Defenders bow out in one-run decision
Published on August 15, 2008 under Eastern League (EL1)
Connecticut Defenders News Release
ERIE, PA- Friday brought a new town and a new team for the Connecticut Defenders but they couldn't take full advantage of the Erie Sea Wolves four errors as they fell 5-4 in dramatic fashion.
Connecticut took advantage of the first or four Sea Wolves error in the third as Olmo Rosario delivered his third triple of the season to the alley way in right-center to drive in newcomer, Julio Cordido who reached on a De Leon error, Defenders lead 1-0. Erie responded quickly in the bottom of the frame with a three hit inning the biggest coming off the bat of Casper Wells who hit a towering three run homerun to lift the Sea Wolves to a 3-1 advantage.
The Defenders trimmed into the lead in the top of the fourth by loading the bases. Dave Maroul hit a shot in the hole on the left side of the infield in which De Leon made a miraculous diving stab to keep it on the infield and get the force at second. The play prevented the ballgame from being tied as Witter was the only run to score. Erie took back their two run lead with a solo shot by De Leon in the bottom of the inning as the Sea Wolves lead 4-2.
Sea Wolves starter, Danny Christensen dazzled as he went 8 innings, his longest of the season while rendering 9 hits and one earned run. He gave way to right hander Rudy Darrow who made just his 8th appearance.
The Defs faced a two run deficit entering the ninth where they faced Darrow but quickly got a leadoff walk to Maroul and a base knock by Richardson. Cordido moved the runners into scoring position with a chopper on the first base side while the hit and run was implemented. Rosario would drive in Maroul on a week chopper to short then Klink hit a chopper himself on the first base side where second baseman Shawn Roof fielded it on the skirt of the right field grass and threw wide of Cosme (fourth error of the game) at first to allow Klink to reach and scored Richardson to tie the game at 4 apiece.
Steve Palazzolo took over the reigns from Cowart in the ninth after Cowart silenced the Sea Wolves for three straight innings. Palazzolo gave up a lead off walk to Skelton who was sacrificed over to second. An intentional walk to pinch hitter Cotto set the stage for leadoff batter, Will Rhymes. Rhymes battled with Palazzolo until he finally drilled one to the right field wall to score the game winner and gave Erie the 5-4 victory.
Connecticut and Erie will again tomorrow from Jerry Uht Park in downtown Erie, PA at 7:05pm. Catch all the action starting with the AT&T Real Yellow Pages Pre-Game Showa starting at 6:50pm on the Defenders Radio Network.
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