Pheasants Come up Short in Extras
August 2, 2011 - American Association (AA)
Sioux Falls Canaries News Release
SIOUX FALLS- With their playoff hopes hanging by a thread, the Sioux Falls Pheasants could not afford to give away another game.
For the third consecutive night, the Pheasants carried a lead late into the game, only to see it escape their grasp. The St. Paul Saints outlasted Sioux Falls on Monday for a 4-2 victory in 13 innings, the second-longest game this season at Sioux Falls Stadium.
With the Pheasants leading 2-1 in the ninth, Argelis Nunez led off the inning by launching a game-tying solo home run off closer Aaron Cotter.
In the bottom half, Sioux Falls led off the inning with back-to-back singles by Henry Contreras and Joe Anthonsen. Following a sacrifice bunt by Trevor Lawhorn, Saints reliever Jesse English intentionally walked Reggie Abercrombie to load the bases. English rebounded to retire Mark Shorey and Brandon Sing and leave the bases loaded.
The Saints broke through in the 13th against Tuesday's scheduled starter Brandon Rapoza, when Alex Garabedian's grounder found a hole through first and second base, scoring two runs to put the Saints in front, 4-2.
Kyle Foster shut the door with a perfect 13th inning, notching his fourth save. The Saints held Sioux Falls scoreless in the final nine innings.
Reliever Robert Coe (1-1) collected the win, allowing one hit in two-thirds of an inning.
Rapoza (3-10) took the loss, giving up two runs in 1 2/3 innings.
After allowing a lead-off home run to Adam Frost, Pheasants starter Adam Cowart stifled the Saints' offense throughout the game. The right-hander allowed just four more hits in 6 2/3 innings following the homer. He delivered his fifth quality start of the year.
Gus Milner's RBI single in the fourth improved his average to .538 with runners in scoring position and two outs. He finished the night 4-for-6.
Saints starter Edwin Walker threw seven strong innings, allowing two runs on seven hits with eight strikeouts.
The Pheasants' third-straight loss drops their record to 33-41.
The two clubs do battle in game two of the three-game set, starting at 7:05 p.m. on Tuesday, August 2, at Sioux Falls Stadium. It is Double Play Tuesday. Fans can purchase two tickets for the price of one.
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