Scoreboard for July 4, 2007

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

Ottawa 3 at Rochester 4

Record 44-40

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Portland 4 at New Britain 2 (7 innings)

Record: 38-43

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Portland at New Britain -- Postponed, Rain

Record: 38-43

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

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

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

Cheapskates!

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

Fort Myers 4 at Dunedin 9

Record 6 - 8

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Beloit 1 at Burlington 5

Record 7-6

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Hawk Eye*

* Wednesday's article on Tuesday's game

Johnson City 5 at Elizabethton 6

Record 14 - 1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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GCL Twins

Current Record: 8 - 4

No Game Scheduled

DSL Twins 3 at DSL Diamondbacks 6

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

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

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VSL Cubs/Twins 3 at VSL Tigers 4

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

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Scoreboard for July 3, 2007

Rochester 10 at Buffalo 3

Record 43-40

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

E: Heintz (2, fielding).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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New Britain 8 at Reading 2

Record: 38-42

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

E: Molina, F (18, fielding).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Fireworks over Hammond Stadium
Lakeland 4 at Fort Myers 2

Record 6 - 7

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Beloit 9 at Burlington 3

Record 7-5

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

E: Cates (2, fielding).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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BDN*

* Tuesday's article on Monday's game

Johnson City 3 at Elizabethton 5

Record 13 - 1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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E-Star*

* Article published Tuesday, July 3

GCL Orioles 11 at GCL Twins 0

Current Record: 8 - 4

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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DSL Blue Jays I 2 at DSL TWins 4

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

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

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

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

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

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Scoreboard for July 2, 2007

Rochester 4 at Buffalo 7

Record 42-40

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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New Britain 4 at Reading 21

Record: 37-42

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

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

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

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

Final score: Phillies 21, New Britain 4.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Eagle

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


Danny Valencia

Lakeland 0 at Fort Myers 4

Record 6 - 6

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Clinton 3 at Beloit 9

Record 6-5

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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* Monday articles on Sunday's game

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

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

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

Elizabethton 13 at Britsol 1

Record 12 - 1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Catching up with the E-Star

Sunday
Sunday 2
Monday

GCL Twins 5 at GCL Reds Sox 2

Current Record: 8 - 3

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Scoreboard for July 1, 2007

JAY CAPERS RDC staff photographer
Red Wings center fielder Darnell McDonald unsuccessfully climbs the wall trying to catch a home run ball in the second inning.

Buffalo 8 at Rochester 7

Record 42-39

W: J. Lara (2-2, 5.05); L: B. Korecky (2-2, 3.43)
HR: BUF: A. Marte (9), B. Snyder (9), M. Rose (2). ROC: G. Velazquez (1).

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

From RedWingsBaseball.com: Mike Rose led off the 10th inning with a home run off Bobby Korecky, as the first place Buffalo Bisons rallied to defeat the Red Wings 8-7 Sunday night at Frontier Field. Jose Morales had four hits and Gil Velazquez homered for the Wings. The loss dropped Rochester four games behind the Bisons. The two teams meet in Buffalo Monday and Tuesday, with the Wings returning home for five games starting with Wednesday's Independence Day celebration and post-game fireworks.

Jason Miller, taking the starting rotation spot of Matt Garza after Garza's promotion to Minnesota, started the game by striking out the first batter. Buffalo moved into scoring position off an error and a single. Miller picked off a runner on second and Tommy Watkins made a diving catch to get the Wings out of trouble in the first.

Buffalo put numbers on the scoreboard in the second inning. Miller had a rough time as Andy Marte hit a home run that landed in the Bisons' bullpen. Two batters later, Brad Snyder crushed a home run far past right field to give Buffalo a 2-0 lead.

The Wings rallied for the lead in a run-filled third inning. Velazquez started the inning with a line drive down left field for a single. He advanced to second on a bunt by Alexi Casilla that landed Casilla on first. Both moved into scoring position on a sacrifice bunt by Watkins. Buffalo starting pitcher Jeremy Sowers then walked Darnell McDonald to load the bases. Garrett Jones came up to bat and slammed a ball to an open space in the outfield for an RBI triple bringing in three runs for the Wings. Ken Harvey, after having been activated from the DL on Saturday, hit a barely fair RBI double plating Jones. Harvey then scored the fifth run for the Wings off Morales' RBI single to bring the score to 5-2.

