Scoreboard: August 2, 2007

Rochester 7 at Syracuse 4

Record 61 - 52

W: B. Duensing (9-2, 2.77); L: G. Chacin (0-2, 7.45)
HR: ROC: G. Williams (7). SYR: C. Mottola (14), J. Hattig (6).

From redwingsbaseball.com/Milb.com: The Red Wings pounded out 12 hits, backing a stellar seven-inning start from Brian Duensing to top the Syracuse Chiefs 7-4 Thursday night in Syracuse. Glenn Williams had a two-run homer for Rochester, who kept pace with both first place Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and second place Buffalo. The Wings head to Pawtucket for a Friday night doubleheader just one game out of first place, and a half-game out of the IL wild card spot.

Denard Span led off the game with a base hit to left field against Toronto pitcher Gustavo Chacin, making a rehab start for the Chiefs. One out later Span stole second, his 18th stolen base of the season. Darnell McDonald singled to move Span to third base, and Garrett Jones' sacrifice fly to right brought home Span with the game's first run.

Chacin pitched four innings, allowing four hits and the one run with a walk and a strikeout. Justin James came on in the fifth, and the Wings reached him for another run. Matt Tolbert drilled an RBI to score Tommy Watkins, who had stolen second base after hitting a single.

Red Wings rookie starter Duensing (9-2) was cruising along with a shutout when Sal Fasano led off the bottom of the fifth with a double. Fasano scored on a double play to tie the game 1-1, then Duensing struck out Russ Adams to end the inning.

The Wings added a pair of runs in the sixth. when James walked the bases loaded with one out. Reliever Jamie Vermilyea's throwing error allowed one run to score, and Watkins' groundout brought in a run to put the Wings up 4-2.

Duensing fanned two in a perfect seventh inning, and finished his night with six hits allowed, no walks and seven strikeouts. Williams gave the Wings a comfortable margin when he launched a two-out, two-run homer on the first pitch he saw from Blaine Neal. The homer was Williams' seventh of the season.

With Julio DePaula in for Duensing in the bottom of the eighth, the Chiefs got a two-run homer from Chad Mottola to make it a 6-3 contest. DePaula gave up a single to John-Ford Griffin before striking out Mike Ventov on a caught foul tip for the final out.

McDonald's RBI single through a drawn-in infield brought in Span in the ninth with the final Rochester run. Span had singled to start the inning, and stole his second base of the night and 19th of the season before moving to third on a groundout from Tolbert.

Bobby Korecky came in to pitch the ninth, and gave up a homer to John Hattig. McDonald crashed into the left field fence trying to make a play on Hattig's hit; McDonald limped away from the fence but stayed in the game. Korecky struck out the next two batters and got a ground ball out to end the game.

NOTES: Chris Heintz left the game after being hit by a pitch in the ninth inning...Duensing took over the team lead in wins and is now a combined 13-3 in 22 starts between Double-A and Triple-A this season. He improved his record to 5-1 in his eight road starts for the Wings...RHP Nick Blackburn has been activated from the disabled list. Blackburn was placed on the disabled list July 16 (right forearm strain). Blackburn will start game one of a doubleheader in Pawtucket Friday... The Red Wings had gone 30 innings without hitting a home run before Williams' eighth inning homer. Rochester is on pace to hit 83 home runs this season, which would be the lowest home run total in a season since 1989 (66 home runs) ...In his last 13 games coming into Thursday, DePaula was 4-0 with a 1.09 ERA (24 2/3 innings, three runs on 14
hits, six walks and 24 strikeouts.

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Erie 13 at New Britain 3

Record: 51 - 56

W: E. Bonine (12-5, 3.44); L: J. Hill (2-1, 4.67)
HR: ERI: K. Kirkland (11), W. Ramirez (2).

E: Roberts, B (5, fielding), Winfree (14, fielding), Hill (1, throw).

From rockcats.com: Erie pounded out 15 hits – led by Wilkin Ramirez and Clete Davis – en route to a 13-3 win over New Britain.

Rock Cats starter Josh Hill lasted just three innings, as he was battered around for seven runs on seven hits. The Sea Wolves jumped out to an early lead in the first inning. Michael Hollimon delivered a long hit to center field and Brandon Roberts looked to have made a spectacular running catch for the second out. Roberts couldn’t hold onto the ball, though, and his miscue allowed Peter Cotto to move to third and Hollimon to reach second base. The Rock Cats appeared to have another out in sight when first baseman David Winfree misplayed a grounder off the bat of Jeff Larish. The error allowed Cotto and Hollimon to score and put Erie ahead, 2-0.

Kody Kirkland added a solo homer in the second inning for a 3-0 advantage for the visitors.

The Rock Cats came through in the bottom of the inning. Felix Molina and Matthew Allegra both delivered an RBI double. Roberts singled to left field to score David Winfree to tie the game, 3-3.

Hill (2-1) faltered in the third, as he allowed four runs in the inning, including RBI singles by Steve Torrealba (2-for-3, 3 R, 3 RBI) and Ramirez. Hill struggled with control during the inning as he hit a batter, had a throwing error, and fired a wild pitch that led to the fourth run of the inning and broke open the game for Erie.

For Erie, Ramirez finished the night with three hits, four RBI, and two runs scored, including a three-run blast in the eighth inning. Thomas added four hits and scored three runs. Eddie Bonine (12-5) tossed six solid innings for Erie with three runs on six hits.

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Lakeland 5 at Fort Myers 9

Record 20 - 21

W: E. Simonitsch (2-0, 3.86); L: B. Badenhop (10-6, 3.47)
HR: FTM: D. Martin (6).


Josh Rainwater

Errol Simonitsch pitched a brilliant game for the Fort Myers Miracle, but his counter part for the Lakeland Flying Tigers, Burke Badenhop, was less than a step behind as the two engaged in a pitcher's duel through the first five innings worth of play.

Badenhop's performance was only marred when Dustin Martin smacked a ball over the right field wall.

It was Badenhop who would tire first, allowing a single to Brian Dinkelman in the 6th. Erik Lis moved him to second and then Badehop walked Martin to load the bases. With the crowd chanting "Grand Slam", Danny Valencia singled in Dinkelman and Lis. Juan Portes would plate Martin and an Edward ovalle double cleared out the bases as Valencia came in.

Josh Rainwater came in to relieve Badenhop, and got Luis Ugueto to ground out before catcher Korey Feiner singled in Ovalle. Dinkelman would fly out to end the scoring.

If you think a 7 run lead was enough, think again. Deik Scram tripled for the Tigers and was brought in by Justin Justice's single. Manager Kevin Boles wasted no time getting Simonitsch off the mound and bringing in reliever Armando Gabino, but the Tigers were ready to rumble. Cameron Maybin's flew out, and Michael Hernandez walked before Max Leon singled in Justice. Dusty Ryan would strike out, but Daniel Worth and Shaw Roof both singled scoring Hernandez and Leon respectively. Rafael Mendez flew out to end the inning.

The Tigers started again in the 8th, with Scram and Justice singling their way onto base. With 2 outs, Gabino walked the bases full when he hit Leon with a pitch, the gave Dusty Ryan a free pass that brought Scram home.

Lakeland brought in Ricky Steik in the bottom of the 8th, and an intentional walk to Luis Ugueto (why?) backfired as Feiner plated Portes with the bases loaded. Ed Clelland came on to the hill, getting Dinkelman to ground out, but not stopping Ovalle from coming home on the play. A similar ground out to Steve Tolleson, ended the inning.

Rob Delaney took his mustache to the mound to close out the Tiger's threat, walking only Mendez before ending the game.

Badenhop would be tagged for his 6th loss of the season, giving up seven runs on 9 hits, and 1 walk while stiking out 2. Simonitsch gave up 2 runs on 4 hits and 1 walk, while striking out 1.

Portes was 3-for-3 on the night with 2 runs, Ovalle and Feiner were both 2-for-4 and Dinkelman was 2-for 5.

The series continues tonight with Jeff Manship (5-2, 2.30) manning the controls for the Miracle. The Tigers will counter with Eleazar Aponte (3-8, 5.19).

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Beloit 1 at Fort Wayne 2

Record 22 - 15

W: S. Faris (7-6, 3.87); L: B. Kirwan (2-3, 4.36); SV: R. Valdez (6)
HR: None.

E: Berg (6, missed catch).

From snappersbaseball.com: The Snappers were only able to get one run across on eleven hits in their 2-1 loss to the Wizards on Thursday afternoon. Designated Hitter Joe Benson added three hits, including his 15th double of the season, in the loss.

Fort Wayne got on the board first in the bottom of the first inning off the bat of Jeremy Hunt. Hunt scored Cedric Hunter, who earlier doubled, from second to make it a 1-0 Wizards’ lead.

The Wizards struck again in the bottom of the fourth inning on a Sam Carter RBI double. Carter drove Tom King, who led the inning off with a single, home to give Fort Wayne a 2-0 advantage.

Beloit clawed their way back in the top of the fifth inning with a run of their own. Matt Betsill hit Joe Benson in on a groundout to second base. Benson earlier had a single to left field with one out. Joe’s run pulled the Snappers to within one run, 2-1.

That would be all that the Wizards’ pitching staff would allow, however, as they went on to shut down the Beloit lineup and win by a final of 2-1.

