Scoreboard for July 6, 2007

Pawtucket 6 at Rochester 2

Record 45-41

W: J. Lester (3-4, 3.62); L: J. Miller (1-3, 3.40)
HR: PAW: J. Ellsbury (1).

From RedWingsBaseball.com: The Pawtucket Red Sox topped the Red Wings 6-2 and 3-1 in a Friday night doubleheader at Frontier Field. The two teams meet again Saturday night at 7:05 pm, with a fireworks show saluting the 1980s in music right after the game. Jon Lester held the Wings to just four hits in the opener, with Garrett Jones and Trent Oeltjen driving in the Rochester runs. In the nightcap, Brian Bass fanned five in six innings, but the Wings managed just four hits and committed two errors.

Wings starting pitcher Jason Miller began the first game by retiring three Pawtucket batters quickly. With the Wings at bat, Matt Tolbert was walked by Pawtucket starter Jon Lester, then advanced to second on a wild pitch. Tolbert moved to third on a groundout by Darnell McDonald and was brought home by an RBI double from Jones, giving the Wings a 1-0 lead.

Miller struggled in the second inning but the Wings defense bailed him out of trouble. Bobby Scales reached second on a double followed by a single from Brandon Moss. Miller then walked Michael Tucker to load the bases with no outs. On a full count pitch, Kevin Cash hit a ball down the third base line, right into the glove of third baseman Gil Velazquez. Velazqez threw to catcher Chris Heintz to stop the tieing run. Heintz then threw out the runner at first for a double play. Miller was able to retire the final batter, ending the inning with no runs.

Pawtucket got on the scoreboard in the third inning. Alex Prieto started the inning with a single and then moved to second on an infield out by Jacoby Ellsbury. Joe McEwing then slammed a ball to centerfield for an RBI single which plated Prieto bringing the score to 1-1.

In the fifth, Ellsbury nailed a 1-2 pitch from Miller over the wall in right, putting the Paw Sox ahead 2-1. Pawtucket was in scoring position again as David Murphy slammed a ball which hit right in front of the back wall and bounced over, which was called a ground-rule double. Murphy was stranded on second as Miller struck out the final batter.

Pawtucket took their lead and ran in the sixth. Pawtucket had two runners in scoring position with a single, followed by a double. After Miller purposely walked Ed Rogers, Julio DePaula came in to pitch with the bases loaded. With one out, Prieto hit a ground ball down the third base line, just passing Velazquez, bringing home two Pawtucket runs. Ellsbury then hit a line drive to right field to plate two more Pawtucket runners increasing Pawtucket's lead 6-1. The Wings defense was able to stop any more runs with a double play to end the inning.

The Wings' offense struggled through six innings only recording one hit by Jones in the first inning and only having four on base.

Brad Baker, recently promoted to Rochester from New Britian, relieved DePaula to start the seventh. Baker pitched a quick inning, striking out the first and last batter.

Rochester showed life in the bottom of the seventh. With two outs, Heintz singled a line drive down left field follwed by another from Velazquez to place the Wings in scoring position. Oeltjen then drove a ball to center field that plated Heintz and moved Velazquez to second. The effort wasn't enough for the comeback as Tommy Watkins struck out to end the game.

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Pawtucket 3 at Rochester 1

Record 45-42

From RedWingsBaseball.com: To start the second game, Pawtucket's lead off batter Ellsbury hit a single off Wings starter Bass, and stole a base to advance to second. He then moved to third off an error by shortstop Alexi Casilla which landed the following batter, Murphy, on second. The Wings defense was able to hold the runners on base to keep the game scoreless.

Pawtucket took the lead in the third. Ellsbury hit a fly ball that fell in between Tolbert and Oeltjen for a double. Ellsbury then scored on an RBI single by Murphy who advanced to second on a wild throw. Murphy then plated off Scales' double RBI to give Pawtucket a 2-0 lead.

In the fifth, Pawtucket was back on the scoreboard. Bass walked Ellsbury, who then stole second base, his second stolen base of the game. McEwing followed with ground out, which moved Ellsbury to third. Ellsbury was then brought home on Murphy's second RBI of the game, increasing the Pawtucket lead to 3-0.

The Wings offense could not keep up with Pawtucket's starting pitcher Mike Burns, who took the win. For the first six innings, the Wings only recorded two hits and three men on base.

After pitching an inning in the first game, Baker took the mound relieving Bass. Bass, who took the loss, tossed six innings, allowing only five hits, walking two and striking out five. Baker quickly closed the seventh again by striking out the first and last batter. The Wings offense struggled up until the seventh when Jones doubled with one out, and Brian Buscher's RBI double with two outs broke the Pawtucket shutout and made it 3-1. Buscher was stranded on second as Jose Morales' long ball to centerfield fell shy of a home run landing in the centerfielder's glove to end the game.

NOTES: The Red Wings (45-42 record) clinched their fourth consecutive winning record at the All-Star break with Thursday night's win.... Baker was promoted to Rochester Friday from Double-A New Britain. Baker was 2-5 with a 5.33 ERA in 17 games (13 starts) for the Rock Cats. To make room for Baker the Red Wings placed LHP Ricky Barrett on the disabled list (retro to July 4) with a strained left shoulder. Barrett was pulled from his start on Wednesday after 3.2 innings with a muscle cramp below his left shoulder...Manager Stan Cliburn now has a 129-110 record as manager of the Red Wings. If the Red Wings can win 35 more games this season Cliburn would have 164 wins - the most wins by a Red Wings manager in his first two seasons since Harry Walker compiled 177 wins in 1952 & 1953. Since 1963 only four managers have compiled more than 150 wins in their first two years as Red Wings manager (Earl Weaver 1966-67 163 wins, Joe Altobelli 1971-72 162 wins, Greg Biagini 1989-90 161 wins, and Darrell Johnson 1963-64 157 wins)....Red Wings closer Bobby Korecky has 20 saves this season; RHP Travis Bowyer holds the record with 23 set in 2005). The Red Wings bullpen has 28 saves this season and needs just 14 more to tie the 1997 Red Wings for most saves (42) by a Red Wings team in one season...Korecky recorded his 20th save of the season Thursday night. Korecky becomes the fastest Red Wings pitcher to record 20 saves (85 games, saves became an official stat in the IL in 1969). Korecky needs 10 more saves to reach 100 for his minor league career.

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Portland 3 at New Britain 6

Record: 38-43

W: R. Mullins (1-2, 3.77); L: T. Nall (3-11, 5.18); SV: T. Lahey (4)
HR: NBR: F. Molina (5), B. Roberts (1).

From rockcats.com: Brandon Roberts and Felix Molina homered to lead the Rock Cats to a 6-3 win over Portland in the first game of Friday night’s doubleheader.

Roberts led off the bottom of the first inning with a solo home run - his first of the season - to right field to put the Rock Cats ahead 1-0. The ‘Cats tacked on another run in the second when Brock Peterson opened the inning with a single and scored on a groundout by Korey Feiner.

Felix Molina delivered a two-run homer in the third for a 4-0 advantage.

The Sea Dogs finally got to Rock Cats’ starter Ryan Mullins in the fourth inning. Cory Keylor and Jed Lowrie reached on back-to-back singles and Hamden native Jeff Natale walked to load the bases. Jay Johnson grounded into a force out that scored Keylor. Mullins retired the next two batters to escape the bases loaded jam.

In the fifth inning, Matt Moses added an RBI double to extend the Rock Cats lead to 5-1.

Portland struck again in the sixth. Jay Johnson knocked in Lowrie with a triple and Andrew Pickney followed with an RBI single to close the gap, 5-3.

Mullins (1-2) allowed three runs on seven hits and one walk. He struck out three in 5 1/3 innings as he finally picked up his first Double A victory. Tim Lahey fired 1 2/3 shutout innings in relief to pick up his fourth save.

Sea Dogs starter Thomas Nall (3-11) allowed five runs (4 ER), six hits, and four walks through five innings.

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Portland 4 at New Britain 5

Record: 39-43

W: J. Martinez (2-4, 2.98); L: C. Zink (8-3, 2.77)
HR: None.

From rockcats.com: The Rock Cats received a strong outing from reliever J.P. Martinez to hold on to a 5-4 win over Portland and complete the doubleheader sweep.