The Wings got into trouble as Buffalo closed the gap in the sixth inning. Julio DePaula came in to relieve Miller and started the inning by walking the first two batters. DePaula allowed a base hit by Rose that loaded the bases. Keith Ginter scored a run off a sacrifice play as the other runners stayed on base. Both then moved into scoring position off a wild pitch. DePaula got the second out before he was relieved by Brian Bass. Buffalo scored their second run of the inning when Marte ran home off a wild pitch by Bass. The Wings were able to end the inning still holding onto the lead, 5-4.

The Wings answered Buffalo's run in the bottom of the sixth. With two outs, Velazquez drilled a ball over the left field bullpen for a solo home run, increasing the Wings lead to 6-4. It was Velazquez' first home run of the year.

Lead off batter Watkins hit a line drive for a double in the seventh. McDonald then made it to first on a strong over throw error by the shortstop. Increasing the Wings lead, Watkins scored off a sacrifice fly by Jones. McDonald then stole second but was stranded as Buffalo was able to hold the Wings to a score of 7-4.

Ricky Barrett came into the game with one out and one on, and gave up an infield single off the glove of Casilla. Barrett fanned Brad Snyder for the second out, then Jonathan Van Every got credit for a run-scoring infield hit on another great attempt by Casilla. Korecky relieved Barrett and retired Hector Luna to escape with the Wings holding a 7-5 lead.

The Bisons staged a ninth inning rally against Korecky, starting with Luis Rivas reaching first on a throwing error by Brian Buscher. Joe Inglett followed with a double down the right field line to put the tying runs in scoring position with none out. Ryan Mulhern blooped a single to right to pull the Bisons within one run, and Ginter's RBI sacrifice fly plated Inglett to tie the game. Korecky had been successful in 18 of his 20 save opportunities this season.

Watkins led off the bottom of the ninth by ripping a single to left, and moved to second on McDonald's sacrifice bunt. The Bisons made a pitching change, with Juan Lara coming in to face Jones. Jones swung at the first pitch and popped up for the second out, then Lara's wild pitch put Watkins at third. But Lara fanned Glenn Williams on a 3-2 pitch to send the game into extra innings.

Buffalo's lead off batter Rose scored the winning run with a solo home run in the tenth inning. With two pinch hitters, Rochester was unable to score in the tenth to end the game. Korecky took the loss for Rochester and Lara was given the win.

NOTES: Morales raised his batting average to .363...Fans who won the "Take Me Fishing" contest held earlier this season spent Sunday morning fishing at Powdermill Park with players Chris Heintz and Josh Rabe, Stan and Stu Cliburn and Red Wings front office staffers. Check out the Hahn Photographic Pics of the Day to see photos. from the outing...Twins Johan Santana, Justin Morneau and Torii Hunter were named to the American League All-Star Team on Sunday. Pat Neshek is one of five final candidates to be voted onto the AL squad; vote for Pat now by clicking here... Brock Peterson smacked a homer and had a career-high six RBI to power the Twins' Double-A New Britain club to a 10-9 win over host Reading on Sunday. Peterson ripped an RBI double in the fourth inning, smacked his 11th homer with a man aboard in the sixth and doubled home three runs to key a five-run seventh, erasing a 7-5 deficit, to put the Rock Cats (37-41) ahead for good. New Britain reliever Jose Mijares (3-0) allowed one run on a hit and three walks while striking out one in one inning to pick up the win. Tim Lahey gave up a run on three hits, fanning one without issuing a walk in 2 1/3 frames to record his third save....Canadian pop-punk rock stars Hawk Nelson headlined the pregame Faith Tour concert in the Walk of Fame area. The band, who portrayed The Who in an episode of the NBC series "American Dreams," has also appeared in the film "Yours, Mine and Ours" with Dennis Quaid. Check out pics of the band's Sunday performance at Frontier in our Pics of the Day section; check out HawkNelson.com and myspace.com/hawknelsononline for more on the band...The Red Wings (42-39 record) need three more wins in their final eight games before the All-Star break to have their fourth consecutive winning record at the All-Star break. Rochester will need their third consecutive winning second half of the season to make a playoff push. Since 2005 the Wings have a 55-51 record after the All-Star break...The Bisons lead the season series 4-2. A season ago, Buffalo won the season series 9-7. The Red Wings were 4-4 at Frontier Field and 3-5 at Dunn Tire Park.

