AA St. Paul Saints

Local Pitcher Makes Good, Sheldon Homers Twice, Saints Win 6-4

Published on May 24, 2012 under American Association (AA)
St. Paul Saints News Release


SIOUX FALLS, SD - Ole Sheldon is used to the limelight, but in Bret Severtson's short professional career he hasn't had many big moments. Both came through big on Thursday night at Sioux Falls Stadium as the St. Paul Saints defeated the Sioux Falls Pheasants 6-4.

Severtson, who went to school at Augsburg College just down the road from Sioux Falls Stadium and had friends and family in attendance, came into the game in a pressure packed situation. With the game tied at four in the bottom of the fifth Severtson took over for Alberto Rolon with the bases loaded and nobody out. He got Christian Guerrero to hit a grounder to third and Tanner Townsend forced the runner at home for the first out of the inning. Mark Shorey followed with a grounder to first and Ronnie Bourquin forced the runner at the plate for the second out of the inning. Trevor Lawhorn hit a grounder to second and Jon Townsend got the force out at second as Severtson retired the three batters he faced and didn't allow a run. He wound up pitching 3.0 scoreless innings allowing one hit while walking two and striking out one.

Severtson recorded the victory because Sheldon came through with the game tied in the seventh inning. He did something he had done eight times before, homered twice in a game. After Shane Costa led off with a single, Sheldon crushed one over the left field wall, his second of the night and third of the season to give the Saints a two run lead they wouldn't relinquish. It's the fourth time Sheldon, who homered on Wednesday night, has homered in back-to-back games. Sheldon, who hit a two run homer in the third, was 2-4 with two homers, four RBI and two runs scored. He now has 43 home runs in his Saints career, good for second all-time and just 12 shy of the franchise record.

The Saints jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first when Jim Rapoport singled, moved to second on a ground out and scored on a single by Costa. Costa finished the night 3-5 with a double, RBI and two runs scored.

Along with Sheldon's two-run homer in the third Ronnie Bourquin doubled home Benji Johnson to give the Saints a 4-1 lead.

The Saints head home for a three game series against the Sioux City Explorers beginning Friday night at 7:05 p.m. It is the 40th Anniversary Celebration of the movie "The Godfather." Following the game is Xcel Energy Fireworks. Also fans will have a chance to win up to $77,777 with St. Croix Casino Big Money Day. The game can be heard on Club 1220 KLBB.

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American Association Stories from May 24, 2012


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