Defenders Win 3-2 & Split Series 2-2
July 30, 2009 - Eastern League (EL1)
Connecticut Defenders News Release
BOWIE, MD- The Connecticut Defenders (60-45) wrapped up their four game series with the Bowie Baysox Thursday afternoon with a come from behind 3-2 victory earning a series split.
SS-Brandon Crawford delivered the game winning RBI single in the top of the ninth inning to score pinch runner Mike McBryde who took over for RF-Eddy Martinez-Esteve who reached on a 3B-Jason White two base throwing error.
Connecticut got off to a good start getting a leadoff double by 2B-Brock Bond in the first inning. Bond would be bumped to second a LF-Brad Boyer sac bunt before scoring on a 1B-Bret Pill groundout.
Bowie responded in the home half of the first with a run as well. LF-Jonathan Tucker drew a leadoff walk then swiped second base. With two outs, 2B-Miguel Abreu pulled a RBI double down the leftfield line and the Defenders used a 7, 6, 2 relay to gun down RF-Ambiorix Concepcion who tried scoring from first base after reaching on a walk to keep the game tied at one.
The Baysox eventually took the lead in the fifth inning. SS-Robert Valido ripped a leadoff double and advanced to third on a White groundout to second. Tucker then lifted a sac fly to centerfield to give Bowie a 2-1 edge.
At this point things were going to smooth to be a game in this wild rollercoaster of a series. The sixth would be the strange inning as Eddy Martinez-Esteve captured the illustrious inside the park homerun (6) after RF-Concepcion dove and knocked the wind out of himself allowing the ball to roll to the wall which led to a tie ballgame at 2-2.
Defenders' starter LHP-Jesse English hurled five strong innings allowing two earned runs off of just five hits, walked a few and fanned three in the no decision. Bowie's starter RHP-Brandon Erbe was stellar tossing 6.2 innings allowing two earned runs off of four scattered hits, walked three and struck out five in the no decision as well.
The Baysox would get the potential tying run aboard in the ninth before reliever Shane Kauffman (2-0) closed the door inducing an infield fly to third base, sealing off his second win in two days. Bowie's reliever RHP-Fredy Deza (5-5) suffered the loss allowing one earned run over 2.1 innings.
Connecticut returns home to Dodd Stadium tomorrow for a weekend series versus division rival New Hampshire (Toronto). It is Friday Night Fireworks along with an American Red Cross Blood Drive from 1-6pm at the ballpark. For more information or to purchase tickets, call the Defenders Box Office at (860)-887-7962 or online at ctdefenders.com.
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