Beloit starter Brian Kirwan picked up the loss going six and one third innings only allowing two runs off seven hits. Kirwan’s loss is his third of the season.

Beloit’s second half record is now 23-15.

The Snappers take on the Dragons Friday at Fifth Third Field in Dayton, Ohio.

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News-Sentinel*

* Article published Thursday, Aug. 2

In the newest edition of Baseball America, seven former Snappers have been given top ratings in specific categories. Based on surveys from league managers, these seven former Beloit residents have excelled in these impressive categories:

Prince Fielder is rated as the best power hitting first baseman in the National League. Prince is batting .283 with 31 home runs and 79 RBI this season for the Milwaukee Brewers

Kevin Slowey is considered the best pitching prospect and has the best control in the International League (AAA). Kevin is 8-3 with a 1.85 ERA in 14 starts at Triple A Rochester this season.

Matt Garza has the best fastball in the International League (AAA). Garza went 4-6 with a 3.62 ERA in 16 games started with Rochester this season.

Yovani Gallardo has the best control in the Pacific Coast League (AAA). Gallardo went 8-3 with a 2.90 ERA in 13 games started at Triple A Nashville this season.

Manny Parra is looked at as the best pitching prospect in the Southern League (AA). Manny went 7-3 in 13 starts with a 2.68 ERA at Double A Huntsville this year.

Jeff Manship has the best breaking ball and the best control in the Midwest League (A). Manship went 7-1 with a 1.51 ERA and 77 strikeouts in 13 starts for the Snappers this season.

Rob Delaney is rated as the best reliever in the Midwest League (A). Rob broke the Snappers’ All-Time Save Record earlier this season with 29 this season. Delaney also sported an impressive 0.77 ERA for the Snappers.

Former Snappers’ Hitting Coach Mike Guerrero was rated as the best managerial prospect in the South Atlantic League (West Virginia) this season. Snappers

Danville 5 at Elizabethton 3

Record 28 - 12

W: S. Evarts (2-0, 1.06); L: J. Castillo (1-1, 4.09); SV: N. Fellman (11)
HR: DAN: A. Coe (3), S. Shults (3). ELI: G. Yersich (2).

From MiLB.com: Stephen Shults and Adam Coe drove in all five runs as visiting Danville defeated Elizabethton, 5-3, on Thursday.

Shults, who was 3-for-4, ripped a two-run double in the second inning and a solo home run, his third, in the fourth. Coe belted a two-run homer, his third, in the sixth for the Braves (28-11), who won their third straight.

Danville starter Steve Evarts (2-0) allowed two runs on seven hits while striking out three and walking one in six innings. Nicholas Fellman fanned three over the final 1 1/3 frames to notch his Appalachian League-leading 11th save.

Gregory Yersich drove in all three runs for the Twins (28-12) on a two-run single in the first and a solo blast, his second, in the seventh. Mark Dolenc added three hits.

Elizabethton starter Jose Castillo (1-1) surrendered three runs on seven hits while fanning four and walking two in four frames. Spencer Steedley yielded two runs on one hit with five strikeouts and two walks in three innings.

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Catching up with the E-Star

Thursday

GCL Orioles 2 at GCL TWins 3

Current Record: 25 - 8

W: D. Berlind (5-0, 0.74); L: R. Rivero (2-2, 3.19); SV: D. Rondon (8)
HR: None.

E: Waltenbury (3, missed catch).

Danny Berlind limited the GCL Orioles to 4 hits over 5.1 innings while striking out 4 to lead the GCL Twins to a 3-2 victory over the GCL Orioles in game one of a doubleheader Thursday at the Lee County Sportsplex.

The Twins got on the board early when Jeanfred Brito singled in the first, moved to second on a sac bunt and come on a Yangervis Solarte ground ball in the first inning.

Brito and Ben Revere again proved lethal when both singled their way onto base and oved on a Solarte sac-bunt. Juan Richardson flied into a sac-double play, which scored Brito.

The Twins did not rely on a 2 run lead though as Andrew Schmiesing singled, moved to second on Wang-Wei Lin's sac bunt and scored on Brito's ground ball single.

Berlind got into trouble in the sixth when Jon Waltenbury missed a catch, allowing Calvin Lester to reach first. A wild pitch by Berlind moved him to second. Lee Ellis doubled to put 2 men on and in scoring prosition. Nelson Prada relieved Berlind of his duties on the mound, bringing in closer Danny Rondon. Rondon got Elvin Polanco to ground out, but Lester came in on the play. He then Walked Tyler Kolodny. Robert Valsquez' single to left would score Ellis before Levi Carolus struck out to end the inning.

Brito was 3-for-3 in the game with 2 runs and 1 RBI, Solarte was 2-for-2 with a double and 1 RBI.

Rondon picked up his 8th save of the season, allowing 1 hit and 1 walk while striking out 1 in 1.2 innings worth of work. Berlind was charged for both of the runs, neither of which was earned, but moved to 5-0 on the year with a 0.74 era.

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GCL Orioles 0 at GCL TWins 8

Current Record: 26 - 8

W: L. Hendriks (2-1, 1.50); L: C. Orman (5-2, 6.18)
HR: None.

Danny Berlind was good in game one, but Liam Hendriks was stellar in game 2, allowing only 1 hit and 1 walk while striking out 9 over five innings in a blanking of the O's.

Nick Biagini and Andrew Schmiesing tallied in the second inning for the Twins on a pair of singles by James Beresford and Jeanfred Brito. While two would be all the Twins would need with their pitching staff, they were not against pounding out the runs.

Schmeising was hit by a pitch in the fourth, but was taken out on Brito's ground bunt. James Beresford had singled his way onto base previously, and Ben Revere tripled the pair home. The speedy Revere would score on Yangervis Solarte's sac bunt, to make it 5-0 Twins.

Danny Rams walked his way onto base and moved to third as Biagini and Schmising followed him. A wild pitch by Jorge Almanzar made it 6-0 Twins, compilments of the O's generosity.

A pitcher change in the sixth did not improve the outlook for the Baltimore farm team as Rams doubled off Zachary Cole, bringing in Revere and Angel Morales who had both singled their way onto base.

Revere was 2-for-2 in the with 2 runs and 2 RBIs, 1 walk and a triple. Beresford was 2-for-3 with a run and a strike out. Ramon Sanata was 1-for-4 with 2 strike outs.

Tom Stuifbergen and Jarad Eacott both pitched one inning each of relief to end the game, neither allowing the O's to come anywhere near the scoreboard.

The Twins, who now lead the Orioles by four games in the South Division standings, get a legitimate day off Friday before heading out for a 3-game, 2-day road trip to visit the Pirates and the Reds.

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DSL Twins 0 at DSL Cubs 2

Current Record: 25 - 27

W: J. Antigua (5-2, 2.47); L: R. Acosta (3-4, 2.66); SV: M. Sierra (2)
HR: None.

E: Caro (19, fielding), Soliman (17, fielding), Goncalves (4, fielding).

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VSL Cubs/Twins 5 at VSL Mets 2

Current Record: 32 - 35

W: J. Agudo (2-2, 2.84); L: R. Guedez (2-3, 5.72); SV: J. Mijares (8)
HR: None.
E: Martinez (14, missed catch).

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Scoreboard - August 1, 2007

Rochester 2 at Syracuse 6

Record 60 - 52

W: J. Banks (10-7, 4.53); L: C. Cali (5-1, 2.53); SV: S. Sauerbeck (1)
HR: SYR: R. Diaz (1).

E: Heintz (5, throw), Cali (3, pickoff), Jones (6, missed catch).

From redwingsbaseball.com/Milb.com: Robinzon Diaz homered and knocked in four runs, leading the Syracuse Chiefs to a 6-2 win over the Red Wings Wednesday night in Syracuse. Jose Morales had two hits and an RBI for Rochester. The Wings remain a game behind first place Scranton, who lost 5-1 in Ottawa Wednesday.

With two runners on and one out in the second inning, Tommy Watkins grounded an infield single to score Chris Heintz, putting Rochester ahead 1-0. The hit ended an 0-for-12 slump for Watkins. The Wings ran themselves out of a second run in the inning, when Doug Deeds flew out to Wayne Lydon, and Lydon's throw to second nabbed Watkins before Morales crossed the plate.

The Chiefs had knocked around Rochester starter Kevin Slowey in his last start July 27, the first time a team had scored more than three runs against Slowey this year.On Wednesday Diaz cranked his first Triple-A home run off Slowey in the bottom of the second, putting the Chiefs ahead 2-1 after a throwing error by Heintz put Mike Vento on base to open the inning.

The Red Wings knotted things up in the fourth against Josh Banks, when Darnell McDonald singled and stole second base. McDonald moved to third on a groundout by Garrett Jones, but had to hold at third when Heintz also grounded out. But McDonald scored with two outs when Morales drilled a single up the middle. Morales' .397 batting average with runners in scoring position, and .379 average with runners in scoring position and two outs are both tops on the Rochester club.

The Wings' offense had several chances to take control of the game. Rochester bid to re-take the lead in the top of the fifth, after Deeds singled to start the frame and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt from Trent Oeltjen. Banks worked through trouble to get two more groundball outs and strand Deeds to end the threat.

