NEW BEDFORD — The Rose Alley Isotopes are an undefeated 3-0 to start to the 2009 season. No big surprise, considering the team is notorious for hot starts, but one thing coach Jon Darling is surprised about is how they’ve done it.
Through three games this season, The Topes have only one extra-base hit — an RBI double by Yim in the first inning of the third game (5-1 win against the Misfits).
“When the weather gets a little warmer, I’m sure the bats will heat up as well,” Darling said about the bats’ slow start. “I think playing two of our first three games in Westport has something to do with that.”
The field in Westport is by far the biggest field in the league. Its massive infield and wide outfield keeps many balls from going over defenders’ heads or in-between gaps.
“Even though we’ve scored only 19 runs in three games, I’m not really concerned about the power outage yet,” said Darling, noting that the Topes scored 46 runs in their first three contests last year.
DEFENSE GETTING IT DONE
Most of the memorable moments from the first few games have come on the defensive side of the game. Outfielder Chris Desmarais already has a Web Gem on a diving catch while fellow outfielder Dave Gagliardi also has a diving Web Gem while adding hosing someone at home trying to run on his arm.
“Our defense has been good so far. We really don’t allow too many runs,” outfielder Kurt Homer said. “We’re keeping other teams under double-digits.”
The Topes have allowed an opponent to score in double-digits only once in the last 11 months — a 13-9 playoff loss to the Bulldogs.
Aside from the Web Gem catches filling up highlight reels, Darling says the team has really cut down on errors this season, something that haunted them in years past.
“Nothing’s a routine play when you’re pounding beers before and during the game,” Darling said. “But the guys have really done a good job in focusing and making the routine plays look routine. They should be commended for their hard work.”
QUICK HITS
Two new players to the team this year rank in the top 5 in batting, Mike Rocha (.571) and Ethan Gifford (.455) … The Topes have two wins over the Outlaws this season already and hold a 10-2 mark against them since 2006. … Several Topes have frequented sponsoring Rose Alley Ale House after games for wings and beers. Management says things are going well at the newly opened watering hole. “We’re really excited about the future,” outfielder and tavern co-owner Patrick Long says in an upcoming article in the New Bedford Standard-Times. … Gifford is the only Tope to be hit with a beer penalty. He brought an extra 12-pack to the last game for popping up to the infield on a first pitch. … Desmarais, Matt Biltcliffe, Gifford and Darling are the only Topes to hit safely in all three games this season. … Biltcliffe is also the only Tope to complain about not being mentioned in a post-game writeup on Decent Community … So far, only four different chicks have attended Topes games, but coach Darling is hopeful that number will increase when the weather gets warmer.
LOOKING AHEAD
The Topes have three games this week and will get their first crack at their longtime rival Bulldogs. The schedule is as follows: Tuesday vs. Bulldogs, 7:30, Cushman Park in Fairhaven; Wednesday vs. W. Crew, 6:00, Westport; and Thursday vs. Bulldogs, Westport, 6 p.m.
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