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Crisp finale gives Blacksnakes split

July 9, 2006 - American Association (AA)
St. Joseph Blacksnakes News Release

Sioux City, IA-St. Joe (5-2, 31-24) escaped Sioux City with a 4-0 win to split the four-game series. After the pitching struggled over the first three games of the series, Donovan Graves started on three days rest and stepped up in a big way for the win.

It certainly was a pitcher's duel between Graves and Sioux City's Tom Lipari. St. Joe struck for an early run with one in the second after a leadoff walk to Terrell Merriman. A couple batters later Denver Kitch singled to score the game's first run.

It stayed that way until the ninth, as Graves slowed down the X's attack to just five hits through seven shutout innings just a couple days after being roughed up in just a pair of innings. Mark Nussbeck was scheduled to start but was a late scratch and Graves took the ball on just three days rest.

The 'Snakes added to the lead in the ninth with three two-out runs when Ben Thomas singled in Kitch and Jake Whitesides delivered a two-run home run. Jamie Tricoglou made good on a two-inning save, his eighth of the season for Graves (6-2).

Kitch had three hits and Thomas and Whitesides had a pair apiece.

St. Joe has Monday off before beginning a three-game series in Sioux Falls with the Canaries Tuesday night at 7:05pm. Jesen Merle (3-1) is scheduled to start for the 'Snakes in the opener. The webcast starts at 6:45pm at www.stjoeblacksnakes.com.

American Association Stories from July 9, 2006

American Association Recaps - AA
Crisp finale gives Blacksnakes split - St. Joseph Blacksnakes
X's drop game four to 'Snakes - Sioux City Explorers
Canaries shut out, 6-0, by strong pitching, defense - Sioux Falls Canaries

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