AA St. Paul Saints

New Season, New Attitude as Saints Snap Nine Game Home Losing Streak with 6-0 Opening Night Win

May 15, 2014 - American Association (AA)
St. Paul Saints News Release


ST. PAUL, MN - It was a dominating performance for the ace of the St. Paul Saints pitching staff as Anthony Claggett was in control all night against the Gary SouthShore Railcats. In the process the Saints snapped a nine game home losing streak that dated back to last season blanking the defending American Association Champions 6-0 on Opening Night at Midway Stadium in front of 4,054.

The 10-year veteran, who finished third in the American Association in ERA last season, picked up where he left off. Claggett retired the first nine hitters he faced and didn't allow his first hit until a leadoff single in the fifth to Wally Backman Jr. In the seventh he departed with one on and two outs, but finished the night going 6.2 innings allowing one hit while walking two and striking out five. Only one runner reached as far as second base against Claggett. He threw 94 pitches, 57 for strikes.

The Saints offense got Claggett all the support he would need in the third inning when they exploded for five runs. Angelo Songco led off the inning with a single. Joey Becker doubled off the right field wall sending Songco to third. With one out Brandon Wikoff knocked home the first run of the game with a single to right to make it 1-0. Joe Bonfe added an RBI single to right-center scoring Becker. Wikoff scored on the play when center fielder Justin Gominsky's throw went past the cutoff man and into foul territory on the third base side which gave the Saints a 3-0 lead. With two outs Henry Wrigley hit a two-run blast to left, his first of the season, to give the Saints a 5-0 lead.

The Saints bullpen did the rest with Ryan Bollinger, Jon Plefka and Dylan Thomas combining to finish off the shutout tossing 2.1 innings allowing three hits while striking out four.

The same two teams meet in the second game of the four game series on Friday evening at 7:05 p.m. at Midway Stadium. The Saints send RHP Rob Coe (NR) to the mound against Railcats RHP Dustin Crenshaw (NR). It is the Return of 1993s Silent Night, featuring Mime-O-Vision. The game can be heard on Sports Radio 105 The Ticket.

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American Association Stories from May 15, 2014


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