Despite surrendering two runs in the first inning to the Milwaukee Milkmen (5-3), St. Paul Saints starter Ryan Zimmerman clamped down and permitted just two base runners over the next six innings while striking out a career-tying-high nine batters.
The Saints’ offense took care of the rest. Outfielder Justin Byrd laid down a perfectly placed bases loaded bunt along the third baseline in the eight inning for an RBI single that proved to be the winning run, with St. Paul edging the Milkmen, 3-2, Sunday at Franklin Field.
Zimmerman went 7.0 innings, allowing two runs on four hits while walking one and whiffing nine batters.
Tanner Kiest, a former Milkmen who came over in a trade last season, pitched a flawless eighth and Jameson McGrane worked a perfect ninth for his third save of the season.
Catcher Chris Chinea slugged a RBI double and second baseman Josh Allen plated a runner with a single in the top of the first inning for the other two St. Paul runs.
The Saints (4-5) have Monday off and return to action on Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. as they begin a three-game series against the Winnipeg Goldeyes in Sioux Falls.
— Jerry Del Priore