Martinez (2-4) fired three shutout innings out of the Rock Cats’ bullpen as he limited the Sea Dogs to one hit. He struck out six.

The Sea Dogs jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the first inning on Jay Johnson’s two-run double. The lead didn’t last long, though, as the Rock Cats broke out the bats in the bottom of the inning. Luke Hughes, Trevor Plouffe, and Garrett Guzman reached base on consecutive singles. Matt Moses delivered a double to right field to knock in Hughes and Plouffe to tie the game, 2-2. Brock Peterson reached base after being hit by a pitch to load the bases again. Rashad Eldridge grounded into a double play, but Guzman scored on the play to give the ‘Cats the lead.

The ‘Cats struck again in the third inning. With two outs, Peterson reached on a walk and Eldridge followed with a double. A walk to Felix Molina loaded the bases. The Sea Dogs’ third basman Andrew Pinckney then mishandled a grounder off the bat of Matthew Allegra that allowed Peterson and Eldridge to score and put the ‘Cats ahead, 5-2.

Things got a little wild for Rock Cats starter Joshua Hill in the fourth. Johnson doubled and Bryan Pritz followed with another double to score Johnson. Hill then walked Dusty Brown before he unleashed a wild pitch while Eric Crozier was batting. Hill came back to strike out Crozier, but he threw another wild pitch that allowed Pritz to score.

Hill finished with four runs on five hits in four innings. He struck out four.

Charlie Zink (2-4) lasted five innings for the Sea Dogs, allowing six hits and three walks for five runs (3 ER).

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Danny Valencia

Fort Myers 5 at Dunedin 6

Record 6 - 10

W: A. Wideman (6-2, 3.82); L: J. Rainville (4-9, 3.80); SV: C. Falkenbach (16)
HR: FTM: E. Lis (7), D. Valencia (2). DUN: A. Hatch (7), B. Jeroloman (3).

The Miracle lost yet another one point game after an eighth inning rally by the Fort Myers Squad fell short. Orlando Trias allowed a double to Steve Tolleson and Juan Portes and a Edward Ovallie sac-fly to bring in two, but Erik Lis flew out to end the inning.

Closer Paul Phillips allowed a line drive single to Johnny Woodard in the ninth, but that would be all the Miracle got.

Danny Valencia his his second Miracle home run of the year in the first inning of the game to put Fort Myers on the board. It was a big night for Valencia who also doubled in the sixth and came home on Erik Lis' yarder.

It was not a big night for Miracle starter Jay Rainville, who gave up 4 runs (earned) on 7 hits while striking out only 1 in five innings. Reliever Adam Hawes allowed the other two Jays runs on 1 hit and 1 walk in the seventh inning.

Tolleson allowed Luke Hetherington to reach base when he misplayed the ball after Hawes had walked Brian Jeroloman. Anthony Hatch then doubled the pair in with one out.

Valencia was 3-for-4 on the night with 2 runs and 1 RBI, Lis was 2-for-4 with 1 run and 2 RBIs. Tolleson, Juan Portes, Luis Ugueto and Johnny Woodard were all 1-for-4.

The Miracle make the short jaunt over to Clearwater tomorrow night to take on the Threshers. Oswaldo Sosa (3-4, 2.29) will take to the mound for a 6:30 start. Look for Ed Pelegrino's report from Bright House Network Field in the News-Press when he returns from his weekend trip on Monday.

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Miracle
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Matt Ryerson/The Hawk Eye
Bees first baseman Jase Turner eyes the throw as Beloits Chris Cates races down the line.

Beloit 4 at Burlington 7

Record 8-7

W: A. Hartsock (5-2, 2.58); L: D. Leatherman (5-3, 3.18)
HR: None.

From MiLB.com: Jason Godin pitched seven strong innings as Burlington topped visiting Beloit, 7-4, on Friday.

Godin yielded three runs on five hits and two walks while striking out six before Aaron Hartsock (5-2) tossed the final two frames for the win. Hartsock allowed one run on two hits with one strikeout.

Derrick Robinson lined a two-run single in the eighth inning and Kurt Mertins followed with a two-run triple for the Bees (9-7).

Jamar Walton had a two-run double in the fourth and Brady Everett added an RBI single for Burlington.

Snappers starter Tyler Robertson gave up three runs -- two earned -- on 10 hits and a walk with five strikeouts over seven frames. Dan Leatherman (5-3) retired one batter and allowed two runs on one hit and a walk to take the loss.

Garrett Olson, Steven Singleton, Danny Santiesteban and Yancarlos Ortiz each drove in a run for Beloit (9-7).

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BDN
BDN Notebook
BDN*
Hawk Eye*

* Article published Friday, July 6

Elizabethton 3 at Bluefield 5

Record 15 - 2

W: C. Flagello (3-0, 1.04); L: S. Hirschfeld (1-1, 2.77)
HR: BLU: M. Tucker (2).

From MiLB.com: Matthew Tucker ripped a three-run homer in the first inning to lead host Bluefield over Elizabethton, 5-3, on Friday.

Tucker added a run-scoring single in the eighth and is batting .436 with 16 RBIs in 15 games for the Orioles (8-8).

Bluefield starter Stephen Procner allowed three runs on five hits and three walks while striking out one over 3 2/3 innings. Clifford Flagello (3-0) gave up five hits and a walk while fanning five in 5 1/3 frames for the win.

Ozzie Lewis, Rodolfo Palacios and Eric Santiago each drove in a run for the Twins (15-2), who had their eight-game winning streak snapped.

Elizabethton starter Steven Hirschfeld (1-1) gave up four runs on six hits while striking out four over five innings.

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E-Star*

* Article published Friday, July 6

GCL REds 5 at GCL Twins 10

Current Record: 10 - 4

W: M. Hamburger (1-0, 0.00); L: V. Navarro (0-1, 37.80)
HR: None.

Daniel Berlind allowed only 1 hit and walked 3 in six innings of shut out baseball against the GCL Reds Friday at the Lee County Sportsplex. The seventh inning was a different matter.

Struggling pitcher Thom Wright came in, giving up 5 runs (4 earned) on 2 hits and 4 walks before being taken from the mound in favor of Mark Hamburger. The only out Wright would record would be a sac bunt by Kevyn Feiner.

That erased the Twins 5 run lead heading into the inning, but the Twins took it back, when Yangervis Solarte plated James Beresford and Ben Revere scored on a bases loaded walk to Angel Morales with 2 outs.

Wang-Wei Lin got on base in the bottom of the eighth on a fielding error by shortstop Neftali Soto, Beresford reaced on a force attempt and moved to second when Feiner overthrew the ball. Jeanfred Brito doubled the runners in and came home on a Solarte ground out.

The soft pitch Hamburger would allowe only 1 hit and 1 walk in 1.2 innings in route to his first professional win.

Beresford was hot at the plate, going 3-for-4 with 4 runs, Lin and Brito were both 2-for-4, Brito with 2 runs and 3 RBIs and Lin with 2 runs and 1 RBI. Revere was 2-for-5 with 1 run, and 1 RBI and Solarte had 2 RBI's despite being only 1-for-5 at the plate.

The Twins take on the Red Sox at home for a 10 AM game on Saturday and travel to Twin Lakes on Sunday to face the Orioles.

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Herald Tribune

DSL Rockies 8 at DSL Twins 3

W: R. Suarez (2-0, 2.54); L: E. Cardenas (0-1, 3.86)
HR: None.

Right fielder Eliel Sierra was 2-for3. Left fielder Domingo Morillo had 2 RBI's (1-for-3 with a walk and a double) and shortstop Juan Sanchez had 2 runs (1-for-2 at the plate).

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VSL Cubs/Twins 3 at VSL Pirates 3 (Tied)

HR: VSL PIT: J. Marquez (3), H. Henry (1).

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Scoreboard for July 5, 2007

KRIS J. MURANTE staff photographer
Rochester's Dave Gassner throws heat against Ottawa. He allowed two runs in the Red Wings victory.

Ottawa 2 at Rochester 4

Record 45-40

W: D. Gassner (3-9, 4.75); L: B. Nelson (2-5, 4.31); SV: B. Korecky (20)
HR: None.

