AA St. Paul Saints

Matt Long Dazzles in 5-1 Saints Win, Alone in First

Published on July 3, 2011 under American Association (AA)
St. Paul Saints News Release


WINNIPEG, MB (July 3, 2011) - Not many pitchers go into Shaw Park and dominate the Winnipeg Goldeyes, but Matt Long did just that as the St. Paul Saints regained sole possession of first in the North Division with a 5-1 victory on Sunday afternoon.

After an hour and 18 minute rain delay Long's only hiccup on the day came in the first. Price Kendall reached on an infield single and Kody Kaiser singled him to third. Wes Long's sacrifice fly gave the Goldeyes a 1-0 lead, but it was all Matt Long from that point.

Long would give up a two-out single in the second and a single with one out in the third and another with two outs, but he breezed the rest of the way. In 7.1 innings he allowed just one run on five hits while walking two improving his record to 6-3 on the season.

His offense responded in the third and took the lead for good. Alex Garabedian led off with a single to left and Jonathan Van Every walked. Steve Mays was asked to sacrifice, but was plunked to load the bases. After Adam Frost struck out Ronnie Bourquin grounded out slowly to second scoring Garabedian and tying the game at one. Ole Sheldon followed with a two-run double giving the Saints a 3-1 lead.

The game stayed that way until the seventh when the Saints knocked out Goldeyes starter Isaac Hess with two outs. Frost roped a double to left and Bourquin followed by drilling one over the right field wall, his fourth of the season, putting the finishing touches on the game. Bourquin finished 2-5 with three RBI and a run scored. Hess lost for the first time in the season falling to 3-1 as he went 6.2 innings allowing a season high five runs on six hits while walking three and striking out a season high eight.

The Saints with the four run victory did something many teams haven't done. It's the first time the Goldeyes have lost by more than a run at home since May 31 and only the second time the Goldeyes have scored just one run in a game at Shaw Park. The win also vaults the Saints into first place by a game over the Goldeyes.

The same two teams meet in game three of a four game series on Monday evening at 7:05 p.m. The Saints send LHP Donald Brandt (4-2, 3.39) to the mound against Goldeyes LHP Luis Villareal (5-0, 1.82). The game can be heard live on Relevant Radio 1330.

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