St. Paul Saints. Can't Stop. Won't Stop.

Using both sides of the ball the Saints won two games against the Railcats by a combined score of 24-5. Pedro Hernandez and Dustin Crenshaw both tossed seven innings, allowing only three total runs. Mike Kvasnicka and Joey Paciorek hit back to back jacks in the fifth inning of Sunday's game to fuel the Saints love for runs.

Along with three close, hard fought games between the league’s top two teams. CHS Field also saw a first in the Saints series against the Explorers: a coach was ejected from a game. Tuesday night Steve Montgomery, the manager from Sioux City, was given the boot for arguing balls and strikes, among other things. He was, let's say, a very animated manager and third base coach.

My MVP for the home stand is Vinny DiFazio. Before I show you how good Vinny was at CHS Field this time around, keep in mind that these stats are for only the last six home games: .458 avg, 9 R, 11 RBIs, 2B, 3 BBs, and 3 HRs. Wow. The highlight was a clutch two-run bomb to break a 4-4 tie in the eighth inning of Tuesday night’s win. He also recorded an RBI in nine straight games (June 10th-June 20th), a personal best. In addition to my MVP of the home stand honor Vinny also won the PointsStreak American Association Player of the Week (June 15th-21st) and the Rawlings American Association Player of the Month (June). He enters the month of July as the only player batting over .400 in the entire league. Keep it going Vinny!

The week’s fun was highlighted by Saturday's 'Merica night. Where Ushertainers and employees dressed in their best USA or redneck outfits and everyone in attendance was encouraged to drink cheap beer and start watching NASCAR. The night even included a "best beer belly" contest. Again, no words needed.

Prior to the game the Saints had the Budweiser Clydesdales lead a parade around the warning track. Before they went into the field we were able to see them up close. By luck their trailer was parked next to the tailgating lot where we just happened to be (imagine that). If you ever have the chance to see them in person, do it. It is incredible how big and majestic they are up close.

This night also reminded us why we love the Saints Entertainment Team so much. When a game goes to extra innings there are no planned promotions remaining. This always leads to some of the best improvised and goofy moments of the night.

Following Wednesday's day game the Saints started out on their next road trip. This time they visited the Fargo-Moorhead Redhawks (June 25th-June 28th), winning three of four. Then off to the Lincoln Saltdogs for three more (June 30th-July 2nd). As of Wednesday night the teams had split the first two games, making the Saints 30-8 on the year. Come on boys - bring it home Thursday! Keep the series winning streak going!

The Saints return home on Friday, July 3rd. They begin a seven-game home stand with three against the Fargo-Moorhead Redhawks and then close it out with four versus the Ottawa Champions. Besides great baseball, the promotion lineup this week in St. Paul is one of the best we've seen in a while.

One thing you should not miss is the Saints Fourth of July fireworks super show. It is always one of the best of the year at the ballpark - or anywhere for that matter. This season the show will get a little extra oomph. The oohs and aahs after the game will be for the City of St. Paul's official fireworks show.

And, who isn't excited about Coach night and free tube sock giveaway on Wednesday, July 8^th? Wonder if anyone will sport the socks and join Coach as he does a push-up for every Saints run scored.

Finally, don’t forget that tonight, Twins Daily and other MinnCentric sites will be at the sold out Twins Daily Saints and BFFs (baseball, food, fireworks) Night. If you see one of us, say “Hi.” We love to talk baseball. We’ll see you at the ballpark.

Go Saints!!!

TRAIN!