From RedWingsBaseball.com: Despite being hit by a line drive in the fifth inning, Dave Gassner cruised through the Ottawa Lynx lineup for eight innings and Bobby Korecky pitched out of trouble in the 9th to seal the win for the Red Wings 4-2 Thursday night at Frontier Field.

Through the first three innings, Gassner allowed only a lone single to second baseman Joe Thurston, who was promptly picked off after leaving the first base bag a little too early on a steal attempt. The crafty Gassner almost picked off Thurston again in the fourth on a close call at second base.

The Wings' offense couldn't capitalize on Garrett Jones' leadoff double in the second inning. After a ground out by Brian Buscher, Jose Morales, trying to extend a six-game hitting streak, hit a hard ground ball that was handled by the third baseman to end the inning and the scoring threat.

Working into the 5th inning pitching shutout baseball, Gassner and the fans held their breath as a scorched line drive off the bat of Jim Rushford struck Gassner in the torso. Shaking off the effects, Gassner returned to the mound and retired Carlos Leon with a runner on third base to keep the game scoreless.

Glenn Williams led off the 5th inning with a screaming line drive just over the outstretched arm of the left fielder to set up another scoring opportunity for the Wings. The Wings got on the board when Denard Span, on a 2-1 pitch, sailed a clutch 2-out line drive single to left scoring Williams.

With one out in the sixth, Darnell McDonald tripled to right-center. Jones followed with an RBI single to right, drilling a 2-2 pitch from Nelson to make it 2-0 Rochester.

In the bottom of the eigth, with the Wings clinging to a two-run lead, Alexi Casilla laid down a bunt back to the pitcher Kane Davis who fielded and threw over the head of the first baseman for a three-base error. On a slow grounded by McDonald to a drawn-in third baseman, Casilla attempted to score and was tagged out on a controversial call at home plate. The next batter, Jones, proceeded to hit a high fly ball to centerfield which the fielder lost in the lights and fell on the warning track for a triple, scoring McDonald. Not to be outdone, Williams hit a laser to centerfield just ahead of the diving attempt to drive in Jones for an RBI of his own, bringing the score to 4-0.

Gassner returned to the mound in the ninth to try and seal a complete game shutout, but after allowing two runs to score, the Wings signaled for Korecky to enter the game. Looking for his 20th save of the season, Korecky allowed a single to Jason Jaramillo on his first pitch. The damage was quickly erased when Randy Ruiz grounded into a double-play to end the late rally and the game.

NOTES: Morales saw his six-game hitting streak end...On Thursday the Twins optioned RHP Kevin Slowey to the Wings, and called up LHP Carmen Cali.

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Portland at New Britain -- Postponed, Rain

Record: 38-43

Thursday's game between Portland and New Britain has been postponed due to rain. The contest will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Friday, July 6, beginning at 4:05 p.m. ET.

From rockcats.com: Tonight's game between the Rock Cats and Portland Sea Dogs has been postponed. The Rock Cats and Sea Dogs will play a doubleheader tomorrow, Friday, July 6. There will be two seven-inning games with the first pitch for game one slated for 4:05 P.M. The second game will begin 20 minutes after the conclusion of game one. The doubleheader is single-admission. Post-game fireworks are scheduled.

Tickets for the Thursday, July 5 game may be exchanged for any remaining 2007 regular season home game, subject to availability. Please note that there are limited tickets remaining for Friday, July 6. For more information, please call the Rock Cats Ticket Office at 860-224-8383.

Notes: The Joe Mauer Bobblehead Giveaway, sponsored by Centrian Life Insurance, will be rescheduled for later this season. The date will be announced...The July 5 Project Grad Vouchers may be redeemed for the July 16th game.

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Rock Cats
Sea Dogs
Notebook
Courant


Zack Ward

Fort Myers 1 at Dunedin 2

Record 6 - 9

W: A. Tressler (5-5, 3.39); L: A. Gabino (2-1, 1.90); SV: C. Falkenbach (15)
HR: DUN: J. Kreuzer (13).

If anyone is tried of a pitcher's duels, it certainly isn't the Fort Myers Miracle. Zach Ward matched Dunedin's Brandon Magee through six innings, as both left the mounds to no decissions.

Magee would leave after 7.2 innings after a wild pitch moved Edward Ovalle to second. Jeff Christy would single Ovalle in to put the Miracle on the board first, giving them their only run of the game. He was replaced by Aaron Tressler who shut the door on Fort Myers.

Armando Gabino did not fair so well for the mircle though, walking Anthonly Hatch and then watching Josh Kreuzer put a pitch over the wall to give the Jays 2, and the win at Knology Park.

Steve Tolleson was 2-for-3 on the night, the only Miracle player with a multi-hit night, although only Erik Lis would be the only Fort Myers player left hitless on the evening.

The two teams rematch tomorrow for the final game of the 3 game series. Jay Rainville (4-8, 3.59) is expected to face off against A.J. Wideman (5-2, 3.76).

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Miracle
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NDN

Beloit 8 at Burlington 4

Record 8-6

W: C. Devries (7-3, 2.92); L: E. Cegarra (1-1, 4.03); SV: R. Delaney (27)
HR: BEL: G. Olson (4).

From MiLB.com: Cole Devries pitched seven solid innings and Garrett Olson drove in three runs as visiting Beloit defeated Burlington, 8-4, on Thursday.

Devries (7-3) allowed an unearned run on seven hits and two walks with six strikeouts to earn his third straight win and lower his ERA to 2.92.

Jesus Carnevales was charged with three runs on three hits while retiring two batters in the eighth before Robert Delaney yielded a hit over the final 1 1/3 frames to notch his Midwest League-leading 27th save.

Olson ripped a two-run homer, his fourth, in the seventh and delivered an RBI single in the ninth for the Snappers (9-6). Wilson Ramos went 3-for-5 to help Beloit win for the sixth time in its last seven games.

Bees starter Edward Cegarra (1-1) surrendered two runs on four hits in four innings, fanning one and walking five. Everett Teaford gave up six runs -- five earned -- on five hits in 4 2/3 frames, striking out six and walking one.

Michael Thompson went 2-for-4 with an RBI double in the eighth and Joseph Dickerson had two hits and a run scored for the Bees (8-7).

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BDN*
BDN Notebook*
Hawk Eye*

* Article published Thurday, July 5

Elizabethton 6 at Bluefield 1

Record 15 - 1

W: D. Bromberg (3-0, 2.16); L: B. Lee (0-2, 16.88); SV: S. Steedley (1)
HR: None.

E: Lawman (5, fielding).

From MiLB.com: David Bromberg hurled five scoreless innings to lead Elizabethton past Bluefield, 6-1, on Thursday night at Bowen Field.

Bromberg (3-0) allowed three hits and three walks while striking out eight. The 19-year-old right-hander lowered his ERA to 2.16 en route to his third win in as many starts. Spencer Steedley surrendered a run on five hits in four innings to earn his first save for the Twins (15-1), who have won eight straight.

Elizabethton, which improved to 8-0 on the road, scored five runs in the first inning on just one hit. Four consecutive walks, three stolen bases, two wild pitches, a hit batsman, a sacrifice fly and a run-scoring groundout all contributed to the strong start. Benjamin Petsch contributed an RBI single in the frame.

Ozzie Lewis scored a pair of runs for the Twins, who combined for five hits and tacked on an insurance run in the third. Mark Dolenc had a double and two RBIs.

Orioles starter Bryan Lee (0-2) was removed without retiring a batter after walking the first three batters and throwing two wild pitches. His ERA is 16.88.

Dustin Black doubled and scored the Orioles' lone run on a ninth-inning single by Michael Gioioso. Matthew Tucker went 2-for-4 with a triple for Bluefield (7-8).

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E-Star - Twins battle back on Tuesday *
E-star - Still Rollin' Late fireworks lift Twins past Card *

* Article published Thurday, July 5


Jon Waltenbury
GCL Twins 8 at GCL Pirates 7

Current Record: 9 - 4

W: M. McCardell (1-0, 3.46); L: E. Nunez (1-2, 5.40); SV: D. Rondon (3)
HR: TWI: J. Waltenbury (1). PIR: J. Fitzpatrick 2 (4).

