AA St. Paul Saints

Saints Squander Lead Late, Lose 9-7

Published on June 13, 2011 under American Association (AA)
St. Paul Saints News Release


ST. PAUL, MN (June 13, 2011) - The St. Paul Saints carried a two run lead into the eighth inning, but the Lincoln Saltdogs found a way to score six runs and for the first time this season the Saints lost a game when leading after seven, 9-7 at Midway Stadium in front of 3,568.

With the Saints up 5-3 in the eighth Chad Cordero took the ball to begin the inning. The former National League saves leader hadn't given up a run in four appearances for the Saints, but ran into trouble with one out. Maikel Jova lined a single to center and Robby Alcombrack reached on an infield single. Pat Trettel then ripped a triple to the gap in left-center scoring two to tie the game at five. A wild pitch by Cordero scored Trettel to give the Saltdogs their first lead since the first inning at 6-5. Cordero then walked Joseph Ramos and, after getting Kevin Rios to fly out, came out of the game for left-handed reliever Caleb Thielbar. He walked Blake Gailen then gave up a three-run homer to Brandon Jones, his third of the season to make it 9-5.

The Saints fought back in the bottom of the inning with two outs. Adam Frost doubled to left and Justin Snyder reached on a hit by pitch. Shane Costa drove them both home with a double to left. Jason Cooper, however, flew out to left to end the inning.

In the ninth the Saints had an opportunity to win it. With one out Ronnie Bourquin hit a pop up to third that was dropped by the third baseman Jones. Richard Mercado reached on an infield single off the glove of Jones. Jonathan Van Every, the teams leading home run hitter, then flew out to center and Jeff Howell struck out to end the game.

The Saints had been 14-0 when leading after seven innings, but suffered their first defeat.

Saints starter Donald Brandt, who lost for the first time in two years in his last start, pitched well going 5.1 innings allowing three runs (one earned) on four hits while walking four and striking out one.

With the Saints trailing 2-1 in the second they put up four runs to take a 5-2 lead. With the bases loaded and two outs Cooper lined a single to center scoring a pair to give the Saints a 3-2 lead. Brandon Tripp, who finished the night 3-5 with a double and three RBI, doubled home two.

The same two teams meet in game two of the three game series on Tuesday night at 7:05 p.m. at Midway Stadium. The Saints send RHP Alberto Rolon (3-0, 1.50) to the mound against Saltdogs LHP Lindsay Gulin (1-5, 6.23). It is the Army's 236th Birthday presented by the U.S. Army. The game can be heard live on Relevant Radio 1330.

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