Connecticut Defenders Blank Bowie Baysox 1-0 - AA, Eastern League

MLN Newswire - www.mlntherawfeed.com - NORWICH, CT - The Defenders have developed a flair for the dramatic. After not scoring a single run for eight innings of play, Olmo Rosario belted a base hit into left-center field to score the winning run as Connecticut topped Bowie, 1-0.

Eighteen games played into the season and the Defenders have already been involved in fourteen one-run contests. It’s been their starting pitching that have set up said contests and their bullpen that have won said contests.

Dave McKae took the bump for Connecticut and dazzled. McKae was stingy after allowing two base hits in the first inning. He danced his way out of the first and sat down 17 consecutive for an encore at Dodd Stadium.

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After seven innings of play, McKae was lifted as his final line impressed. He allowed just two base hits, walked just one while striking out four en route to a no decision.

Ronnie Ray took the ball for Connecticut next and he shut the door as soon as he stood on the mound. Ray tossed a scoreless eighth and ninth to make way for the struggling Defenders offense in the home half.

The score tied in the final frame, the Defenders needed to do something to keep the game out of extra innings. Ben Copeland opened the frame with a base knock to left as Travis Ishikawa bunted him into scoring position with impeccable accuracy. Adam Witter drew an intentional walk, Simon Klink was hit by a pitch and Connecticut had the bases juiced with only one out. With the left-hander in Rommie Lewis on the mound Bien Figueroa opted to play the numbers as he tapped right-hander Olmo Rosario in the desperate situation. Dramatically, Rosario pelted a fastball into the left-center field gap to bring home Copeland as the Defenders celebrated a 1-0 win.

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