Saints Stymie Pheasants
Published on July 19, 2011 under American Association (AA)
Sioux Falls Canaries News Release
SIOUX FALLS- The St. Paul Saints took advantage of three first-inning runs and never looked back as they dropped the Sioux Falls Pheasants, 8-1, Tuesday at Sioux Falls Stadium.
The Saints tagged Pheasants starter Barry Fowler (4-3) for seven runs in six innings, including three runs in each of the first and fifth innings. Richard Mercado went 4-for-4 with three RBI while Ronnie Bourquin homered and drove in three to lead St. Paul.
The Saints smacked around Fowler early. Five first-inning hits, including a two-run single by Mercado, helped St. Paul jump out ahead of Sioux Falls.
St. Paul starter Donald Brandt (6-2) was effective despite pitched around runners in his six-plus innings of work. The left-hander helped himself by retiring the lead-off batter in five of seven innings.
The Birds tallied their only run in the second when Joe Anthonsen singled with the bases loaded to bring home Francisco Leandro, cutting the Saints' lead to 3-1. Brandt induced a ground out from Trevor Lawhorn to end the threat.
The Pheasants' offense had plenty of opportunities to get back into the game, but could not come up with the big hit when they needed it. Sioux Falls left 13 men on base and left the bases loaded twice.
St. Paul rebuilt the lead to three runs in the fourth when Jason Cooper scored on a throwing error by Anthonsen, whose throw went in the stands trying to turn a double play.
Fowler ran into more trouble in the fifth when Justin Snyder led off with a solo home run. Following a double by Mercado, Ronnie Bourquin blasted a two-run homer over the left field wall to increase the Saints' lead to 7-1.
In the seventh, Reggie Abercrombie hit a towering fly ball that left fielder Cooper lost in the lights. As the ball dropped behind him, Lawhorn looked to score all the way from first base. But a strong relay throw from shortstop Adam Frost beat Lawhorn to deny Sioux Falls.
Brandt exited after the play, allowing one run while scattering 10 hits on 119 pitches. Saints reliever Caleb Thielbar entered and loaded the bases with a walk to Mark Shorey and single by Brandon Sing. But Thielbar struck out Leandro to end the inning.
Seven Sioux Falls starters had hits in the game. Abercrombie led the way with three hits.
With the loss, the Pheasants fall to 27-36 on the year.
The Pheasants look to salvage a game in the series in a matinee finale, starting at 12:05 p.m. on Wednesday, July 20, at Sioux Falls Stadium. It is Business at the Ballpark Day for the special afternoon start. Fans who present their business cards can purchase a ticket for just $5.
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