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AA St. Paul Saints

Four-Run Sixth Does in Saints in 5-1 Loss to Goldeyes

June 29, 2018 - American Association (AA)
St. Paul Saints News Release


WINNIPEG, MB - Make it 11 days since the St. Paul Saints last won back-to-back games. After a thrilling come from behind victory on Thursday night the Saints couldn't back it up on Friday, giving up four runs in the sixth and losing 5-1 to the Winnipeg Goldeyes at Shaw Park. The loss drops the Saints to 21-19 and they have not won back-to-back games since June 17 and 18.

Saints rookie right-hander Ryan Zimmerman, who tossed 6.2 shutout innings against the Goldeyes in his last start, was nearly as strong on Friday. Giving up just a first inning solo home to Josh Romanski, Zimmerman was cruising until the sixth. With one out, Reggie Abercrombie doubled to right-center. After an intentional walk to Eric Aguilera, Zimmerman walked .197 hitter Josh Mazzola on four pitches to load the bases. That proved to be the downfall as Grant Heyman ripped a double to right that scored two making it 3-1. Kevin Garcia followed with a two-run single and that was enough to put the Saints away. Zimmerman went 5.1 innings allowing five runs on eight hits while walking two and striking out three.

The Saints had trouble against one of the better starters in the league, Kevin McGovern, who was pitching on three days rest. The Saints didn't collect their first hit until a two out single by Luke Pettersen in the third. Kes Carter followed with a single to right putting runners at first and second. Richard Prigatano then hit a hot smash, but right at the second baseman Matt McCann, who got the force out at second to end the inning.

The Saints scored their lone run in the fifth when Justin O'Conner led off with a single to center. JJ Gould followed with a walk to put runners at first and second. Aaron Gretz was asked to bunt, but failed to get two opportunities down. It didn't matter as, with two strikes, he singled to right scoring O'Conner tying the game at one. Pettersen came up with runners at first and second with nobody out, but failed to get a bunt down in three tries. Two fly outs ended the inning and any more scoring opportunities for the Saints who managed just a walk over the final four innings. McGovern went 6.0 innings allowing one run on four hits while walking one and striking out six.

The Saints bullpen did a solid job as Ryan Schlosser tossed 1.2 perfect innings and Jeff Malm tossed 1.0 perfect inning as well.

The same two teams meet in game three of the four game series on Saturday night at 6:00 p.m. at Shaw Park. Both teams are TBA. The game can be heard on Alt 93.3 FM.

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