Defenders lose 1-0
Published on April 9, 2008 under Eastern League (EL1)
Connecticut Defenders News Release
NORWICH, CT- The rubber match between the Sea Dogs and the Defenders was a battle of attrition, as Portland scored the lone run of the ballgame to take the game and the series, 1-0.
Adam Cowart's performance on the hill was dazzling as he lasted six innings, allowed one unearned run on two hits while walking two and striking out four to lower his ERA to a sparkling 0.87. Unfortunately, Cowart earned his first loss of the year as the offense could never get going Wednesday night.
Cowart's counterpart in Daniel Haigwood was equally impressive as his final line included four innings of scoreless work, allotting two hits, struck out seven and walked none.
The bottom of the second inning was the best chance for the Defenders to score a run as Simon Klink led off the frame with a double. He moved over to third on a groundout off the bat of Eddy Martinez-Esteve as Klink stood ninety feet away from home with less than two outs. But, back-to-back strikeouts by Dave Maroul and Dayton Buller retired the side and killed the threat.
Six innings of scoreless baseball were finally broken up in the top of the seventh as Tony Granadillo hit what looked to be a routine grounder to Olmo Rosario. Rosario took his eyes off of it and it rolled into the outfield to put Granadillo on first. Zach Daeges walked, Aaron Bates struck out as Granadillo moved over to third base to make way for Jeff Natale. Natale nubbed a squib shot back at Defenders' reliever Ronnie Ray who tried to flip the ball directly from his glove to catcher Dayton Buller as Granadillo came barreling down the third base line to score.
The Defenders would load the bases in the bottom of the seventh on a couple of walks and an error but never plated a run.
Connecticut mustered only two base-hits on the night en route to the shutout defeat.
The Defenders will hit the road for a seven game trip to New Hampshire and Portland before coming home on Thursday, April 17 to open up against the Reading Phillies. Tickets are still available for the series on either ctdefenders.com or by calling the box office at (860) 887-7962.
Eastern League Stories from April 9, 2008
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