The St. Paul Saints were unable to solve Iowa pitching Saturday night at Principal Park, producing just four hits in an 8-2 loss that extended their losing streak to four games.
Early deficit proved costly for Saints
The hosts built a large lead quickly, carrying a 6-0 advantage by the end of the fourth inning and never looking back. St. Paul’s offense was limited to singles by Matt Wallner, Aaron Sabato, Orlando Arcia and Noah Cardenas, along with three walks. Arcia and Gabriel Gonzalez provided the Saints’ only runs, driving in Wallner and Sabato in the seventh.
Saints starter John Klein (2-4) absorbed the loss. He worked 2 2/3 innings, permitting six hits, four walks and five earned runs, while striking out five. Iowa’s lineup, meanwhile, had more success against the mound.
Rehab start limits Saints’ lineup
Iowa turned to a familiar arm on a rehab assignment: Chicago Cubs starter Jameson Taillon. Taillon delivered 4 2/3 innings, surrendering only one hit and one walk with three strikeouts. His outing was a major factor in keeping St. Paul off the scoreboard through the middle innings.
- Final score: Iowa 8, St. Paul 2
- St. Paul hits: 4 (all singles)
- Key Saints hitters: Wallner, Sabato, Arcia, Cardenas
- Notable pitchers: John Klein (loss), Jameson Taillon (rehab outing)
The two teams will wrap up the series Sunday afternoon with a 1:08 p.m. first pitch in Des Moines. St. Paul will hand the ball to Aaron Rozek (2-1, 3.42 ERA) in an attempt to salvage the finale.
| Pitcher | Line |
|---|---|
| John Klein (St. Paul) | 2 2/3 IP, 6 H, 5 ER, 4 BB, 5 K |
| Jameson Taillon (Iowa, rehab) | 4 2/3 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 3 K |
| Aaron Rozek (scheduled) | 2-1, 3.42 ERA (season) |
For St. Paul, the weekend has been a struggle at the plate: after being held to five hits Friday, Saturday’s four-hit performance underscores a broader issue generating concern in the clubhouse and among fans. The Saints will need a more sustained offensive effort Sunday if they hope to leave Des Moines with a win.