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New Britain 10 at Reading 9

Record: 37-41

W: J. Mijares (3-0, 3.68); L: C. Willey (0-1, 20.25); SV: T. Lahey (3)
HR: NBR: B. Peterson (11). REA: P. Ramos (4).

From MiLB.com: Brock Peterson smacked a homer and had a career-high six RBIs to power New Britain to a 10-9 win over host Reading on Sunday.

Peterson ripped an RBI double in the fourth inning, smacked his 11th homer with a man aboard in the sixth and doubled home three runs to key a five-run seventh, erasing a 7-5 deficit, to put the Rock Cats (37-41) ahead for good.

The 23-year-old first baseman's previous best was a five-RBI game against Dunedin while playing for Fort Myers in the Class A Advanced Florida State League on April 27, 2005.

New Britain reliever Jose Mijares (3-0) allowed one run on a hit and three walks while striking out one in one inning to pick up the win. Timothy Lahey gave up a run on three hits, fanning one without issuing a walk in 2 1/3 frames to record his third save. Starter Brad Baker yielded five runs on seven hits in 5 1/3 innings.

Peeter Ramos belted his fourth homer, a two-run shot, in the fifth for the Phillies (40-42). Jason Hill singled in the second to extend his hitting streak to 13 games.

Cory Willey (0-1), who worked the seventh in relief and failed to get an out, surrendered five runs on three hits and a walk in taking the loss. Reading starter Carlos Carrasco yielded five runs on seven hits in 5 2/3 frames.

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A storm approaches over Hammond Stadium

Lakeland 3 at Fort Myers 2

Record 5 - 6

W: B. Badenhop (8-5, 3.23); L: J. Rainville (4-8, 3.59); SV: F. Dolsi (13)
HR: LAK: M. Hernandez (13).

E: Portes (12, fielding), Dinkelman (2, fielding).

Mrs. Wright wanted to know when I find time to do all of this. I said "I don't, which is why I'm behind on the Miracle site."

The Miracle got behind early on a less then stellar performance by Jay Rainville, and could not catch up. Hopefully, I will fair better.

Rainville walked William Rhymes who came home on a Cameron Maybin sac-fly to put the Flying Tigers on the board in the first. Rhymes again put a hurting on the Miracle in the third when he doubled out to right, then came home on a Maxwell Leon single. Rainville managed to get Wilkin Ramirez to ground into a timely double play to end the inning.

The glowering skies and threating storm had left by the sixth inning, when Rondell White also left the game. Michael Hernandez knocked one over the left field wall to make it 3-0 Flying Tigers. That also ended Rainville's stint on the mound, at which point the Fort Myers squad decided they could break out the bats.

The Miracle rallied back a bit in that inning, when Brian Dinkelman singled out to center with 1 out. Juan Portes reached on a force attempt when Lakeland short stop Mark Haske missed the catch. Dwayne White poped up, but an Erik Lis single plated Dinkelman to put the Miracle on the board.

Luis Ugueto doubled in the bottom of the seventh and moved to 3rd on an Ovalle fly out. Jeff Christy singled to drive him in, making the score 3-2. It started to look promising when Steve Tolleson was hit by a pitch, but Dinkelman ground into a force out and Portes flew out to end the inning.

The Miracle could raise no offense in the last two innings to get even close to tying up the game.

Rainville allowed all three Tiger's runs, earned, on 6 hits and 3 walks while striking out 4 in six innings. Angel Garcia completed the game, walking 2 and striking out 6 in 3 innings worth of work.

Burke Badenhop pitched well for Lakeland, limiting the Miracle to only 1 earned run on 7 hits while striking out 3 in 6 innings. Cameron Maybin left the game in the bottom of the first after suffering what appeared to be a dislocated shoulder. Wilkin Ramirez was ejected in the 3rd by 1st base umpire Travis Brown after the threw his helmet, evidently in disgust at Brown's call on the double play. Lakeland field manager Kevin Bradshaw went with him after arguing the descion with the Brown. Once he pulled the finger out and started pointing, you just knew Bradshaw was getting the boot.

Lis was 2-for-4 on the night with 1 RBI, Dinkelman and Ugueto were also 2-for-4, both with 1 run each.

The two teams rematch tonight, right hander Oswaldo Soso (2-4, 2.50) gets the start for the Miracle.

