AA St. Paul Saints

Saints Avoid Sweep Take Finale 7-5

Published on July 3, 2016 under American Association (AA)
St. Paul Saints News Release


KANSAS CITY, KS - The St. Paul Saints made sure history didn't repeat itself on Sunday evening at CommunityAmerica Ballpark. The last time the Saints were swept was at the end of the 2014 season in Kansas City in a five game series. They avoided the three game sweep by coming from behind to defeat the Kansas City T-Bones 7-5 in a seven inning game.

With the Saints up 4-1 in the fifth starter Alec Crawford walked the first two hitters he faced. Caleb Thielbar came on in relief and gave up an infield single to short to Tyler Moore that loaded the bases. A fielder's choice by Starlin Rodriguez scored a run to make it 4-2 and put runners at the corners. Tyler Massey walked to load the bases. Jake Blackwood made it 4-3 with a single to left. After a strikeout of Anthony Gallas, Vladimir Frias walked with the bases loaded to force in the tying run. Brett Wiley then slapped an RBI single to left to give the T-Bones a 5-4 lead.

In the sixth the Saints regained the lead. Chad Christensen led off by reaching on a throwing error from the shortstop Frias. Maxx Garrett walked. Sam Maus sacrificed the runners over. Brady Burzynski, who was inserted into the leadoff spot as Alonzo Harris hit sixth, made it look like a brilliant move as he singled home Christensen to tie the game. Breland Almadova then hit a grounder to short that looked like a double play, but Wiley's relay throw to first was in the dirt and Blackwood couldn't scoop it as Garrett scored to give the Saints a 6-5 lead.

Tony Thomas would give the Saints a two run cushion when he hit a solo homer to left, his 10th of the season.

Ryan Rodebaugh picked up his 11th save in 12 opportunities by pitching a scoreless seventh.

With the game tied at one in the fourth Tony Thomas led off with a double. He went to third on a single by Alonzo Harris. A sacrifice fly by Christensen gave the Saints a 2-1 lead. Garrett then clubbed a two-run homer to left, his second of the season.

The Saints now head home and take on the Joplin Blasters in a three game series on Monday night beginning at 6:05 p.m. The Saints send RHP Mark Hamburger (7-0, 3.00) to the mound while the Blasters are TBA. The Post Game Fireworks Super Show will take place at 9:30 p.m. or following the Saints game should it end after 9:30 p.m. The game can be seen on the Saints Cable Network, cable access channels in the Twin Cities, or heard on BOB FM.

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