Seventh big for Isotopes

A pair of two-run doubles by Robert Andino and John Gall gave the Albuquerque Isotopes a four-run seventh inning Monday night, as the ‘Topes rallied for a 6-4 win over Memphis (29-30).

Albuquerque improved to 28-29 — second in its division — and can win the four-game series with a successful outing in today’s matinee finale.

The Isotopes trailed 3-1 midway through the seventh.

Memphis took a 2-0 lead in the third thanks to RBI singles by Colby Rasmus and Chris Duncan. Isotopes starter Dallas Trahern gave up four singles and a walk in the inning overall.

John Baker’s sacrifice fly scored Andrew Beattie in the bottom of the fourth to get Albuquerque ont he board.

The Redbirds’ Bryan Anderson hit a fly ball to right to score Cody Haerther in the top of the sixth to regain a two-run lead for Memphis.

But in the bottom of the seventh, with two on and nobody out, Andino cranked a line drive double to right field. Baker and Chase Lambin made it home on the play. Chris Barnwell got on with a single, then made it to second on a wild pitch. That set up Gall’s shot to left, which scored Andino and Barnwell for a 5-3 Albuquerque edge.

Jai Miller (2 for 3) made it 6-3 with a solo home run in the eighth, his eighth of the season.

Memphis David Freese led off the ninth inning with a solo home run to right. But three straight outs by the ‘Topes defense ended the rally and the game.

Albuquerque reliever Ross Wolf picked up the pitching victory to move to 2-1, and Marcus Gwyn recorded his first save.

Other than the third, Trahern had a good start, going six innings and allowing three runs on seven hits, striking out three.

Jason Motte (2-2) was the losing pitcher after two innings of relief.

Gall was 2 for 3 and Beattie 2 for 4 for the ‘Topes. Gall has 44 RBI to date.

After an off day Wednesday, the team plays at Nashville on Thursday for the first of a four-day series. The ‘Topes’ next home game is June 9 vs. Round Rock.