The Twins win in extras to force a deciding game three.
ELIZABETHTON 4, BURLINGTON 3 (11 INNINGS)
It was the second consecutive extra-inning game of the series, but this time the Twins came out on top.
It did not look good for Elizabethton early. Bubba Starling hit a two-run homer in the third to put the Royals ahead 2-0. Fred Ford hit a home run in the fourth to stretch the lead to 3-0.
The Twins finally got on the board in the bottom of the fourth. Max Kepler singled, stole second, and scored on a two-out single by Adam Walker to make the score 3-1. They tied it in the sixth, when Kepler followed a Niko Goodrum single with a two-run homer.
The score remained tied until the eleventh. D. J. Hicks singled and went all the way to third on a throwing error with none out. A pair of intentional walks loaded the bases, and a wild pitch by Ben Tomchick allowed Hicks to score the winning run.
Much credit for the win goes to the Twins’ bullpen, which worked seven no-hit innings. The relievers struck out twelve while walking only one. Tyler Duffey struck out five of the six batters he faced in two perfect innings. Kaleb Merck worked two perfect innings with two strikeouts. J. T. Chargois struck out five in three innings, walking one.
The two teams square off at 6:00 to decide the championship. Jose Berrios will be pitching for the Twins.
Now it's time for them to win one away.
Home game tonight. They do three-game series 1-2.
Ah, thanks. I thought it was 1-1-1. Even better. I saw on Twitter today from Dave St. Peter that this would be the E-Twins' 6th title in 11 years.
Wow, what a series. That has to a good feeling for Elizabethton to be playing at home with Barrios on the mound. Of course, the Royals will undoubtedly be throwing their ace as well.