Defs jump out quick and win Game 1 6-2 of...

the Northern Division playoffs beating the New Britain RockCats. Ben Snyder was the story tonight taking a two hit shutout into the 9th inning before tiring and turning the ball over to the bullpen. Synder pressed into starting Game 1 because of the promotion of Madison Bumgarner threw a master piece over 8 innings notching 6 Ks. He gave up a homer in the 9th followed by his only walk of the game and left after hitting the next batter. Shane Kaufman struggled in relief walking in a run. Matt Yourkin came on to record the final two outs to preserve the win.
CT took a 4-0 lead in the first. Brock Bond lead off with a hustle double to right. Mike McBryde laid down a great sac bunt to move Bond over. Brett Pill singled up the middle to make it 1-0. Brad Boyer singled to get on base. Then EME turned on a pitch sending it over the left field fence for a three run homer and CT lead 4-0.
The Defenders added another run in the fourth as Mike Mooney doubled and would score on a wild pitch to make it 5-0. CT added it's last run in the 8th on a Brandon Crawford single to make it 6-0
ENE was the hitting star going 3 for 3 with the homer, a single and a double. He was also hit by a pitch causing a warning by the home base umpire to both benches.
Bond (double), Crawford and Jackson Williams (double) all had two hits as CT pounded out 13 hits it all. They were on the verge of really busting the game but left 13 runners on base and batted just 4 for 18 with RISP.

Misc fan notes: Good times in Section 11 as the usual crowd was joined by Patty and Joe Perez and my buddy Strat along with assorted local media and Jesse English was in the stands with the CT pitchers charting the game. Very festive.
Didn't take many pics as I was too into the game.
Pics top to bottom: Snyder and EME do the radio postgame with Brian LaRich, post game line, EME's HR, new Defender reliver Wilmin Rodriquez #6, the return of Alex Hinshaw #41, Craig Clark on the phone next to Game 2 starter Daryl Maday.
I now need a pic of another new Defender as the Bryan Millikan era is over and former Augusta starter Ari Ronick (7-6 2.65 ERA, a lefty) is now with the team.

Happy Bithday Brett Pill!

RIP Missy (7/30/85-9/9/02) we love and miss you!