Defenders Walk-off 4-3/ Series 1-1
Published on August 22, 2009 under Eastern League (EL1)
Connecticut Defenders News Release
NORWICH, CT- For 3 hours and 6 minutes the Defenders gave no reason for 4,099 fans to cheer until the final minute of Saturday night's ballgame as 3B-Ramon Castro blasted a two run moon shot over the centerfield wall to lift Connecticut (72-53) and their fans to a 4-3 walk-off victory over Binghamton.
With two outs, a 2-2 count, a runner on second and Connecticut trailing by one run, Manager Steve Decker's double switch in the top of the ninth with two outs to replace Boyer at third, paid off as Castro belted his first homerun of the season off B-Mets reliever RHP-Amary Fredrick (0-1) to even up the four game series at one game apiece.
Binghamton got out in front for the second straight night this time in the first inning. SS-Ruben Tejada ripped a single to left which then bounced past LF-Bobby Felmy and he advanced to third on a CF-Emmanuel Garcia sac bunt. C-Josh Thole then drove a deep sac fly to center to plate Tejada.
The B-Mets added to their lead in the fourth sending seven batters to the plate. After loading the bases, B-Mets starter RHP-Jenrry Mejia drew a walk then with two outs. Garcia drove in the second run with an RBI single to center but Binghamton tried getting one more sending 1B-Mark Kiger around third but was greeted with an 8-2 put out at the plate, B-Mets led 3-0.
Connecticut got a run back in the bottom of the inning as RF-Eddy Martinez-Esteve's RBI groundout plated 3B-Brad Boyer who led off with his league tying triple (8).
The Defenders would get silenced in the middle of the ballgame but pulled within one run in the eighth. 2B-Brock Bond delivered a two out single then came around to score as CF-Mike McBryde's single to center skipped past Garcia.
Binghamton had their chance at an insurance run in the ninth when Kiger singled and P-Edgar Alfonzo's sac bunt attempt was thrown away by Defenders reliever RHP-Shane Kaufman. With two aboard and no outs, Kaufman induced a 6-4-3 double play off the bat of Tejada. Kiger advanced to third but Defenders closer LHP-Matt Yourkin (6-2) came in and shut the door striking out Garcia to earn the win.
Connecticut and Binghamton meet again tomorrow at 1:05pm at Dodd Stadium. Sunday's game three matchup has Defenders' LHP-Ben Snyder (3-3) versus the B-Mets' LHP-Eric Niesen (2-6).
Sundays are always Sundae-Fundae-Rundae with kids running the bases post-game courtesy of Edy's. Tomorrow kids also eat FREE. Kids 14 & under get in FREE with a youth jersey and a paying adult courtesy of BIG Y.
For more information or to purchase tickets, call the Defenders Box Office at (860)-887-7962 or online at ctdefenders.com.
Eastern League Stories from August 22, 2009
- Weber No-Hits Akron in 16-0 Win - Erie SeaWolves
- Defenders Walk-off 4-3/ Series 1-1 - Connecticut Defenders
- B-Mets Lose to Connecticut on Walk-Off Homer, 4-3 - Binghamton Rumble Ponies
- Rock Cats prevail again - New Britain Rock Cats
- Curve rained out at Bowie - Altoona Curve
- Harrisburg takes two from Portland, 5-4 and 3-1 - Portland Sea Dogs
- Hurricane Bill Washes Out Baysox - Chesapeake Baysox
- Thunder Game Postponed - Trenton Thunder
- Fisher Cats/Thunder Postponed on Saturday night - New Hampshire Fisher Cats
- Aeros Game Notes for August 22 - Akron RubberDucks
- Hall and Anson activated from DL - Trenton Thunder
- Rock Cats make more roster moves - New Britain Rock Cats
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