AirHogs Drop 11-Inning Heartbreaker to Saints
May 30, 2018 - American Association (AA)
Texas AirHogs News Release
GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas - The Texas AirHogs dropped a heartbreaker 3-0 to the St. Paul Saints in 11 innings Tuesday evening at AirHogs Stadium.
RHP Miguel Rosario turned in a dazzling effort in his second outing of the season, allowing just a bunt single in a shutout effort through seven innings. He struck out five on his way to the best start of the season for the AirHogs. RHP Taylor Wright carried the AirHogs into the ninth, where RHP Cal Drummond struck out Justin O'Conner with the bases loaded to send the 0-0 game to the bottom of the ninth.
After leaving three on third base vs. St. Paul starter Matt Solter, Texas loaded the bases in the ninth only to fall short vs. Saints reliever Mike Devine. The AirHogs loaded the bases courtesy of three walks (two intentional) with one out. DH Meng Weiqiang, who is expected to be the Game 3 starting pitcher Wednesday, sent a line drive up the middle that St. Paul shortstop Noah Perio Jr. was able to knock down on a diving effort. Perio scrambled to his feet, picked up the ball, and went to second base to start a 6-3 double play to keep the walkoff run from coming home.
In the 10th, Drummond set aside the Saints in order. RHP Yang Yanyong entered in the 11th and appeared on the cusp of ending the inning. With two outs, Jayce Boyd, who had drawn a walk earlier in the frame, attempted to steal second with Dante Bichette Jr. at the plate. An errant throw from catcher Ryan Wagner sent Boyd all the way to third. He would score on an infield single by Bichette before Kes Carter doubled and O'Conner singled to break the game open.
Casio Grider finished with two hits for the AirHogs. Texas left men on third in the second, fourth and seventh before failing to score with the bases loaded in the ninth. The AirHogs left seven while the Saints stranded nine. The contest was the first to go to extras this year for the AirHogs. Beck Wheeler (2-0) picked up the win, while Yang Yanyong (0-1) suffered his first loss.
Texas (1-10) and St. Paul (8-3) meet again tomorrow at 7:05. RHP Meng Weiqiang (0-2, 1.59 ERA) is expected to start for the AirHogs. RHP Eddie Medina (1-0, 1.50 ERA) will go for the Saints. A live broadcast will be available at mixlr.com/TXAirHogs and americanassociationbaseball.tv.
The AirHogs - powered by Beijing Shougang Eagles, will take on the Saints, Sioux City Explorers and Kansas City T-Bones as part of a 10-game homestand May 28-June 7. Individual tickets for the 2018 season are on sale now. Visit AirHogsBaseball.com for more information. For the latest news, follow the team on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @TXAirHogs. Media inquiries: jzanaboni@texasairhogs.com.
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