Ruiz Blasts, Duncan Deals Isotopes to Fourth Straight Victory

Isotopes 4 (23-35), Express 2 (28-31) – Dell Diamond | Round Rock, TX

AT THE DISH: The Isotopes made the most of their three hits on Monday night … Greg Bird had an RBI double in the first inning before Rio Ruiz launched a three-run homer in the second for what ended up being the difference in the game … Alan Trejo had the other base hit … Albuquerque drew seven walks (including three by Bird) while also striking out 15 times, one shy of a season-worst.

TOEING THE RUBBER: Frank Duncan turned in his second exceptional start in three outings as a Tope, allowing four hits and two runs in six innings … Nelson Gonzalez got out of a two-on, none-out jam in the seventh … Ben Bowden turned in a perfect eighth with a pair of punchouts before Zac Rosscup continued his dominant season by striking out the side in order for the save.

TOPES TIDBITS: Albuquerque has their first four-game winning streak on the road since sweeping El Paso over Labor Day weekend to end the 2016 season … Their previous four-game streak came at home Aug. 8-11, 2019 vs. San Antonio and Round Rock … The Isotopes have clinched a series win at Dell Diamond for the first time since June 2011 … Rosscup has worked 14 consecutive scoreless outings spanning 13.2 innings and has not allowed a hit in nine appearances since being activated from the Injured List on June 22.

ON DECK: The Topes will attempt to take five of six from Round Rock tomorrow night in what is slated to be a pitching rematch of the series opener, when Ian Clarkin (0-5, 8.92) takes the hill against Hyeon-Jong Yang (0-0, 5.51). First pitch from Texas is set for 6:05 PM MT.