E-Twins take series from K-Mets

Saturday: Elizabethton 5 at Kingsport 3

W: B. Lanigan (4-3, 3.74); L: G. Leduc (2-3, 5.27); SV: M. Hamburger (7)
HR: ELI: E. Bigley (9). KNG: J. Garber (1).

Bobby Lanigan worked 7 innings allowing 3 runs on 8 hits while fanning four to help the Elizabethton Twins to a 5-3 win over the Kingsport Mets.

The Twins took a liking to Mets starter Oscar Melendez. Nick Romero singled to lead off the Twins attack in the top of the 1st. Jon Waltenbury would reach on a fielding error by Kyle Suire and Evan Bigley singled out to left to score Romero for an early Twins lead.

Danny Rams would strike out, but would make it to first anyway on a wild pitch by Melendez. After Severino ground out, moving Rams to 2nd, Angel Morales would be plunked with a pitch. James Beresford then doubled in the pair of runners to make it 3-0 Twins.

The bottom of the 3rd would see Justin Garber go yard off Lanigan over the center field fence to give the K-Mets a run.

Waltenbury would double in the top of the fifth and Evan Bigley would take a walk, before Jorge Rodriguez came in to replace Melendez. Michael Harrington singled out to right to load up the bags, but Rams and Adan Severino would both go down on strikes to strand the runners.

Rodriguez would be replaced by Guillaume Leduc in the top of the sixth, but despite a Beresford single and a Dominic De La Osa double, the Twins would still come up empty.

With one out on the board in the bottom of the sixth, Doug McNulty would triple off Lanigan. Singles to Stefan Welch, Pedro Zapata and Michael Moras would score both McNulty and Welch to tie up the game before Jean Luc Blaquiere and Justin Garber would get called out on strikes.

It would not stay tied long however as Evan Bigly put a solo-shot home run over the left field fence in the top of the seventh to put the E-Twins on top again.

In the top of the ninth, Nick Romero singled and moved to second on a wild pitch. Waltenbury's fly out saw him to 3rd, and Bigley would sacrifice him in for the insurance run.

Mark Hamburger would allow a single to Moras in the bottom of the ninth, but got Blaquiere out on strikes, took Garber down on a line out and finished the game on a Rafael Fernandez fly out.

Bigley would end up 2-for-2 with a pair of walks, a run and 3 RBIs. Beresford was 2-for-3 with a double and a RBI, while Romero was 2-for-2 with a pair of runs. De La Osa (1-for-5) and Waltenbury (1-for-4) both added doubles, while Harrington chipped in a single to become the one hit wonder of the game.

Despite being O-fer at the plate, Rams (0-for-4) and Morales (0-for-3) both had runs in the contest.

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Sunday: Elizabethton 14 at Kingsport 9

W: D. Berlind (2-2, 11.83); L: M. Alvarez (0-4, 8.82)
HR: KNG: K. Suire (5).

It was only a matter of time, but Danny Berlind was finally moved back to the bullpen. He would pick up the win Sunday in 1.1 innings of relief however, allowing only 2 hits and striking out 2 as the Elizabethton Twins won a slug fest against the Kingsport Mets.

Elizabethton opened the scoring with Nick Romero taking a single off K-Mets starter Colin McHugh. Jon Waltenbury's fly ball single moved him to 2nd and following a fly out to Evan Bigley, Jeff Lanning doubled the pair in.

Kingsport answered back however when Brad Tippett plunked Kyle Suire with a pitch. Suire would move to 2nd on Wilmer Flores line drive and score on a fielding error by Elizabethton's Dominic De La Osa at second.

Adan Severino singled in the top of the 2nd, then stole second base. Angel Morales singled, but James Beresford hit into a force out that took Morales down at second. With men at the corners, De La Osa would knock a line drive to right to plate Severnio. Romero's grounder to right drove in Beresford before Waltenbury took a walk to load the bags. Bigley singled in De La Osa, but Lanning would line out and Alex Soto ground out to strand the remaining runners.

A fielding error by Romero allowed Michael Moras to reach and Tippett would walk Gabriel Zavala. After Imbewer Alvarez was called out on strikes, Justin Garber would reach on a throwing error by Romero that scored Moras, and Rafael Fernandez singled in Zavala. Suire then put this fifth home run of the season over the right field wall to add 3 more to the K-Mets total, making the score 6-5 Kingsport after two.

The Twins tied it up in the top of the fourth. De La Osa and Romero hit back-to-back singles. After Waltenbury and Bigley went down on the strikes, Lanning's line drive plated De La Osa. That would signal a pitching change for the Mets, who sent Manuel Alvarez out to the hill to replace McHugh.

Severino would triple in the top of the 5th and Morales would get hit by a pitch. Beresford reached on a fielder's choice that took Severino out at home, saving the run. Morales would advance to 3rd on a throwing error by Moras, but would be left stranded when De La Osa popped out and Romero flew out to send the K-Mets to the plate.

Kyle Carr replaced Tippett in the bottom of the stanza and worked a quick 1-2-3 inning taking out McNulty, Welch and Rogelio Del Campo, who as brought in to replace Moras. The K-Mets pitcher was injured in a fifth inning wreck at home plate when he was run over by Severino.

Waltenbury would single to open up the top of the sixth, and moved to send on a wild pitch by Alvarez. Bigley would walk, and Lanning would single to load the bags. Following a pop out to Alex Soto, Severino doubled to bring in Walt and Bigley. Morales would go down on strikes, but a Beresford ground ball single drove in Lanning and Severino, to make it 10-6 Twins.

Zavala singled and moved to 3rd on a wild pitch by Carr. Alvarez would go down on strikes and Garber walk before Frenandez's ground out brought in Zavala. Suire would take a walk which prompted Ray Smith to walk out to the mound, removing Carr and bring in Berlind. A wild pitch by the new reliever advanced the runners, and Berlind would give up a double to bring in Garber and Suire before McNulty popped out to end the inning.

Travis Babin would allow a double to Romero in the 7th, and a Waltenbury single plated the Twins 3rd baseman to give Elizabethton an insurance run.

Welch would double in the bottom of the inning, but a fly out and a pair of strike out by Berlind left him on second with no further damage done.

Soto would single, Severino would be hit by a pitch and Morales would walk to load the bags in the top of the 8th. Beresford drew a walk to force in a run, and De La Osa would get hit by a pitch to bring in another one. Romero sacrificed in Morales, which concluded the scoring in the game.

Romero was 4-for-5 with a double a pair of runs and a pair of runs scored. Waltenbury was 3-for-5 with a walk, a pair of runs and a RBI. Severino would go 3-for-4 falling a home run shy of the cycle with 3 runs and 2 RBIs. Lanning was 3-for-6 with a double, a run and 3 RBIs. Bigley and Soto were both 1-for-5 with a run each; Morales and Beresford were 1-for-4 with a walk and a run each. Beresford had 3 RBIs to boot. Mike Harrington, coming in as a pinch hitter, went 1-for-1 to become the one hit wonder of the game.

