Defenders Split DH/ Lead Series 2-1
June 6, 2009 - Eastern League (EL1)
Connecticut Defenders News Release
BINGHAMTON, NY-The Defenders and B-Mets were supposed to play two 7 inning ballgames but took a rollercoaster ride in two extra inning games. In the end, both teams split the doubleheader with Connecticut falling 1-0 in game one and winning 5-3 in game two.
In game one it was a pitchers matchup between the Defenders, RHP-Daryl Maday and B-Mets RHP-Jenrry Mejia, who made his double-A debut. Both dazzled each others offense through the regulated 7 innings before giving way to the bullpens. In the bottom of the eighth inning with one out, Defenders closer RHP-Dan Otero dropped a rely throw from 1B-Brett Pill allowing C-Josh Thole to reach base. Otero would then give up a game winning RBI double down the left field line to score Thole.
Otero (0-1) suffered his first loss of the season while B-Mets reliever, LHP-Roydrick Merritt (2-3) picked up the win.
The second game brought similar drama but this time around there was more scoring.
Binghamton got out to an early lead after 1B-Nick Evans tripled and later scored on a LF-Lucas Duda sac fly for a B-Mets 1-0 advantage. That lead grew to 2-0 in the third on a solo homer by SS-Ruben Tejada.
Connecticut trimmed the lead in half in the fifth as 3B-Brad Boyer tripled inside the first base bag and was brought in on a C-Jackson Williams sac fly.
The Defenders tied it in the sixth on a solo jack (5) by Brett Pill over the left field wall.
Both teams traded zeros until the ninth inning when each team scored lone runs in their half of the inning.
In the tenth, the Defenders surged ahead as 2B-Brock Bond drew a leadoff walk, Pill hit an RBI double, and SS-Sharlon Schoop ripped an RBI single to cap a two run inning to give Connecticut the lead for good.
LHP-Joe Paterson (2-2) picked up the win with 1.1 innings of relief and struck out one. B-Mets reliever, RHP- Julio De La Cruz (0-4) took the loss allowing two earned runs off of two hits and walked one in just one inning of work.
Connecticut will look for the series win tomorrow at 1:05pm from NYSEG Stadium when they send veteran RHP-Jesse Foppert (0-3) against B-Mets RHP-Tobi Stoner (1-2).
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