PCL1 Albuquerque Isotopes

Isotopes Snag Series Split 2-0 Behind Ely Gem

Published on June 5, 2012 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release


For the second straight night the Albuquerque Isotopes (33-27) got a sterling starting pitching performance, this time courtesy of John Ely, who authored 6.2 shutout frames to propel the "˜Topes to a 2-0 win over the Round Rock Express (27-33) Tuesday night at Dell Diamond. Albuquerque departs the Lone Star State with series split after taking two straight games from its division-rivals.

After escaping a two-on, one-out scrape in the first with a perfectly-timed double-play, Ely (5-4) cruised through 6.2 scoreless innings, allowing just two Express base runners from the second through the sixth. The right-hander conceded just five hits and a walk on the night while striking out eight to earn his fifth victory of the season. The eight punchouts elevated Ely to the PCL lead in Ks with 78 on the season.

The game was locked in a scoreless stalemate until the Isotopes broke through in the sixth thanks to an Express error. Aaron Miles started the rally with a lead-off single and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Joe Becker. After Matt Angle drew a walk, Round Rock pitcher Zach Jackson attempted a pick-off throw to first that sailed errant, allowing both runners to move into scoring position. The miscue proved costly, as Jerry Sands bounced a grounder to third base, allowing Miles to trot home from third with the game's first run.

Albuquerque added some valuable insurance in the eighth in a rally ignited by a bunt base hit from Brian Cavazos-Galvez, who scampered into second on a sac bunt from Miles. That set up Angle, who roped a grounder that deflected off the glove of first baseman Michael Bianucci for a base hit, allowing Cavazos-Galvez to score and make the score 2-0 "˜Topes.

This game, however, was about pitching, and the Isotopes bullpen picked up right where Ely left off. Derrick Loop came on for the starter with two out in the seventh and pitched a scoreless inning, handing the ball with two on and two out in the eighth to Scott Rice, who coaxed an out to preserve the shutout. The ninth belonged to closer Josh Wall (12), who pitched around a base hit to nail down his 12th save of the season in a 2-0 Isotopes shutout win.

Albuquerque will get a much-deserved day off tomorrow before entertaining the Memphis Redbirds, Triple-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, in a four-game series at Isotopes Park beginning on Thursday at 7:05 PM. Left-hander Michael Antonini (1-3, 4.84) will make the start for the Isotopes in the first game against "˜Birds lefty Nick Additon (1-6, 5.40).

The "˜Topes' next homestand is packed with great promotions, starting with a Home Appliance Giveaway on Thursday courtesy of Baillios. The weekend is even bigger, featuring an appearance by Dancin' Bat Boy BBoy McCoy on Friday and a Saturday night fireworks extravaganza. 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 .

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Pacific Coast League Stories from June 5, 2012


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