Defenders hold on for win
June 27, 2008 - Eastern League (EL1)
Connecticut Defenders News Release
BINGHAMTON, NY- Connecticut got their short weekend set against the Mets off on the right foot as they controlled Binghamton, 4-2.
The Mets jumped ahead in their first chance as Mike Carp singled Fernando Martinez to the plate to give Binghamton an early 1-0 lead.
Connecticut responded quickly in the second. Pablo Sandoval came up with his first hit in double-a, a single. Sandoval moved to second on a wild pitch and crossed home on a base knock off the bat of Eddy Martinez-Esteve to knot the game, 1-1. With two out and Martinez-Esteve standing on second, Jake Wald ripped a double to swing the advantage to Connecticut, 2-1.
The Defs were back to work in the fourth when Adam Witter sparked a two-out rally as he drew a base on balls. Carlos Sosa laced a double down the right field line to plate Witter. Wald smacked his second double of the day to score Sosa as the Defenders lead grew to 4-1.
The Mets waited until the final half of the ninth to get back on the scoreboard against the red-hot closer Osiris Matos. Emmanuel Garcia bunted himself on with one down, Jose Coronado singled and pinch-hitter Josh Petersen slapped a single to center to score Garcia. Eric Reed followed with a walk to load the bags and Bien Figueroa went to the bullpen for the struggling Matos. Kelvin Pichardo took the ball and sparkled. He forced Fernando Martinez to pop up on the infield and struck the dangerous Nick Evans out on five pitches to end the inning, the threat, and the game.
Dave McKae's five inning, one run, five hit performance was good enough to push his record to 6-3. Jonathon Niese lasted all nine but suffered his fifth defeat of 2008. Kelvin Pichardo mopped up Osiris Matos' mess in the ninth to lock down his third save.
Connecticut will face off against the Mets on Saturday at 7:05 at NYSEG stadium. The AT&T Real Yellow Pages Pre-Game Show will begin at 6:50pm on the Defenders' Radio Network or worldwide at ctdefenders.com.
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