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Monday: Elizabethton 5 at Kingsport 6

W: M. Powers (2-0, 1.06); L: S. Blevins (0-2, 8.22)
HR: ELI: A. Morales 2 (9). KNG: J. Blaquiere (3), S. Welch (2).

The Elizabethton Twins would go into Monday night's contest looking for a sweep in the series, but home field advantage would work to Kingsport's favor in extra innings and the Twins would have to settle for a 2-1 split.

Raul Batis took the start for the K-Mets. He'd work 3 scoreless innings before Michael Harrington took a double from him. Angel Morales then put his 8th home run of the short season over the left field wall to give Elizabethton 2.

Stefan Welch would return the same in the bottom of the stanza, with his second of the year for the K-Mets going over the right field wall. Pedro Zapata would follow that up with a single, steal 2nd and then attempt to steal 3rd, but Danny Rams rifled a ball to Nat Hanson to take him down at third.

Justin Garber singled off Dan Osterbrock in the bottom of the 5th and Rafael Fernandez singled to move him to second. Kyle Suire's ground out put runners on 2nd and 3rd. Following a pop out to Wilmer Flores, Douglas McNulty reached on a throwing error by Hanson that also allowed Garber and Fernandez to score.

Kingsport would add another run each of the 7th and the 8th innings off Twins reliever Lee Martin.

With the K-Mets up by three, Evan Bigley took a walk in the top of the 9th. Harrington singled and following a Rams' strike out, Morales would go yard for the second time in the game, his 9th of the season clearing the right field wall to tie up the contest.

Steve Blevins would take over from Martin in the 10th inning and would strand Zapata after he reached on throwing error. Wilmer Flores double in the bottom of the 11th saw him taken out at 3rd on a fielder's choice.

Sadly, the E-Twins were not making much noise offensivly during this time. Romero would strike out in the 12th and Lanning and Bigley would both ground out bringing the K-Mets up to bat in the bottom half.

Blevins would get Zapata to ground out, but Jean Luc Blaquiere would go yard, his 3rd of the year going over the left field fence to make the K-Mets winners.

Harrington and Morales were both 3-for-5 with a pair of runs, Morales with 5 runs scored as well. Bigley was 2-for-5 with a walk and a run. Beresford (1-for-4), Waltenbury (1-for-5) and De La Osa (1-for-6) all chipped in singles to share the one hit wonder title.

Osterbrock would finish up allowing 3 runs, only 1 earned, on 7 hits and a walk while fanning 8 over six innings. Blevins' loss would be his second of the season, coming on 3 hits over 2.1 innings worth of work.

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With a 27-18 record, the E-Twins remain n first in the West Division, 1.5 games in front of Bristol. The White Sox come in to Joe O'Brien Stadium starting Tuesday for a 3-game series. The first pitch gets tossed at 7:00 PM to get the battle for the West Division underway. The Bri-sox have won their last seven.

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Beloit, E-Twins both win

Great Lakes 3 at Beloit 4

W: C. Anderson (2-0, 6.06); L: R. Blevins (2-5, 2.45)
HR: BEL: G. Yersich (7).

"Great Lakes" sounds much better than "Midland" for a team location - the Midland Loonies anyone? - but in either case, "Beloit Snappers take a win" sounds the best.

It took them 10 innings, but they did just that, defeating the Loons for a 4-3 victory.

Rene Leveret reached on a throwing error in the bottom of the 2nd and moved to 2nd on a passed ball. Mark Dolenc reached on a fielder's choice that took Leveret down at 3rd, but Juan Richardson then doubled, plating the speedy Dolenc to put the Snappers on the board.

Preston Mattingly singled and Parker Dalton walked off Snappers starter Henry Reyes. A wild pitch advanced the pair and an Erik Kanaby singled drove them both in. Kanaby would be picked off, but Francisco Lizarraga drew a walk. Andrew Lambo ground into a force out, taking Lizarraga out at 2nd. Eduard Perez drew a walk, moving Lambo to 2nd and a throwing error by Greg Yersich on a pick off attempt put the ball into the outfield and allowed Lambo to score. (Good job Greg.)

Yangervis Solarte drew a walk with 2 outs in the bottom of the fifth and moved to 2nd on a Leveret single. After a pitching change saw Rob Zimmermann replace Bryan Morris on the mound, a fielding error by Dalton allowed Dolenc to reach and Solarte to score.

Robert Blevins took over for Zimmermann in the bottom of the 8th. Yersich then made up for his earlier error by launching his 7th home run of the season over the center field wall to tie up the game.

Leveret doubled in the bottom of the 10th and would be replaced by pinch runner Allan de San Miguel. Dolenc would go down on strikes and Richardson would line out before a Yersich single drove in de San Miguel for the game winning run.

Chris Anderson picked up his second win of the season, working one inning in relief. Mike Tarsi and Santos Arias worked a pair each, scattering 3 hits and a pair of walks over four innings.

Yersich was 2-for-5 with a run and pair of RBIs. Leveret was 4-for-5, Dirty had the run for him. Solarte was 1-for-3 with a pair of walks and a run, and Richardson as 1-for-5 with a run batted in.

Game three of the series is Thursday night at Pohlman field as the Snappers look for a sweep. First pitch is due out at 7:00 PM Central Time.

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Elizabethton 10 at Greenville 4

W: D. Osterbrock (4-2, 3.23); L: H. Villar (1-4, 4.67)
HR: ELI: E. Bigley (8), D. Rams 2 (5).

Dan Osterbrock, Evan Bigley and Danny Rams were all instrumental in Elizabethton's 10-4 victory over the Greeneville Astros Wednesday night as they opened up a 3-game set at Pioneer Park. The win, coupled with a K-Mets loss, puts the the E-Twins back on top, 2 games ahead of Kingsport.

Osterbrock surrendered the first run in the game with Ebert Rosario reaching on a fielding error by Nathan Hanson. Federico Hernandez then doubled, moving Rosario to third. An Albert Cartwright sac-fly would bring in Rosario, putting Greeneville on the board.

Astro's starter Henry Villar would hold out until the top of the 4th inning. Michael Harrington took a walk before Danny Rams went yard, blasting his 4th of the year, a line drive, over the left field wall. Angel Morales would single, but then be caught stealing and Nat Hanson would fly out. James Beresford took a walk before Dominic De La Osa and Adam Severino hit back-to-back singles to plate Beresford.

Bigley would homer in the top of the 5th, his eighth of the year finding its way over the left center field fence. Villar then found his way back to the dugout, being replaced by David Dinelli.

Jorge De Leon doubled in the bottom of the 5th and Wilton Infante singled him in, to make the score 4-2 Elizabethton.

The top of the seventh would not go well for Patrick Urckfitz, who took over for Dinelli in the bottom of the sixth. He'd give up a home run to Rams, the second of the game for the Twins slugger and his fifth of the season, which went over the right center field wall. Morales would go down on strikes before Hanson singled and Bereford reached on Rosario's throwing error. De La Osa then walked to load the bases. Sevarino singled to plate Hanson and Breseford, while Urckfitz unleashed a wild pitch to advance De La Osa and Sevarino. Jon Waltenbury sacrificed in De La Osa and a Bigley line drive single scored Severino before Harrington lined out to give the Astros a turn at the plate.