The Twins rebounded from Tuesday's blow out loss to defeat Pirates, 8-7 at Pirate City in Bradenton. The Twins hammered out 4 runs in both the 2 and 3rd innings and then held on for the win.

With one out in the second, pitcher Eddy Nunez plunked Jon Waltenbury with a pitch, then walked Daniel Rohlfing. Nick Biagini ground out advancing the runners, but Andrew Schmiesing was walked to load the bases. Jeanfred Brito reached on a fielding error allowing Waltenbury to score. Ben Revere's fly ball single brought in Rohlfing and Schmiesing. Another Fielding error, this time by shortstop Chad Rice allowed Brito to cross the plate. Rondell White, playing after a rehab game after he was removed from Tuesday's Miracle contest against the Lakeland Flying Tigers in the first inning, ground out to end the side.

Nunez continued to have problems, giving up a double to Juan Richardson before Waltenbury hit his first homer of the season. Rohlfing and Biagini were both called out on Strikes. Schmiesing doubled to get on base and was plated by Brito's single. Revere then tripled Brito in before Yangervis Solarte ground out to end the inning and the Twins offensive run.

Michael McCardell gave up a walk and hit Rice with a pitch before John Fitzpatrick homered in the bottom of the third to get the Pirates on the board. Alex Vargas would then triple in Daniel Bomback before Victor Alverez ground out to end the side.

Fitzpatrick would hommer again off McCardell in the 5th inning, but three of his teammates would be called out on strikes to end McCardell's time on the mound. He would finish up allowed 5 runs (all earned) on 5 hits and 2 walks while striking out 6 in 5 innings.

Southpaw Jarrad Eacott would come in for 2 innings, allowing a run when Quincy Latmore was plated by Fitzpatrick's sac fly in the seventh. Jose Acosta replaced him in the 8th, and White would come out of the game was well, with Angel Morales going in to finish off the contest.

Acosta would walk Alex Vargas, who scored on a Ronald Pena double, but Thomas Hagan struck out swinging to end the Pirates threat.

Ace Closer Danny Rondon came in for the ninth, allowing only a single to Bomback before getting Joe Munoz to ground out to end the game.

Revere and White were both 2-for-4 in the game, Brito was 2-for-5 with 2 runs and 1 RBI, Schmiesing was 2-for-3 with 2 runs and a base-on-balls, and Waltenbury was 1-for-3 with 2 runs and 2 RBIs.

The Twins host the Reds tomorrow at noon at the Lee County Sportsplex, Winston Marquez is expected to make the start.

I gather that Daniel Berlind received his promotion to the Elizabethton Twins as he did not make his scheduled start today.

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Herald Tribune

DSL Twins 1 at DSL Reds 3

W: R. De La Rosa (2-2, 2.84); L: C. Garcia (0-3, 6.06); SV: I. Gomera (10)
HR: None.

Right fielder Eliel Sierra was 2-for-4
3rd Baseman Felix Caro was 2-for-4
Shortstop Juan Sanchez had the run for the Twins, designated hitter Josmil Pinto had the loan RBI

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VSL Mets 4 at VSL Cubs/Twins 5

W: C. Rojas (3-1, 4.46); L: O. Hernandez (0-3, 4.54)
HR: None.

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Scoreboard for July 4, 2007

KATHARINE SIDELNIK staff photographer
Red Wings starter Ricky Barrett left the game Wednesday after 3 2/3 innings because of a muscle cramp in his shoulder, but Rochester was able to come back and edge Ottawa, 4-3.

Ottawa 3 at Rochester 4

Record 44-40

W: J. DePaula (5-5, 3.40); L: G. Geary (0-1, 4.91); SV: B. Korecky (19)
HR: OTT: R. Ruiz (1).

From RedWingsBaseball.com: The Red Wings continued their recent offensive surge after pounding out 10 hits to get a come-from-behind 4-3 win over the Ottawa Lynx Wednesday night at Frontier Field. Julio DePaula's (5-5) whirlwind evening concluded with a win in relief after giving up a three-run home run to give the Wings an early deficit. Rochester was sparked by multi-hit games from Garrett Jones and Tommy Watkins, and Darnell McDonald's two RBI capped the Red Wings' second straight offensive onslaught.

Ottawa, who is tied for second in the International League with a .267 team batting average, put some early pressure on starter Ricky Barrett with a two-out rally in the first inning. After getting the first two batters out, Barrett gave up back-to-back singles to Brennan King and Gary Burnham. However, All-star Jason Jarmillo struck out on a check swing to end the early threat.

Barrett, pitching his longest outing of the season after going three 2/3 innings, left with soreness in his left shoulder to further deplete the Wings pitching staff. The damage was felt even more when DePaula's first pitch in relief was belted for a three-run home run by Randy Ruiz, a tape-measure blast that landed onto Plymouth Avenue in left field to give the Lynx a 3-0 lead.

The Wings responded in the bottom half of the fourth. Glenn Williams started things off with a single up the middle, followed with a single by Ken Harvey to advance Williams to third. Hot-hitting Brian Buscher brought in the first run with a sacrifice fly to center field, making it 3-1.

Rochester closed the gap even more in the bottom of the fifth. After Denard Span's leadoff walk, Watkins continued his torrid hitting with a line-drive single to center. Matt Tolbert's sacrifice bunt then allowed Span to score on McDonald's sacrifice fly, cutting their deficit to 3-2.

DePaula regained his composure following his first-pitch mistake, retiring nine of the next 11 batters. He ended the sixth inning by getting Ruiz to strike out looking, which led to Ruiz's ejection after questioning home plate umpire Brian Kennedy on the call.

The Wings took the lead in the seventh with a two-out rally of their own. Tolbert's single to right was followed by a run-scoring double by McDonald that fell just out of reach of center fielder Chris Roberson, tying the game at 3. Jones followed with an RBI single to give the Wings a 4-3 lead.

After DePaula continued his dominance by striking out the side in the eighth, Bobby Korecky earned his 19th save, striking out Danny Sandoval on a check swing to end the game. DePaula's performance included striking out six batters in only 4 1/3 innings.

Ottawa starter Landon Jacobsen pitched five innings, allowing two runs on six hits while striking out one. Geoff Geary (0-1) took the loss after giving up two runs on three hits in two innings pitched in relief.

NOTES: DePaula's 4 1/3 innings pitched on Wednesday is the longest outing for a Wings reliever this season... Watkins has a 10-game hitting streak batting .444 (16-for-36) with five doubles, two home runs, eight RBI and five runs scored. Watkins is tied for the team lead with 23-multi-hit games (Jones)....Jose Morales, who did not play Wednesday, has a six-game hitting streak batting .480 (12-for-25) with three doubles and two RBI. Morales has hit safely in 7 of his last 8 games batting .452 (14-for- 31) with four doubles and three RBI....RHP Jeremy Cummings asked and received his release today. Cummings, who was scheduled to start tonight, was 3-5 with a 3.95 ERA in 17 games (12 starts) for the Red Wings. In addition, outfielder Trent Oeltjen was activated from the disabled list today. Oeltjen was placed on the disabled list June 25th with a strained right hamstring. In 56 games for the Red Wings Oeltjen is batting .250 with one home run and 11 RBI.

The Red Wings now have a 9-8 record (one rainout) on the 4th of July the last 18 years. Rochester has a three-game winning streak (all three at Frontier Field) in games played on our nation’s birthday. Last season Rochester defeated Pawtucket 10-6 at Frontier Field, only their second home win on the 4th of July since 1999.

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Portland 4 at New Britain 2 (7 innings)

Record: 38-43

W: C. Buchholz (7-2, 1.77); L: J. Sawatski (3-3, 4.50); SV: M. James (14)
HR: POR: J. Lowrie (5), J. Corsaletti (2). NBR: K. Geiger (3).

From rockcats.com: Jeff Corsaletti and Jed Lowrie both had two hits with a solo home run to lead Portland to a 4-2 win over the Rock Cats in the opening game of a Fourth of July doubleheader.

