The Omaha Royals blew a ninth inning lead for the eighth time this season, as the Albuquerque Isotopes scored four runs to win 9-7.
Omaha jumped out to a 4-0 lead, just like Tuesday night thanks to back to back home run by Ryan Shealy and Damon Hollins in the first inning.
Former major leaguer Paul LoDuca, who was released by Washington singled in two runs past a drawn in infield to break the 7-7 tie.
The O-Royals had pitching issues and there wasn’t much manager Mike Jirschele could do when he has to protect young arms. Starting pitcher Carlos Rosa, like Dusty Hughes on Tuesday, was limited to two innings while trying to come back from injury. Brandon Duckworth pitched over 100 pitches and Jirschele’s only option was Jeff Fulchino who gave up the four runs in the ninth.
The Royals who have now lost three in a row were eliminated from the playoff hunt, mathematically.