Defenders split season ending double header
Published on September 4, 2006 under Eastern League (EL1)
Connecticut Defenders News Release
A 2-0 game one victory eliminated the Binghamton Mets from playoff contention, but the Defenders were unable to close out a double-header sweep as they let a 1-0 lead slip away for a 4-1 loss.
The Defenders benefited from poor Binghamton defense beginning in the bottom of the 1st inning in game one of the double header. Quincy Foster beat out a throw by pitcher Kevin Mulvey for an infield hit, but his throw got by first baseman Michel Abreu allowing Foster to get into scoring position. He would trot home on a Brian Buscher RBI single. The Defenders made it a 2-0 lead on another Buscher base hit to score Jake Wald who reached on an error by Wilson Batista. Two Mets errors in the frame helped the Defenders score. In the mean time, Geno Espineli switched up speeds well to keep the Mets hitters off balance all game. Espineli tossed a complete game shutout to seal the 2-0 win and knock Binghamton from playoff contention.
In game two, it was in the top of the 4th that Foster became the Defenders first base runner with a lead off single. Foster would steal second and then third base. On his steal of third, catcher Mike Nickeas threw the ball into left field, and Foster came home with the game's first run. The Mets would rally in the 6th inning off of James Garcia with three runs. It started with a Chase Lambin solo home run to tie the game. The Mets weren't done as they loaded the bases for Nickeas who atoned for his error with a two out two run single to make it a 3-1 score.
Jay Caligiuri provided the insurance in the 7th inning with a pinch-hit home run to put the Mets in front 4-1, which would be the final. The Connecticut Defenders finished the 2006 season 64-77 fifth place in the Eastern League's North Division.
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