AA St. Paul Saints

Saints Capitalize on X's Errors for 8-6 Come Back Win

Published on August 1, 2009 under American Association (AA)
St. Paul Saints News Release


SIOUX CITY, IA - The St. Paul Saints were on the verge of losing their seventh straight road game until the Sioux City Explorers committed three errors as part of a sixth run eighth inning that enabled the Saints to come from behind and win 8-6 on Saturday night at Lewis and Clark Park.

With the Saints trailing 6-2 in the eighth Josh Alley led off with single to left and moved all the way to third on a misplay by Justin Nelson. Jacob Butler followed with an RBI double to make it 6-3. Jeff Eure walked and Scott Knazek reached on a fielding error by third baseman Greg Stevens, loading the bases. Steve Butler's RBI ground out to first made it 6-4. Alex Fonseca then hit a grounder to Nick McCoola at short, who threw the ball away to first, allowing two runs to score and tie the game at six. With two outs and Fonseca at second, the Explorers intentionally walked Jason Cooper to get to Brent Krause. He promptly doubled home two runs giving the Saints their first lead in the series and completing the come back.

The night didn't start off well for the Saints with the Explorers scoring twice in the first inning. Derek Schermerhorn was hit by a pitch, stole second and moved to third on a wild pitch. He scored on a two out single by Nelson. Nelson advanced to second on a wild pitch, stole third and scored when Knazek's throw went into left field giving the Explorers a 2-0 lead.

The Explorers added a solo homer by Greg Stevens in the second, his second of the season and Alex Llanos in third, his third of the season, making it 4-0.

The Saints got on the board in the fifth when Steve Butler walked and with one out Andrew Schmiesing singled, extending his streak to 17 consecutive games reaching base safely. Cooper then doubled both runners home.

The Explorers, however, answered back in the bottom of the inning when Schermerhorn singled, stole second, moved to third on a ground out and scored on a wild pitch. Nelson followed that with a solo homer to right, his fifth of the season.

The Saints bullpen of Ryan Ariail, Kyle Foster (who picked up the win) and Kerry Ligtenberg (who earned his 14th save of the season) was tremendous going 3.0 shutout innings allowing one hit while striking out two.

The same two teams meet Sunday evening at 6:05 p.m. in the final game of the three game series at Lewis and Clark Park. The Saints send RHP Charlie Ruud (5-3, 4.21) to the mound against Explorers RHP Ty Marotz (3-8, 4.61). The game can be heard live on Relevant Radio 1330.




American Association Stories from August 1, 2009


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