D-Braves loose fielding leads to 12-3 loss; Twins clinch West
Published on August 22, 2008 under Appalachian League (ApL)
Danville Otterbots News Release
DANVILLE, VA- The Danville Braves committed a season-high six errors that led to six unearned Twins runs and Elizabethton cruised to a 12-3 win over Danville on Friday night at Dan Daniel Park, clinching their fourth consecutive Western Division Title in the process.
The Twins (40-23) now tie Danville as the only team in Appy League history to win four consecutive division titles. Elizabethton has now won the Western division under Manager Ray Smith from 2005-2008, claiming league titles in 2005 and 2007. The D-Braves won the East from 2004-2007 before having their streak snapped on Wednesday night.
The Braves simply made too many fielding gaffes on the night to keep the game close. Danville actually scored first in the game in the second inning on a Mike Elkerson double to left field that brought in Chris Shehan, who singled to lead off the inning, to put the Braves up 1-0.
In the top of the third inning, two Twins reached base on back-to-back errors by Jon Gilmore and pitcher Paul Clemens. Dominic De La Osa singled to load the bases, and Nicholas Romero singled to tie the game at 1-1. Jonathan Waltenbury pushed the lead to 2-1 on a sac fly to right field. A wild pitch by Clemens allowed De La Osa to come home for the 3-1 lead.
Danville trimmed the Elizabethton lead to 3-2 in the sixth inning, as Shehan led off the sixth inning with a single up the middle and stole second base. A Jesus Sucre up the middle scored Shehan to bring Danville within one.
Elizabethton scored two runs in the seventh and eighth innings to push their lead to 7-2. They put a five-spot in the ninth off reliever Derick Himpsl to put the game away.
Danville starter Paul Clemens (3-3) will be saddled with the loss tonight, though he pitched a very stellar game. The right-hander pitched 6 1/3 innings, allowing four hits and four runs, though only one was earned. He fanned seven and walked one.
Elizabethton starter Thom Wright will get the win, as he goes 5 2/3 innings, allowing six hits and two runs.
Chris Shehan led the way for the Braves tonight, as he had three hits. Mike Elkerson had a two-hit night at the DH position.
These two teams will meet again tomorrow night in the final home game this season for Danville. The Braves will send right-hander David Francis to the mound. Valpak and Innkeeper will be throwing a fireworks extravaganza immediately after the game.
Appalachian League Stories from August 22, 2008
- D-Braves loose fielding leads to 12-3 loss; Twins clinch West - Danville Otterbots
- Gilmore Named to Appy League All Star Team Friday - Danville Otterbots
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
