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Carl Crawford may have been the one Albuquerque Isotope who felt good about Sunday night’s home game against Las Vegas.

Well, reasonably good.

The rehabbing Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder certainly didn’t enjoy the 12-1 drubbing he and the rest of the ‘Topes absorbed at the hands of the 51s. But for Crawford it was a productive step toward returning to the big leagues.

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“I feel good, body, mind and spirit,” Crawford said. “Now it’s just a matter of getting my timing down. I saw a good pitcher (Las Vegas’ Noah Syndergaard) tonight, so that’s helpful. Hopefully, I’ll do a little more damage the next couple days and be good to go.”

Sunday

51s 12Isotopes 1

Crawford, who is recovering from a badly sprained left ankle, is making his first visit to Albuquerque. Sunday’s 0-for-3 performance notwithstanding, the 32-year-old, four-time All-Star says he’s enjoying the visit.

“I’d never been to the ballpark, never been to the city,” Crawford said, “but it’s nice. This is a good atmosphere for Triple-A ball. It feels very comfortable.”

Crawford did not have much time to get comfortable at Isotopes Park before facing a legitimate test. He arrived shortly before the second game of Saturday’s doubleheader and was stationed in left field when Las Vegas’ Allan Dykstra lined a deep rocket his way in the bottom of the first inning.

“It always seems to happen that way, doesn’t it?” Crawford said shaking his head. “I didn’t know how well balls carry here. I was just hopin’ for the guys in the bullpen to help me out.”

The speedy Crawford raced back to the warning track and made a stellar leaping snag just before crashing into the padded fence.

“The bullpen tried to help me,” Crawford said, “but I’m definitely glad I didn’t get hurt on that one.”

Crawford admitted he wanted nothing to do with the notorious berm in center field – particularly after watching Isotopes teammate Trayvon Robinson uproot a divot and tumble face first on what became a triple by the 51s Matt den Dekker.

“After seeing what happened to my man Trayvon over there,” Crawford said, “they can have that hill. No thanks.”

Crawford, who has been on the disabled list since May 28, said he hopes to play two more games with the Isotopes this week. He’s been keeping a close eye on the parent Dodgers and hopes to return to the lineup as soon as possible.

“They’re back in first place and seem to have things clicking,” Crawford said. “I just need to get myself right so I can contribute when I get there.”

WORTH THE WAIT: Isotopes manager Damon Berryhill could not say enough about the six strong innings right-hander Steve Smith pitched in game one of Saturday’s doubleheader. Smith came off the disabled list prior to the game.

“That’s the best job I’ve seen anybody do picking up a club,” Berryhill said. “Smitty was awesome.”

Smith, however, was more more excited about his RBI single in the fourth inning. It was a long time coming for the seventh-year pro.

“That might have been my first hit since high school,” the former University of New Mexico right-hander said with a smirk. “I got credited with one at (Double-A) Chattanooga, but it was honestly more of an error. At least this one was legit.”