Sounds even series with Isotopes

A pivotal fifth inning saw Nashville break open a 2-2 game, scoring three runs to take the lead for good in an eventual 11-3 win over Albuquerque on Wednesday night at Isotopes Park.

It was a reversal of fortune for the Isotopes, who had defeated the Sounds 11-3 the previous evening to open the four-night series. And it was a rough outing for the ‘Topes’ pitching staff, which gave up 11 runs on 14 hits and six walks.

In the decisive fifth frame, the Sounds scored thrice with just one out to work with. Vinny Rottino singled to drive in Brad Nelson, who’d gotten on with a ground-rule double. Then J.R. Hopf drilled a long ball to left, scoring Rottino and himself. That made the score 5-2, and Nashville went on to add five runs in the top of the eighth to put the game out of reach.

Albuquerque’s Tagg Bozied had another solid game, hitting 2-of-5 with two RBI. Jai Miller (2-for-5) was the only other Isotope with multiple hits, and in fact the rest of the club combined for just three hits.

Nashville leadoff hitter and second baseman Callix Crabbe went 3-for-5 with three runs to pace the Sounds.