AA St. Paul Saints

Saints Shutout Wingnuts 2-0 Thanks to Rookie's Gem

Published on August 6, 2009 under American Association (AA)
St. Paul Saints News Release


ST. PAUL, MN (August 6, 2009) - Todd Mathison, making his first ever professional start, took a no-hitter into the sixth inning as the St. Paul Saints blanked the Wichita Wingnuts 2-0 Thursday night at Midway Stadium in front of 6,584 fans.

Mathison, who played his college ball at St. Olaf, was tremendous against one of the best lineups in the American Association. In just his second appearance with the Saints, he threw 7.1 innings allowing no runs on one hit while walking one and striking out six. The lone hit off Mathison came with one out in the sixth when the number nine hitter, Patrick Brooks, singled through the hole on the right side.

The 22-year-old right hander allowed only two other base runners all night. After striking out Josh Horn to lead off the game, Nick Blasi earned a walk following a lengthy battle with Mathison. Blasi was quickly erased, however, when the next hitter Greg Porter bounced into a double play to end the inning.

The Saints offense also provided Mathison the luxury of working with the lead after they scored in the first inning off Wingnuts starter Gabe Medina. Following a Jason Cooper walk, Brent Krause was hit by a pitch. Josh Alley then smoked a single to right field, scoring Cooper and putting the Saints on top 1-0.

In the seventh the Saints were able to tack on an insurance run off Richard Salazar. Alex Fonseca doubled and promptly swiped third base, his second steal of the game. One batter later Jason Cooper flew out to deep right field, plating Fonseca on the sacrifice fly and giving the Saints a 2-0 advantage.

The Wingnuts did not go down without a fight though, as they put on two runners with one out in the eighth. With Kerry Ligtenberg having retired earlier in the day, Saints manager George Tsamis turned to Mike Bille in the tight spot. Bille responded by getting Michael Thompson to pop out and then struck out Brooks. After working a scoreless ninth, Bille earned his third save of the season.

The Saints will open up a three game set against the El Paso Diablos tomorrow night at 7:05 at Midway Stadium. The Saints will send another St. Olaf product to the mound, RHP Charlie Ruud (6-3, 4.08 ERA). The Diablos have yet to announce a starter for Friday's opener. 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. It is a salute to the 50th anniversary of spandex!




American Association Stories from August 6, 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