Rumor Central: Word at the park was the catcher Javi Sanchez was leaving the team to take a coaching position with LSU. I do not have confirmation on this, but will check it out tonight. Sanchez was dressed and in the dugout last night, but Toby Gardenhire was handling catching duties in the bullpen.

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Clinton 0 at Beloit 1

Record 5-5

W: T. Robertson (3-2, 2.23); L: B. Coffman (5-4, 3.88); SV: R. Delaney (26)
HR: BEL: W. Ramos (5).

E: Olson (16, fielding), Cates (1, fielding).

From snappersbaseball.com: Four Snappers’ pitchers combined for the shutout as Beloit defeated Clinton, 1-0 on Sunday afternoon. Wilson Ramos hit a first inning solo home run (his fifth of the season) to give the Snappers all they would need.

After Joe Benson led the bottom of the first inning off with a strikeout, Ramos blasted a homer off the scoreboard. Wilson’s scoreboard smash resulted in Snappers’ fan, Tom Klipstein winning $500 courtesy of West Bend Mutual. Ramos’ homer ignited the fans and the Snappers’ pitching staff as they closed the door on the LumberKings.

Starter Tyler Robertson pitched six innings of four hit, no run baseball to earn his third win of the season. Aaron Craig, Jose Lugo, and “Sandman” Rob Delaney pitched the final three innings to finish the job.

Rob Delaney pitched a scoreless ninth inning to add to his Midwest League save lead of 26. The win pushed the Snappers’ second half record to 6-5.

(I am so looking forward to having Tyler, Wilson and Joe up to play for the Miracle next season.)

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Elizabethton 11 at Bristol 1 (7 innings)

Record 10 - 1

From MiLB.com: Steven Hirschfeld hurled five perfect innings as visiting Elizabethton rolled to an 11-1 victory over Bristol in the first game of Sunday's doubleheader.

Making the second start of his professional career, Hirschfeld (1-0) struck out four before giving way to reliever Michael Rogers. The 21-year-old right-hander has tossed eight scoreless frames since the Twins selected him in the ninth round of the 2007 First-Year Player Draft.

Rogers allowed one run on two hits and a walk with three strikeouts over the final two innings.

Rene Leveret delivered a two-run single in the first and Benjamin Petsch clubbed a three-run homer, his second, in Elizabethton's eight-run third. Estarlin De Los Santos went 2-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored, while Henry Sanchez and Mark Dolenc each drove in a run for the Twins (10-1).

White Sox starter Gregory Infante (0-1) was rocked for seven runs -- six earned -- on three hits and four walks while striking out two in 1 1/3 innings. Adam Tollefson provided little relief, yielding four runs on five hits and two walks with four strikeouts over 4 2/3 frames.

Hancer Vargas broke up the no-hit bid with a single in the seventh before scoring on Logan Johnson's base hit for Bristol (2-9).

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Elizabethton 9 at Britsol 4 (7 innings)

Record 11 - 1

W: S. Steedley (1-0, 5.00); L: L. Guzman (0-1, 7.88)
HR: None.

E: Steedley (1, fielding).

From MiLB.com: Benjamin Petsch and Estarlin De Los Santos drove in three runs apiece to as visiting Elizabethton beat Bristol, 9-4, to complete a sweep of Sunday's doubleheader.

Petsch staked the Twins to a quick lead with a bases-loaded triple in the first inning. De Los Santos delivered a two-run single in the fourth and an RBI base hit in the fifth that made it 8-2.

Henry Sanchez chipped in a two-run double and Ozzie Lewis went 2-for-4 with an RBI for the Twins (11-1), who also won the opener, 11-1.

Starter Spencer Steedley (1-0) yielded two runs on four hits with a walk and four strikeouts over five innings for his first professional win. Omar Alcala allowed two runs and three hits with two walks in 1 1/3 frames, fanning two.

Bristol's Luis Guzman (0-1) was charged with eight runs -- three earned -- on seven hits and three walks with two strikeouts over four innings. Hector Santiago surrendered a run on two hits and a walk while fanning one in 1 2/3 frames.

Sergio Morales collected two hits and an RBI, while Jose Martinez and Nick Mahin each drove in a run for the White Sox (2-10).

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GCL Twins 5 at GCL Reds 3

Current Record: 8 - 2

W: J. Acosta (1-0, 0.00); L: C. Snowden (0-1, 9.00); SV: D. Rondon (2)
HR: RDS: T. Brown (2).