Hernandez walked and Cartwright tripled him in. A wild pitch by Osterbrock brought in Cartwright but De Leon when down on strikes while Infante would ground out. Austin singled and advanced to second on a throwing error by De La Osa, but Renzo Tello struck out to end the inning, with the Twins leading 9-4.

Joel Romero pitched the 9th for Greeneville and Andrea Lucati replaced him for the top of the 9th. De La Osa drew a walk to lead off, then one out later, stole 2nd base. Waltenbury doubled him in to give the E-Twins an even 10.

Osterbrock finished off allowing 4 runs, 3 earned on six hits and one walk while striking out 12 over seven innings. Danny Rondon worked the last two scoreless innings for Elizabethton, scattering 3 hits and a walk while fanning 2.

Game two of the three game series is Thursday night starting at 7:00 PM. It s a Thirsy Thursday for the 'Stros as well as the Andrew Johnson bobble head give away.

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Wisconsin blanks Snappers; E-Twins top K-Mets

Beloit 0 at Wisconsin 10

W: K. Renaud (1-2, 3.82); L: D. Bromberg (6-8, 4.85)
HR: WIS: D. Almonte 2 (8), B. Ochoa (3).

The Beloit Snappers continued to struggle at the plate, this time being shut out by the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. Wisconsin starter Keith Renaud scattered four hits and a pair of walks over 6.2 innings to keep the Snappers off balance.

Daniel Carroll singled for the T-Rattlers to lead off the bottom of the first and Denny Almonte put a David Bromberg pitch over the left field wall for his seventh home run of the season, helping Wisconsin to an early 2-0 lead.

Despite going down on the strikes in the bottom of the first, Edilio Colina would make it first base on a wild pitch by Bromberg. Joe White singled, moving Colina to 3rd and Alex Liddi's ground out served to plate the runner.

The bottom of the sixth saw Denny Almonte leading off with a home run, his eighth of the season going over the left field wall. Colina singled and advanced to 3rd on a throwing error by Juan Richardson. white would go down on strikes before Liddi singled to drive in Colina. Joseph Dunigan doubled out to right to score Liddi and moved to 3rd on the throw from right field. Beloit field manager Nelson Prada took Bromberg off the mound at the point, calling Mike Tarsi from the bullpen. Juan Diaz would sacrifice in Dunigan before Tarsi allowed a double to Blake Ochoa. Maximo Mendez's single would get Ochoa to 3rd, but he'd be stranded when Carroll was taken out on strikes.

Danny Hernandez would replace Tarsi in the bottom of the 8th, and walked Liddi. Dunigan ground into a force out that took Liddi out at 2nd. Diaz then tripled to drive in Dunigan before Ochoa put his 3rd home run of the season over the left field wall to finish off the scoring.

Chris Cates, Richardson, Greg Yersich, Andrew Schmiesing and Jeanfred Brito were all 1-for-3, Cates with a walk as well. Estarlin De Los Santos was 1-for-4. No multiple hit and no extra bases. And only 1 walks.

Bromberg suffered his 8th loss of the season giving up 7 runs on 8 hits while striking out 8 over 5.1 innings.

Having rattled enough, the Snappers now get a little loony, returning to Pohlman Field to host the Great Lakes Loons for a 3-game series. First pitch is due at 7:00 PM.

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Kingsport 8 at Elizabethton 9

W: B. Lanigan (3-3, 3.72); L: M. Alvarez (0-3, 6.75); SV: M. Hamburger (5)
HR: KNG: D. McNulty (6). ELI: E. Bigley (7), M. Harrington (7), J. Waltenbury (6).

The Elizabethton Twins were able to stop a late inning rally by the Kingsport Mets to remain n first place in the Appy League's west division.

Kingsport would get to E-Twins starter Bobby Lanigan first, when Seth Williams singled in the top of the 2nd inning. A fielding error by Danny Rams at first allowed Stefan Welch to reach and sent Williams to 3rd. Pedro Zapata's ground out served to plate Williams and a sac-fly by Doug McNulty brought in Welch.

Rafael Fernandez singled in the top of the 3rd, moved to 2nd on Kyle Suire's ground out and scored on a Charles Doyle line drive to left, making it 3-0 Kingsport.

The Twins would finally answer back though in the bottom of that inning when Dominic De La Osa was hit by a pitch. One out later, Jon Waltenbury put his 6th home run of the season over the right field wall to give Elizabethton two.

McNulty would homer in the top of the fourth, a solo-shot that cleared the center field fence.

Michael Harrington returned the favor in the bottom half of the inning, his 7th of the year going over the right field wall. Following a ground out to Evan Bigley and a strike out to Danny Rams, Angel Morales doubled and James Beresford took a walk. De La Osa reached on a force attempt to load the bags, but Romero would pop out to strand them.

Waltenbury lead off the attack in the fifth by drawing a walk. Manuel Alvarez would come into replace Collin McHugh on the mound and Alex Soto took a double off of him to bring Waltenbury home. Michael Harrington then double to score Soto, putting the E-Twins on top. Bigley launched his 7th home run of the season over the left center field wall for a pair of insurance runs. Rams would single before Jorge Rodriguez replaced Alvarez on the mound. Morales singled off the new hurler, as did Beresford, which plated Rams. De La Osa would go down on the strikes before Romero singled to drive in Morales. Having batted around the order, Waltenbury drew another walk. Soto hit into a force out this time that took Beresford out at home, saving the run. Harrington would ground out to end the inning.

With two outs in the top of the 7th, Suire walked and Doyle doubled. Wilmer Flores singled to drive in Suire and a Williams fly ball single brought in Doyle. E-Twins field manager would then bring in Steve Blevins to replace Lanigan. A throwing error by Beresford allowed Welch to reach and Flores to score before Blevins could get Zapata to ground out to bring the E-Twins up to bat again.

A walk to Fernandez and a double to Suire brought in the final Mets run.

Mark Hamburger worked the final inning for his fifth save of the season.

Rams and Morales were both 3-for-4 at the plate with a walk and a run, Morales with a double. Harrington was 2-for-5 with a double and a pair of runs and a pair of runs scored. Waltenbury was 1-for-3 with 2 walks, 2 runs and 2 RBIs, while De La Osa and Beresford were both 1-for-4, De La Osa with a run, Beresford with a walk and a run scored.

Romero, Soto and Bigley were each 1-for-5, Soto with a double a run and a RBI and Bigley with a run and two RBIs on the yarder.

The Twins take Tuesday off. They then head over to Greeneville to face the Astros on Wednesday for a 7:00 PM game.

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DSL Rockies 1 at DSL Twins 4

W: A. Salcedo (2-4, 1.65); L: N. Gonzalez (2-4, 3.24); SV: E. Alvarez (11)
HR: DSL ROCK: J. Crousset (4).

Adrian Salcedo worked 7 innings for the DSL Twins, allowing only 1 run, earned on 7 hits and a walk while fanning four to pick up only his second win of the season as the DSL Twins downed the DSL Rockies, 4-1.

