Saltdogs Come From Behind to Beat Saints 5-3 Friday
July 24, 2009 - American Association (AA)
Lincoln Saltdogs News Release
ST PAUL, MN (July 24, 2009) - The St. Paul Saints allowed four runs in the eighth inning as the Lincoln Saltdogs rallied from behind to win 5-3 Friday night at Midway Stadium in front of 6,133 fans. The late surge by the visiting Saltdogs was simply a collection of softly hit singles and walks.
The top of the eighth began with a leadoff single by Steve Alexander. Saints starter Tom Buske then walked Shea McFeely to put two men on with no outs. After a successful sacrifice bunt by Brandon Jones, Deacon Burns entered as a pinch hitter. Saints manager George Tsamis then brought in Mike Bille in relief of Buske. Burns hit a slow roller to the right side that ended up as an RBI single to bring the Saltdogs within a run at 3-2.
With the momentum shifting in their favor, Lincoln's leadoff man Josh Burrus blooped a single down the right field line to score McFeely and tie the game at 3-3. Albenis Machado then followed with a groundout to the shortstop but it was a productive out as the grounder allowed Burns to score and gave the Saltdogs their first lead of the ballgame. After an intentional pass to Phil Hawke and a single by Pichi Balet, Lincoln had the bases loaded with just one out. Bille then walked Shawn McGill to bring home Burrus and put the Saltdogs on top 5-3.
Lincoln's comeback wasted a quality performance by Buske. The University of Minnesota product lasted 7.1 innings, allowing three runs on five hits while walking none and striking out three.
Saltdogs starter Jarrett Gardner was also impressive, going 8.0 strong innings yielding three runs on eight hits while walking none and striking out four. The 28-year-old worked quickly and efficiently all night long, keeping his team within striking distance. Gardner earned his eighth win of the season.
Chris Thompson worked a scoreless ninth to close the door on the Saints, picking up his 20th save of the year. Thompson who began the season with the El Paso Diablos leads the American Association in saves converted. Friday marked his third save in as many appearances against the Saints in 2009.
The Saints scored a run in each of the first two innings. Alex Fonseca scored on a sacrifice fly by Jason Cooper to put the Saints up 1-0. Scott Knazek singled home Jacob Butler to extend the lead to 2-0 in the second. Steve Butler added an RBI single in the seventh which gave the Saints a 3-1 lead.
The same two teams will meet tomorrow night in the series finale at Midway Stadium. It is going to be Pet Peeves Night presented by Banfield The Pet Hospital. The Saints have yet to announce a starting pitcher for the game. The Saltdogs will send RHP Brian Campbell (2-2, 5.63) to the mound. You can watch the game live on KSTC-TV, Channel 45 and you can listen to the game live on Relevant Radio 1330.
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