Jay Sawatski (3-3) surrendered four runs on four hits in four innings. Corsaletti opened the first inning with a walk and Cory Keylor followed with a double. Lowrie then delivered an RBI single to left field. Hamden native Jeff Natale added an RBI sac fly for a 2-0 lead. Corsaletti homered in the second inning and Lowrie added a solo shot of his own to lead off the third for a 4-0 advantage.

Andrew Dobies fired four shutout innings, allowing just two hits. Red Sox prospect Clay Buchholz came on in relief for the first time this season. Buchholz entered the game in the fifth inning and allowed a double to Matthew Allegra. Kyle Geiger’s infield groundout advanced Allegra to third. Luke Hughes then delivered a single to left field to score Allegra and put the Rock Cats on the board, 4-1.

Buchholz (7-2) finished with two hits and one run through 1 1/3 innings. Michael James picked up his 14th save of the season with 1 2/3 effective innings in relief. He allowed one run – a solo home run to Kyle Geiger in the ninth – and struck out three.

For the Rock Cats, Frank Mata fired three shutout innings in relief.

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Portland at New Britain -- Postponed, Rain

Record: 38-43

The second game of Wednesday's Eastern League doubleheader between the Portland Sea Dogs and New Britain Rock Cats was postponed due to rain.

It will be made up between Aug. 31-Sept. 3.

From rockcats.com: The nightcap of the doubleheader was postponed due to rain. The make-up date will be announced. Tickets for July 4th are NOT eligible to be exchanged for another ticket since there was one complete game played.

Cheapskates!

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The Miracle are on the road, Iris will be waiting a while for autographs!

Fort Myers 4 at Dunedin 9

Record 6 - 8

W: B. Carnline (2-0, 1.38); L: A. Smit (1-4, 5.55)
HR: FTM: J. Woodard (1). DUN: J. Butler (15).

Alexander Smit has always said that he starts out slow and gets better as the season progresses. This did not appear to be the case for the Dutchman Wednesday as he was roughed up for 5 runs on 5 hits and 3 walks in 3 innings during a bullpen start for the Fort Myers Miracle.

Smit did keep the Jays off the board for the first 2 innings but got in trouble in the 3rd when he walked Jesus Gonzalez. Luke Hetherington would double Gonzalez home after a Chris Gutierrez grounder moved him to second. Smit got Anthony Hatch to pop up and former Miracle Kyle Phillips to fly out to end the inning.

Josh Kreuzer and Cory Patton both singled for Dunedin in the fourth and Smit walked Jacob Butler to load the bases. Gonzalez then smacked a double to left field, bringing in 2 runs. Smit was pulled from the mound in favor of David Shinski. But the pitching change did not mean a momentum change. A passed ball by catcher Caleb Moore resulted in Bulter scoring, and Gutierrez singled in Gonzalez, which would make the score 5-1.

The Miracle in fact got on the board first when Johnny Woodard hit his first home run of the season in a Miracle uniform in the second inning.

Fort Myers got 2 runs back in the 5th inning when Moore reached on a throwing error by Gonzalez. Brian Dinkelman drew a walk, then Steve Tolleson singled out to center field to bring in Moore. Juan Portes' ground ball to center plated Dinkelman, but Luis Ugueto would hit into a double play to end the inning.

The Miracle got within striking distace in the seventh when Moore tripled, then came home on Dinkelman's ground out. But that would be all the Miracle could muster.

Shinski lasted 2 innings, allowing 2 hits and walking 2, while striking out 2. He was replaced by Angel Garcia who found himself some fireworks in the bottom of the 7th.

Phillips walked and was moved to 3rd on Josh Kreuzer's double to center field. Cory Patton then walked. With the bases load, field manager Kevin Boles called for a pitching change, bringing in Eduardo Morlan. The All-star closer gave up a grand slam home run to Bulter, the first batter he faced, giving the Jays 9 runs and putting the game out of reach for the ineffective Miracle bats.

Fort Myers had a chance in the eighth with a fielding error by Hetherington and a wild pitch by Daryle Harang, but could not capitalize on the opportunities.

The two teams rematch tomorrow with Yohan Pino (3-3, 1.55) expected to take the start for the Miracle. The Jays will likely counter with lefty A.J. Wideman (5-2, 3.76).

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Matt Ryerson/The Hawk Eye
Burlington Bees first baseman Jase Turner makes the play at first as runner Chris Parmelee is late to the bag.

Beloit 1 at Burlington 5

Record 7-6

W: M. Kniginyzky (1-0, 1.50); L: B. Kirwan (2-2, 3.29)
HR: BEL: A. De San Miguel (3).

From MiLB.com: Matthew Kniginyzky and three relievers combined on a five-hitter as host Burlington topped Beloit, 5-1, on Wednesday.

Kniginyzky (1-0) allowed one run on four hits and one walk with six strikeouts over six innings in his Midwest League season debut. The 24-year-old right-hander made one appearance in the Arizona Rookie League and another in the Pioneer League before joining the Bees.

Josh Cribb, Aaron Hartsock and Chris Hayes combined to allow one hit over the final three frames.

Jeffrey Howell doubled and scored twice and Jamar Walton plated two runs for the Bees (8-6).

Snappers starter Brian Kirwan (2-2) gave up five runs -- four earned -- on eight hits and one walk with a strikeout over 5 1/3 innings.

Allan de San Miguel homered in the fifth for Beloit (8-6), which had its five-game winning streak snapped.

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Hawk Eye*

* Wednesday's article on Tuesday's game

Johnson City 5 at Elizabethton 6

Record 14 - 1

W: B. Tippett (3-0, 1.13); L: L. Mayes (0-1, 1.64)
HR: None.

E: De Los Santos 2 (8, throw, throw).

From MiLB.com: Benjamin Petsch singled and scored the winning run in the 10th inning as host Elizabethton defeated Johnson City, 6-5, on Wednesday.

After Cardinals reliever LaCurtis Mayes (0-1) loaded the bases in the decisive frame, Petsch scored on a throwing error by Matthew Arburr that allowed Gregory Yersich to reach.

Yersich went 2-for-4 with two runs scored and an RBI for the Twins (14-1), who won their seventh straight.

Elizabethton reliever Bradley Tippett (3-0) pitched around a hit and a walk in the 10th for the win. Starter Michael Allen gave up four runs -- one earned -- on three hits and a walk with five strikouts in five innings.

Mayes allowed two unearned runs on a hit and three walks with a strikeout in one frame. Starter Nicholas Additon surrendered two runs -- one earned -- on three hits while fanning four and walking two in five innings.

Joseph Hage went 2-for-6 with a run scored and an RBI for the Cardinals (5-8).

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GCL Twins

Current Record: 8 - 4

No Game Scheduled

DSL Twins 3 at DSL Diamondbacks 6

W: B. Zepeda (3-1, 4.66); L: R. Portoreal (2-3, 4.66); SV: J. Marte (7)
HR: None.

Catcher Josmil Pinto was 2-for-4 with 1 run, 1 RBI

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VSL Cubs/Twins 3 at VSL Tigers 4

W: L. Sanz (3-2, 3.88); L: B. Sanchez (4-2, 3.27); SV: L. Oliveros (11)
HR: VSL DET: I. Espinoza (1).

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Scoreboard for July 3, 2007

Rochester 10 at Buffalo 3

Record 43-40

W: N. Blackburn (6-1, 1.54); L: E. DuBose (2-1, 3.81)
HR: ROC: K. Harvey (1).

E: Heintz (2, fielding).

From RedWingsBaseball.com: The Red Wings' offense came alive and snapped Buffalo's five-game winning streak with a 10-3 victory in front of a sellout crowd of 18,025 at Dunn Tire Park. Six of Rochester's runs were unearned, including all four that came across on Ken Harvey's grand slam.

Former Bison outfielder Darnell McDonald got his new team started with a sac fly in the first inning. The Red Wings then batted around with a five-run second. Denard Span singled home a pair and Tommy Watkins plated a run with one of his three hits in the game.

Ahead 6-1, the Red Wings put the game away with two outs in the seventh. With McDonald on at first with a walk, reliever Matt Miller fanned Garrett Jones for his fourth K of the game. But the ball got past catcher Mike Rose and Jones reached base to continue the inning. After another walk, Harvey hit a grand slam into the protective netting in left.