McDonald doubled down the right field line to open the sixth, and moved to third on a wild pitch. Banks fanned Jones for the first out, and McDonald was thrown out at home when Kevin Barker fielded a ground ball by Heintz and quickly fired to catcher Diaz. The most frustrating of the wasted scoring chances occurred when Deeds led off the seventh with a triple, but Banks (10-7) got three outs around a walk to Span.

Slowey had thrown 92 pitches after just five innings, then was sharp in the sixth - his final inning of the evening. Slowey' night finished with a worksheet of six innings, two runs (one earned), with four hits, two walks and three strikouts.

Carmen Cali relieved Slowey, and sloppy defensive play by the Wings allowed the Chiefs to pull ahead 4-2. Cali (5-1) was charged with a throwing error on a failed pickoff attempt at second base, and Adams' single combined with a fielding error charged to Jones brought home two Syracuse runs. Cali came into the game 2-0 with a 1.29 ERA ( seven strikeouts in seven innings pitched) in four previous games against the Chiefs.

The Chiefs broke the game open with Diaz drilled a two-out, two-run double off Jay Sawatski to finish the scoring. Scott Sauerbeck tossed two perfect innings to pick up his first save for Syracuse.

NOTES: The season series is now tied 6-6. A season ago, Rochester won the season series 10-6...The Red Wings now have a 26-28 record away from Frontier Field. If Rochester can finish with a winning road record this season it would be the first time since Red Wings records began in 1979 that Rochester has had back-to-back winning road records. In 2006 the Red Wings had a 37-35 road record, Rochester’s first winning road record since 1993 ( 37-34 road record) ... The Red Wings have 32 games remaining in the regular season (18 road games and 14 at Frontier Field). Of the 32 games remaining, 16 of them are against teams with a losing record (Red Wings have a 33-23 record vs. teams with a losing record) ....The Red Wings offense was quiet during the just completed four-game series vs. Scranton. Rochester batted just .178 (21-for-118) as a team and is hitting just .172 (5-for-29) with runners in scoring position. Scranton’s offense didn’t fair any better hitting just .164 (19-for-116) as a team during the four-game series. Rochester won three of four games from the first place Yankees...The Red Wings starting pitchers was great during the four-game series with Scranton, going 3-1 with a 1.71 ERA. In 26.1 innings of wok, the starters have allowed five runs on 17 hits while four and striking out 14. The Red Wings pitching staff allowed six runs (1.5 runs per game) and had a team ERA of 1.54 during the Scranton series.

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Erie 5 at New Britain 0

Record: 51 - 55

W: J. Jurrjens (6-5, 3.32); L: O. Sosa (0-1, 3.71)
HR: ERI: M. Hollimon (11), S. Torrealba (8).

E: Allegra (7, throw), Mijares (2, throw).

From rockcats.com: Oswaldo Sosa delivered his finest performance since being promoted to New Britain; unfortunately, for the Twins’ right-handed prospect, he was out-pitched by another 21-year-old. Sosa squared off in a classic pitcher’s duel with Erie’s Jair Jurrjens and the Sea Wolves went on to shut out the Rock Cats, 5-0.

Jurrjens (6-5) fired a complete game shutout. He was outstanding from the start, retiring the first 19 of 20. He allowed a leadoff double to Matt Moses in the second inning, then retired the next 16 batters to step to the plate. Jurrjens, ranked as the Detroit Tigers’ fourth-best prospect, went the distance. He allowed just three hits and struck out 10 while walking none.

Sosa (0-1) retired the first 12 of 13 batters he faced, including the first six-straight. In the fifth inning, Michael Holliman’s solo home run put Erie ahead, 1-0. Sosa limited the Sea Wolves to three runs (1 ER) on six hits through seven innings. He struck out six.

Sosa was charged with the Sea Wolves’ run in the eighth; he walked Kody Kirkland before Jose Mijares came on in relief with no outs. Clete Thomas laid down a sacrifice bunt and reached base on Mijares’ throwing error. William Rhymes then hit a sac fly to center field to score Kirkland.

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Dunedin 2 at Fort Myers 1

Record 19 - 20

W: A. Martin (2-1, 2.38); L: D. Shinskie (6-4, 3.33); SV: C. Falkenbach (25)
HR: None.

E: TollEson (19, throw), Shinskie (3, missed catch).


Dustin Martin in the on deck circle

"How many rain out tickets do I need to collect to get a complementary Jay Rainville to take home with me?"

Andrew Seymour Baseball eyes the bat I'm holding on him specutively. "You've probably got a lot of them by now."

I do but he dodges the question, as well as the issue of Toby Gardenhire not being in the line up. No one wants to take a stand on anything these days.

Iris wants to know how I find out everything before she does.

Meanwhile, neither Jay Rainville or Rob Ray are going to win any prizes at the speed pitch booth. Rainville consistantly throws 87-88 with a nifty 69 miles per hour change up. Ray brushes 90. Both were effective though with Rainy limiting the Blue Jays to 3 hits and Ray holding the Miracle to 5.

So what happened?

A catching error by a now clean shaven David Shinksie put Jesus Gonzalez on base in the 7th. He moved to 2nd on a David Corrente ground out. A single to Brian Dinkelman went awry as Dink overthrew the ball, letting Gonzalez score to give the Jays the winning run.

Connor Falkenbach was effective today, letting Luis Ugueto on base but getting Edward Ovalle, Johnny Woodard and Brian Dinkelman out to end the game.

Dunedin got the lead in the top of the third when Chris Gutierrez doubled then came home Luke Hetherington's sac fly. The Miracle took it back in the bottom of the inning with Steve Tolleson singling, stealing second and moving to 3rd on a David Corrente throwing error before coming home on first baseman Erik Lis' ground out.

Newcomer Dustin Martin was 1-for-3 on the night, Tolleson and Ugueto were both 2-for-3 and Dinkelman was 0-for-4 with 3 strike outs.

I'm not sure why, as a field manager, you would take a guy who's hitting .226 on the season (Jeff Christy} and pinch hit him with a guy that's only hitting .174 (Woodard) but you know, Kevin Boles does some pretty unbelievable things out there.

Thanks to Jeff Manship for allowing me to borrow the speed gun for the first 3 innings of the game.

I discovered Iris had a case of Sutter Home under her seat when I wandered over there in fourth. They sure do know how to party along the 3rd base line.

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Dunedin 3 at Fort Myers 1

Record 19 - 21

W: B. Magee (5-6, 3.88); L: Z. Ward (2-15, 3.14); SV: C. Blackwell (1)
HR: None.

E: Lis (3, fielding).

There was, of course, no rain delay between the games, at least not in Sean Fox's book. Just normal intermission activities, including the daily tarp pull. They should really get John Deere to sponsor that thing.

In any case, I think we've discovered what the problem is. Zach Ward is good for five innings. If you leave him in for six, a sink hole will open up under his feet and swallow him.

Also, on Monday, Missy showed up on the porch just as the team rallied. We were all for leaving her out there but he refused to go. Until it was time for the Blue Jays' rally in the sixth, in which case, there was Missy out on the porch. Since she can't run with the big dogs, he needed to get off the porch.

Anthony Hatch and Chris Gutierrez singled their way onto base to start out the sixth. Ward then issued 2 walks, effectively walking in the tying run. That's when Boles got off his butt and put Rob Delaney in. Josh Kreuze singled a line drive out to left fielder Erik Lis which scored Gutierrez and Cory Patton. It wasn't until after a Kyle Phillips walk that Delaney found three outs to end the inning.

A missed catch by pitcher Brandon Magee in the 3rd inning saw Dustin Martin reach and Brian Dinkelman cross the plate to get the lone Miracle run, which gave them a lead they nursed through the next two innings.

Johnny Woodard tripled in the sixth off reliever Paul Phillips, but Korey Feiner struck out and Dwayne White flew out on a deep foul down the left field line to strand him. For a moment, there was hope, but Jacob Butler had the ball.

Chad Blackwell, a guy with a really strange sort of leg kick, come on in the seveth for the Jays. That was when Boles made the unpardonable mistake of pinch hitting Toby Gardenhire. How can he expect us to win without the power of Gardy behind us?

Needless to say, Blackwell got 3 quick outs and Ward picked up his 15th loss of the season.

Brian Dinkelman was 2-for-4 in the game. Lis, Woodard and catcher Korey Feiner each stuck out twice.

Errol Simonitsch (1-0, 4.50) will take to the mound tonight at the Lakeland Flying Tigers come in for a landing at Hammond Stadium. My boy Burke Badenhop (10-5, 3.09) should be on the hill and gunning for Lakeland.

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Beloit 5 at Fort Wayne 4 (12 innings)

Record 23 - 14

W: A. Craig (4-1, 2.70); L: R. Valdez (2-3, 3.09); SV: J. Lugo (1)
HR: FTW: T. King (3).

E: Parmelee (5, fielding), Olson (20, fielding).

From wizardsbaseball.com: Extra-base hits by Garrett Olson and Wilson Ramos in the top of the 12th inning enabled Beloit to snap a 4-4 tie with Fort Wayne on Wednesday night, and the Snappers went on to defeat the Wizards by a score of 5-4, in a game that took over four hours to play, and was concluded with just one umpire on the field, in front of 5,462 fans at Memorial Stadium.