Felix Caro doubled , then came home on a Jhonatan Arias single in the bottom of the 3rd to open up the scoring for the D-Twins.

In the bottom of the sixth, Jairo Rodriguez reached on a fielders choice that saw Oswaldo Arcia taken out at home. Jean Carlos Mercedes singled to drive in Rodrigez, and Mercedes moved to 3rd on a throwing error by Miguel De Leon. A wild pitch by Rockie's starter Nelson Gonzalez allowed Mercedes to score.

Back-to-back doubles to Arcia and Jairo Perez in the bottom of the 8th, add an extra point on for the Twins, rounding out the offense.

The lone Rockie's run came in the form of Juan Crousset's fourth home run of the season in the top of the first.

Perez finished up 2-for-3 with a double while Arcia was 2-for-4 with a double and a run. Danny Santana, Arias and Mercedes were all 1-for-4, Santana with a double, Arias with a walk and Mercedes with a run. Caro was 1-for-3 with a double and a run. Rodriguez was 0-for-4 despite having a run.

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Pulaski, Elizabethton split two

Friday: Pulaski 0 at Elizabethton 9

W: B. Lanigan (2-1, 2.74); L: T. Lewis (0-1, 9.72)
HR: ELI: E. Bigley (4), D. De La Osa (2).

Bobby Lanigan scattered 3 hits over 7 innings while fanning 8 as the Elizabethton Twins blanked the Pulaski Mariners, 9-0.

The Twins offense got off to a quick start in the bottom of the first, with Dominic De La Osa going yard right out of the gate. Nick Romero would go down on strikes before Jon Waltenbury took a walk. Michael Harrington then singled and Evan Bigley doubled to drive in Waltenbury. A wild pitch by Pulaski starter Taylor Lewis scored Harrington while Bigley scored on Juan Richardson's ground out.

The hits kept coming in the second as Angel Morales singled. James Beresford would hit into a force out however that took Morales down at 2nd. De La Osa and Romero both walked to load the bags. Waltenbury would go down on strikes before Harrington singled to drive in two of the three runners.

Jose Rios replaced Lewis at the top of the 3rd, and managed to keep the E-Twins quiet until the bottom of the 5th when Bigley put his fourth of the year over the right field wall. Juan Richardson and Danny Rams then hit back-to-back doubles to add another run to the total. Angel Morales was plunked by a pitch and a wild pitch off Rios advanced the pair of runners. Beresford went down on strikes before a fielding error by Gabriel Noriega allowed De La Osa to reach and Rams to score. Pulaski would turn to Brent Gaphardt to get the last out, and he got Romero to ground out to second.

Morales was 2-for-3 with a double in the game, while Harrington and Bigley were both 2-for-4, Harrington with one run and two RBIs, Bigley with a pair of runs and and matching RBIs. Richardson, Rams and Dea La Osa were 1-for-4 with De La Osa getting a walk, 2 runs and a RBI, while Richardson and Rams had a run and an a RBI each.

Kyle Carr and Mark Hamburger finished off the contest, working an inning each.

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Saturday: Pulaski 15 at Elizabethton 3

W: F. Williamson (2-2, 5.57); L: B. Tippett (5-2, 2.53)
HR: PUL: K. Sams 2 (10), D. Benitez (1). ELI: N. Romero (4).

The Pulaski Mariners abused Aussie starter Brad Tippett and pounded out a total of 15 runs on 16 hits as they romped over the Elizabethton Twins on Saturday night.

Dominic De La Osa singled, then stole 2nd, coming home on Nick Romero's double to put the Twins on the board in the bottom of the first. Pulaski answered back with Kalian Sams hitting his 9th home run of the season over the right field fence to tie up the game.

The top of the 3rd saw Tommy Johnson double. Gabriel Noriega lined out and Deybis Benitez ground out before Jacob Shaffer reached on a throwing error by Romero which also scored Johnson. Shaffer then stole 2nd and scored on a second throwing error by Romero.

Romero sort of made up for the errors in the bottom of the stanza when he went yard over the left center field fence, but that was only one run and he'd allowed a pair.

The top of the 4th saw Sams going yard again, this time over the center field wall.

Despite being well hit at this point, Tippett stayed in for the 5th. Benitez homered off the Aussie, his first of the year. Shaffer was called out on strikes before Mario Martinez singled. Juan Fuentes doubled and a wild pitch by Tippett brought in Martinez. Jose Rivero would sacrifice in Fuentes before Thom Wright came to get the final out.

That did not seem to work as well as one might hope however, as Guy Welch came back in the top of the six the a double. Tommy Johnson singled and Noriega walked to load up the bags. A single by Benitez scored Welch and Wright would walk Shaffer to force in Johnson. Martiez singled to bring in Noriega. Nathan Fritz came into replace Wright, but Fuentos would sacrifice in Benitez and Rivero would do the same with Shaffer. A wild pitch by Fritz scored Martinez before Sams would get called on strikes to retire Pulaski.

Welsh singled in the top of the 7th and Johnson doubled. Noriega ground out which served to plate Welsh and a double by Benitez brought in Johnson.

The Twins would get lucky in the bottom of the 8th with Romero taking a walk. After Bigley was called out on strikes, reliever Tommy Johannesen-Ellis unleashed a piar of wild pitches, and a throwing error by Johnson behind the plate allowed Romero to score.

The E-Twins were limited to only five hits, with Romero (2-for-4) getting two of them as well as a pair of runs and matching RBIs. De La Osa (1-for-5), Rams (1-for-4) and Morales (1-for-1) had the other 3 hits, De La Osa with a run, Rams with a triple and Morales with 3 walks.

Elizabethton says goodbye to Pulaski and heads over to neighboring Johnson City to face the Cardinals. The E-Twins continue to lead the West Division with a 19-10 record, 3.5 games ahead of Bristol. Pulaski leads the East Division with a 21-10 record, 3.5 games head of Danville.

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This just showed up on a Google Alert. The event was July 10th, but I found it amusing:
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Snappers wipe out Whitecaps

West Michigan 3 at Beloit 5

W: S. Arias (5-3, 3.08); L: T. Weber (0-2, 4.24); SV: C. Anderson (2)
HR: WMI: K. Kaiser (5). BEL: D. Romero (3).

Billed as the rematch of last year's finals series, it was good to see the Beloit Snappers get back on the winning track against Lakeland Tigers to be - West Michigan.

Thad Weber took the mound for the Detroit farm while Twins prospect Santos Arias handled the pitching for the Snappers. Both kept the opponent off the board through the first two innings.

In the top of the 3rd, Brandon Douglas singled with one out on the board, then moved to 3rd on a throwing error by Arias on the pick off attempt. Keith Stein would take a walk before Justin Henry ground into a force out that scored Douglas and took out Stein. Henry would to 2nd on a throwing error by Santos. The Twins young Dominican then unleashed a wild pitch that saw Henry try to come home but he'd be nabbed at the plate, retiring the side.

