AA St. Paul Saints

Saints Can't Steal a Victory in a 5-4 Loss on Opening Night

May 17, 2012 - American Association (AA)
St. Paul Saints News Release


ST. PAUL, MN - The St. Paul Saints tried to run themselves to a victory on Opening Night of the American Association season, but despite six stolen bases they fell short losing 5-4 to the Gary SouthShore Railcats on Thursday night at Midway Stadium in front of 5,482.

Jose Hernandez tied a Saints franchise record with three stolen bases, which had been done eight times previously the last by Brent Krause in 2007. The top two hitters in the order, Jim Rapoport and Hernandez reached base six times, stole five bases, but didn't score a run as the three and four hitters, Shane Costa and Ole Sheldon, went a combined 1-10.

The Saints took an early 1-0 lead in the second when Willie Cabrera launched a solo homer to left, his first of the season.

The former Railcat Tanner Townsend hit his first homer of the season, a solo shot to left, giving the Saints a 2-0 lead.

Saints starter Danny Gutierrez cruised through the first five innings allowing just one hit while striking out six. He walked the first batter of the sixth and left the game with an injury. Billy Spottiswood entered the game and gave up a single to Adam Klein and a sacrifice bunt by Mike Massaro put runners at second and third. Mikes Coles two-run double tied the game at two.

In the eighth the Railcats took the lead for good with a three run inning. Chris Carrara led off with an infield single, stole second and advanced to third on a throwing error by catcher Benji Johnson. Klein's sacrifice fly made it 3-2. Massaro doubled and Coles walked. Rico Washington made it 4-2 with an RBI single and a sacrifice fly by Jason James gave the Railcats a 5-2 lead.

In the bottom of the eighth Cabrera reached on a one out single and Ronnie Bourquin drove him home with a double. Tanner Townsend got the Saints to within a run with his third hit of the night, an RBI single to center. Johnson reached on an error that put runners at the corners, but Adam Frost grounded into an inning ending double play.

The same two teams meet Friday night at 7:05 p.m. The Saints send RHP Wes Roemer (NR) to the mound and the Railcats are TBA. It is Friday Night Fireworks presented Xcel Energy. The game can be heard on Club 1220 KLBB.

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