Ely Elite in 3-1 'Topes Victory
Published on July 23, 2012 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release
Starter John Ely pitched a gem, limiting the I-Cubs to just four hits through 7.1 innings while steering the Albuquerque Isotopes (60-42) to a 3-1 win over the Iowa Cubs (41-62) on Monday afternoon at Isotopes Park. The red-hot 'Topes have now swept Iowa twice this season at The Lab, and own a 12-4 advantage in this season's series with the Cubs.
Ely (9-7) was literally unhittable through his first 4.2 innings, retiring 13 of the first 14 batters he faced while yielding only one walk. The right-hander fanned seven, extending his PCL-leading strikeout count to 130 before retiring from the contest having allowing only one run, an unearned tally in the eighth. With his standout performance today, Ely has now made 12 quality starts through his 20 total appearances.
Albuquerque drew first blood in the second inning when Scott Van Slyke belted a leadoff double and advanced to third on a single from Jerry Sands. Van Slyke has been on a tear as of late, collecting nine hits in his last five games. Josh Bard followed with an RBI single to right-center to give the 'Topes an early 1-0 edge. With a runner on third and no outs, Ozzie Martinez put the 'Topes up 2-0 with an RBI single to left.
The Isotopes added another tally in the sixth to make it 3-0 when Van Slyke reached on a throwing error from shortstop Alfredo Amezaga, took second on a single from Sands and scored on an RBI knock from Bard.
Iowa collected its only run of the game in the eighth when Van Slyke misplayed a grounder from James Adduci to allow the batter to reach second. Brian Esposito then roped an RBI double to right that scored Adduci and narrowed the deficit 3-1.
Trailing by two, the I-Cubs threatened in the ninth as Adrian Cardenas ripped a leadoff single and Josh Vitters followed with a double. With the tying run on second and no outs, 'Topes reliever Scott Rice (8) settled down to strike out the next two batters and coax a groundout to preserve the 3-2 Isotopes win.
Albuquerque begins a four-game set tomorrow against the Round Rock Express at the Dell Diamond. Isotopes southpaw Derrick Loop (9-2, 4.53) will battle Express right-hander Justin Grimm (0-0, 3.86) in the opening contest scheduled for 6:05 PM MT.
The 'Topes will hit the road for an eight-game swing that features sets against the Round Rock Express and Nashville Sounds. Following the completion of the two series', Albuquerque returns home for an eight-game stand that features a cowbell giveaway and Dodgers replica stadium giveaway. Tickets for any Isotopes game may be purchased at the Isotopes Park Box Office, at Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 1-800-745-3000, or on-line at www.abqisotopes.com or www.ticketmaster.com .
Pacific Coast League Stories from July 23, 2012
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- Omaha Finishes off Round Rock - Omaha Storm Chasers
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- Sacramento Spoils Sweep Bid - Tucson Padres
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- Martin Named PCL Pitcher of the Week - New Orleans Baby Cakes
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