Three Stars: July 25 vs. New Orleans

The New Orleans Zephyrs (50-53) earned a series split today at Isotopes Park, building an 8-0 lead through four-and-a-half innings before taking a 9-5 victory over the Isotopes (54-49) on Monday afternoon. As a result, the ‘Topes finished up the homestand at 4-4 and dropped another game back behind Round Rock, which now leads the PCL’s American South division by six games.

Albuquerque tried to mount a comeback, putting up three runs in the fifth inning and another two runs in the seventh inning. In the eighth, the ‘Topes loaded the bases with one out, but a Zephyrs pitching change to Sandy Rosario worked in the visitors’ favor as he struck out Jamie Hoffmann and induced a fly out from Corey Smith to help New Orleans escape. The Z’s Mike Cervenak then homered in the ninth for what would be the final 9-5 margin.

The ‘Topes now head off to Omaha and New Orleans for an eight-game road swing that starts tomorrow in Nebraska against the Storm Chasers at 6:05 p.m. MT.

Here are the Three Stars of the Game for your Isotopes:

1. A.J. Ellis, C (1-for-4, HR, 3 RBI, two runs scored)

Hits were hard to come by for the ‘Topes today, but Ellis made his one hit count as he blasted a three-run homer in the fifth inning that put the ‘Topes on the board. It was Ellis’ second dinger of the year.

2. Justin Sellers, 3B-OF (1-for-2, BB, 2 RBI)

Sellers got Albuquerque’s other two runs of the day in the seventh, bringing home Joe Becker and A.J. Ellis with his 11th two-bagger of the season.

3. Roy Corcoran, P (2 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 0 BB, 0 K)

Corcoran was the only ‘Topes pitcher to go unscathed today (starter Joe Newby gave up seven runs, while relievers Adam Dedeaux and Jon Link each gave up one run), hurling a 1-2-3 seventh and working around a two-out double for a scoreless eighth.

For a full recap of today’s game, check out AlbuquerqueBaseball.com!