After Greg Yersich flew out to center, Andrew Schmiesing's line drive got him on board. Mark Dolenc singled to move Schmiesing to 2nd, and Jeanfred Brito would reach on a force attempt. The Whitecaps tried to catch Schmiesing, but to no avail, as he would score to tie up the game. Estarlin De Lo Santos ground into a force out that took down Brito and scored Dolenc. De Lo would advance to 2nd on a throwing error, but Ben Revere flew out to end the inning.

Kody Keiser took a home run off Arias in the top of the 4th to tie up the game again. His fifth of the season went over the left field fence.

Deibinson Romero then homered over the left field wall to take the lead back for the Snappers. Rene Leveret singled and, after Ramon Santana went down on strikes, Yersich would lace a line drive double to center. Allan de San Miguel would come into the game to run for Leveret, and a wild pitch by Weber scored the Aussie catcher. Schmiesing then sacrificed Yersich in. Dolenc would single before Emmanuel Miguelez replace Weber on the mound, getting Brito to pop out to end the inning.

Arias worked six innings allowing 2 runs, earned, on 5 hits and a pair of walks while striking out 9. Mike Allen worked the next two innings allowing 3 hits and striking out 2.

Craig Anderson would be on the mound for the ninth inning when Henry singled, then came home on Kaiser's double to give the Whitecaps one more. They would still end up a couple shy as Tucker went down on strikes to end the contest.

Dolenc finished off 2-for-3 with a run while Romero was 2-for-4 with a run and a run batted in. Leveret and Schmiesing each had a single, while Yersch was 1-for-4 with a double and a run.

Game two of the three-game series is Thursday at 7:00 on an Applebee's Kids Club Day.

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Snappers
Whitecaps
Take I-75 North Blog
Wednesday:
GR Press
BDN

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Greeneville 6 at Elizabethton 4

W: C. Pitkin (2-0, 1.61); L: L. Martin (2-2, 6.00)
HR: GRE: K. Hinze (4). ELI: D. Rams (3).

Shooter Hunt worked a nice six innings, allowing 2 runs, one earned on a pair of hits while striking out - get this - 12. That's right - 12 strike outs and NO walks. Sadly, Hunt wasn't enough to get this game done as the Elizabethton Twins bullpen gave it up to the Greeneville Astros.

James Austin would reach on a throwing error by James Beresford, then stole 2nd and 3rd. A throwing error by catcher Jeff Lanning, who was attempting to catch him stealing allowing Austin to score. (Good going guys, way to support Shooter!)

The Twins would not tie it up until the bottom of the fifth, when Evan Bigley doubled off Austin starter Jose Trinidad, then moved to 3rd on Juan Richardson's ground out. Lanning would single one out later to score Bigley.

Greeneville responded in the top of the sixth with Jose Altuve doubling with one out on the board. A wild pitch by Hunt moved Altuve to 3rd and a second wild pitch would allow Altuve to score. Hunt just managed to miss the rare four-strike out inning when he got Ebert Rosario to ground into a force out to end it.

Jon Waltenbury doubled out to center off Trinidad, then came home on a Michael Herrington single. Bigley ground into a force out that nabbed Harrington at 2nd, then proceeded to steal 2nd. A throwing error by Astro's catcher Carlos Mojica allowed Bigley to advance to 3rd. Richardson would sacrifice him in, putting the E-Twins on top again.

Thom Wright replaced Hunt in the top of the 7th, and following a ground out to Devon Torrence, walked Carlos Mojica. Jorge De Leon singled and Wright would plunk Wilton Infante with a pitch to load the bags. Kyle Carr would come into take over from Wright, and walked Jay Austin to force in a run, tying the game. Lee Martin then stepped up to the mound and got Altuve to fly out and Frank Almonte to ground out to retire the Astros.

Colton Pitkin replaced Trinidad on the mound in the bottom of the stanza and after giving up a single to Lanning, induced Beresford to hit into a double play. He'd then take Dominic De La Osa out on strikes to end the inning.

Kyle Miller walked off Martin in the top of the 8th and would be replaced by Albert Cartwright as a pinch-runner. Cartwright then stole 2nd. Rosaro's single to right plated Cartwright. Rosario would then steal 2nd, and Torrence would take a walk. Mojica's sac-bunt advanced the runners but Rosario would be taken down at the plate, allowing Jorge De Leon to reach on a fielder's choice. A throwing error by Alex Soto on the pick off attempt moved Torrence to 3rd. Infante took a walk and a passed ball by Soto allowed Torrence to score. Steve Blevins would come in to replace Martin and unleashed a wild pitch that send De Leon to 3rd and Infante to 2nd. They'd be stranded there, as Austin ground out to first.

Kody Hinze homered in the top of the 9th, and Danny Rams did the same for the E-Twins in the bottom of the inning, but the Twins bats could not over come the 2-run deficit from the 8th inning.

Lanning was 2-for-3 with a RBI, Waltenbury was 2-for-4 with a pair of doubles and Harrington was 2-for-4 with a RBI. Beresford was the one hit wonder of the game going 1-for-3 at the plate. Bigley and Rams were both 1-for-4, Bigley with a double and a pair of runs, and Rams with the home run (1 R, 1 RBI).

The E-Twins finish up the 3 game series 1-2, and host the Pulaski Mariners for a 3 game series starting on Thursday at 7:00 PM.

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Wednesday:
G-Sun
E-Star

The sounds of silence?

Elizabethton 0 at Greeneville 3

W: C. Pitkin (1-0, 0.60); L: B. Tippett (3-1, 2.25)
HR: None.

Greeneville's Henry Villar and Colton Pitkin combined to hold the Elizabethton Twins to only 4 hits, no walks - and most importantly no runs - Thursday night at Pioneer Park.

Nick Romero, Jon Waltenbury, and Danny Rams were all one hit wonders for the E-Twins, who aren't used to such struggles. Michael Harrinton was 1-for-3 at the plate with a double.

Brad Tippett would take the start for the E-Twins and was equally as daunting on the mound. In the 7th however, he'd allowed a single to Kory Hinze and a double to Renzo Tello. Richardo Bonfante knocked them both in with a line drive to left.

Nathon Fritz would replace Tippy on the mound for the 8th, and allowed a single to Wilton Infante. Infante would be caught trying to steal, but Jay Austin took a free pass off Fritz. Jose Alluve singled, moving Austin to 3rd, and the freeloader was sacrificed in by Ebert Rosario.

The E-Twins, after an unusual 1-2 series against the Astros, head over to Bristol to face face the Chicago White Sox affiliate there. Game time for the Independence day contest is 7:00 PM.

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Thursday:
G-Sun
E-Star
E-Star Notebook

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DSL Twins 8 at DSL DiamondbackReds 0

W: E. Cardenas (3-1, 1.29); L: T. Gutierrez (0-2, 5.40)
HR: None.

Danny Santana was 3-for-5 at the plate with a run and 2 RBIs as the visiting DSL Twins banged out 8 runs on 14 hits blanking the DSL DiamondbackReds, 8-0.

Eliecer Cardenas scattered 5 hits and a walk over six innings in his start for the Twins. He'd strike out 8 Dia-Reds players during his tenure on the mound. Carlos Carrillo and Renzo Reverol finished up the contest.

