06/29/2005 10:45 PM - Click here to view the box score.

The T-Bones took one step closer to first place in the South Division with their 7-6 victory over the St. Paul Saints Wednesday night. The T-Bones now trail the division leading Saints by a half-game entering tomorrow’s series finale matinee at 11:05 am.

The game featured 30 hits with every starter on both teams collecting at least one hit. Michael Brown led the charge for the T-Bones smacking three hits including two doubles and Chad Sosebee drove in two runs in the winning effort.

Starter David Viane (W, 3-2) picked up the victory for the T-Bones with a workmanlike effort. The converted reliever pitched 6 1/3 innings allowing five earned runs and 13 hits while striking out two. J.C. Ortiz was effective in relief and newcomer Nate Ruhl (S, 1) filled in just nicely at closer in shutting down the Saints and earning his first save with the club.

The Saints’ Chad Ehrnsberger led the offensive charge and continued his torrid hitting streak by getting three hits, including homering in his first at bat for the second time in three games. Tonayne Brown had three hits and Billy Munoz drove in two by leaving the yard for the eleventh time this year. Starter Rich Cartier (L, 4-2) lost for only the second time this year but was the victim of nine T-Bone hits including five earned runs.

Notes: Michael Brown is hitting 7-for-12 (.583) in the series… David Segui had two hits and drove in one in his third game with the club… Ehrnsberger is now 9-for-21 (.429) against his former club with four home runs.