Defenders Lose Series Finale

Published on June 18, 2009 under Eastern League (EL1)
Connecticut Defenders News Release


TRENTON, NJ- The final game of the series between Connecticut and Trenton was a pitcher's duel that went to the Thunder 2-0 Thursday night at Waterfront Park. Connecticut won the overall series 2-1.

Trenton used two sacrifice flies in the seventh inning to go in front as they salvaged a lone win in the series.

Defender's starter, RHP-Brooks McNiven came off his best start of the season and followed it up by tossing five scoreless innings, allowing just four hits, walked three and struck out a pair in the no decision. McNiven's counterpart, RHP-Ryan Pope hoped to bounce back from a loss in his last outing and like McNiven, didn't allow a run over 6.2 innings, giving up five hits and fanning four.

Defense was the name of the game for both teams as each side kept the ballgame scoreless with plays at the plate. Connecticut got a two out single by 1B-Brett Pill in the first then 3B-Brad Boyer pulled a double down the right-field line in which Pill tried to score but a perfect relay got him. Trenton's shot came in the fourth, after a leadoff walk to DH-Chris Malec then a double by C-Jesus Montero down the leftfield line, another quick relay gunned Malec down keeping the game scoreless.

Trenton would get a runner to third from the third to the sixth inning but left them stranded. In their fifth attempt in the seventh, Defenders reliever LHP-Ben Snyder (3-2) hit 1B-Kevin Smith, walked 3B-Marcos Vechionacci then a throwing error by C-Jackson Williams loaded the bases. CF-Austin Krum drove in the first run of the game with a sac fly to right followed by another sac fly to left by LF-Noah Hall.

Thunder closer, RHP-Amaury Sanit closed the door with a 1, 2, 3 ninth, picking up his eighth save of the season. Reliever, LHP- Wilkins Arias (1-1) picked up his first win the year in 1.1 innings of work.

The Defenders travel to Altoona (Pirates) to continue their six day road-trip and send LHP-Madison Bumgarner (4-1) to the hill in game one against the Curve's RHP-Yoslan Herrera (4-0). First pitch is slated for 7:05pm from Blair County Ballpark in Altoona, PA.

Catch all the action starting with the Defenders Pre-Game Show at 6:50pm on the Defenders Flagship Station WICH 1310AM or online at ctdefenders.com.



Eastern League Stories from June 18, 2009


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