Eliel Sierra doubled and Manuel Soliman and Jhontan Arias hit back-to-back singles which plate Sierra to open up the scoring for the D-Twins. A wild pitch by Teo Gutierrez put Soliman on 3rd. 2 outs later, Santana's single would score Soliman, while Arias high tailed it home on the throw in from right by Jose Victor.

Arias doubled in the top of the fourth Yancarlo Franco drew a walk. Xavier Gonzalez would be taken out on strikes before Santana walked to load up the bases. Lesther Galvan then walked to force in Arias, making it 4-0 D-Twins.

Felix Caro would single in the top of the seventh, then be replaced by pinch runner Yorby Martinez. Oswaldo Arcia and Siera hit back-to-back singles that scored Martinez, for the D-Twins 5th run.

Franco triple to lead off the top of the eighth. After Gonzalez when down on strikes Santana doubled to score Franco. Galvan singled and following a pitcher change that saw Victor Navarro to the mound, a passed ball by Alberto Restrepo moved Galvin to 2nd. Martinez would ground out, but Santana came home on the play. Galvin would score on Arcia's follow up single. Sierra and Soliman would both be hit by pitches, but Arias lined into the final out to retire the side.

Siera and Arias were both 2-for-4, Sierra with a run and a RBI, Arias with a pair of runs and a walk. Arcia was 2-for-5 with a RBI. Galvan, Soliman and Franco were all 1-for-4 with a run, Galvan and Soliman with RBIs as well.

The D-Twins host the DSL Cubs1 for a 10:30 AM Dominican time game on Friday.

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Rams tough on Bluefield

Elizabethton 9 at Bluefield 5

W: B. Tippett (2-0, 2.70); L: K. Moreland (0-2, 15.88)
HR: ELI: A. Morales (2), D. Rams (2). BLU: E. Polanco (2).

The Elizabethton Twins live in their own little world of home run happiness, slugging their way to a 9-5 win over the Bluefield Orioles.

Nick Romero double with one out on the board to start off the game. Jon Waltenbury then doubled to score Romero. Rene Leverett and Michael Harrington hit back-to-back singles to plate Waltenbury before Danny Rams blasted a ball over the left field fence to add 3 more runs for 5-run first inning.

Rick Oleo doubled out to center and Ronnie Welty took a walk. Jason Rook singled to load the bags before Joshua Tarrow's fly ball to right scored Oleo. Welty would score on a Robert Stevens ground out to give the O's two.

Rams doubled and Angel Morales homers to give the E-Twins 2 more. Nick Papasan and James Beresford hit back-to-back singles. After a pair of strike outs to Andrew Schmiesing and Romero - and a pitching change that brought Colin Allen to the mound - Waltenbury would reach on a wild pitch to load the bags. Rene Leveret's grounder to center brought in 2 more to make it 9-3 Twins.

Bluefield would chip away at the Twins lead with Rodolfo Cardonia doubling, then moving to 3rd on a wild pitch by baseball assassin Brad Tippett. ELvin Polanco reached on a fielder's choice that kept Cardona pinned at 3rd. Oleo would strike out swinging before Welty doubled in Cardona to make it 9-3, Twins.

Rook would single in the bottom of the 8th. He's be plated by Tarrow's double. Polanco would go yard in the 9th off Mark Hamburger, sending a ball over the right field line, to finish off the scoring.

Waltenbury was 2-for-4 with a walk, a run and a run scored, while Beresford went 2-for-4 with a run. Leveret finished out 3-for-5 with a run and 2 RBIs. Rams, Morales and Papasan were all 2-for-5, Rams with 2 runs, the other two with 1 run each. Rams would drive in 3, Morales 2.

Evidently, Orioles' pitching did not Andrew Schmiesing who went 0-for-5 with 4 strike outs at the top of the order.

The two teams rematch tonight for a 7:00 PM start.

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Telegraph

DSL Twins 2 at DSL Cubs1

W: S. Rodriguez (1-0, 7.84); L: C. Ciurcina (1-2, 6.38)
HR: None.

Road kill rules continue for the DSL Twins who were clobbered by the DSL Cubs1, 10-2.

Both Twins runs came in the second inning with Jairo Perez leading off with a double. Manuel Soliman then walked and Wilfy Gil singled to load the bags. A double by Felix Caro scored two. Gil would be taken out at third on the throw. Yorby Martinez then struck out and Danny Santana flew out to end the inning.

Perez would finish up 2-for-3 with a walk to go along with the run.

Eliel Sierra and Yorby Martinez were both 2-for-4 but did not factor into the scoring. Sierra would make it to 3rd in the third inning, but Manuel Soliman struck out to leave him stranded.

Cesar Ciurcina earned his second loss of the yar, allowing 7 runs on 9 hits and a pair of walks while striking out 1 over 4.0 inning. Raynard Doran and Renzo Reverol worked a pair of innings each, with Doran giving up one run on 2 hits and a walk and Reverol surrendering 2 runs, 1 earned, on 2 hits while fanning 2.

The DSL Twins host the DSL Reds Tuesday for a 10:35 AM Dominican Time game.

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The GCL Twins were off Monday. They travel to Bradenton to visit the GCL Pirates on Tuesday for a Noon game.

Pictures of Aaron Hicks' game Sunday against the Red Sox are now available. I can't say it's his first game as that was Saturday and was suspended half way through by rain, so let's call it his first complete game.

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From LEN3's Blog:

Now that Miami is out of the College World Series, the Twins will sit down this week with first-round pick Carlos Gutierrez (RHP) and 26th rounder Adan Severino (OF).

The Twins also haven’t signed their supplemental round pick, righthander Shooter Hunt, but I haven’t heard about any snags.

I have heard that it may not look good for the Twins in trying to sign sixth-round pick B.J. Hermsen (RHP) and 29th rounder Joe Loftus, from Holy Angels. It looks like they will attend Oregon State and Vanderbilt, respectively. This happens. Teams take a shot at persuading kids to not go to school and it often doesn’t work out.

Beloit snaps up first win of 2nd half

Beloit 3 at Peoria 1

W: C. Nolte (3-1, 2.41); L: C. Siegfried (1-6, 7.43)
HR: BEL: E. De Los Santos (1).

The Beloit Snappers started out the 2nd half of the Midwest League season with a win on Thursday, breaking a 1-1 tie in the 8th inning and hanging on to win 3-1.

Mike McCardell worked six innings for the Snappers allowing 1 run (unearned) on 4 hits and a walk while fanning six. The run would come when Cliff Anderson tripled out to Mark Dolenc in left. A throwing error by Deibinson Romero allowed Nate Samson to reach and Anderson to score one out out later.

The Snappers had already gotten onto the board with Estarlin De Los Santos leading off the third inning with a single, then stealing 2nd. A throwing error by Chiefs' catcher Josh Donaldson saw him to 3rd. After a walk to Dolenc, Joe Benson would ground into a double play, but it served to plate De Lo.

