ST PAUL, Minn. — Chesny Young, who had just six home runs in 505 games entering this season, hit a grand slam in the sixth inning that gave the Saints their first lead of the night as they went on to sweep the Sioux City Explorers in the American Association Finals, with a 6-3 victory on Saturday night at CHS Field in front of 5,353.
This is the first title for the Saints in the American Association and they have now won championships in 1993, their first ever season.
The team also won in 1995, 1996, 2004 and now in 2019.
According to the team's website:
The Saints tacked on an insurance run in the seventh against another All-Star reliever Matt Poberyko as Michael Lang walked with one out. With two outs, Silviano roped a double just inside the bag at first that scored Lang to give the Saints a 6-3 lead.
Karch Kowalczyk, who got the final out of the seventh inning by striking out Nate Samson with runners at first and second and two outs, pitched a perfect eighth.
In the ninth Tanner Kiest came on to close it out. He walked the leadoff hitter Dexture McCall, but struck out pinch hitter Justin Felix. That was followed by a walk to Sebastian Zawada which brought the tying run to the plate in Kyle Wren. On a 2-0 pitch, Wren hit a ground ball to Josh Allen at second, who threw to the shortstop Chris Baker at second for the second out and his relay throw to first ended the game and sent the Saints to their fifth Championship in franchise history.
To celebrate their win, the Saints are holding a victory parade Monday. We use the term "parade" loosely, since the whole thing will only last about one minute.
The parade starts at 11:30 a.m. on Broadway St. and 4th St. and will travel exactly one block, ending at Broadway and 5th St. in front of CHS Field.
According to The St. Paul Saints website, the parade will end at 11:31 a.m.
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