Defenders do just enough in win
Published on June 30, 2008 under Eastern League (EL1)
Connecticut Defenders News Release
NORWICH, CT- The Defs and Fisher Cats played a tight one at Dodd Stadium as Nate Bump, Justin Hedrick and Osiris Matos combined for a 1-0 shutout.
Bump was spectacular through four innings of work, facing the minimum, but his defense was tested in the fifth. In the frame, Bump was sweating. Two runners stood in scoring position with only one out and Eric Nielsen stood at the dish. Nielsen let loose a line drive to third base, Ryan Rohlinger laid out, stabbed the ball on a line and crawled to third to catch J.P. Arencibia at third on a force as he ventured too far off the bag to end the inning.
Connecticut broke the silence in the sixth inning with a two-run rally. Ryan Rohlinger singled and Carlos Sosa hit a mammoth shot to center field that caromed off the base of the wall. Rohlinger scored without a throw from first, Sosa trotted into second without a slide and the Defenders took a 1-0 lead.
Bump's day ended in the seventh, after he lasted six and a third scoreless, scattered three singles, walked one, hit two batsmen, and struck out three. Hedrick commanded the hill next and he was sharp, polishing corners and forcing weak fly balls on the infield and into the shallow outfield as his ERA dwindled to 1.71 after his inning and two thirds were turned in.
The Defenders continued to plate additional runs for insurance but the offense lacked further impeccability beyond the sixth. With a 1-0 advantage, it was time for Osiris Matos to do what he does best.
Matos was flawless in the ninth, inducing two infield flyouts and finally striking out the final batter of the game to lock down his eighth save of the season. As the glove closed on the final out, Nate Bump pulled to an even 3-3 record, Hedrick solidified his fifth hold and Connecticut collected a much needed home victory.
The contest marked the fifth time in which the Defs have been involved in a 1-0 game in 2008 and their fourth win in said contests.
Connecticut and New Hampshire will play a twin-bill on Tuesday; the first game will begin at 5:05pm, the second will start 25 minutes after the final out is recorded in game one. Tickets are available for the double-dip at ctdefenders.com or by dialing the box office at (860) 887-7962.
Eastern League Stories from June 30, 2008
- 'Wolves see win streak snapped - Erie SeaWolves
- Offense stays hot in win - Trenton Thunder
- Curve offense not enough against B-Mets - Altoona Curve
- Concepcion, Garcia Lead B-Mets To Victory At Altoona - Binghamton Rumble Ponies
- 'Dogs lose to Trenton - Portland Sea Dogs
- Baysox roll past Senators - Chesapeake Baysox
- Sens still can't figure out Baysox - Harrisburg Senators
- Defenders do just enough in win - Connecticut Defenders
- Cecil works five shutout frames in loss - New Hampshire Fisher Cats
- Aeros Notes - Akron RubberDucks
- Michael Gardner activated from the Disabled List - Trenton Thunder
- Erie SeaWolves vs. Akron Aeros...Game One of Four...Game Notes - Erie SeaWolves
- What are good neighbors for? - Connecticut Defenders
- Panther moved to DL - Akron RubberDucks
- Fisher Cats Robert Ray Named EL Pitcher of the Week - New Hampshire Fisher Cats
- Crowe Named Player of the Week - Akron RubberDucks
- Fireworks, Captain Awful, Used Cars And More - Altoona Curve
- Senators Roster Moves - Harrisburg Senators
- Bank of America Pitcher-Player of the Week Awards Week Ending June 29th - EL1
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