AA St. Paul Saints

The Butler's Did it as Saints Win 6-5 in 14

Published on August 28, 2009 under American Association (AA)
St. Paul Saints News Release


ST. PAUL, MN - A night after hitting his first home run in two years Steve Butler hit it just deep enough on Friday night as the St. Paul Saints defeated the Sioux City Explorers 6-5 in 14 innings, a total of four hours and 45 minutes at Midway Stadium in front of 5,762.

In the bottom of the 14th the Saints loaded the bases on a walk to Jacob Butler, who then moved to second on a sacrifice bunt to Jeff Eure. Anthony Norman was then intentionally walked putting runners at first and second. Scott Knazek followed with a walk and that brought up Steve Butler. He lofted a 3-2 pitch to medium left field. Justin Nelson made the catch and Jacob Butler came racing home ahead of the throw for the game winner.

The two teams traded runs in the 11th as the Explorers got an RBI single from Greg Stevens to take their first lead of the night 5-4.

In the bottom of the 11th with one out Jason Cooper hit a towering homer off the light pole in right field, a solo shot his 12th of the season, to tie the game at five.

The game wound up in extra innings because the Explorers were able to score two runs late. With the Saints leading 4-2 in the seventh and Justin Nelson at first a wild pitch sent Nelson racing around second and heading to third. Catcher Knazek's throw went into left field allowing Nelson to score making it 4-3.

In the top of the ninth Alex Llanos walked with one out. He moved to third on a two out bloop single from Greg Stevens. Norm Hutchins followed with a game tying RBI single to right.

Saints reliever Kyle Foster was tremendous getting the win by pitching the final 4.0 innings allowing one run on three hits while striking out four.

The Saints can clinch a playoff berth on Saturday night if they win and Wichita wins and Lincoln loses. With two games to go in the season the Saints lead Lincoln in the wild card race by 1.0 game and trail the Wingnuts by 1.0 game for the division lead.

Game three of the four game series is Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. at Midway Stadium. The Saints send RHP Reed Dickert (4-5, 4.96) to the mound against Explorers RHP Nick Singleton (5-7, 4.23). It is Paint Your Own Bobblehead - A Salute to Saints Artist Andy Nelson. The game can be seen on KSTC-TV, Channel 45 and heard live on Relevant Radio 1330.

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American Association Stories from August 28, 2009


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