The extra-base hits were a lead-off double by Olson down the right field line that glanced off the glove of Fort Wayne first baseman Jeremy Hunt and a following triple off the bat of Ramos that popped out of the glove of Cedric Hunter in deep centerfield; both hits coming against Wizard relief pitcher Rolando Valdez.

It was the third time that Beloit held the lead at some point in the contest.

In the top of the third inning, the Snappers erased a 1-0 deficit by sending 10 batters to the plate and scoring three runs against Fort Wayne starting pitcher Cory Luebke, the Big 10 Player of the Year from Ohio State who was making his Midwest League debut after being promoted from Eugene of the Northwest League.

The Wizards scored single runs in both the third and fourth inning to tie the game at 3-3, the key hits being a two-out, run-scoring single by Jon Schemmel in the third; and a double by Jesus Lopez that advanced Jodam Rivera (who had walked) over to third base, where he would later score on an infield ground out.

Beloit re-took the lead in the top of the seventh inning, when Ramos scored all the way from first base on a double by Danny Berg, coupled with an error committed by Fort Wayne leftfielder Javis Diaz.

The Snappers were two outs away from claiming a regulation victory when Tom King spoiled their plans.

The Wizard second baseman homered off Snapper relief pitcher Danny Vais with one out in the bottom of the ninth inning, his third home run of the season sending the game into extra innings.

The game would remain tied at 4-4 until Beloit came to bat in the top of the 12th inning.

That’s when Olson and Ramos pulled off their heroics.

Aaron Craig (4-1), the fourth of five Snapper pitchers who appeared in the game, received credit for the victory.

Valdez (2-3), the fifth Fort Wayne pitcher of the night, suffered the loss.

Jose Lugo, who struck out three of the four batters he faced in the bottom of the 12th, collected his first save of the season.

The loss was the fourth in a row for the Wizards, and their 11th in their last 13 contests.

They’ll try to salvage the finale of their four-game series with Beloit, when the two teams meet for the final time in the regular season on Thursday afternoon.

The starting pitchers are expected to be right-handers Stephen Faris (6-6, 4.14) of Fort Wayne and the Snappers’ Brian Kirwan (2-2, 4.53).

The game can be heard on both the radio (ESPN Radio 1380) and the Internet (http://www.fortwaynewizards.com), beginning with the Hupe Insurance Services Pre-Game Show at 11:40 a.m. (EDT).

Boxscore
Log
Wizards
BDN*
Journal Gazette
News-Sentinel*

* Article published Wednesday, Aug. 1

Elizabethton 5 at Princeton 3

Record 28 - 11

W: B. Tippett (5-0, 0.42); L: A. Chapa (0-2, 6.32); SV: B. Erickson (4)
HR: ELI: O. Lewis (5).

E: Leveret 2 (5, fielding, missed catch), Romero (8, fielding).

From MiLB.com: Ozzie Lewis' RBI single highlighted Elizabethton's three-run 10th inning as the Twins defeated host Princeton, 5-3, on Wednesday afternoon.

Rene Tosoni singled with one out in the frame, but was forced out at second on Deibinson Romero's fielder's choice. Rene Leveret singled and an error by right fielder Justin Reynolds allowed Romero to score the go-ahead run and Leveret to advance to second. After moving to third on a wild pitch, Leveret scored on a single to center by Lewis, who would later score on a wild pitch to make it 5-2.

Lewis also accounted for the Twins' first run of the ballgame, as the 21-year-old blasted a solo homer with one out in the seventh. Gregory Yersich's RBI double in the eighth tied the game, 2-2.

The Devil Rays (18-20) got on the board in the sixth, as Jeff Carroll's two-run double snapped a scoreless tie. Dustin Biell walked with two outs in the 10th and advanced to third on Justin Reynolds' single before scoring on Michael Ross' squeeze bunt. Robi Estrada then lined out to shortstop Estarlin De Los Santos to end the ballgame.

The starters dueled through six innings, but Bradley Tippett (5-0) hurled three perfect frames of relief to earn the win. The 19-year-old Australian is tied for the Appalachian League lead in victories, and has allowed just one run in 21 2/3 innings. Blair Erickson worked the 10th and notched his sixth save, despite allowing a run on two hits and a walk. Starter Michael Tarsi allowed two unearned runs on just two hits over six stellar innings for the Twins (28-11).

Angel Chapa (0-2) took the loss, allowing three 10th-inning runs after tossing a scoreless ninth. Starter Jeremy Hall surrendered a run on five hits over 6 2/3 innings, lowering his team-leading ERA to 1.91

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Wrap

Catching up with the E-Star

Wednesday

GCL Twins at GCL Red Sox - Postponed Rain

Current Record: 24 - 8

Wednesday's game between the GCL Twins and the GCL Red Sox has been postponed due to rain. It will be made up as part of a double header on Monday, August 6th starting at 10:00 AM at the Lee County Sports Complex.

Herald Tribune

DSL Yankees 2 at DSL Twins 1

Current Record: 25 - 26

W: J. Cordoba (3-2, 2.01); L: E. Arias (0-2, 9.00)
HR: None.

E: Sanchez, J (16, throw), Sierra (4, fielding), Arias, J (3, pickoff), Pinto (7, throw).

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Log

VSL Tigers 6 at VSL Cubs/Twins 4

Current Record: 31 - 35

W: M. Robles (3-6, 3.26); L: G. Rodriguez (3-3, 3.21); SV: L. Oliveros (19)
HR: VSL DET: A. Espinoza (12), O. Gonzalez (5).

E: Soto, K (3, fielding), Matheus (13, throw).

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Log

Scoreboard - July 31, 2007

Scranton/WB 1 at Rochester 3

Record 60 - 51

W: B. Bass (5-2, 3.86); L: M. DeSalvo (6-4, 2.96); SV: B. Korecky (30)
HR: None.

E: McDonald (8, fielding), Heintz (4, throw).


KARIN VON VOIGTLANDER RDC staff photographer
Denard Span is congratulated Tuesday after scoring in the Wing's 3-1 win over Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

From redwingsbaseball.com/Milb.com: Brian Bass turned in another clutch performance on the mound, leading the Red Wings to a 3-1 win over the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees Red Wings Tuesday night at Frontier Field. The win put the Wings into second place, one game behind the first place Yankees.

Wings right-handed starter Bass matched up with Scranton righty Matt DeSalvo, who has spent time with both Scranton and the parent New York Yankees this season. DeSalvo, was making his second start since being sent down from New York July 24 a With one out in the first inning Matt Tolbert drew a walk, and moved to third on Darnell McDonald's single to right. Garrett Jones grounded out to first baseman Eric Duncan for the second out, but Duncan's throw to second attempting to nab McDonald was late. Tolbert scored on the RBI ground out by Jones, and the Wings led 1-0.

The Red Wings added a pair of runs in the third inning. McDonald laced a run-scoring single to knock in Denard Span, and Chris Heintz followed with a sacrifice fly to bring home Tolbert for a 3-0 Rochester lead..

Bass, 1-1 in five starts after beginning the season in the Red Wings bullpen, brought a scoreless streak of 9 1/3 innings into the contest. Bass added to that streak while facing one batter over the minimum through four innings. Bass walked Erubiel Durazo to start the fifth inning, but quickly got the next three outs to bring play into the sixth.

The Yankees put together a threat in the sixth, but Bass picked Juan Francia off second base and Heintz started an inning-ending double play with two runners on base to keep Scranton off the board. Bass bounced back with three quick outs in the seventh, including a strikeout of Alberto Gonzalez to end the inning.

When Eric Duncan led off the eighth with an opposite field double to left, the Wings bullpen got active. Raul Chavez followed with a perfect bunt hit, moving Duncan to third. Francia hit a chopper to third, with Heintz forcing Chavez at first and Duncan scoring to end the shutout bid. The run in the 7th broke a 16 and two-thirds inning scoreless streak by Bass. After Bass was pulled, Bobby Korecky made a fantastic play on a surprise bunt sliding across the infield grass to end the inning.

In the bottom of the 8th, the Wings loaded the bases on a single by McDonald, a hit by pitch by Heintz and a walk by Tommy Watkins. On a 3-2 pitch, Doug Deeds chased a changeup low and out of the zone, striking out and stranding the three runners.

With Korecky on the mound, the Wings allowed a single but got another double play to move within an out of victory. Korecky walked Durazo and proceeded to strike out Alberto Gonzalez to end the game, earning his 30th save of the season, the first time ever a Red Wings pitcher has recorded 30 saves in a season.

NOTES: With Durham's loss to Indianapolis Tuesday night, the Wings pulled ahead of Durham and Buffalo for the IL wild card spot...This is the closest the Wings have been to first place since June 29...RHP Nick Blackburn (DL) is scheduled to be activated and pitch Friday night in Pawtucket...Scranton pitcher Joba Chamberlain was not in uniform Tuesday night.

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Red Wings
Democrat
Notebook
Times Leader
R News

Erie 2 at New Britain 6

Record: 50 - 54

W: J. Floyd (5-9, 4.72); L: D. Trahern (10-6, 3.63); SV: D. Powers (1)
HR: NBR: R. Eldridge (6).

