David Hale Corrals Correa But Takes The Loss

Mother Nature had it out for David Hale and the Albuquerque Isotopes on Tuesday night in Albuquerque in a game that featured Astros’ top prospect, Carlos Correa, in his first game at AAA.

David Hale had a great start, facing the minimum through four, but in the fifth a two run home run tied the game and in the sixth, poor defense and the wind plated four more. The Topes lose 6 to 4.

While Rockies fans were focused on David Hale’s readiness to come to Colorado, all eyes in Houston were on top prospect, Carlos Correa, who was appearing in his first game at AAA. The game was delayed 30 minutes due to ‘travel difficulties’ for the Grizzlies, forcing them into the ballpark only 90 minutes before game start.

The Grizzlies started out like a team who had no time to prepare seeing the first 7 go down to Hale. Finally, the Grizzlies, scored a single before grounding into a double play. Hale would retire the next three, getting him four scoreless innings. In the fifth, Hale allowed only his second hit of the night as Jon Singleton singles before L.J. Hoes homers to left center to tie the game. Hale would get out of the inning with no more damage, tied at 2.

Then came the sixth inning. A lead off walk for Nolan Fontana should have been erased by a Carlos Correa double play but Angelys Nina botched the glove to throwing hand exchange and everyone was safe. Alex Presley grounds to second baseman, Jose Rivera but out-ran the double play, putting runners on first and third. Domingo Santana then singles scoring Fontana. Mother Nature then called in an audible, grabbing a lifeless deep pop fly and taking it over the 371 sign for a three-run home run, giving the Grizzlies a 6-2 lead.

Hale would allow a meaningless hit in the 7th before getting through the inning. He would leave the game after seven. He gave up 6 runs, 5 earned, on 6 hits, walking two and striking out five. He had pretty good control with 58 of his 89 pitches landing for strikes. Honestly, if the Topes get the double play in the sixth and the wind doesn’t grab that ball so oddly for the home run, Hale is looking at a 3-2 win. Alas that is not how baseball works and there was no win for Hale today as he and the Topes fall 6-4.

“I had the best start of the season, for me.” Hale said, “I am fully healed.”

Hale wouldn’t blame the wind or the rain. He said he threw two bad pitches, one in the fifth, one in the sixth and both left the park.

There was some good news on the offensive side of the ball.

Jose Rivera, in only his 16th game in AAA, went 2 for 3 with his first home run of the year, raising his batting average to .297. Rivera has seen play time due to Joey Wong‘s injury and has made the most of it

Cristhian Adames, the likely replacement for Troy Tulowitzki, if Tulo asks for and receives a trade to a contender, looked very good defensively at third tonight. Adames is primarily a shortstop. He was the team leader at the plate before injuring his ankle. He hit a solo home run tonight but that was his only hit in five at bats, dropping his average to .319.

The Isotopes have TBA (To Be Announced) listed as the starter for tomorrow but I would have to assume it’s Tyler Matzek, who has yet to make a start since being demoted. I have been known to be wrong….

Unrelated:  Do you want to go to baseball games in Albuquerque for free? How about some free dinner to go with it? Want some quality pictures for your portfolio? I NEED A PHOTOGRAPHER.

I need a photographer for Isotopes games so I don’t have to use pictures of minor leaguers from their time with other teams, like above. I do not get paid to do this so I cannot pay you but you can get free baseball and free food in the press box, along with building up a professional portfolio. If you or someone you know is interested or needs more information, leave a message here, tweet me or email me.

Troy Olsen can be heard, talking Topes, every Friday around 5:35 p.m, on 610 KNML. Listen on tunein, IHeartRadio, or the 610 Website along with many other places. Listen in and let me know what you think!