Article: Saints Stay On Top After Win Over Sioux City

[Matt Hoffmann]

The two best teams in American Association baseball faced off Monday night at CHS Field. The Saint Paul Saints entered the contest 24-5 but left 25-5 after defeating the 22-8 Sioux City Explorers.

 

Unlike the Saints’ previous two victories—which were won by a combined 24-7—Monday’s season opener was a 5-4 one-run affair.“It’s nice to win close games…sometimes you have to win close games” Saints manager George Tsamis said after the game.

 

St. Paul have outscored their opponents 38-8 in the first inning so far this season but it was the Explorers who jumped out to a two-run lead in the top of the first. Vinny DiFazio, who normally plays catcher, was planted at first base today due to injuries and it showed when he misjudged a routine infield pop up, putting the visitors on the board.

 

“Sometimes when you have injuries guys have to play out of position” Tsamis mused adding “it was windy out there but it is what it is.”

 

However, DiFazio would more than make up for his error in the first by crushing a three-run home run deep to left field to break the game open for the Saints in the bottom of the fifth. The right-handed batter loped out of the batters box, assuming the home run trot around the bases. “I was pretty sure (it was gone)” he said. “I felt good, I felt confident.”

 

Saints starting pitcher Kramer Sneed notched his fifth win of the season with the blast and said “it takes the load off—its so much easier pitching with the lead.”

While they never looked back, the hometown squad did give their manager a bit of a scare in the ninth inning when they allowed two runs and had to call in another pitcher for the final out but held on for a 5-4 victory.

 

The Saints will now face Sioux City in the second game of a three-game series Tuesday night with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 pm.

 

 Just a reminder that you can join Twins Daily readers and writers at the Saints game on July 3rd. Not only does the $20 ticket include a reserved seat, but you'll get to tailgate in the brand new ballpark one-and-half-hours early at a catered picnic. Bring your whole family! We're down to less than 30 tickets available, so grab them today!

 

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