E: Arias (2, pickoff).

Santos Arias gave up a 3-run home run to Tony Brown in the second inning Sunday at the Ed Smith Complex in Sarasota, Florida, but was otherwise excellent allowing only 4 hits and 1 walk while striking out 7 in 5 innings. Meanwhile the GCL Twins rallied back in the 7th inning, to go on to win their contest with the GCL Reds, 5-3.

Ben Revere picked up a single out to right field in the sixth inning and then stole second base to get the Twins fired up. Andrew Schmiesing's ground out moved him to third, and he came home on Jeanfred Brito's ground out to second base. Juan Richardson then hit into a double, but Alexander Soto struck out to end the inning. But it made the game 3-1.

In the seventh, Yangervis Solarte singled to start the inning and newcomer Angel Morales followed him onto base with a single out to center. Nick Biagini laid down a lovely bunt that not only moved his teammates into scoring position, but got him onto base as well. Wang-Yi Lin struck out, but Revere reached on an error by 1st baseman Rafael Sanchez to drive in Solarte, making it 3-2. He would be taken out at 2nd on Schmiesing's force out, but that also tied the game up with Morales coming home. Brito reached on an error by 3rd baseman Brett Bartles that plated Biagini. Richardson's single caught Brito at home, trying to run in from second base.

Closer Danny Rondon came in to finish off the game, allowing only 1 hit with a thunderstorm threatening. Jose Acosta pitch 3 innings in relief of Arias, allowing only 2 hits and 1 walk while striking out 1.

Richardson was 3-for-4 in the game with a double, and Morales, the Twins 3rd round pick in the 2007 draft, was 2-for-4 with 1 run and a triple. Revere, Schmiesing, and Brito were credited with RBIs, the other two runs being unearned.

The Twins stay on the road, traveling to the City of Palms Complex in Fort Myers to take on the Red Sox on Monday. Liam Hendriks is expected to make the start for the Twins.

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Notes: Two GCL Twins alumni, 1st baseman Justin Morneau and center fielder Torii Hunter were named to the MLB All Star game in San Francisco...Kevyn Feiner, the brother of New Britain catcher Korey Feiner is playing for the GCL Reds. He as 0-for-4 today. He his .227 in 28 games with the GCL Reds last season...The Daniel Berlind/Michael McCardell show rolls again on Thursday. Fort Myers fans might want to catch these two talented pitchers while they can as one, if not both, are expected to be doing the Betsy Bop shortly...Rookie League Elizabethton first baseman Rene Leveret was named the Twins Minor League Player of the Week for the week ending June 29. Leveret, 21, hit .370 with two doubles, two home runs and 12 RBIs in six games for the E-town Twins.

Around the Minors:
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Scoreboard for July 30, 2007

JEN RYNDA staff photographer
Tommy Watkins, left, tosses to first base after putting out Buffalo's Jonathan Van Every to start a double play.

Buffalo 4 at Rochester 1

Record 42-38

W: A. Laffey (6-3, 3.10); L: D. Gassner (2-9, 5.00); SV: M. Koplove (8)
HR: BUF: R. Mulhern (12).

E: Watkins (10, throw), Heintz (1, fielding), Span (5, fielding).

From RedWingsBaseball.com: The Red Wings lost to Buffalo Saturday night at Frontier Field 4-1. The loss brings Rochester three games behind the division leader, Buffalo, tying with Scranton for second place. Garrent Jones' RBI single in the first inning gave the Wings their only run and Carmen Cali struck out four in three relief innings.

The Red Wings started the game strong with a lead off hit by Alexi Casilla. He advanced to second on a walk and then to third, barely missing the tag, on a double play by Buffalo. Casilla scored the first run off Jones' RBI single to give the Wings a 1-0 lead.

The Wings defense had an exciting second inning. The inning started when starting pitcher Dave Gassner walked Andy Marte. Marte advanced to second on an error by Tommy Watkins. After Trent Durrington's pop-up foul was dropped by Chris Heintz, Glenn Williams dove to catch another bunt foul for the first out. The second out followed quickly when Marte was caught stealing, and Gassner ended the inning by striking out the final batter.