E: Hughes (3, fielding).

From rockcats.com: The Rock Cats broke out the bats for 11 hits and starter Jesse Floyd turned in his finest performance of the month to top visiting Erie, 6-2.

The Rock Cats jumped out to an early lead in the first inning. Rashad Eldridge opened the inning with a walk and Trevor Plouffe followed with a single. Garrett Guzman reached on an infield single when no one covered first base on a ball fielded by pitcher Dallas Trahern. With the bases loaded and no outs, Matt Moses delivered a single to right field that scored Eldridge. Plouffe attempted to score, but was tagged out on a close play at the plate. David Winfree then grounded into a double play, but Guzman scored for a 2-0 lead before the second out was recorded.

Eldridge hit a three-run homer in the second inning that put the Rock Cats ahead, 5-1. Plouffe led the Rock Cats with three hits, including an RBI single in the fourth.

Floyd (5-9) scattered six hits for two runs through six innings. He struck out seven. Danny Powers tossed three scoreless innings in relief to pick up his first save.

Trahern (10-6) allowed six runs (5 ER) on nine hits through six innings.

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Rock Cats
Sea Wolves
Herald
Notebook
Courant
Times News


Dunedin at Fort Myers - Postponed

Record 19 - 19


Yankees photog Big Mark made is first trip to Hammond Stadium for Strike out Jason Giambi Night

I dislike sitting around in wet shoes and socks and so I went out and got a pair of crocks to wear on rainy nights. I have big feet and the only pair they had in my size was yellow. So that's what I got.

So I get to the stadium and everyone is like "Oh, those are really nice! But how come you got...yellow?" Believe me, it wasn't my first choice of colors. Linda proceeds to tell me that Tru Value Hardware has a whole wall full of them in every color of the rainbow including light pink, which is the color she wants.

Given a choice between light pink and yellow, I'll stick with the yellow, thanks. So I look like a duck.

It was fitting.

It's also impossible to buy only ONE hotdog in Hammond Stadium on 2-for-Tuesday. ::sigh::

They actually called the game early. We will play 2 on Wednesday, starting at 5:05, weather permitting.

This will give me time to go through my prospect set now and see if I have any Blue Jays or Tigers that I need to get signed.

Boxscore
Wrap
Miracle
News-Press
Breeze
NDN
Notebook
Manship named FSL POW

Beloit 7 at Fort Wayne 4

Record 22 - 14

W: T. Robertson (6-2, 1.78); L: S. Delabar (2-4, 5.16); SV: A. Slama (6)
HR: None

E: Benson (6, throw).

From wizardsbaseball.com: The Beloit Snappers took advantage of some early wildness on the part of Fort Wayne starting pitcher Stevie Delabar in the top of the second inning on Tuesday night, sending 10 batters to the plate and scoring four runs, in defeating the Wizards for the second night in a row, this time by a score of 7-4, in front of 4,710 fans at Memorial Stadium.

Delabar got himself into early trouble in the second inning, giving up back-to-back singles to Matt Betsill and Eli Tintor and hitting Danny Santiestaban with a pitch to allow Beloit to load the bases with nobody out.

Steve Singleton hit a screeching line drive that Delabar snared for the first out of the inning.

A single by Chris Cates scored Betsill from third base with the first run of the game, and Joe Benson followed with a single to centerfield to score both Tintor and Santiestaban to put the Snappers ahead by a score of 3-0.

Delabar hit both Garrett Olson and Wilson Ramos with a pitch (bringing to four the number of Beloit batters hit by a pitch in the contest), resulting in both another Snapper run crossing the plate and some tense feelings evolving from the Beloit dugout.

Delabar was able to retire the next two batters to finally bring the second inning to a close, the score 4-0 in favor of the visitors.

Fort Wayne reduced the deficit to 4-2, as they scored a run in both the fourth and fifth inning on two-out singles from Jeremy Hunt and Cedric Hunter, respectively, off Beloit starter Tyler Robertson.

The Snappers responded by scoring twice in the sixth inning against Wizard relief pitcher Derek McDaid, and once more in the eighth off Fort Wayne reliever Rolando Valdez to build the lead back up to 7-2.

The Wizards trimmed the deficit to 7-4 when they scored a pair of runs against Beloit relief pitcher Dan Leatherman in the bottom of the eighth inning, but could come no closer, as they lost for the 10th time in their last 12 games.

Robertson (6-2), who gave up two runs on four hits, walked three, and struck out nine in six innings on the mound, received credit for the victory.

Delabar (2-4), who allowed four runs on five hits, didn’t walk anybody, struck out one, and hit four batters with a pitch in 2 1/3 innings of work, was tagged with the defeat.

Fort Wayne will meet Beloit again on Wednesday night in the third game of the four-game series.

Left-hander Cory Luebke (0-0, 0.00), the Big 10 Pitcher of the Year from Ohio State University who was promoted from Eugene of the Northwest League on Tuesday, will make his Wizard and Midwest League debut.

The Snappers will start right-hander Alex Burnett (6-6, 2.90).

The game can be heard on both the radio (ESPN Radio 1380) and the Internet (http://www.fortwaynewizards.com), beginning with the Hupe Insurance Services Pre-Game Show at 6:40 p.m. (EDT).

Boxscore
Log
Wizards
BDN*
Journal Gazette

* Article published Tuesday, July 31

Elizabethton 3 at Princeton 6

Record 27 - 11

W: T. Hayes (3-3, 4.29); L: L. Van Mil (2-2, 3.10); SV: M. Southern (4)
HR: None.
E: Allen (1, throw), Romero (7, throw), De Los Santos (13, throw), Lehmann (2, pickoff).



From MiLB.com: Kyeong Kang drove in three runs as Princeton defeated visiting Elizabethton, 6-3, on Tuesday.

Kang ripped an RBI single in the fourth inning and belted a two-run double in the seventh. Michael Ross and Robi Estrada also chipped in two hits apiece.

The Devil Rays (18-19) broke a 1-1 tie with two runs in the sixth as Jared Edwards drew a bases-loaded walk and Ben Humphrey scored on a wild pitch by reliever Ludovicus Van Mil (2-2).

Starter Tyree Hayes (2-3) allowed one run on four hits and two walks with three strikeouts in six innings for the win. Michael Southern came on with runners on first and second in the ninth and gave up a run-scoring single before nailing down his fourth save.

Twins starter Michael Allen yielded an unearned run on four hits and struck out a season-high nine in five innings to lower his ERA to 1.80.

Elizabethton (27-11) scored twice in the ninth before Rene Tosoni grounded into a game-ending double play. Eric Santiago had an RBI single for the Twins.

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Log
Wrap

Catching up with the E-Star

Tuesday
Tippett/Rogers
Wyngegar

GCL Twins at GCL Reds - Postponed Rain

Current Record: 24 - 8

Tuesday's game between the GCL Twins and the GCL Reds has been postponed due to rain. It will be made up as part of a double header on Sunday, August 5th starting at 10:00 AM at the City of Sarasota Complex.

DSL Twins 3 at DSL Rockies 0

Current Record: 25 - 24

W: M. Garcia (6-2, 1.89); L: J. Vargas (4-3, 4.04); SV: E. Alvarez (2)
HR: None.

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Log

VSL Cubs/Twins 3 at VSL Devil Rays/Reds 7

Current Record: 32 - 33

W: L. Yendis (1-4, 4.91); L: R. Navarro (1-5, 5.05)
HR: VSL TB/CIN: D. Hernandez (3), M. Rojas (2).

E: Romero (9, throw), Requena (13, throw).

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Log

Scoreboard - July 30, 2007

Scranton/WB 2 at Rochester 3

Record 59 - 51

W: D. Gassner (4-12, 5.51); L: S. White (3-3, 3.62); SV: B. Korecky (29)
HR: ROC: J. Morales (2).

E: Watkins (13, fielding).

From redwingsbaseball.com/Milb.com: Dave Gassner held the first place Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees to just three baserunners in six innings, and Jose Morales hit a homer and a double to power the Red Wings to a 3-2 win Monday night at Frontier Field. The win moved the Wings to within two games of the first place Yankees, with the final game of the series Tuesday at Frontier. Monday's win also helped Rocheser keep pace in the wild card race with both Buffalo and Durham, who won their games Monday.

To start the game, Scranton lead-off hitter Kevin Thompson reached first base on an error by third baseman Tommy Watkins. Watkins then recovered from his error by recovering a ground ball and converting it into a double play. Rochester starter Gassner allowed Kevin Reese to get into scoring position but the Wings infield quickly ended the threat as Erubiel Durazo grounded out to end the inning.

The Wings got on the scoreboard in the bottom of the second. With two outs, Morales slammed a home run into the right field bullpen for a solo home run; his second home run of the season. Yankees starter Steven White was able to hold the Wings to a 1-0 lead by striking out Watkins to end the inning.

The Wings increased their lead in the third. With one out, White walked Gil Velazquez, who moved to second off a sacrifice bunt by Denard Span. Matt Tolbert then hit directly to the pitcher, who fumbled the ball, allowing Tolbert to land safely on first and advance Velazquez to third. With two outs, Darnell McDonald walked to load the bases, followed by Garrett Jones walking to plate Velazquez and keep the bases loaded. The Wings were held on base as Chris Heintz flew out to centerfield to end the inning with the Wings lead, 2-0.

