AA St. Paul Saints

Saints Gain Ground With 4-0 Win

Published on June 19, 2009 under American Association (AA)
St. Paul Saints News Release


ST. PAUL, MN (June 20, 2009) - The St. Paul Saints got a much needed victory when they shut out the Wichita Wingnuts 4-0 on Friday night at Midway Stadium in front of 5,042 fans. Saints starter Brandon Kintzler was the key to success as he pitched 7.0 scoreless innings.

Kintzler, who already has a complete game this season, was tremendous again at home. He allowed just five hits, four walks and struck out four. With the win, Kintzler improves his record to 5-1, and is now tied for the most wins in the American Association.

With one out in the first inning, the Wingnuts collected back-to-back singles. Kintzler was able to get out of trouble though, getting Dustan Mohr and Kelly Hunt to strike out swinging and end the threat. The Saints offense fed off the momentum as they got to work right away in the bottom of the first. Andrew Schmiesing led off with a walk and Tony Mansolino followed with a single, putting runners on first and third with no outs. Then the rains came and play was halted for 14 minutes as the sun shower passed through. Immediately after play resumed, Todd Self hit a sacrifice fly to plate Schmiesing and give the Saints a 1-0 lead.

That innocent run in the first turned out to be all the Saints would need, but they continued the rally against Wingnuts starter Derek Blacksher. After Self's sacrifice fly, Jacob Butler reached on a base on balls. Then one batter later, with two outs and two on, Jeff Eure delivered in his first plate appearance as a member of the Saints. The 28-year-old third baseman roped a double down the left field line that scored two runs and gave the Saints a 3-0 lead. Blacksher was able to last 6.0 innings, giving up four runs on six hits while walking three and striking out five.

The second place Saints would never look back after their productive first inning as they cruised to a 4-0 win. Schmiesing provided an insurance run with an RBI double in the fourth. Mike Bille pitched a scoreless eighth and Kerry Ligtenberg tossed a perfect ninth to keep the Wingnuts off the scoreboard. With the victory, the Saints are now four games behind the Wingnuts with 15 to play in the first half.

The same two teams continue their battle for first place tomorrow night back at Midway Stadium. The Saints will be celebrating "The Jerk" turning 30 years old! Saints send RHP Charlie Ruud (3-3, 4.91) to the mound against Wingnuts LHP Brad Davis (3-2, 4.24). Ruud needs just two strikeouts to surpass Jake Whitney and became the all-time Saints leader. You can watch the game live on KSTC-TV, Channel 45 and you can listen to the game live on Relevant Radio 1330.

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American Association Stories from June 19, 2009


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