The Saints continued to make history on Sunday at CHS Field, only this time it was a record they could have done without. After extending their winning streak to a franchise-best 11 games on Saturday, the Saints set a team mark for runs allowed in a game in a 20-9 loss to the Toledo Mud Hens. “They always end funny,” Saints manager Toby Gardenhire said of the winning streak.
“You never know how it is going to go. Sometimes you get walked off, sometimes you give up a hundred runs. We gave up a hundred.
” Saints starting pitcher Louie Varland had a miserable afternoon, allowing 12 runs — 11 earned — in 2 1/3 innings. The Mud Hens touched him up for 11 hits, including five home runs. After Varland gave up the three runs in the first inning on a pair of home runs, he was given a reprieve when the Saints scored five times in their half of the inning.
But Varland gave up two more home runs in the Mud Hens’ five-run second. Varland declined to speak with reporters after the game. “I got nothing for you guys today,” he said as he left the clubhouse.
“Too emotional.” Gardenhire wasn’t surprised. “Any time you have a start like that — for a guy like Louie, who has been so good — you’re going to be emotional,” Gardenhire said.
“It’s not easy for these guys. This is their job, this is what they live to do. “You’re only pitching once a week, and when you go out there and have a tough one like this, it’s going to be tough.
” Saints pitching coach.