Bolden, Pheasants Slam Saints

May 22, 2012 - American Association (AA)
Sioux Falls Canaries News Release

SIOUX FALLS -- Jared Bolden's clutch grand slam propelled the Sioux Falls Pheasants to a 5-3 win Tuesday night against the St. Paul Saints, evening their record to 2-2.

With the bases loaded and two out in the seventh, Bolden scorched the first pitch he saw from reliever Billy Spottiswood over the right field wall, giving the Pheasants a 5-2 lead.

"At that point I was just thinking I have to get something I know I can handle, something that I can get a base knock off of. With Jonny's speed, a base hit brings in two and we're up by one. That was my thought process and I got a good pitch and I got a good piece of it," said Bolden, the Pheasants designated hitter.

Bolden contributed to the Pheasants' 1-0 lead in the first inning; his double play grounder allowed Jonny Kaplan to score. The Saints tied the game on Willie Cabrera's RBI-double in the fifth and took a 2-1 lead on Alex Garabedian's run-scoring single in the sixth.

For the first five innings, the contest was a pitchers duel, in part because of a strong south wind that kept balls in play.

"Sometimes in the Birdcage when the wind is blowing really hard, we can have low scoring games. The key for us was working the counts, having good at bats and finally got the big hit with the runners on base with Bolden's grand slam," said Pheasants pitching coach Mike Meyer.

Tom Heithoff (1-0) earned the win in relief of starter Mark Michael. He pitched two innings, striking out two while allowing one run.

Michael bounced back from a rough Opening Day start by adjusting to Saints' hitters.

"Tonight he took his time, stepped off the mound and got re-focused and started driving it in the zone and made the adjustment," said Meyer. "That's the type of guy he is and that's the type of guy we're going to need him to be."

Michael allowed only one run in five innings pitched on five hits, walking two and striking out four.

The Pheasants bullpen combined to allow only one earned run in four innings of relief. Cody Evans pitched a scoreless ninth for his first save of the year.

Reid Mahon (0-2) suffered the loss for the Saints.

Game two of this three-game series against St. Paul is at 7:05 p.m. on Wednesday, May 23 at Sioux Falls Stadium. It's Ladies Night; ladies of all ages can purchase a grandstand ticket for just $5.

American Association Stories from May 22, 2012

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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