Gassner continued pitching a solid game. Over the first five innings, Gassner only allowed one hit and only one inning (both being the first) where the Yankees had more that three batters.

Scranton cut into Rochester's lead in the sixth. Watkins made a great play to start the inning by throwing out Andy Cannizaro at first. Gassner allowed his second hit of the game to Juan Francia for a single. Francia then stole second base in a controversial play by Thompson who struck out then seemed to interfere with Heintz's throw to second. This caused an argument by Yankees manager Dave Miley and home plate umpire Andy Vincent, which resulted in Miley and Thompson being thrown out of the game. Cannizaro was brought home as Justin Christian ripped a hit to right centerfield for a triple. Christian was stranded on third as Reese grounded out to end the inning, with the score 2-1.

The Wings matched the Yankees' run in the bottom of the sixth, when Morales stroked a ground rule double that bounced into the Scranton bullpen in left field. Jones scored to put Rochester up 3-1.

Gassner left after six innings, allowing a total of three hits and a pair of strikeouts. Julio DePaula came out of the bullpen and after a one-out walk to Eric Duncan followed by a balk, DePaula made up for the mistake by picking Duncan off second for the second out. But after DePaula walked Alberto Gonzalez, he ended the inning by striking out Wil Nieves.

The Yankees also made a pitching change in the seventh, bringing in Joba Chamberlain. He struck out all three Rochester batters, pitching at a highest recorded speed of 99 mph.

With closer Bobby Korecky on in the ninth, Scranton added a run on an RBI sacrifice fly by Durazo. Korecky got a grounder to first from Eric Duncan for the final out, his 29th save, and a key win for the Wings.

NOTES: Alexi Casilla was pulled from the lineup and promoted to the Twins before the game, after Minnesota dealt second baseman Luis Castillo to the Mets in exchange for two Minor League prospects. The Twins picked up Double-A catcher Drew Butera, the son of former Major League catcher Sal Butera, and Class A outfielder Dustin Martin from the Mets' system. Butera, 23, was the Mets' fifth-round pick in the 2005 First-Year Player Draft. After starting the season in Class A, he was promoted to Double-A on June 22. He's batting .231 in 82 Minor League games this season. He will be assigned to Double-A New Britain. Martin, 23, was selected by the Mets in the 26th round of the 2006 Draft. In 93 games this season, Martin is batting .287 with 22 doubles and 52 RBIs. He will be assigned to Class A Ft. Myers....The Red Wings lead the season series 5-2. A season ago, Scranton won the season series 10-6. The Red Wings were 2-6 at Frontier Field and 4-4 at PNC Field.... Pitchers Kevin Slowey and Matt Garza, and IF Alexi Casilla were named to the Minor League News "Fab 50" Baseball 2007 rankings by the editorial board of Minor League News. The Rochester Red Wings topped all teams in minor league baseball with three picks on the list...Slowey moves up to No. 6, Garza advances to 23, and Casilla debuted at No. 36....On Thursday night, the Twins will finally break ground on a new downtown stadium that is more than 10 years in the making. Groundbreaking festivities are slated to start at 6 p.m. ET, after the Twins' day game against the Royals at the Metrodome. Fans attending the ceremony will be treated to a concert, batting cages, fireworks and autographs from current and former Twins. Visit twinsbaseball.com for more details and coverage.

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Wrap
Red Wings
Democrat
Notebook
Times Leader
R News

New Britain 8 at New Hampshire 7

Record: 49 - 54

W: T. Lahey (8-3, 3.31); L: S. Overbey (2-2, 3.24)
HR: NBR: T. Plouffe (8), R. Eldridge (5). NHM: R. Patterson (14), E. Kratz (2).

E: Eldridge (1, fielding), PlouffE (23, fielding).

From nhfishercats.com: David Smith went 3-for-5 with two RBI and one run scored, but the Fisher Cats couldn't hold on against the New Britain Rock Cats taking an 8-7 loss.

Seth Overbey gave up two runs in the ninth inning on Rashad Eldridge's home run to right field in the RELCO Enlightening Play of the Game to give the Rock Cats the lead and the win.

The Fisher Cats took the lead in the eighth inning and almost regained it in the ninth. Sergio Santos (2-for-4, one RBI) led off the ninth with a single threw the second base hole. Santos went to second on a wild pitch and took third on Chip Cannon's ground out to second.

Ryan Patterson (1-for-4, one run, two RBI) grounded out to third for the second out, and then Smith hit a deep fly ball to center field to end the opportunity.

In the eighth, New Hampshire tallied three runs to go ahead. Cannon (1-for-3, three runs) started the inning off with a walk and Patterson connected for his 14th home run of the year. Smith followed with a single and Rob Cosby had a pinch-hit single to put runners on first and second. Manny Mayorson then grounded to the shortstop, but Trevor Plouffe misplayed the ball and allowed a run to score.

The Fisher Cats also struck for runs in the second, sixth and seventh. The seventh featured Erik Kratz's second home run of the year and Mayorson getting caught trying to take home on a passed ball when the bases were loaded and Cannon at the plate.

Aaron Mathews also had a pair of hits finishing 2-for-5 with a run scored.

Overbey took the loss for New Hampshire giving up the two runs in his one inning of work. Kyle Yates had the start and went seven innings allowing seven hits, six runs (four earned) and one walk with six strikeouts. Jean Machi worked a scoreless eighth.

Tim Lahey took the win for New Britain going two innings and letting up four hits and two runs (one earned). Anthony Swarzak started for the Rock Cats and went 6.2 innings with seven hits, two walks, eight strikeouts and four runs.

The top of the order powered New Britain as Eldridge (3-for-5, three runs and two RBI) and Plouffe (2-for-4, two runs and three RBI) were effective. Matt Allegra also had a pair of hits with two runs scored.

The six-game series is over with the teams splitting the set.

The Rock Cats return home on Tuesday to face the Erie SeaWolves.

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Wrap
Fisher Cats
Herald
Notebook
Union Leader

Dunedin 5 at Fort Myers 6

Record 19 - 19

W: A. Hawes (2-1, 3.22); L: C. Falkenbach (2-4, 4.15)
HR: DUN: J. Gonzalez (5).

E: Woodard (2, missed catch), PortEs (14, fielding).


A beautiful night for baseball!

Field manager Omar Malave is probably regretting the decision of putting in submarine pitcher Connor Falkenbach for the ninth inning. The right-hander from Georgia gave up 4 runs on 5 hits and 1 walk as the Miracle rallied to a 6-5 victory over the Blue Jays Monday night at Hammond Stadium.

In the battle of the send downs, Russ Savickas dominated, holding the Miracle to 1 hit through 5 innings. Kyle Waldrop, on the other hand, found himself in a hole early when Anthony Hatch singled and moved to 3rd when Johnny Woodard missed a catch that should have taken Carlo Cota out at first. An Eric Nelsen sac-fly brought Hatch home.

Jacob Butler singled with one out in the second. Jesus Gonzalez followed that up with home run over the left field wall.

Dunedin padded the lead more, when Eric Nelson doubled out to right and came home on Josh Kreuzer's line drive to center. That would finish off Waldrop's tenure, his final totals being 4 runs (3 earned) on 7 hits and 3 walks with 2 strike outs in 5 innings worth of work. Adam Hawes would replace him for the sixth inning.

Johnny Woodard walked to start out the bottom of the sixth and moved to second on a line drive single by catcher Alex Soto. Brian Dinkelman followed that up with a single of his, own, but field manager Kevin Boles held Woodard at third on the play. Woodard would come home when Steve Tolleson ground into a double play, while an Erik Lis single plated Soto. Malave pulled Savickas at that point, putting in Aaron Tressler. A wild pitch and a Juan Portes walked made it look like the Miracle would get a couple more, but Danny Valencia when down swinging to end the inning.

The Jays took one back in the top of the seventh, when Hatch doubled and came home on a Cota sac-fly, sliding between the legs of Soto, who did not have the block at the plate.

Chad Blackwell pitched two solid inning for the Jays and it was looking grim for the home team, when Malave called Falkenbach out of the pen.

Valencia, Edward Ovalle and Luis Ugueto all singled their way onto base, with Valencia coming home on Ugueto's ground ball. A wild pitch moved the pair of runners over, and Woodard took a walk to load the bags. Dwayne White came in as a pinch runner for Woody. Soto then drove in a pair with a fly ball single to center. D-White made 3rd on a Dinkelman sac bunt, and passed the plate on a Steve Tolleson single, ending the game and sending the crowd into a frenzy.

The two teams rematch Tuesday night at 7:05. The Miracle just missed having Reed Johnson visit on a rehab assignment and A.J. Burnette did not make the trip over with Dunedin. Barring a last minute change, it should be Rob Ray (2-2, 5.45) vs. Jay Rainnville (5-10, 3.60) for a hockey night at the Joe.

The Miracle join the Sarasota Reds in a tie for 4th place in the division standings, 6 games behind the Tampa Yankees.

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Wrap
Miracle
News-Press
Notebook
Q&A: Jeff Manship
Breeze
NDN

Notes: It should be Zach Ward, not Errol Simonitsch taking the start on Wednesday. That was my bad. I certainly do not mean to imply that Ward is forgettable by forgetting him.

