Mike & Mike Provide 1-2 Punch in Shutout Win
Published on July 2, 2011 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Omaha Storm Chasers News Release
OMAHA, Neb. - Mike Montgomery celebrated his 22nd birthday in style, throwing 6 2-3 shutout innings en route to a 6-0 blanking of the Albuquerque Isotopes Friday night at Werner Park. Shortstop Mike Aviles provided Montgomery and the bullpen all the offense they would need, belting a third-inning grand slam to put the Chasers up for good.
It was the Storm Chasers third win in a row, each of which have come in dramatically different types of ballgames. First it was Kila Ka'aihue's walk-off grand slam on Tuesday to beat Memphis 6-2, then Thursday's 18-13 slugfest against the Isotopes that featured nine home runs. This time it was the California Cool performance of Montgomery, who showed no rust after taking a start off.
The 6-foot-4 lefthander allowed just a pair of singles, walked three and struck out seven over 98 pitches. He exited to a standing ovation from many of the 6,805 in attendance, improving his record to 3-4 on the season. It was Montgomery's first home win since his first home start all the way back on April 17 against Nashville. Mario Santiago and Jesse Chavez retired seven of the eight batters they faced to finish off the ballgame.
Aviles continued to dominate Triple-A pitching, belting a home run in his third consecutive game and ninth in 20 total contests with the Storm Chasers. In addition to his nine long balls, Aviles has driven in 18 runs, scored 17 times and boosted his batting average to .342 with a nine-game hitting streak. He has also played 15-straight games of flawless defense at short, taking part in two double plays in Friday's game.
David Lough made a welcome return to the Chasers lineup, reaching safely all four times up with two singles and two walks. He had not played since June 21 in Nashville. Joaquin Arias also picked up a two-hit game, his first multi-hit effort since June 4.
The Storm Chasers will try to make it four wins in a row Saturday when they face the Isotopes in game three of the Independence Weekend four-game series. Sean O'Sullivan (0-1, 5.68) will make his third rehabilitation start for Omaha while lefthander Randy Keisler (4-3, 4.11) will go for the Isotopes. O'Sullivan was effective in his previous outing, giving up one hit in four scoreless innings in game two of a doubleheader on June 27.
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