The offensive outburst was more than enough for Wings' starter Nick Blackburn. The Triple-A rookie entered Tuesday's game having not allowed an earned run in 41 consecutive innings. The Bisons snapped the streak when Ryan Mulhern singled home Luis Rivas in the third inning, but that was all the Herd could muster. Blackburn allowed just five hits in seven innings for his sixth consecutive victory.

The Bisons scored a pair of runs in the bottom of the ninth inning on a pair of RBI-ground outs against Bobby Korecky; Carmen Cali had tossed a scoreless eighth inning. Buffalo Starter Eric DuBose (2-1) was saddled with the loss, his first with the Herd. The southpaw allowed six runs (four earned) in six innings of work.

NOTES: RHP Jeremy Cummings has been scratched from his scheduled start Wednesday...Infielder Matt Tolbert has been named to the United States team for the MLB Futures Game Sunday July 8, in San Francisco, CA. The MLB Futures Game is part of the Major League’s All-Star celebration...INF Brian Buscher is the Twins Minor League Player of the month for June...Buscher, who was promoted to Rochester on June 21st, batted a combined .342 (38-for-111) with four doubles, seven home runs and 20 rbi for New Britain and Rochester...his slugging percentage was .568 in 32 games...Buscher was drafted in the Rule 5 minor league draft, December 15, 2006...he was originally drafted by the Giants in the third round of the 2003 First-Year Player draft...Blackburn is the Twins Minor League Pitcher of the month for June...in five starts, Blackburn, 25, went 5-0 with a 0.00 ERA (39.0 ip, 0 er) with two complete game shutouts...he walked just one batter while striking out 21 and holding opposing hitters to a .197 batting average...Blackburn was drafted in the 29th round of the 2001 First-Year Player draft....The Eastern League announced the roster for the 2007 Double-A All-Star team...New Britain pitchers Tim Lahey and Jose Mijares and infielder Luke Hughes will play for the Northern Division team...the 2007 Eastern League All-Star Game will be played in Norwich on Wednesday, July 11...

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New Britain 8 at Reading 2

Record: 38-42

W: A. Swarzak (2-2, 5.50); L: Z. Segovia (2-1, 3.32)
HR: NBR: M. Moses (2).

E: Molina, F (18, fielding).

From readingphillies.com: You could see this one coming. You just knew, after scoring a whopping 21 runs Monday, the Phillies' bats would have the consistency of a Pringles can Tuesday night against the New Britain Rock Cats.

You just knew the Baseball Gods, in their infinite wisdom, would endeavor to even things up.

And they did, the Cats romping to an 8-2 victory and a split of the four-game series.

Never mind that the Cats were pitching a struggling youngster by the name of Anthony Swarzak. And that the Phillies were going with Zack Segovia, who began the season in the big leagues.

Segovia (2-1) didn't have it Tuesday night. The Rock Cats (38-42) got a three-run home run from Matt Moses in the first -- which was preceded by a hit batsman and a walk, both following 1-2 counts. A two-run triple by Brock Peterson highlighted a three-run second.

After that, Segovia, who had a 1.38 ERA and two victories since coming down from Triple-A, settled down in his third start for the Phillies. He blanked the Cats over the next four innings, a pair of nifty double plays aiding his effort. He allowed five earned runs over six innings, with two walks and a strikeout.

On Monday the Phillies (41-43) were 12-for-19 with runners in scoring position. Tuesday night they were 2-for-11 and stranded 11 runners.

Swarzak (2-2) got the win with seven solid innings in which he allowed a run and seven hits.

PHILLERS: At gametime Jesus Merchan was the Eastern League leader in batting (.357) and on-base percentage (.423). . . . The 13 runs the Phillies scored in the fifth inning Monday is believed to be a franchise record for most runs scored in an inning. . . . With a fourth-inning single, Jason Hill extended his hitting streak to 15 games. . . . Greg Jacobs was 2-for-2 with a pair of walks and finished 7-for-12 in the four-game series. . . . Merchan was 10-for-18 with five runs scored and six RBIs. . . . Peeter Ramos finished 8-for-13 with five runs (two HRs) and five RBIs. . . . The Phillies scored 40 runs in the four games, but wound up 2-2 and slipped to 22-22 at home.

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Fireworks over Hammond Stadium
Lakeland 4 at Fort Myers 2

Record 6 - 7

W: R. Steik (2-6, 4.13); L: J. Manship (1-1, 2.70); SV: F. Dolsi (14)
HR: None.

E: Tolleson (15, throw), White (7, fielding).

I asked Gene if he would give me $20 if Toby Gardenhire went 5-for-5 tonight. He claims the bet was invalidated when Toby got on base in 6th on a fielding error by shortstop Shawn Roof.
Before you ask, Shawn is Phil Roof's son.

It wouldn't have mattered anyway as Gardehire ground into a double play to end the game, but...he really was the story in tonight's game, going 2-for-5 with a double and an RBI. Plus a great tag on Ovandy Suero who got caught in between 2nd and 3rd and ran back and forth something like 12 times before Gardenhire took him down.

Lakeland got on the board first, in the second inning with two outs. Starter Jeff Manship walked Max Leon. Roof hit a single to Steve Tolleson who then threw the ball into the stands. It made the people in the stands really happy, but it put Roof on second and Leon on 3rd. Rafael Mendez singled, which brought in the pair, before Joel Roa ground out.

The Miracle came back though, with Gardenhire plating Edward Ovalle, who had gotten on base on balls.

Lakeland tagged on another run in the fourth, this time Dwayne White mishandled the ball on a Leon double. Roof knocked Leon home on a ground out.

Fort Myers answered back with Jeff Christy, Gardenhire and Brian Dinkelman singling, and White drawing a walk that would score Christy.

Manship would be charged with only 1 run, on five hits and 4 walks while striking out 6. Kyle Aselton came on in relief and advanced Joel Roa on a wild pitch. Roa would score on Suero's line drive.

Adam Hawes pitched the last 2 innings, allowing 2 hits. Tolleson, Ovalle and Christy were all 2-for-4, the last two each had a run and Ovalle had the above referenced walk as well.

Rondell White was taken out of the game early in favor of Dwayne White, it's possible that he re-injured himself, trying to outrun the force out in the first inning. It's also possible he was removed as a precaution so he didn't rehurt himself trying to outrun force outs. Rondell is scheduled to be actived to the major league team Wednesday.

It's the same day the Miracle will take the road, heading out to Dunedin to take on the Blue Jays for three. This will likely be a bullpen start as Yohan Pino pitched only 4 days ago due to the rain out on Friday.

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Beloit 9 at Burlington 3

Record 7-5

W: M. Fox (5-0, 0.92); L: H. Mozingo (7-7, 4.41)
HR: BEL: J. Benson (4).

E: Cates (2, fielding).

From MiLB.com: Matthew Fox hurled six shutout innings as Beloit topped host Burlington, 9-3, on Tuesday for its fifth straight win.

Fox (5-0), a 24-year-old right hander, scattered three hits, striking out three and walking one to lower his ERA to 0.92 and pick up the win for the Snappers (8-5).

Danny Vais tossed two perfect frames, Matthew Williams surrendered three runs -- two earned -- on three hits in one-third of an inning, and Aaron Craig got the game's final two outs.

Joe Benson smacked his fourth homer to lead off the fifth inning. Benson, Matthew Betsill, Chris Cates and Yancarlos Ortiz rapped out two hits apiece for Beloit.

Kurt Mertins and Brady Everett both went 2-for-4 for the Bees (7-6).

Harold Mozingo (7-7) yielded three runs on five hits, striking out five and walking two over five innings to take the loss.

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* Tuesday's article on Monday's game

Johnson City 3 at Elizabethton 5

Record 13 - 1

W: C. Leavitt (1-0, 4.05); L: M. Diapoules (0-1, 5.00); SV: A. Slama (4)
HR: None.

E: Lawman 2 (4, fielding, throw), De Los Santos 4 (6, throw, throw, throw, fielding).