The Twins trade Luis Castillo to the New York Mets in exchange for catcher Drew Butera and centerfielder Dustin Martin. Butera will likely be assigned to AA New Britain, while Martin, 23, will be joining the Fort Myers Miracle.

Former Miracle Alexi Casilla was called up to Minnesota to replace Castillo on the Twins roster.

My efforts are appreciated! Sean Fox writes "However, it is nice to see and hear from negative so-called 'fans' all the time." I believe I've written him twice this year before today, in both cases he denies ever getting the messages because his e-mail was "broken". It's nice to get such love the Miracle Community Relations Coordinator! I guess I did not realize I was wasting soooooooo much of his valuable time.

Whether you agree with my attitude or not, MOST organizations would be happy for the free exposure they get off of me, but not the Miracle. Oh no. We all know, however, that their REAL fans only show up on fireworks nights.

Beloit 5 at Fort Wayne 2

Record 21 - 14

W: C. Devries (8-3, 2.89); L: B. Gomes (0-2, 4.23); SV: A. Slama (5)
HR: None.

E: Olson (19, fielding).


Staff photo by Rob Lucas
Beloit’s Eli Tintor is tagged out while trying to steal second base by South Bend’s Matthew Oxendine during the Snappers’ 3-2 loss to the Silver Hawks on Sunday.

From wizardsbaseball.com: The defense of the Fort Wayne Wizards was spotty at best on Monday night, as they committed four errors in the field; and the Beloit Snappers took advantage of those miscues to post a 5-2 victory, in front of 4,941 fans at Memorial Stadium.

The first two Fort Wayne mistakes came in the opening inning, and led to the first run scored in the game.

Garrett Olson reached first base with one out against Wizard starting pitcher Brandon Gomes when his ground ball hit on the right side of the infield bounced off the glove of Fort Wayne second baseman Tom King for an error.

Olson stole second base, advanced to third base on an infield single off the bat of Wilson Ramos, and came around to score on a throwing error committed by Wizard shortstop Jesus Lopez to give Beloit a 1-0 lead.

The Snappers added to their lead in the second inning, when Joe Benson’s one-out single up the middle scored both Eli Tintor and Steven Singleton, making the score 3-0.

Fort Wayne scored a run in the bottom of the third inning off Snapper starter Cole Devries.

Luis Martinez reached first base on a one-out error committed by Olson, advanced to third base when Javis Diaz hit a ground rule double over the four-foot high wall in right field, and scored on an infield ground out to bring the Wizards to within 3-1.

Beloit got that run back in the top of the sixth inning, thanks to a single by Matt Betsill, followed by a double by Tintor; both hits coming with two outs against Gomes.

Diaz singled in Martinez (who doubled) with one out in the bottom of the seventh to again bring Fort Wayne to within two runs at 4-2, but the Snappers added an insurance run in the top of the ninth inning to close out the scoring.

Devries (8-3), who allowed one run on six hits in five innings on the mound, received credit for the win.

Gomes (0-2), who gave up four runs (three earned) on six hits in seven innings of work, was charged with the defeat.

Anthony Slama, who pitched a scoreless ninth inning, collected his fifth save of the season.

The Wizards will attempt to even the four-game series at a game apiece, when they meet Beloit again on Tuesday night.

Right-hander Stevie Delabar (2-3, 4.68) will make the pitching start for Fort Wayne.

Opposing Delabar on the mound for Beloit will be right hand pitcher Alex Burnett (6-6, 2.90).

The game can be heard on both the radio (ESPN Radio 1380) and the Internet (http://www.fortwaynewizards.com), beginning with the Hupe Insurance Services Pre-Game Show at 6:40 p.m. (EDT).

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BDN*
Journal Gazette

* Article published Monday, July 30

Greeneville 2 at Elizabethton 6

Record 27 - 10

W: D. Bromberg (5-0, 2.32); L: A. Leon (0-6, 6.14)
HR: ELI: M. Dolenc (3).

E: Lawman (9, throw), Romero (6, fielding).

From MiLB.com: David Bromberg tossed five solid innings to remain unbeaten as Elizabethton defeated visiting Greeneville, 6-2, on Monday.

Bromberg (5-0) allowed two runs on five hits and a walk with eight strikeouts. The 19-year-old right-hander has yielded four earned runs over 28 1/3 innings in his last six appearances after surrendering four runs over 2 2/3 frames in his professional debut on June 20.

Mark Dolenc belted a two-run homer, his third, in the fifth inning and scored twice for the Twins (27-10).

Axel Gonzalez went 3-for-3 with a run-scoring double in the fifth and Jared Pitts collected two hits for the Astros (8-32).

Greeneville starter Arcenio Leon (0-6) remained winless after surrendering four runs -- three earned -- on seven hits and four walks in 3 1/3 innings.

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Catching up with the E-Star

Monday

GCL Pirates 3 at GCL Twins 8

Current Record: 24 - 8

W: L. Martin (2-1, 2.89); L: R. Owens (0-1, 9.00)
HR: TWI: A. Morales (1).

E: Beresford 2 (6, fielding, throw).

There wasn't really much he could do. Pirates leftfielder Ciro Rosero simpley stood there and watched as Angel Morales' first home run of the season sailed over the fence, bringing in 3 runs for the GCL Twins and bringing the game scoring to 7-3.

The Twins would add another run in the seventh, but an early inning lead paced the Twins, sending them off to a big win over their Bradenton rivals.

Ramon Santana lead off the offense with a walk, and Ben Revere singled his way onto base. A Yangervis Solarte fly out moved Santana to 3rd and the speedster stold home while Revere went to 2nd for his 12 stolen base of the year. Juan Richardson singled him. A pair of wild pitches by Rudy Owens moved Richardson around to 3rd, and he was plated by Morales sac-fly.

Jose Bautista doubled off Twins starter Thom Wright, and came home on a John Fitzpatrick ground out to give the Pirates a marker.

The Twins took it back in the bottom of the fourth when Nick Biagini doubled in Morales who had singled his way onto base.

A fielding error by James Berseford allowed Ronald Pena and Victor Alvarez to cross the plate on Rosero's force attempt, making the Pirates think they still had a game, but Morales' yarder in the bottom of the inning put all such thoughts out of their minds.

Revere recorded his 13th stolen base in the 7th inning and came home on Richardson's single to finish off the scoring,

Richardson led the offense going 3-for-4 with 2 runs. Solarte, Morales, Biagini and Andrew Schmiesing were all 2-for-4. Beresford walked twice. For the second straight game Danny Rams remained hitless but got on base once on a walk, and once when he was plunked by a pitch.

Wright was charged with 3 runs, 2 earned, on 4 hits and 2 walks while striking out 2 in 4 innings. Lee Martin picked up the win, striking out 3 and allowing only 1 hit over 2 scoreless innings. Tom Stuifbergen, Dominique Rodgers and Michael Mopas eached worked an inning of scoreless baseball to finish off the game.

The Twins take on the Reds today at the City of Sarasota Complex. Danny Berlind is expected to make the start for the Twins.

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DSL Reds 3 at DSL Twins 4

Current Record: 24 - 24

W: E. Alvarez (4-1, 0.63); L: I. Gomera (0-2, 0.81)
HR: None.

E: Soliman 3 (16, fielding, fielding, throw), Caro (18, fielding), Sanchez, J (15, fielding).

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VSL Mariners 3 at VSL Cubs/Twins 2

Current Record: 32 - 32

W: J. Tome (3-2, 3.30); L: C. Rojas (3-3, 4.08); SV: J. Jimenez (14)
HR: None.

E: Matheus (12, fielding), Requena (12, fielding).

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Scoreboard - July 29, 2007

Rochester 0 at Scranton/WB 3

Record 58 - 51

W: P. Hughes (4-1, 2.20); L: R. Mullins (0-2, 11.77); SV: J. Veras (1)
HR: None.

From redwingsbaseball.com/Milb.com: Philip Hughes and three relievers combined on a four-hit shutout, leading the first place Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees to a 3-0 win over the Red Wings Sunday. Alexi Casilla had a hit, a walk and his 24th stolen base of the season for Rochester, who dropped three games back of Scranton. The Wings continue their series against the New York Yankees' top farm club at Frontier Field Monday and Tuesday nights at 7:05 pm. Rochester stays a half-game out of the IL wild card spot, with Buffalo and Durham tied for the wild card spot after both clubs lost Sunday.

The Yankees jumped on Wings starter Ryan Mullins in the first inning, taking a quick 2-0 lead. Mullins, making his third Triple-A start, allowed three hits - including a two-run single by Angel Chavez. Mullins quickly settled down and, with the help of infield double plays in both the second and third innings, kept Scranton off the scoreboard until the fifth. Mullins allowed a single, followed by a balk, a wild pitch and a sacrifice fly by Andy Cannizaro to make it a 3-0 Scranton lead. Mullins struck out the next two hitters to send play to the sixth.

Hughes (4-1), placed on the big league DL (hamstring, ankle) May 3, made a rehab start with Scranton and blanked the Wings into the seventh, allowing just three hits, walking three and fanning four. Mullins (0-2) worked six innings in his best start so far with Rochester, giving up six hits and three runs, with a walk and three strikeouts. Carmen Cali tossed two scoreless relief innings.

