51s’ Ellis helps PCL All-Stars notch victory

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- 51s catcher A.J. Ellis hit a two-run double to cap a ninth-inning rally, and the Pacific Coast League held off the International League in the bottom of the inning for a 6-5 win in the Triple-A All-Star Game on Wednesday night.

For most of the night, the PCL hitters hardly seemed inspired playing a few blocks away from the home of the Louisville Slugger. The PCL managed three hits and appeared off balance through eight innings, and 51s standout Terry Tiffee went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts.

The IL wasn't much better as the teams combined for an All-Star record 22 strikeouts.

Still, the IL seemed to have the game in control after scoring two runs in the bottom of the seventh behind Andrew McCutchen's RBI infield single and a fielder's choice RBI by Mike Hessman.

The IL sent Blaine Neal to close out the game. He has converted 23 of 25 save opportunities this season for the Toledo Mud Hens.

He didn't come close against the PCL's top hitters. Nick Stavinoha led off with a hit, then scored three batters later on a single by Jamie D'Antona. A single by Matt Brown tied the score, and Mark Saccomanno gave the PCL the lead on a single up the middle.

By the time Ellis, playing an hour from his hometown of Lexington, Ky., hit his double to center, it appeared to be more than enough for the PCL.

But the IL rallied for three runs in the bottom of the ninth, including a two-run homer by Chris Carter.