The St. Paul Saints have not been scoring a lot of runs over the last four-games. Just six to be exact but, two nights after the team won 1-0 to clinch a playoff berth, the team won another 1-0 affair, this time over the Lincoln Saltdogs to clinch their second straight American Association North Division title. The win was thanks in large part to the incredible outing of Kody Knaus, who tossed seven scoreless innings.

Knaus was opposed by Matt Larkins, and this was one of the best pitchers’ duels that you will ever see. Knaus allowed just 4-hits through his 7-innings of work. Larkins was nearly as brilliant, allowing only 6-hits.

The fourth inning was the only frame early on when each team had a chance to get on the board. In the top half of the inning, Austin Gallagher singled with one out and moved to third on a double by Jon Smith. This was the Saltdogs opportunity to take the lead, but Knaus was brilliant, getting a popup and then striking out Tyler Urps to end the frame.

In the bottom of the fourth, Tony Thomas beat out an infield grounder to start the frame, and moved to third on a single by Nate Hanson. This had a big inning written all over it as well, but Larkins got a pop out before inducing a double-play to end the inning.

In the sixth, the Saints would get another shot to take the lead. David Bergin singled with two outs and moved to third on a single by Hanson. However, Larkins got another pop out to end the inning.

Knaus was pulled after seven, and Ryan Rodebaugh was brought in to keep this scoreless. He retired the side in order, sending it to the bottom of the eighth.

Shairon Martis relieved Larkins and got into trouble right away. Alonzo Harris started the inning with a single and was then moved to second on a sacrifice. Tony Thomas was intentionally walked and Bergin was hit by a pitch to load the bases with one out. Next up was Hanson, who grounded to second, but Cesar Valera made a back-handed flip to the shortstop that did not have much on it. That allowed Hanson to beat out the relay and Harris to score to give the Saints the lead.

Rodebaugh returned for the ninth and retired Lincoln in order once again to close out the victory. That gave the St. Paul Saints their 60th win of the year and assured the team the North Division title.

The Saints got 2-hits apiece from Thomas, Bergin, and Hanson. Hanson had the lone RBI of the game. Gallagher had 2-hits for Lincoln.

Game 3 of this four-game set is an early evening affair. Neither team has named their starter. First pitch is 5:05.

Boxscore

By Robert Pannier