Defenders Win 3-0
June 27, 2009 - Eastern League (EL1)
Connecticut Defenders News Release
NEW BRITAIN, CT- The Connecticut Defenders showed why they sit atop of the northern division Saturday night as they shutout their interstate rival New Britain 3-0 to take game one of the best of three series.
The Defenders' 1B-Brett Pill wasted no time getting his team out in front for good as he sent the first pitch from Rock Cats' starter, RHP-Cole DeVries over the left field wall for his eighth homer of the season.
Connecticut's first run was all Defenders' starter LHP-Jesse English (5-4) would need as he turned in his best performance of season. English ventured into a pitchers duel with DeVries but truly showed why he earned his 40 man label prior to the season. Three hits over six scoreless innings, two walks and three strikeouts help earn English his fifth win.
While DeVries was dealing, the Defenders offense made adjustments. RF-Eddy Martinez-Esteve ripped a one out double in the seventh to become just the second runner to reach into scoring position for Connecticut. C-Tyler LaTorre then took advantage of the opportunity by pulling an RBI single past the diving glove of 1B-Whit Robbins to plate Martinez-Esteve but then got caught in a 9, 2, 3 rundown, Defenders took a 2-0 advantage.
DeVries (5-6) finished the night with both runs earned off of six hits, walked one and struck out five over seven innings of work in the loss.
Brett Pill wasn't done making noise as he delivered an RBI double in the eighth to drive in 2B-Brock Bond who reached by getting hit by a pitch and almost had another run with 3B-Brad Boyer but he was gunned down at home with a collision at the plate. Pill went 2 for 4 with two RBI to lead the offense.
Defenders' reliever, LHP-Ben Snyder collected his first save of the season and completed the shutout allowing one hit, one walk and fanned a pair in three scoreless innings.
Tomorrow's game two matchup has Defenders RHP-Daryl Maday (3-2) going head to head with Rock Cats' RHP-Matt Fox (6-2). First pitch is slated for 1:35pm at New Britain Stadium.
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