ApL Burlington Sock Puppets

Determined Twins Battle Past Royals

Published on July 26, 2011 under Appalachian League (ApL)
Burlington Sock Puppets News Release


Burlington, NC- The Burlington Royals were unable to complete the sweep of the Elizabethton Twins, falling 6-4 on Tuesday night at Burlington Athletic Stadium. Eric Cantell is dealt the loss after a strong start by Nick Graffeo. Tim Shibuya earned his fifth win, the most in the league.

The Twins struck first for the second straight night, bringing in a run on a triple from Eddie Rosario in the top of the first. Graffeo, who made his first start of the year, struck out the final two in the first, and three of the four batters he faced in the second, finishing with a total of six.

In the fourth inning, Murray Watts tied the game with one swing, sending his 11th home run over the fence in right-center field. Elizabethton would break the tie in the top of the seventh, scoring on a wild pitch and a sac fly. The Royals tallied a run of their own in the home half of the inning, when with the bases loaded and one out, Jose Rodriguez grounded out to third, scoring Anthony Howard.

In the Twins' next at bat, they would tally three runs, on a single, a sacrifice fly, and a triple. In the bottom of the inning, Burlington would get one back. Watts led off with a walk, and would score on a double by Jin-Ho Shin, who made it to third on a throwing error by the relay man, Niko Goodrum.

In the bottom of the ninth, the Royals would add a run on an RBI groundout by Michael Antonio, but Elizabethton was too much, downing the home team by two runs.

The Twins used four pitchers in the victory, with two throwing just one third of an inning. Shibuya went six a third inning, allowing two runs on eight hits with five strikeouts. Steven Evans and Matt Summers each threw a third of an inning, with neither allowing a run or a hit. Madison Boer allowed two runs in two innings, finishing the game.

Graffeo went three and two third innings in his first start as a professional. The Leawood, Kansas native allowed three hits and a run, while striking out five. Cantrell gave up two runs on two hits in two and two thirds, being dealt his fourth loss. Abel Gonzales made his second appearance since signing his contract with Kansas City, and gave up three runs in two and two third innings, while surrendering five hits.

Max Kepler went 2-for-3 with a triple and two RBI, a game high. Miguel Sano and Eddie Rosario each had two hits, with the later recording his fifth triple of the year.

Rodriguez was one of two Royals to post a multi-hit game, singling twice in five at bats. Jared Dyer continued his hot streak, hitting for the sixth straight game, as part of a 2-for-3 performance. Watts scored two runs, and homered for his only hit of the night.

Burlington takes the series from the Twins, winning two of three. The Royals open a three-game series with the Bluefield Blue Jays on Wednesday night starting at 7:00. Tickets are available by calling (336) 222-0223.

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Appalachian League Stories from July 26, 2011


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