NOTES: Right-handed pitcher Joba (pronounced JAW-buh) Chamberlain starts Monday night against the Wings at Frontier Field. Chamberlain, 21, was selected in the supplemental first round (41st selection overall) of the 2006 first-year player draft by the Yankees. He boasts a 2.72 ERA in 14 starts this season between Class-A Tampa (4-0, 2.03) and Double-A Trenton (4-2, 3.43). He ranks third in the Yankees' system with 115 strikeouts...The 2007 Red Wings look to become the first Rochester club to win a division title when trailing at the All-Star break (trailed Buffalo by 3.0 games) since 1995, when the Red Wings trailed Ottawa by 3.0 games...Saturday night’s win clinched the Red Wings' third consecutive winning month of July (16-13 record with two games to play). Since the 2005 season, Rochester has a 48-39 record in July. The 1997 Wings had a 23-6 record in July, the best one month record since month-to-month records started being kept in 1980....Class A Ft. Myers outfielder Erik Lis is the Twins Minor League Player of the Week for July 21-27...Lis, 23, hit .389 with two doubles, a home run, six rbi, two walks and scored two runs in five games...he had a .450 on-base percentage and a .667 slugging percentage...he was the Twins ninth round selection in the 2005 First-Year Player draft.

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Democrat
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R News

New Britain 2 at New Hampshire 10

Record: 49 - 54

W: J. Matumoto (2-2, 4.14); L: Y. Pino (0-2, 10.38)
HR: None.

E: Allegra (6, fielding), PlouffE (22, throw).

From nhfishercats.com: Erik Kratz hit a go-ahead triple in the fifth inning and sparked a rally in the six-run seventh inning with a lead off walk in the Fisher Cats' 10-2 win over the New Britain Rock Cats.

The triple, which was named the RELCO Enlightening Play of the Game, drove in a pair of runs to put New Hampshire ahead for good as they improve to 55-52.

In the fifth inning, Rob Cosby got on with a walk and Dustin Majewski got on with a single. Kratz then lined a triple to left field to bring home a pair in put New Hampshire ahead, 2-1. Manny Mayorson brought Kratz home with a single.

The Fisher Cats action-packed seventh inning started with Kratz and Ryan Klosterman walking. Mayorson laid down a sacrifice bunt to advance the runners, and then Aaron Mathews, Sergio Santos and Chip Cannon hit consecutive run-scoring singles to right field. Rob Cosby drove home a pair of runs with a double to center field followed by singles from David Smith and Majewski.

New Hampshire tacked on a run in the eighth inning. Mayorson (walk), Santos (single) and Cannon (walk) got on to load the bases. Smith was walked to bring home the Fisher Cats' 10th run.

Jo Matumoto earned the win for New Hampshire going five innings and letting up one run on three hits and five walks with four strikeouts. Sean Stidfole worked a scoreless sixth and seventh, Jean Machi shutout out the Rock Cats in the eighth. Matt Roney let up a single run in the ninth as he gave up three singles to start the inning.

Yohan Pino took the loss for New Britain letting up three runs in five innings. Luke Hughes (2 for 4, one run), Matt Allegra (1 for 3, RBI) and Matt Eldridge (2 for 4, one run) powered the Rock Cats.

The six-game series concludes Monday when the Fisher Cats RHP Kyle Yates (6-6, 4.53) takes on Anthony Swarzak (3-3, 3.12) at 12:05pm.

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Union Leader

Fort Myers Miracle

Record 18 - 19

No Game Scheduled


Milt considers his stradigy for launch-a-ball

The Miracle host the Dunedin Blue Jays for a 3 game series starting on Monday.

The Blue Jay lead the FSL with a 24-12 record and are riding a 3 game winning streak. The Miracle remain in fifth place in the six team division, 6.5 games behind Dunedin.

Breeze
Photo: At the Plate
Photo: Giambi & Teammates
Photo: Double Play

South Bend 3 at Beloit 2

Record 20 - 14

W: M. Romanczuk (3-1, 3.29); L: D. Vais (5-3, 4.48)
HR: None.

E: Betsill (4, fielding), Vais (2, pickoff).

From snappersbaseball.com: Two runs in the top of the ninth sparked a Silver Hawks’ comeback and led them to a 3-2 victory over the Snappers on Sunday. Danny Vais gave up two runs off three hits in the top of the ninth inning to pick up his third loss of the season.

Beloit scored first in the bottom of the first inning off an RBI single from Wilson Ramos. Ramos drove home Garrett Olson, who earlier doubled, from second to give the Snappers a 1-0 lead after one. Wilson’s RBI was his 32nd of the season.

South Bend tied the game at 1-1 in the top of the fourth inning on a sacrifice fly from Joey Side. Side’s RBI gave the Silver Hawks their first run of the game and tied the game up after three and a half innings.

The Snappers pushed ahead in the bottom of the seventh inning with another run. Matt Betsill scored from second off of an error from Silver Hawks’ third baseman Ricardo Sosa. Sosa’s error came on a ball hit from Snappers’ center fielder Danny Santiesteban. Betsill’s run gave Beloit a 2-1 lead after seven innings.

After a scoreless eighth inning, the two teams headed to the ninth with the score still 2-1 in the Snappers’ favor. Danny Vais then gave up two runs to the Silver Hawks on three hits to get behind South Bend, 3-2.

The Snappers were unable to muster anything in the bottom of the ninth inning and went on to drop the series finale, 3-2.

Beloit’s second half record is now 20-14.

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The Minnesota Twins have placed Snappers’ catcher Ben Petsch on the disabled list with a broken left hand, effective today. Petsch sustained the injury after fouling a ball off his hand during an at-bat on July 23rd.

Petsch is batting .300 with two runs and two RBI in four games played for the Snappers this season.

In 22 games played this season for the Elizabethton Twins, Petsch was batting .296 with two home runs and 14 RBI.

Ben played baseball for the University of Belmont where he served as the team co-captain in 2006. In 2006, Petsch set the single season record for doubles with 21. He also holds Belmont University’s single season records in games played, games started, and at-bats.

The move leaves the Snappers’ active roster at 23, two below the Midwest League maximum. Snappers

Greeneville 2 at Elizabethton 7

Record 25 - 10

W: H. Reyes (4-2, 3.38); L: L. Cespedes (1-4, 5.08)
HR: ELI: G. Yersich (1).

From MiLB.com: Henry Reyes and two relievers combined on a four-hitter as host Elizabethton topped Greeneville, 7-2, in the first game of Sunday's doubleheader.

Reyes (4-2) allowed two runs on four hits, tying a career high with nine strikeouts while walking one over five innings. In his last 21 frames, Reyes has yielded four runs on 12 hits with 29 strikeouts.

Relievers Daniel Latham and Blair Erickson combined for two perfect innings for the Twins (25-10).

Gregory Yersich hit a two-run homer, his first, in the third and collected three RBIs for Elizabethton. Ozzie Lewis added a two-run single in the third and Estarlin De Los Santos went 2-for-4 with two runs scored.

Astros starter Leandro Cespedes (1-4) gave up six runs on nine hits with no walks and two strikeouts over 4 2/3 frames.

Drew Anderson hit a two-run double in the fifth for Greeneville (8-30).

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Greeneville 3 at Elizabethton 6

Record 26 - 10

W: M. McCardell (2-1, 2.40); L: M. Roberts (0-4, 10.29); SV: C. Moore (1)
HR: None.

E: Romero (5, throw).

From MiLB.com: Michael McCardell and two relievers combined on a three-hitter as Elizabethton topped visiting Greeneville, 6-3, to sweep Sunday's doubleheader.

McCardell (2-1) yielded two hits and a walk while fanning nine over five innings, giving him 25 strikeouts in 15 frames this season. Michael Rogers gave up three unearned runs on one hit and three walks while recording two outs and Caleb Moore pitched around a walk in 1 1/3 hitless frames to earn his first save for the Twins (25-10).

Matthew Lawman and Rene Tosoni drove in two runs apiece and Daniel Lehmann went 1-for-3 and scored twice for Elizabethton, which also took the opener, 7-2.

Astros starter Mason Roberts (0-4) gave up a run on one hit and five walks in one inning for his third consecutive loss.

Timothy Johnson delivered an RBI double in the sixth for Greeneville (8-31).

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GCL Twins

Current Record: 23 - 8

No Game Scheduled.

The Twins host the Pirates Monday at Noon at the Lee County Sportscomplex.

The Twins remain in first place in GCL South Division, 3 games ahead of the second placed Orioles and 10.5 games ahead of the fourth placed Pirates.

DSL Twins

Current Record: 23 - 24

No Games Scheduled

The Twins host the DSL Reds on Monday, July 30, at 11:00 AM.

The Twins are in 7th place in the eight team B.C. South Divison, 4.5 games behind the division leading DSL Rockies.

VSL Cubs/Twins 0 at VSL Phillies 1 (11 innings)

Current Record: 31 - 32

W: B. Espinoza (2-0, 1.35); L: J. Agudo (1-2, 3.00)
HR: VSL PHI: J. Guerra (3).

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