Tigers win 8-7 with three runs in the ninth...

and win the rubber game of the three game series. Connecticut jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning on RBI singles by Josh Ashenbrenner and Matt Perry. But in the bottom half of the frame the first six Spinners would reach base and score off Connecticut starter Rayni Guichard (1-1) as Guichard failed to record a single out. The Connecticut bullpen of Brennan Smith (3IP, 2 hits), Mike Torrealba (3IP no hits 3 Ks), Kevan Hess(1IP) and Robbie Wanhardt ( 1-0, 1IP, 1 run) basically shut down Lowell the rest of the way.
In the top of the ninth trailing 7-5, pitch hitter Matt Mansilla lead off with a walk and went to second on a Londell Taylor single. Both runners moved up on a Jeff Rowland sac bunt. Alexander Nunez then singled to score Mansilla and make it 7-6 Spinners. Ashenbrenner walked to load the bases. Ryan Enos singed knocking in Taylor and Nunez to put the Tigers ahead 8-7.
Tiger reliever Matt Little came in to close the door on the Spinners to earn his first save and the first in franchise history.
The Tigers offense was lead by Ryan Enos who knocked in 5 runs, two on his first homer of the season and two on the game winning single in the ninth and Matt Perry who went 3 for 4 with a double and RBI.
Connecticut wins its second game in a row and gets back pull to the .500 mark at 4-4. The team took two of three from Tri-City and Lowell on the long season opening road trip with that two game sweep by the VT Lake Monsters being the only blemish.

Misc fan notes: Home Opener tomorrow!! Getting camera batteries recharged as I type. Wondering about which cap to wear...Navs...Defs..or spring for a new Tigers one??? Anyway for the local folks, get in your car early and soak up some pregame stuff before the 7:05PM start.