Defenders Fall 4-3
August 30, 2008 - Eastern League (EL1)
Connecticut Defenders News Release
TRENTON, NJ - For the second consecutive night the Defenders fall in dramatic fashion in Trenton by the final score of 4-3.
The Defenders got off to an early start as Kyle Haines lead the game off with a base hit, than Simon Klink pulled a George Kontos curveball over the right field wall as the Defenders jumped out to a 2-0 lead.
Olmo Rosario added a solo homer of his own as he blasted one to straight away center in the second, Connecticut led 3-0.
Trenton finally got on the scoreboard in the home half of the third. Reegie Corona singled, than Ramiro Pena delivered a double to plate Corona to trim Connecticut's lead to 3-1.
In the fourth, the Thunder got back to back singles by Russo and Pilittere to start off the inning. After retiring the next two batters, Ben Snyder gave up another two singles to Cooper and Corona to drive in the first two and tie the score at 3-3.
Squandered opportunities were the tail of the tape for visiting Connecticut as the team could never deliver the big hit. Both teams traded goose eggs until the ninth.
The Defenders got a leadoff single to start the ninth inning off by Martinez-Esteve, who was lifted for pinch runner Mike Mooney. Julio Cordido attempted a sacrifice bunt that ended up being bobbled by first baseman Pilittere whose throw deflected off Corona who was covering and ventured into right field, allowing the runners to get into scoring position. Nunez settled down and struck out the next three batters to get out of the jam.
In the bottom of the ninth, Trenton's luck switched. A leadoff walk to Malec, double by Gonzalez, and intentional walk to Cooper loaded the bases. Defenders Manager Bien Figueroa pulled left fielder Olmo Rosario into the infield to make a total of five and brought them all in. Corona lined a short hopper to Alfonzo who fired home for the force out than Witter on the attempt throw back to first bobbled the ball, so only one out was recorded. Ramiro Pena hit a rocket that was sure to be the game winner but with the extra infielder, Cordido was able to snag it for the second out. Things were looking ok but Austin Jackson quickly changed that with a game winning blooper into left center field.
Connecticut and Trenton face off again in a late Sunday ballgame from Waterfront Park at 6:05pm. Don't miss any of the action by tuning into the Defenders Radio Network or at www.ctdefenders.com.
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