For the Chiefs, Dae-Eun Rhee worked five innings, giving up 3 hits and 3 walks while striking out 3. Audy Santana would work the sixth before Chris Siegfried replaced him for the seventh.

Sigfriend would still be on the mound when De Lo lead off the top of the 8th by going yard over the left field wall. Dolenc would single and Benson would walk before Jordan Latham replaced Siegfried on the mound. Paul Kelly's sac-bunt would move the pair and a sac-fly by Chris Parmelee brought in Dolenc for the insurance run.

Kelly would go 2-for-2 at the plate with a walk. De Lo, down at the bottom of the order, was 2-for-3 with a pair of runs and a RBI. Greg Yersich, who handled first base in the game, was the one hit wonder, ending up 1-for-4 at the plate. Benson and Dolenc were both 1-for-3 with a walk each, Dolenc also had a run.

Charles Nolte would pick up the win, allowing 3 hits and a walk over 3 innings. He'd strike out only one.

The two teams rematch on Friday with David Bromberg (4-4, 4.65) on the hill for the Snappers.

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Snappers
Chiefs
PJStar
BDN

Bluefield 1 at Elizabethton 7

W: T. Wright (1-0, 0.00); L: E. Gamboa (0-1, 4.15)
HR: None.

It was another hit fest at Joe O'Brien Stadium again on Thursday, as the Elizabethton Twins downed the Bluefield Orioles, 7-1.

The bottom of the fifth saw 4 runs in for the E-Twins as Dominic De La Osa was hit by a pitch to open the inning. He'd move to 2nd on a wild pitch. After Nate Hanson flew out, James Beresford singled to bring in De La Osa. A fielding error by Lance West saw the Bearcat to 2nd and a wild pitch by Eddie Gamboa moved him to 3rd. Jeanfred Brito would plate him with a single. Gamboa would then try a pick off on Brito that ended with the speedster taking 2nd on a throwing error. Travis Keating would be brought in for the O's and Drew Schmiesing drew a walk off him. Jon Waltenbury would smash a single out to right. Brito would try to go home, but would be nabbed at the plate on the throw. Keating would then unleash a wild pitch that moved the pair of runners. Danny Rams then doubled to drive the two in.

Hanson would reach on a throwing error in the bottom of the 3rd, and go on to score on a Schmiesing single.

Michael Harrington would double to drive in Brito and Waltenbury in the 7th.

Brito was 2-for-5 with a run and a RBI, the only E-Twin with a multi hit game. Schmeising was 1-for-2 with a pair of walks, a run and a run batted in. Waltenbury was 1-for-3 with 2 runs. Rams was 1-for-4 with 2 RBIs and 3 strike outs. Harrington was 1-for-2 with 2 RBIs and a pair of walks. Beresford finished up 1-for-3 with a walk and a run.

Danny Osterbrock worked 3 innings for the E-Twins allowing 1 run on 5 hits while fanning 5. Thom Wright picked up the win by pitching the next three, allowing only 1 hits and a walk while fanning 3. Jarrad Eacott and Danny Rondon finish up on the mound with Eacott working a pair of innings, and Rondon the final stanza.

The E-Twins now travel to Pulaski for a 3-game set against the Mariners new farm team. Game one is set for Friday a 7:00 PM

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E-Star
Milb.com
Twins Notebook: Waltenbury
Twins NotebooK: Harrington
Telegraph

E-Twins make Orioles blue with 12 runs

Bluefield 6 at Elizabethton 12

W: J. Eacott (1-0, 6.75); L: K. Touchatt (0-1, 6.75)
HR: ELI: M. Harrington (1), D. Rams (1), J. Waltenbury (1).

The 2008 version of the Elizabethton Twins found a lot to be excited about on opening night, and showed that excitement by blasting out 12 runs on 13 hits to double up the Bluefield Orioles.

Danny Berlind took the start, allowing 3 runs on 5 hits and 2 walks while striking out 8 over five innings.

All three runs came in the first inning with Nicholas Ray and Rodolfo Cardona hitting back-to-back singles. Brian Corley would be hit by a pitch before Berlind would get Elvin Polanco out on strikes. Richard Oleo singled to drive in Ray before Levi Carolus doubled in Cardona and Corley. Buck Britton would draw a walk before Berlind got Arthur Bonevacia to ground into a double.

Berlind would settle down after that for the next four, while the E-Twin bats got to work. Michael Harrington would get things started by going yard over the right field fence in the bottom of the second.

Following a pair of ground outs in the bottom of the third, Jon Waltenbury and Rene Leveret hit back-to-back doubles to put another run on the board. Harrington and Juan Richardson each hit singles to plate Leveret. Angel Morales would use a throwing error by Cardona to get on board, loading the bags. A Danny Rams single plated Harrington and Richadson to give the Twins the lead.

Mark Hamburger would take over for Berlind in the sixth. The eighth would see him surrender a pair of runs on 3 hits. Elvin Polanco and Richard Cleo both singled. Carolus poped out as did Britton before Arthur Bonevacia singled to load the bags. Field Manager Ray Smith would then call for Aussie closer Jarrad Eacott to take over on the mound. He'd hit Preston Pehron with a pitch to force in a run, and issue a walk to Nicholas Ray before getting Cardona to ground out, retiring the side.

James Berseford drew a walk to lead off the bottom of the inning. He'd be replaced by Jeanfred Brito as a baserunner. Andrew Schmiesing would hit a sac bunt to move Brito, and an Eric Santigo ground out got him to 3rd. Conrad Ormann then replaced Bluefield's Kyle Touchett on the hill, and unleashed a wild pitch to bring Brito in. Waltenbury then went yard over the center field fence for the insurance run, while Leveret followed that up with double. Harrington singled to bring in Leveret, and Morales would be hit by a pitch, loading the bags. Danny Rams then hit a grand slam over the center field wall. Brito would ground out to end the inning.

The anti-climatic ninth saw Lance West double for Bluefield, move to 3rd on a wild pitch, then come home on a sac-fly. That would be it though, as Eacott got Carolus to strike out to end the contest.

Richardson was 3-for-3 in the contest with a pair of walks and a pair of runs. Waltenbury was 3-for-4 with a walk, a pair of runs and a run batted in. Harrinton was 3-for-5 in his first professional game with 3 runs and 3 runs scored, while Leveret went 2-for-4 with a walk a pair of runs and a RBI. Rams was only 2-for-5 with a run, but batted in six.

The E-Twins now play a pair more against Bluefield, with games Wednesday and Thursday both starting at 7:00 PM.

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Daily Telegraph
E-Star
Tyler's Twin Talk Blog

DSL Orioles 3 at DSL TWins 13

W: C. Ciurcina (1-1, 3.77); L: R. Garcia (0-1, 2.25)
HR: None.

Not to be out done by the Rookie league E-Twins, the DSL Twins pounded out 13 runs in route to a trouncing of the the DSL Orioles.

Every Twin except for catcher Jhonatan Arias and pinch hitter Juan Blanco had at least one hit in the contest that featured no grand slams - no home runs even.

