Defenders' bats go extra distance in 9-5 win over Rock Cats
Published on July 2, 2006 under Eastern League (EL1)
Connecticut Defenders News Release
The Connecticut Defenders came from behind late with a flurry of offense and extra base hits to down the New Britain Rock Cats by a score of 9-5.
Connecticut got on the board in the 2nd inning when Derin McMains went deep with his 3rd home run of the season off of Justin Olson. The lead was short lived, as an error on a hard hit ball by Denard Span to Travis Ishikawa led to two runs, only one of which was earned off of Pat Misch. The Defenders would tie the game on another solo home run in the 4th inning, this time coming off the bat of Nate Schierholtz, his 5th. In the top of the 5th inning, the Defenders regained the lead on a Brian Buscher sacrifice fly that brought in Jake Wald.
Four of Pat Misch's first five innings of work were 1,2,3, innings, but the 6th inning did not go well, and tainted his final totals on a night where he pitched five very solid innings. After a walk, a sacrifice bunt, and a hit batsman, Danny Matienzo hit a 3-2 pitch to shortstop Jake Wald. With the runners off with the pitch, Wald tried to rush the throw in order to turn a double play, but never fielded the ball cleanly. He was charged with an error, and it ultimately helped lead to a three run inning. Misch left after 5.2 innings pitched, allowing five runs, but only two were earned..
Connecticut responded with four straight two out hits in the top of the 7th inning. It started with back to back doubled by Buscher and Ishikawa. Singles by Schierholtz and McMains capped off the three run rally, giving the Defenders a 6-5 lead. In the 8th, back to back triples by Buscher and Ishikawa were the key blows in another three run inning, which lead to a 9-5 final score, as Joe Bateman secured his 4th win with 2.1 scoreless innings of relief.
The Defenders tied a season high with seven extra base hits, coming on three doubles, two triples, and two home runs. On Sunday afternoon, the Defenders will try and take back to back wins at New Britain in a battle of right handed starters. For Connecticut it will be Jesse Floyd (1-8) against Kevin Slowey (0-1) for the Rock Cats. The first pitch is scheduled for 1:35.
Eastern League Stories from July 2, 2006
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- Mets explode late in 7-2 win Sunday over New Hampshire - New Hampshire Fisher Cats
- Jordan DeJong back on Fisher Cats roster - New Hampshire Fisher Cats
- Defenders' bats go extra distance in 9-5 win over Rock Cats - Connecticut Defenders
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