Saint Paul, Minnesota - The St. Paul Saints had three players on MLB Rehab Assignments in the lineup on Sunday afternoon. Byron Buxton sent a ball to the warning track in the bottom of the ninth but in the end, it was dominant Mud Hens pitching that helped Toledo get past the Saints 3-2 on Sunday afternoon in front of 6,003. The Saints finished the 2023 season with a record of 84-64. 

In the second, Nick Maton walked. Next, Justice Bigbie singled, which moved Maton to second. Ryan Kreidler hit an RBI single to left and Matson scored, which gave Toledo a 1-0 lead. 

In the third, Colt Keith doubled on a sharp drive to center field. Eddys Leonard hit a home run, which gave Toledo a 3-0 lead. 

Keider Montero picked up his fifth win of the season for Toledo. Montero pitched five strong innings and allowed two runs on two hits. The two runs for the Saints were scored in the fifth. Michael Helman led off the inning with a single. Later in the inning, Jair Camargo came to the plate with an opportunity to tie the franchise single season home run record. Camargo launched the ball 448-feet to center field for home run number 21 on the season. The Saints trailed 3-2. Camargo and Chris Williams ended the season with 21 home runs each. 

Toledo took a 3-2 lead to the bottom of the ninth. Aneurys Zabala entered the game to pitch for the Mud Hens. Zabala got Yunior Severino and DaShawn Keirsey Jr. to strikeout. With two outs Byron Buxton (MLB Rehab Assignment) stepped to the plate. The entertainment staff brought CHS Field to its feet and Buxton worked a full count. Buxton sent the ball 447-feet to the warning track in left field, but Nick Maton settled under the ball to make the catch. Toledo hung on for a 3-2 win over the Saints. 

Patrick Murphy started for the Saints. Murphy worked four innings and allowed seven runs on three hits. The Saints did not allow Toledo to get a hit the final three innings of the game. 

Mud Hens pitching kept even rehab players quiet. The Saints only collected two hits all afternoon. Byron Buxton went 0-for-4 with a strikeout. Nick Gordon went 0-for-2 with a strikeout and a walk while Joey Gallo went 0-for-3 with a strikeout. 

The 2023 season has concluded, and it is time to look forward to the 2024 season. For the first time in franchise history the Saints will play a home game in March. The 2024 season will begin on March 29th, 2024, at CHS Field. Game times will be announced later.