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AA St. Paul Saints

Saints Lose Pitchers' Duel 2-1 to Explorers

May 26, 2012 - American Association (AA)
St. Paul Saints News Release


ST. PAUL, MN - The St. Paul Saints continue to get quality starting pitching, but on Saturday night at Midway Stadium the Sioux City Explorers also got great pitching and the Saints had their three game winning streak snapped 2-1 in front of 3,317.

Saints starter Chris Odegaard, who was originally scheduled to be a reliever this season, but because of injuries has been thrust into the starting rotation, tossed his second straight solid start. In the first inning he gave up a lead-off single to Brandon Newton, who advanced to third on a couple of ground outs and scored on a wild pitch to give the Explorers a 1-0 lead.

In the bottom of the inning the Saints tied the game at one when Shane Costa doubled with two outs and scored on a single by Ole Sheldon. That would be the last run the Saints would score although they would have their opportunities.

The Explorers took the lead for good in the third when Wally Backman Jr. reached on a fielding error by shortstop Tanner Townsend. Ray Serrano doubled him to third. Odegaard got Kris Sanchez to foul out, but he walked Tyler Goodro to load the bases. Ryan Priddy's check swing single to right scored Backman Jr., but Serrano was thrown out trying to score from second. Odegaard went 6.1 innings allowing two runs (one earned) on seven hits while walking two and striking out three.

The Saints had a chance in the bottom of the third when Jose Hernandez reached on an error by shortstop Priddy and Costa walked. Explorers rookie starter Max Whieldon, however, retired the 3-4-5 batters without allowing a run to score.

Whieldon went 6.0 innings allowing one run on three hits while walking three and striking out two.

In the eighth the Saints first two batters reached when Hernandez singled and Costa laid down a bunt single. Sheldon, however, bounced into a double play and Ronnie Bourquin had his eight game hitting streak come to an end when he flew out to right.

In the ninth Benji Johnson reached on Priddy's error at short, Johnson moved to second on a wild pitch with two outs, but reliever Eddie Delacruz struck out Jake Krause to end the game.

The same two teams meet in the finale of the three game series Sunday afternoon at 3:05 p.m. The Saints send RHP Wes Roemner (1-0, 1.29) to the mound against Explorers RHP Nick Schumacher (2-0, 4.50). It is Monster Food Truck Rally Night presented by Metro Magazine. Following the game fans can partake in eating from 15 different food trucks. The game can be heard on Club 1220 KLBB and in the ballpark on 87.9 FM.

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