. Miner held the Isotopes in check until the ninth, giving way to Everett Teaford (3-2), who walked the leadoff batter before Mitchell’s tape-measure drive to left with one out.

Travis Schlichting (5-3) pitched a scoreless eighth and earned the win, with Jon Link slamming the door for his 10th save. Randy Keisler started for the Isotopes, allowing four runs – two earned – in seven innings. The 35-year-old lefthander allowed eight hits, walked one and struck out two.

The loss, their third in a row, dropped the Chasers (55-48) to three games ahead of Memphis (52-51) in the PCL American North. Meanwhile, Albuquerque (55-49) crept within five of Round Rock (60-44) – who lost to Memphis – in the South Division. Omaha also fell to just 21-28 in games decided by two runs or less, a far cry from their 34-20 record in games decided by three or more runs.

The Chasers and ‘Topes will continue their four-game series Wednesday night when RHP Jeff Suppan (9-5, 4.60) takes on RHP John Ely (6-4, 5.52). Suppan has won two consecutive starts while Ely has won three of his last four outings. With the help of Mitchell, Ely defeated Suppan in the 2-0 ballgame July 3rd at Werner Park.

After the game, Rob White reported that Kansas City has promoted two 21-year-olds to Omaha: catcher Salvador Perez and reliever Kelvin Herrera. Catcher Manny Pina and reliever Mario Santiago will head back to Class AA NW Arkansas.