Three Bird Bombs Not Enough In 8-6 Loss
Published on August 5, 2007 under American Association (AA)
Sioux Falls Canaries News Release
Sioux Falls, SD - Both teams scored big in the ninth inning as the Sioux Falls Canaries (14-15) fell short in an 8-6 loss to the St. Paul Saints (18-10) in front of 3,557 fans at the Birdcage on Saturday night.
For the second night in a row, the Saints got on the board first, scoring in the second inning. Brian Sprout drew a walk; then came around to score on back-to-back singles by Adam Olow and Ben Thomas to give the Saints the early 1-0 lead.
In the top of the third, the Saints added another run to their lead. Skip Adams drew a lead off walk and advanced to second on a ground ball by Adam Bourassa. Marcel Longmire hit a single down the left field line, allowing Adams to score from second. After three innings, the Saints held a 2-0 advantage.
The Canaries tied the game in the bottom of the fifth inning. Cameron Coughlan drew a lead off walk and advanced to second on a bunt single by James Shanks. Coughlan was caught stealing third base but Shanks filled Coughlan's spot at second. Juan Figueroa followed with his third home run of the year, tying the game, 2-2.
The Saints regained the lead in the top of the sixth. Longmire was hit by a pitch to start the inning. Sprout hit a double that ricocheted off the leg of Canaries' pitcher Jeff Landing, placing runners on second and third. Fernando Valezuela Jr. singled through the right side, driving in Longmire from third for a 3-2 Saints lead. Sprout came around to score on a groundout by Ben Thomas to put the Saints up 4-2.
The Birds got one back in the top of the seventh inning. Ben Van Iderstine hit his seventh home run of the year to bring the Canaries within one, 4-3.
The Saints doubled their score in the top of the ninth inning. With one out in the inning, Alex Fonseca walked. Scooter Jordon hit a single to center field, putting runners on the corners. Skip Adams singled through the right side, driving in Fonseca and advancing Jordan to third, 5-3 Saints. A bunt by Bourassa pushed Adams to second and allowed Jordan to come home to give the Saints a 6-3 advantage. Longmire walked to load the bases for Brian Sprout. Sprout hit a sacrifice fly to Canaries' right fielder Ben Van Iderstine. Van Iderstine's throw home beat the runner but catcher Tim Marks could not hold on to the ball when Adams plowed him over at home plate. Two runs scored on the play, giving St. Paul an 8-3 lead.
In the bottom of the ninth inning, Trevor Lawhorn hit his eighth home run of the season, a three run shot, to pull the Birds within a pair. However, the Canaries would not score again in the 8-6 final.
Alec Sheppard (6-1) earned his first win in a St. Paul uniform, pitching seven innings and allowing only three runs on five hits. Jeff Landing (6-3) suffered the loss for the Canaries.
The Canaries and Saints play the rubber match in the series Sunday afternoon at 2:05 at the Birdcage. There will be a "Lunch Box Giveaway" presented by First PREMIER Bank & PREMIER Bankcard for the first 500 kids 12 and under.
American Association Stories from August 5, 2007
- American Association Recap - AA
- Explorers Squeak by Diablos, 3-1 - El Paso Diablos
- Canaries Drop Heartbreaker, 15-14 - Sioux Falls Canaries
- Saints Rally in Ninth, Win Slugfest - St. Paul Saints
- Three Bird Bombs Not Enough In 8-6 Loss - Sioux Falls Canaries
- Aviators Win Third Straight Over Shreveport 6-5 - Coastal Bend Aviators
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