From MiLB.com: Matthew Lawman drove in three runs, two with a tying single in the seventh inning, as host Elizabethton rallied past Johnson City, 5-3

With the Twins trailing, 3-1, Lawman singled home Mark Dolenc and Rodolfo Palacios to forge the deadlock. Estarlin De Los Santos followed with an RBI triple to center and came home on Wesley Connor's sacrifice fly. Lawman also hit a sacrifice fly to put Elizabethton (13-1) on the board in the fifth.

Reliever Curtis Leavitt (1-0) earned his first career win with 2 2/3 shutout innings, allowing three hits and striking out two. Closer Anthony Slama retired all four batters he faced, fanning three, to pick up his Appalachian League-leading fourth save.

Joseph Hage, who went 3-for-5, and Dognnt Bolivar each drove in a run for the Cardinals (5-7).

Johnson City reliever Mark Diapoules (0-1) worked a scoreless sixth but did not record an out in the seventh. He was charged with four runs on five hits while fanning one.

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E-Star*

* Article published Tuesday, July 3

GCL Orioles 11 at GCL Twins 0

Current Record: 8 - 4

W: A. Odom (1-2, 1.20); L: T. Wright (0-2, 11.25); SV: J. Moore (1)
HR: ORI: T. Kolodny (2).

As one of the regulars put it on the way out of the park Tuesday: "The only good thing was that we beat the rain". Even that was getting questionable toward the end of the game. Thom Wright got off to a bad start, walking Calvin Lester before giving up a single to Rodolfo Cardona. Arthur Bonevacia was walked before a misplayed ball by 1st baseman Juan Richardson put Elvin Polanco on base and allowed Lester and Cardona to score. Wright then hit Tyler Kolodny with a pitch. That pretty much ended his outing, with Charles Nolte coming in to relieve him. Yet Nolte struggled to find the 3rd out as well, giving up a triple to Levi Carolus in process and falling victim to a misplayed ball by 2nd baseman Jeanfred Brito.

Nolte settled down for the second and third innings, but the Twins were down 7-0 against the Orioles at that point, and could find little offensive power in their bats. Richardson a had the only multi-hit outing going 2-for-4. Angel Morales, the Twins 3rd round pick in the 2007 draft, struck out 3 times in the game. Catcher Alexander Soto struck out twice.

Rodney Gessman pitched two solid innings in the fourth and fifth, allowing no hits, but striking out only one. Jacob Toufar came on in six, but struggled in the 7th. At this point it seemed that the game was out of reach so he was allowed to work through his difficulties, giving up 4 additional runs on 5 hits and 1 walk in the process and raising his era to 10.29. He pitched a solid 8th inning though.

Closer Danny Rondon finished off the game, but even he seemed to be struggling a bit, giving up 2 walks.

Aaron Odom pitched six innings for the Orioles, allowing 5 hits and striking out 7. Justin Moore finished the game, striking out 4 batters in 3 innings.

The 11-0 shut out was the GCL Twins first time to be blanked this season, and the back-to-back losses were also the first time the Twins have been on a losing streak.

The Twins take the 4th off and will have a chance to regroup, before facing the Pirates in Bradenton on Thursday.

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DSL Blue Jays I 2 at DSL TWins 4

W: M. Munoz (2-1, 2.83); L: R. Zarate (0-2, 2.67); SV: R. De La Rosa (6)
HR: None.

E: Munoz (2, fielding), Doran (3, throw), Caro (9, throw).

Miguel Munoz allowed only 2 hits and struck out 9 in 7 innings worth of work.
Right fielder Eliel Sierra was 3-for-4 with 1 run, 2 doubles, and 1 RBI.

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VSL Devil Rays/Reds 8 at VSL Cubs/Twins 4

W: W. Rodriguez (2-0, 0.98); L: E. Figueroa (0-1, 3.06)
HR: None.

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Scoreboard for July 2, 2007

Rochester 4 at Buffalo 7

Record 42-40

W: J. Harris (5-5, 4.41); L: B. Duensing (4-2, 3.00); SV: J. Lewis (1)
HR: BUF: L. Rivas (9), H. Luna 2 (5).

E: Velazquez (2, fielding), Buscher (1, throw).

From RedWingsBaseball.com: Hector Luna hit a pair of home runs, pacing the Buffalo Bisons to a 7-4 win over the Red Wings Monday night in Buffalo. Glenn Williams knocked in two Rochester runs, and Darnell McDonald had three hits for the Red Wings. The loss dropped the Wings five games behind the first place Bisons. The two teams meet in Buffalo Tuesday, with the Wings returning home for five games starting with Wednesday's Independence Day celebration and post-game fireworks.

The Wings had a first inning opportunity against Buffalo starter Jeff Harris. McDonald slapped a two-out single, single, followed by walks to both Garrett Jones and Williams. Brian Buscher hit an opposite field drive that was flagged down by left fielder Joe Inglett to escape the threat.

The Bisons roughed up rookie starter Brian Duensing (4-2) in their half of the first, with back-to-back homers by Luna and Luis Rivas to start the frame. It was the first time Duensing had allowed a first inning run in seven starts with the Wings.

The Red Wings pulled to within a run in the third inning, when Jones pulled a double into the right field corner, and Williams followed with another double to plate Jones and make it 2-1 Buffalo.

In the fourth, Luna crushed a Duensing pitch to the alley in left-center field with two runners on to pad the Buffalo lead to 5-1. Luna was 2-for-16 in his last three games before Tuesday, including an 0-for-6 night Sunday at Frontier Field.

Duensing was finished after five innings, allowing a season-high 10 hits. Brian Bass came into the game in the sixth and yielded a leadoff triple to Brad Snyder; Jonathan Van Every followed with a single and the Bisons went up 6-1. Buffalo added another run in the seventh on a run-scoring sacrifice fly by Mike Rose.

Top Indians pitching prospect Adam Miller made his third appearance since spending a month on the disabled list with a bruised finger ligament. Miller relieved Harris in the seventh and struck out the side, while allowing a single to Tommy Watkins. McDonald led off the eighth against Miller with a double, moved to third on a single by Jones, and scored the second Rochester run on an infield hit by Williams. Buscher slapped a run-scoring single to make it 7-3, prompting a mound visit from Bisons pitching coach and punk rocker Scott Radinsky. Miller got an infield out, then Williams scored on what was ruled a passed ball with Chris Heintz at bat. Miller was lifted after a fly out to deep right by Heintz, with Jensen Lewis coming in to face Denard Span. But Span struck out swinging and the Bisons held on to a 7-4 lead.

Julio DePaula pitched a perfect eighth inning in relief for the Red Wings.

NOTES: The Bisons have won five straight games, while the Wings have lost three straight. Twins reliever Pat Neshek is one of five final candidates to be voted onto the AL squad; vote for Pat now by clicking here...Twins OF Rondell White (DL, calf muscle) is playing on a rehab assignment for Class A Ft. Myers, and is scheduled to be activated by Minnesota after the All-Star break...

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New Britain 4 at Reading 21

Record: 37-42

W: P. Overholt (2-2, 5.32); L: K. Waldrop (2-5, 4.95); SV: A. Davis (1)
HR: NBR: G. Guzman (9). REA: G. Jacobs (13), P. Ramos (5).

From readingphillies.com: If our old friend Charlie Wagner were still holding court in the press box, he would have been inclined to throw his hands up in the air Monday afternoon and cry out, "Get the married men off the field!"

A former Red Sox pitcher, Charlie would have been totally displeased with the New Britain pitchers, especially considering that New Britain was affiliated with the Bosox back when Charlie was a farm director and scout for Boston.

Of course, his old roommate, Hall of Famer Ted Williams, would have loved the Phillies' bombardment, and might have growled, "Ah, geez, Charlie, the only thing you know about hitting is that it is hard to do."

Final score: Phillies 21, New Britain 4.

The runs were the most scored by a Phillies team since May 27, 1991, here against New Britain, a 22-2 spanking in a seven-inning game.

For sure, the hundreds of youngsters in the seats Monday thought nothing of it -- just another tee-ball score.

The Phillies (41-42) set season highs for runs in a game, runs in an inning (13), hits (21) and extra-base hits (9).

Jesus Merchan, 9-for-15 in the three games vs. the Rock Cats, led the way with four hits, including two doubles, four runs scored and three RBIs, while jacking his batting average to .357. Javon Moran, Mike Costanzo and Peeter Ramos -- he's 7-for-9 with two homers in two games -- had three hits, Costanzo doubling twice. Five other players had two hits apiece, including Greg Jacobs, who blasted his 13th home run.

