AA St. Paul Saints

Saints Mowed Down by Gardner, Saltdogs 3-0

Published on August 21, 2009 under American Association (AA)
St. Paul Saints News Release


LINCOLN, NE (August 21, 2009) - Each team sent out their best pitcher in the first game of a pivotal three game series that will go a long way to decide the North Division Second Half Title. Unfortunately, for the St. Paul Saints Jarrett Gardner was just a little better than Mitch Wylie on Friday night as the Saints lost 3-0 to the Lincoln Saltdogs at Haymarket Park and now trail the Saltdogs by 4.0 games with nine games left.

Gardner didn't get into too many tough situations, but when he did he made the pitches. In the second with the Saints trailing 1-0 Jason Cooper led off with a double off of Gardner. Jacob Butler moved him to third when he grounded out to second. Gardner, however, got Jeff Eure on strikes and Andrew Schmiesing to ground out to end the inning.

In the sixth the Saints put the first two men on as Steve Butler and Alex Fonseca had back-to-back singles. Josh Alley, however grounded into a double play and Brent Krause struck out to end the inning. Gardner went 8.0 shutout innings allowing six hits while striking out five.

Saints starter Mitch Wylie was nearly as effective going 7.0 strong innings, but the Saltdogs got to him in the second. Rafael Alvarez doubled with one out and advanced to third on a throwing error to second by shortstop Steve Butler. Alvarez scored on Shawn McGill's sacrifice fly to make it 1-0.

In the fifth Alvarez led off with a single and stole second. He moved to third on a ground out and scored on a single from Gavin Dickey. Shea McFeely's single moved Dickey to third and he scored when Brandon Jones hit a grounder to second baseman Alex Fonseca who threw to shortstop Steve Butler covering second, but Butler dropped the ball in his haste to try and turn a double play.

Saltdogs closer Chris Thompson shut the door against the Saints in the ninth earning his 30th save of the season to tie the American Association record set by Sioux Falls Kris Regas in 2008.

The same two teams meet in game two of the three game series Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. at Haymarket Park. The Saint send RHP Todd Mathison (2-1, 4.09) against Saltdogs RHP Tim Brown (5-1, 3.20). The game can be heard live on Relevant Radio 1330.

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American Association Stories from August 21, 2009


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