Defenders Fall 2-1
June 3, 2009 - Eastern League (EL1)
Connecticut Defenders News Release
NORWICH, CT- Dodd Stadium hosted their second consecutive pitcher's duel Wednesday night, and it was the Rock Cats rallying for 2 runs in the ninth to come from behind to defeat Connecticut 2-1.
The Defenders scored the first run of the ball game taking advantage of a leadoff walk by C-Tyler LaTorre. CF- Mike McBryde singled to put runners on the corners for RF-Antoan Richardson with one out. Connecticut struggling to drive runs in with runners in scoring position all series saw Richardson deliver with a sacrifice fly to left to give the Defenders a 1-0 lead.
Connecticut's starter RHP-Henry Sosa put together his best performance of the 2009 season against the Rock Cats. Sosa struggled in the early innings walking four Rock Cat batters in the first three innings. New Britain loaded the bases in the third inning with just one out, but Sosa used the defense to get out of the jam.
LHP-Ben Snyder entered the game in the top of the seventh inning in relief of Sosa and was just as impressive in two innings of work. Snyder struck out 4 hitters not allowing a base hit.
Defenders Manager- Steve Decker made the call to LHP-Joe Patterson in the ninth looking for his fifth save, but the Rock Cats were thinking differently. Patterson allowed a leadoff single to pinch hitter Wilson Ramos. A second straight pinch hitter in Toby Gardenhire laid down a sacrifice bunt but reached on a throwing error by Patterson. An intentional walk to SS-Yancarlos Ortiz loaded the bases with one out. C-Jeff Christy who was 0-3 on the night drew a base loaded walk to tie the game 1-1. Things got worse for Patterson and the Defenders with two outs, Patterson would hit 2B-Brian Dinkleman with a 1-2 pitch allowing the winning run to come into score.
Henry Sosa finished the night going 6 innings, allowing just one base hit, walking four, but striking out a season high seven Rock Cats. RHP-Jeff Manship was almost as good, going 6.1 innings, allowing one earned run on five base hits, striking out four.
Earning the win for the Rock Cats was LHP-Jose Lugo (3-2) with a scoreless eighth inning. Closer RHP-Anthony Slama came in and closed the game out with a 1, 2, 3 ninth for his twelfth save of the season. Suffering the loss was LHP-Joe Patterson (1-2) blowing his first save of the season.
The Defenders and Rock Cats will close out this four game series tomorrow morning with a 10:35am start that will feature LHP-Madison Bumgarner (4-0) for Connecticut against RHP-Jay Rainville(2-2) throwing for New Britain. Fans can catch all the action starting with the Defenders Pre-game Show at 10:20am on ctdefenders.com.
For more information or to purchased tickets, call the Defenders Box Office at (860)-887-7962 or online at ctdefenders.com.
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