The O's would get on board first, with Octavio Wilson singling then moving to 3rd, one out later on Moises Ciriaco's single to right. Ciriaco then stole second and Twins catcher Arias thew the ball past 2nd, allowing Wilson to score.

The Twins took it back in the bottom of the inning. With two outs on the board, Manuel Soliman, Jairo Perez and Arias all walked to load the bags. Yancarlo Franco then singled in Soliman before Carlos Vasquez ground out finished the inning.

The O's would get a pair of singles in the 4th, but would get caught trying to steal home, ending the inning.

Rafael Garcia replaced Enrico Jimenez on the mound for the O's for the bottom of the stanza. Willy Gil singled then stole 2nd. Danny Santana's sac bunt moved him to 3rd and following a pop out to Martinez, he'd be plated by Mercedes ground ball single.

Jairo Perez doubled to lead off the fifth, then got to 3rd safely when the O's attempt at a fielder's choice failed. Blanco, who had reached on the play, would steal 2nd. Following a fly out to Franco, Vasquez line drive plated Perez.

Cesar Ciurcina would work six innings for the Twins, allowing six hits and fanning four. The only run he'd give up was unearned.

Santana singled in the bottom of the sixth, followed by back-to-back doubles to Martinez and Mercedes which plated Santana. Following a pop out to Soliman, Perez sacrificed in Martinez. Rodriguez drew a walk and a Franco single loaded the bags back up. A walk to Vasquez forced in a run, and a wild pitch by Eiri Ramirez brought in another. Julio Reyes would be called to the mound and would walk Gil and Santana, which brought in Franco before getting Martinez to ground out to end the inning.

In the bottom of the seventh, Mercedes would single and Soliman double. A wild pitch by Reyes allowed Mercedes to score. That would finish it for Reyes as well, who would be replaced on the mound by Mike Rodriguez. A fielding error by Ciriaco allowed Soliman to score and Perez to reach, and a pair of wild pitches by Rodriguez put Perez on 3rd. Rodriguez's ground out plated Perez.

In the top of the 8th a throwing error by Santana put Wilson on base for the O's. He'd move to 2nd on a Ciriaco single and would score on David Calderon's ground out for the Orioles second run of the contest.

The Twins found two more in the bottom of the 8th, with Martinez singling his way onto base, and moving to 2nd on a Soliman ground out. Perez singled out to left to score Martinez, and would move to 2nd on the throw. Rodriguez's line drive to right plated Perez to finish off the scoring for the DSL Twins.

Deivi Germosen would start out the top of the ninth, and hit Esterylin Feliz with a pitch. A wild pitch moved Feliz to 2nd, while Rojean Cleota's ground out got him to 3rd. After Gino Moranci struck out, Ronson's line drive single brought in Feliz. Germosen would walk two more before Leonardo Parra was brought in to get the final out, taking Ciriaco out on strikes to end the contest.

Wednesday is a road game at the White Sox, as the DSL Twins attempt to avoid another away blanking beginning at 10:30 AM Dominican Time.

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GCL Twins shut out Elizabethton in scrimmage

GCL Twins 2 at Elizabethton Twins 0

Ian Mopas and six other pitchers combined to shut down the Elizabethton bound Twins team during a 7-inning scrimmage Saturday Morning at the Lee County Sportsplex. Kudos to the grounds crew who got the field playable despite last night's thunder storm that knocked power out in various parts of Cape Coral for over three hours.

Herbert Lara singled off E-Town bound Chris Anderson in the first inning, then stole 2nd. Deibinson Romero's outfield fly got him to 3rd, and he was sacrificed in by Andres Diaz. Newcomer Tyler Ladendorf struck out to retire the side.

Mopas allowed a single to Jon Waltenbury in the bottom of the stanza with two outs on the board, but Rene Leveret reached on a fielder's choice that took Walt out at second.

Tim Atherton reached on a dropped-ball third-strike count when Danny Rams passed the ball and then ended up chasing it over to the visitor's bench. Rams did not have a pretty game Saturday morning, I've seen him play better. Thom Wright got Reggie Williams to hit into a double play however. Rookie catcher Jae-Hyung Jang (a.k.a. J.J.) drew a walk, but Hyun-Wook Choi struck out.

I believe Alex Curry pitched the second inning for the GCL Twins. I'm a little vague on this because Elliott Biddle, who was doing the charting, was a bit vague on the new pitchers as well. Hence we have "Scott somebody" pitching the 3rd inning for the GCL Twins and "I want to say his name is Mike" pitching the fourth. Angel Morales struck out before Rams would get drilled by a pitch. Evan Bigly hit a double, but Rams never moved from second base, so the new outfielder found himself stuck between 1st and 2nd and surrendered without a battle. Nick Papasan struck out to end the inning.

Lara lead off the third inning by taking a single off Jarrad Eacott. With Jakub Hajtmar at the plate, he stole 2nd. Hajtmar - who for some reason missed his first at bat - struck out. Romero - playing a rehab assignment for Beloit - ground out. With Andres Diaz at the plate, Lara stole 3rd. Rams throw went wide of 3rd and into the outfield, so Lara simply came home, giving the GCL boys two. Diaz would ground out to third, giving the Elizabethton boys another shot.

James Beresford would strike out and Eric Santiago ground out in the third before Andrew Schmiesing and Paul Kelly hit back-to-back singles. Kelly was playing on a rehab assignment - unofficially of course - for the Fort Myers Miracle. However, Waltenbury would strike out to end the inning, stranding the runners.

Ladendorf and Atherton both ground out before Williams drew a walk in the top of the fourth, but JJ struck out to end the side. Leveret would lead off bottom of the inning with a single, but a fly out to Morales and strike outs to Rams and Bigly did nothing advance the E-Town Twins offense.

The fifth inning would put three-up and three-down on both sides.

Diaz and Ladendorf draw walks in the sixth but took them no where, while Schmie led off with a single for the home team, Kelly struck out and Walt and Rene ground out to end the inning.

The GCL boys did not bat the top of the 7th. Lee Martin worked the fourth inning for the E-town team, Omar Alcala the fifth and Danny Rondon the sixth.

Argentinian pitcher Schiovani pitched the 7th for the GCL Twins, getting Morales to strike out and Rams to ground out before issuing a single to Bigly and a double to Papi to put men in scoring position. Beresford would strike out however, to end the game.

"We need to get a lot better, fast," Jim Shellenbach said of the Elizabethton Team. "We just got shut out."

The bus leaves at midnight for Joe O'Brien Stadium.

The boys had a slight thrill when Space Shuttle Discovery passed over head and they heard the sonic boom which one described as "it sounded like someone shot off two cannons." The space shuttle landed safely this morning at 11:15 at Cape Canaveral which is about 200 miles from the Sportsplex.

In other news, Jose Leger was released by the Twins and while some of the boys on our DL are getting healthy, others are not. Liam Hendriks was added to the Disabled List with bone spurs in his back. He will be leaving this week for Minnesota for treatment.

The Elizabethton Twins open their season on Tuesday, while the GCL Twins begin play on Thursday. Barring another power failure, I will get the GCLTwins.com site updated with the new schedule later today.