Buffalo tied the score in the fourth inning. Lead off batter Ryan Mulhern slammed a ball to left field just shy of the foul line for a solo home run. Mulhern now leads Buffalo with 12 home runs. The Wings were able to quickly end the inning, keeping the score 1-1.

Buffalo took the lead in the sixth. Lead off batter Luis Rivas reached base on a single and advanced to second on a sacrifice play. Gassner then walked the next two batters loading the bases with only one out. This is the first time Gassner has walked four hitters all season. Marte came up to bat next and hit a RBI single to bring home Rivas. Mulhern scored the second run of the inning off a sacrifice play making the score 3-1.

The Wings offense could not keep up as Buffalo increased its lead in the seventh. After Gassner allowed two hits and a walk, Cali relieved Gassner with the bases loaded again. Casilla and Heintz were able to stop the runner on third by getting him out at home, but could not stop the next run on a sacrifice play. The Wings ended the inning holding Buffalo to only one run, which increased their lead to 4-1.

Buffalo starter Aaron Laffey worked into trouble while trying to close out the game in the ninth, when he walked Williams with one out. Heintz followed with a single through the hole at short, prompting Buffalo manager Torey Lovullo to bring in closer Mike Koplov to face Doug Deeds. Deeds grounded out to move the runners to second and third, but pinch-hitter Brian Buscher grounded out to end the game. Laffey took the win making this six consecutive wins for him this season.

Gassner took the loss pitching six-plus innings, allowing three runs, walking five, and striking out three.

NOTES: The Red Wings now have a 13-7 record against North division rivals so far this season. Since the International League went to three divisions in 1998, Rochester has had only two winning divisional records (43-37 in 2003 and 41-38 in 2006)....Infielder Ken Harvey was activated from the disabled list Saturday. Harvey, who was placed on the disabled list May 11 with a sore right knee, has appeared in one game for Rochester this year (May 8 pinch-hitter). Harvey started the season on the disabled list recovering from arthroscopic surgery on his right knee. To make room for Harvey the Red Wings optioned catcher Korey Feiner to Double-A New Britain. Feiner batted .105 with one home run and one RBI in 15 games...Class A Fort Myers Miracle pitcher Yohan Pino pitched a seven inning no-hitter in the first game of a double-header Saturday. This is the second no-hitter in Miracle history, and the first at Hammond Stadium.

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New Britain 5 at Reading 8

Record: 36-41

W: M. Maloney (7-6, 4.04); L: R. Mullins (0-2, 3.60); SV: J. De La Cruz (5)
HR: NBR: B. Peterson (10). REA: J. Hammond (1).

E: Molina, F (17, throw), Plouffe (19, fielding).

From readingphillies.com: Phillies lefty Matt Maloney had his work cut out for him Saturday night against the New Britain Rock Cats, a team that was leading the league in hitting, and one that was hitting .294 against left-handers.

Maloney hung in there for seven innings and managed to earn his third straight win, an 8-5 decision before 8,281.

The Rock Cats (36-41) totaled eight hits off Maloney -- three of them infield hits and another a blooper to left. Maloney struck out a season-best 10, and most importantly, did not issue a walk in pushing his record to 7-6.

The Phillies (40-41) tied the game with a two-run fourth inning on Jason Hill's two-run double, which extended his hitting streak to 12 games. The Rock Cats went up in the fifth on Brock Peterson's solo home run to left, his 10th.

The Phillies sent 11 batters to the plate in a six-run fifth, featuring a two-run homer to right by Joey Hammond, his first, and a two-run triple by Michael Spidale. Javon Moran and Juan Tejeda also doubled in the seven-hit inning.

Julio De La Cruz pitched two scoreless innings for his sixth save.

PHILLERS: The last time the Phillies began a homestand on a Saturday was June 30, 2001, exactly six years ago. . . . Rock Cats starter Ryan Mullins had retired 10 straight to start the game. After that, 11 of the next 13 batters he faced reached base. . . . The Phillies need to draw 13,671 fans to exceed 10 million in attendance at the stadium. . . . Mike Costanzo, Juan Tejeda and Jesus Merchan, three guys who have been struggling offensively lately, each had two hits.

Merchan being a former Twins minor league player...

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Yohan Pino

St. Lucie 0 at Fort Myers 7

Record 5 - 4

W: Y. Pino (3-3, 1.55); L: D. Guerra (1-4, 4.27)
HR: FTM: J. Portes (6), B. Dinkelman (2).

