Early run not enough as El Paso rallies to 16–2 win
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — On Tuesday, April 28, the Albuquerque Isotopes opened their first game of the series against the El Paso Chihuahuas under sunny, refreshing skies that set the tone for a lively night at the ballpark.
Adding a special crossover moment to the evening, former New Mexico Lobos basketball player Jake Hall threw out the ceremonial first pitch the first former Lobos player to do so at an Isotopes game for the first time in a long time. The moment underscored a theme that would define the night: determination.
The Isotopes came out strong, energized by a solid turnout and momentum from their previous 4–1 series performance against El Paso. Starting pitcher Carson Palmquist set the tone early, holding the Chihuahuas hitless through the opening inning and delivering three consecutive outs. The Isotopes capitalized in the bottom of the first, putting the game’s first run on the board.However, the Chihuahuas quickly adjusted.
Taking advantage of small defensive lapses, El Paso responded with two runs in the second inning. Both teams held each other scoreless in the third, but momentum began to shift soon after.
At the top of the fourth inning, the Isotopes made a pitching change, bringing in Patrick Weigel for Palmquist. The transition proved difficult, as multiple hit-by-pitches gave the Chihuahuas key opportunities to extend their lead.
By the end of the fourth inning, El Paso had surged ahead 6–1.The Chihuahuas continued to build on that lead, adding another run in the fifth and several more in the innings that followed. While both teams held steady through the seventh and eighth innings, the gap proved too wide to close.
In the final stretch, El Paso sealed the game with a commanding performance, highlighted by a double and a triple that brought the score to 16–2
Despite the tough loss, the Isotopes still have room to bounce back as the series against El Paso continues. With several games ahead, the team will look to regroup and reclaim momentum on their home field.