AA St. Paul Saints

Jake Butler's Grand Slam Not Enough in Saints 8-4 Loss to Explorers

Published on July 3, 2009 under American Association (AA)
St. Paul Saints News Release


SIOUX CITY, IA (July 3, 2009) - With one swing of the bat St. Paul Saints designated hitter Jake Butler tied an American Association with his second grand slam of the season, but it wasn't enough as they Saints were doubled up by the Sioux City Explorers 8-4 on Friday night at Lewis and Clark Park.

The Explorers jumped on Saints starter Mitch Wylie for six runs in the third inning aided by four walks. The Explorers sent nine men to the plate and it started with back-to-back walks to Dustin Jones and Nick McCoola. After a ground out moved the runners up Wylie intentionally walked Justin Nelson, loading the bases. James Boone followed with a two-run single to right and Krause's throw to the plate got behind Scott Knazek allowing Nelson to score making it 3-0. After Alex Llanos walked Derek Schermerhorn drove home Nelson with a single to left. A balk moved the runners up to second and third and Justin Toole finished the scoring with a two-run single making it 6-0.

It stayed that way until the fifth when the Saints loaded the bases with a single and two walks. Butler then deposited a pitch over the left field wall, his 10th homer of the season and second grand slam of the year, making it 6-4. Butler tied the American Association record held by several players. It turned out to be the final hit the Saints would collect during the night, getting only a one out walk in the sixth to Alex Fonseca as their only other runner.

The Explorers bullpen combined to go 3.1 innings of perfect relief striking out seven. The Saints struck out 11 times on the night.

The Saints have now given up 34 runs in the last four games to the Explorers.

The same two teams meet in the second game of the three game series on Saturday night at Lewis and Clark Park at 7:05 p.m. The Saints send RHP Mark Moriarty (1-1, 4.80) to the mound against Explorers RHP Ty Marotz (2-7, 4.24). The game can be heard live on Relevant Radio 1330.

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American Association Stories from July 3, 2009


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