I was sitting with Iris over the dugout in the bottom of the 1st inning, Rondell White was at third base, and Dwayne White came up to bat.

"I'm sorry," I told her. "I have to do this, I just can't resist.

"Come on Dwayne! Bring your daddy Rondell home!" Rondell whips around and is pointing at me and saying something to Bolesy, but you know, I have to keep it up.

To Dwayne's credit, he did get the RBI on a double to center to bring R-White home.

"You give your son a big hug for that once he gets in the dugout, Rondell!"

"Maybe you should consider calling him his brother," Iris suggests. But he seemed to get a kick out of the whole thing.

I sent team photographer Al Larson after the two of them later to get a father-son picture.

The story of the evening though was Yohan Pino who pitched like a man possessed. The only mar on the performance where the four walks, with back-to-back walks in the 5th inning that perhaps gave the Mets some hope. But Pino took it away again, with a strike out and a ground out.

In part, Fort Myers News Press writer David Dorsey was not in attendance so no one was around to say "Oh, do you think he's going to get a shut out?" and jinx the thing.

On top of it Yohan's stellar outing, we had Brian Dinkelman hit his 2nd home run of the season in a Fort Myers uniform, and Juan Portes smack his 6th over the wall. Portes was 2-for-4 with 2 runs and 2 RBIs while D-White was 2-for-3 with 1 RBI.

Jeff Christy as 1-for-3 in his first game back, which caused some people to say that they sent him back from New Britain, which was not the case. The return of Chris Heinz to Rochester started a trickle down effect for catchers.

It was a good game to watch though for the Miracle faithful. And I got Jacob Ruckle's autograph, so I was happy.

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Mets fans

St. Lucie 3 at Fort Myers 1

Record 5 - 5

W: T. Stoner (1-1, 4.57); L: Z. Ward (2-11, 3.33); SV: N. Abel (5)
HR: None.

I started out the second game with Milt Cuyler. T.J. had given me some cards, so I had him sign them. He has stories for each of the cards. It's pretty fun. However, this led to the trivia question of the night which was "Who did we get Brandon Roberts for?"

It started out because Milt wanted to know why I called Zach Ward "Penny".

"Penny," I said. "It's what we got for Lohse."

"You also got that outfielder, the one that broke his foot in instructs." We didn't. That was a separate trade although for the life of me, I couldn't remember which player the Twins had gotten rid of for him. The answer, of course, is Juan Castro.

Penny was pitching a bit like Lohse, giving up 3 runs (all earned) on 7 hits while striking out only 1 in 5 innings. It was not one of his better outtings.

The Miracle jumped on the board first, in the 2nd inning, when Erik Lis doubled. Luis Ugueto's ground out moved him to 3rd, and he came home on an Edward Ovalle triple. Johnny Woodard and Calbe Moore both flew out though to end the inning, leaving us wondering why, if Woody was going to fly, we didn't take advantage of it and make it a sac-fly?

Ward blew up in the 4th, with Dan Murphy singling out to Juan Portes. Nick Evans doubled, and then Josh Peterson hit a single that plated Murphy. Ryan Coultas ground out moved the two baserunners along. Mike Nickeas singled in Evans, while Rafael Arroyo's ground out brought in Peterson. Jonathan Malo flew out to end the inning. Ward settled down for the fifth, but was replaced by Alex Smit, in an attempt to find someone the Miracle would give some run support to.

The Miracle managed only 4 hits in the game, but Ward as been victimized by lack of run support all season long.

Another victim of poor run support is Jay Rainville (4-7, 3.52), who will making the start on Sunday afternoon.

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Clinton 5 at Beloit 9

Record 4-5

W: C. Devries (6-3, 3.17); L: O. Poveda (8-3, 2.70)
HR: CLI: M. Gomez (7). BEL: E. Tintor (1).

E: Ortiz 3 (14, throw, throw, fielding), Olson (15, throw), Berg (2, throw).

From snappersbaseball.com: A combined ten errors between the two teams resulted in the Snappers coming away with a 9-5 win. Cole Devries pitched seven innings of six hit, four run (three earned) baseball to pick up his sixth win of the season.

After the Snappers scored two in the bottom of the first inning, Chris Parmelee got things going for Beloit again in the bottom of the second inning with a two-run single. Another run scored on the play off a throwing error from center fielder David Paisano. Parmelee’s single gave Beloit a 5-0 lead. One batter later, Parmelee scored from third base on a wild pitch from Omar Poveda. Poveda’s wild pitch gave the Snappers a 6-0 lead.

