Defenders Win 3-2/ Lead Series 2-0
August 15, 2009 - Eastern League (EL1)
Connecticut Defenders News Release
NORWICH, CT- For the past few days Connecticut has found themselves in tight one run ballgames. Saturday night at Dodd Stadium wasn't any different as the Defenders held on, literally for the third consecutive game but this time for a final of 3-2 over Erie.
The Defenders used last night's hero 3B-Brad Boyer to deliver an RBI double off the top of the left centerfield wall in the seventh to plate 2B-Brock Bond and help assure Connecticut's third home series victory since the All Star break.
Connecticut jumped out to an early lead in the first plating two runs. Bond drew a leadoff walk, CF-Mike McBryde reached with a single and Boyer plated Bond with an RBI single. 1B-Brett Pill then squibbed one out to the mound as McBryde broke for the plate and scored as RHP-Jonah Nickerson's throw home sailed to the backstop.
Erie began their comeback in the second inning, trimming the lead in half with a SS-Cale Iorg RBI single that scored 1B-Ryan Strieby who leadoff with a base hit.
The Seawolves tied things at two all in the fourth with a huge solo homerun by DH-Deik Scram.
The Defenders received another quality start from RHP-Geivy Garcia who turned in six strong innings in which he allowed two earned runs off of six hits, walked one and struck out four in the no decision.
Erie continued to battle in the eighth getting a leadoff walk by LF-Andy Dirks who advanced to second on a CF-Casper Wells sac bunt. RF-Brennan Boesch then ripped a shot into center where McBryde fielded on a one hopper then fired a laser home to only watch a massive collision at the plate between Dirks and C-Jackson Williams. In the aftermath, it was Williams holding on tight for the put out but more importantly preserving the Defenders 3-2 lead. Connecticut reliever LHP-Dan Runzler wasn't out of the woods just yet as the potential tying run moved to third when Runzler loaded the bases by hitting Strieby and walking Scram. Runzler would buckle down and strikeout pinch hitter Santo De Leon to earn his first save of the season.
Defenders' reliever RHP-Mitch Lively (1-0) earned his first win in Double-A hurling one scoreless inning including a strike out. Seawolve starter RHP-Jonah Nickerson (8-10) suffered the loss allowing three runs-two earned off of six hits, walked three and fanned one in 6.2 innings of work.
Connecticut will look to pull the brooms out for the fourth time all season in the series finale. The Defenders will fire LHP-Ben Snyder (3-3) against Erie's RHP-Thad Weber (6-3).
Sunday is always Sundae-Fundae-Rundae where kids run the bases post game and receive FREE ice cream courtesy of Edy's. It is also BIG Y kids get in FREE promo where kids 14 & under get in absolutely FREE with a paying adult as long as they where a youth jersey. Tomorrow is a special Sunday as the Norwich Bulletin presents "Bark in the Park." Fans can bring their dogs with them to the ballpark for FREE as long as they have proof of licensing and vaccinations. There will be a Weiner Race and much more. To top things off, the Defenders are presenting KIDS EAT FREE as well!!
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Eastern League Stories from August 15, 2009
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