AA St. Paul Saints

Saints Hold On to Edge Saltdogs 4-3 Saturday

Published on July 25, 2009 under American Association (AA)
St. Paul Saints News Release


ST. PAUL , MN (July 25, 2009) - The St. Paul Saints got a big win as they downed the rival Lincoln Saltdogs 4-3 Saturday night at Midway Stadium in front of 6,491 fans. A solid start by Mark Moriarty and a two-run sixth inning were key in the Saints victory, giving them the series win over Lincoln and bringing them within a game of first place in the North Division.

In the bottom of the sixth with the game tied at 2-2, Josh Alley led off by lifting fly ball into shallow centerfield. Neither the Saltdogs centerfielder Josh Burrus nor the shortstop Albenis Machado could locate the ball as it dropped in for a two-base hit. After Jacob Butler was hit by a pitch, Jeff Eure moved both runners up with a sacrifice bunt. With the Saltdogs playing their infield in, Scott Knazek grounded a ball to the second baseman Shea McFeely who threw home trying to cut down Alley. The throw one-hopped the catcher Shawn McGill who was barreled over by the charging Alley. As McGill fell to the ground, the ball skipped away allowing Butler to score, giving the Saints a two run lead at 4-2.

The Saltdogs were able to get a run back in the seventh when McGill collected an RBI groundout to plate Machado. Kyle Foster on in relief of Moriarty then got Steve Alexander to strike out swinging and end the Saltdogs' threat. Ryan Ariail pitched a scoreless ninth to preserve the one-run win for the Saints and earn his second save of the season.

Saints starter Moriarty dealt 5.2 innings giving up two runs on four hits while walking five and striking out five. Foster's run was not earned as he added 2.1 innings of relief.

The Saints took a 1-0 lead in the second with an RBI single by Jacob Butler. The Saltdogs tied the game at 1-1 in the third when Pichi Balet was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded. Lincoln would not have the momentum for long as Jason Cooper smacked an RBI triple in the third to give the Saints a 2-1 advantage. The Saltdogs then answered right back in the fourth with an RBI single by Josh Burrus to tie the game at 2-2.

Saltdogs starter Brian Campbell lasted 5.0 innings, allowing four runs on six hits while walking two and striking out four.

The Saints have Sunday off and will begin a four game series against the Sioux Falls Canaries at Midway Stadium on Monday at 7:05 pm. Go Nuts for Souvenir Cups, as the Saints will giveaway cups to the first 2,500 fans! The Saints will send RHP Reed Dickert (2-4, 5.25) to the mound and he will oppose Canaries RHP Noel Baca (2-2, 5.50). The game can be seen on the Saints Cable Network (check saintsbaseball.com for the channel in your area) and heard live on Relevant Radio 1330.

Check out the St. Paul Saints Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



American Association Stories from July 25, 2009


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central