Runs from both teams in the third inning made it a 7-1 Beloit lead, a lead they would not let go.

Beloit scored two more runs in the bottom of the fifth and Clinton scored two in the top of the sixth to make it a 9-5 game. Danny Vais pitched two innings of no hit, one run baseball to close the door on the LumberKings.

The win helped the Snappers improve their second half record to 5-5.

Upcoming Schedule: The Snappers play game three of four with the Clinton LumberKings at Pohlman Field on Sunday afternoon at 2:00 pm. Beloit’s Tyler Robertson faces off against Clinton’s Broc Coffman.

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Burlington 2 at Elizabethton 8

Record 8 - 1

W: D. Bromberg (2-0, 3.09); L: B. Gausman (0-1, 2.57)
HR: ELI: S. De Los Santos (1).

From MiLB.com: Michael Allen, David Bromberg and Anthony Slama combined on a five-hitter as host Elizabethton stifled Burlington, 8-2, in the completion of a suspended game Saturday.

Allen, who pitched the first three innings on Friday before play was halted, gave up two hits and struck out two. Bromberg (2-0) picked up where he left off, allowing two hits and fanning three in four scoreless frames.

Slama completed the game, yielding two runs on one hit and a walk in two innings.

Estarlin De Los Santos ripped his first homer, a two-run blast in the sixth, while Rene Tosoni and Deibinson Romero each had two hits for the Twins (9-1).

Royals starter Brian Gausman (0-1) surrendered two runs on three hits and two walks while striking out five in two innings.

Kyle Martin scored on a wild pitch and Jake Lane lifted a sacrifice fly in the ninth for Burlington (6-5).

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Burlington 2 at Elizabethton 7 (7 innings)

Record 9 - 1

From MiLB.com:

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GCL Pirates 1 at GCL Twins 6

Current Record: 7 - 2

W: W. Marquez (1-0, 1.86); L: R. Delossantos (0-2, 6.08)
HR: None.

E: Brito (1, fielding).

Winston Marquez and the GCL Twins defeated the GCL Pirates 6-1 Saturday afternoon at the Lee County Sportsplex. Marquez allowed the only Pirates run in the fifth inning, when he hit David Bomback with a pitch. Ronald Pena then doubled Bomback home.

The Twins got on the board in the second, when Juan Richardson smacked a single to center field. Catcher David Hernandez moved him to 3rd, again with a single out to center field. Jon Waltenbury noticing that everyone seemed to having success knocking balls to Quincy Latimore in center field, did the same thing, plating Richardson for the first run. A wild pitch by Rafael Delossantos moved both Hernandez and Waltenbury over a base. Andrew Schmiesing then ground out to first, but Hernandez was able to come home, making it 2-0 Twins.

The Pirates got one back in the fifth, but the Twins extended their lead in the six, with Wang-Wei Lin doubling out to right field and then coming hom on a Yangervis Solarte ground single. Hernandez then reached on a fielding error by Pirate shortstop Javier Guzman, which brought in Richardson, who had singled on a fly ball out to center again.

Lin singled in the 7th inning, and was brought in by James Beresford double. Beresford tried to extended it to 3, but was taken out at 3rd. Richardson walked his way on base, and then used his speed to come home on a Solarte ground ball.

Lin was 2-for-4 with 2 runs on the game, Solarte was 2-for-4 with 2 RBIs and Richardson was 2-for-3 with a walk and 3 runs.

Paul Kelly played for only the second time, his first game coming on June 20th. He experienced soreness after that and was rested again. Hopefully he'll be okay today and will be able to continue his rehab. He was replaced by Beresford in the sixth inning.

Marquez would finish up with 1 run on 4 hits and 1 walk while striking out 4 in 5 innings wroth of work. Jarrad Eacott pitched two innings in relief, allowing only 1 hit, walking none and striking out 2. Charles Nolte followed with one batter getting on base due to a error by Jeanfred Brito. Then walked a second batter with 2 outs, but got the last man to strike out. Puerto Rican acquisition Nelvin Fuentes, a 16th round pick in the 2007 draft, finished off the game.

The Twins are on the road Sunday, playing the Reds at the Ed Smith Complex in Sarasota at noon.

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