For the third straight game in the series the Phillies fell behind early. Back-to-back doubles by Merchan and Costanzo cut the deficit to 2-1 in the third. Then, as they did in the two previous games, the Phillies stitched together a big inning, getting a two-run triple from Mike Spidale, a two-run home run from Ramos, and a two-out, two-run single from Juan Tejeda.

It would get much, much worse for New Britain after that, the Phillies putting up a ridiculous 13 runs in the fifth inning to turn things into a laugher. Although, looking down on us, "Broadway" certainly wasn't laughing.

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New Britain relievers Timothy Lahey and Jose Mijares, and infielder Luke Hughes have been named to the Eastern League's All-star team for the game July 11th at Dodd Stadium in Norwich, Ct. Courant


Danny Valencia

Lakeland 0 at Fort Myers 4

Record 6 - 6

W: O. Sosa (3-4, 2.29); L: E. Aponte (2-6, 5.83)
HR: None.

Oswaldo Sosa allowed only 4 hits and walked 3 in route to a shut out over the visiting Lakeland Flying Tigers and the Miracle used the Tigers' sloppy fielding to put up 4 runs.

There was little hitting by either team, with Lakeland starter Eleazar Aponte limiting the Miracle to only 2 hits in 5.2 innings and kept the Fort Myers squad hitless through the first three innings. Only 1 of the Miracle runs was earned.

The game was scoreless until Danny Valencia, who's hitting coach is in town, singled a line drive to center. Luis Ugueto reached on a missed catch by shortstop Mark Haske. Johnny Woodard and Dwayne White both ground out, but Valencia scored on White's play when the first baseman decided to make the play at first instead of throwing the ball home. The Tigers could have saved that run - Valencia would have been way out - but chose not to make the play.

Brian Dinkelman walked to start the sixth and came home on Juan Portes' double, for the only earned run of the game.

A pair of wild pitches by Jacob Ramos, a fielding error by second baseman William Rhymes and a pair of walks, one by Woodard and the other by Rondell White, helped the Mircle to two more runs in the 7th.

Armando Gabino allowed only 2 hit in 2 innings to close out the game, and put the Miracle back at the .500 mark for the second half the season, good for 4th place in the West Division, 2.5 games behind 1st placed Tampa.

The high point of the evening for me was getting Burke Badenhop, the Tiger starter from Sunday's game, to autograph a ball for me. The Tigers return here at the beginning of August, and I'm hoping I'll get to see him throw again, as I really rather enjoyed his outting.

The Miracle send Jeff Manship (1-0, 3.60) to the mound tonight befor heading off to Dunedin to try to liberate some Blue Jays. The Tigers will counter with right hander Josh Rainwater (0-0, 4.50).

The Miracle sent out a bit of fan mail yesterday confirming Javi Sanchez's resignation from the team to take a position with LSU.

"It was a really tough decision. I love the guys here (Ft. Myers) and the fans have been wonderful. Bolesy (Miracle manager Kevin Boles) was very supportive and I appreciate that. I will miss playing but this is a new and exciting opportunity for me," Sanchez is quoted as saying in the release.

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Clinton 3 at Beloit 9

Record 6-5

W: M. Williams (1-0, 18.00); L: J. Slusarz (1-4, 2.89); SV: D. Leatherman (5)
HR: BEL: C. Parmelee (11), W. Ramos (6), J. Benson (3).

From snappersbaseball.com: The Snappers completed the four game sweep on Monday night, with a 9-3 victory over the Clinton LumberKings.

After a scoreless two and a half innings, Beloit catcher Wilson Ramos started the scoring with a two-run homer in the bottom of the third inning scoring Yancarlos Ortiz who reached third base on a throwing error by John Whittleman. The next batter, Chris Parmelee followed Ramos’ two-run homer with a solo shot of his own for back to back blasts.

Alex Burnett pitched five innings of two hit baseball giving up one earned run while striking out seven and walking only one. Burnett, however, came away with a no decision. The LumberKings tied the score at three in the top of the sixth inning on a single to short by Mauro Gomez. The Snappers answered back breaking the tie in the bottom of the sixth inning with an RBI single by Danny Santiesteban. Garrett Olson added to the one run lead later that inning with an RBI single down the left-field line scoring Santiesteban.

Beloit added more insurance in the seventh inning on a solo homer by Joe Benson. The next batter Ramos, walked, and later scored on an Eli Tintor double.

Yancarlos Ortiz hit a sacrifice fly in the bottom half of the eighth inning scoring Olson. Betsill advanced to third and later scored on another sacrifice fly by Benson.

Dan Leatherman came on in the seventh inning and threw three innings of no-hit ball to record his fifth save of the season.

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* Monday articles on Sunday's game

The Beloit Snappers have put infielder Whit Robbins on the Disabled List with a lower back strain, effective today. Robbins has yet to play for the Snappers this season after being sent down to Beloit from the Twins’ Class High A Affiliate, Ft. Myers Miracle on June 23rd.

Whit batted .304 with 3 home runs and 26 RBI’s in 32 games for Beloit last year. Robbins had a .484 Slugging Percentage for the Snappers in 2006.

The move puts the Snappers’ active roster at 24, one below the Midwest League maximum. Snappers

Elizabethton 13 at Britsol 1

Record 12 - 1

W: M. Tarsi (1-0, 1.13); L: O. Paniagua (0-2, 7.53)
HR: None.

E: Santiago (3, fielding), Yersich (1, throw).

From MiLB.com: Mark Dolenc went 3-for-4 with three RBIs as Elizabethton remained unbeaten on the road with a 13-1 rout of Bristol on Monday.

Dolenc ripped an RBI double in the second inning and stroked a two-run single in the seventh as the Twins (12-1) won their fifth in a row and improved to 7-0 on the road. The 22-year-old center fielder also walked, stole two bases and scored twice.

Elizabethton starter Michael Tarsi (1-0) allowed a run on three hits and a walk with seven strikeouts over five innings.

Nick Mahin delivered an RBI single in the fourth for the Sox (2-11).

Bristol's Onarkys Paniagua (0-2) lost for the second time in three starts after surrendering nine runs -- eight earned -- on eight hits and two walks in five frames.

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Catching up with the E-Star

Sunday
Sunday 2
Monday

GCL Twins 5 at GCL Reds Sox 2

Current Record: 8 - 3

W: E. Guerrero (1-0, 1.38); L: L. Hendriks (1-1, 2.31); SV: C. Gonzalez (1)
HR: None.

E: Morales (1, fielding), Waltenbury (2, fielding).
PB: Hernandez 2 (3).

The GCL Twins lost a 5-2 decision to the GCL Red Sox Monday at the City of Palms Complex in Fort Myers. Liam Hendriks took the start for the Twins lasting 3.1 innings, surrendering 4 runs (2 earned) on 6 hits and 2 walks while striking out 2, before he was removed from the game in favor of free agent signee Mark Hamburger. The 20-year-old allowed 1 run on 3 hits while striking out 2 in 1.2 innings worth of work. He did allow one of Hendriks' runners to score as well.

Nick Lebonov pitched the next inning and faced two batters in the seventh before being removed in favor of Nelvin Fuentes.

The only offense the Twins could muster came in the sixth inning. James Beresford singled to start out. Juan Richardson doubled to move him to 3rd, and he came home on a Angel Morales single. David Hernandez hit into what should have been a double play, but the Red Sox first baseman missed the catch, so while Morales was out at second, Hernandez was safe on first. Still Richardson came home on play, giving the Twins their 2 runs. Jon Waltenbury singled, before Danny Rohlfing ended the inning on a ground out.

Richardson got on base during all four of his at bats, but was caught stealing second twice, once in the 2nd inning and again in the 4th inng. During his last at bat he was hit by a pitch, but the Twins could not capitalize on the man on base. Both Waltenbury and Hernandez struck out twice in the game.

The Twins return to the Lee County Sportsplex Tuesday to face the GCL Orioles. Thom Wright (0-1, 6.75) is expected to make the start on the mound for the Twins.

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