The Southeast Performance Pump midget AAA Twins split a doubleheader in Regina against the White Sox on Sunday.
The Twins took the first game 9-7, although coach Kent Phillips said the game was likely closer than it should have been. Then they dropped a 3-1 decision in a game that was called in the top of the sixth inning due to darkness.
“We hit the ball well, especially in the first game,” said Phillips. “From the top to the bottom of the order, we were swinging the bats well, and we scored the runners who were in scoring position.”
The Twins trailed 3-1 after the first inning of the opening game against the White Sox, but then they rattled off eight straight runs over the next 5 1/2 innings to lead 9-3 entering the bottom of the seventh and final inning.
The White Sox scored four times in the seventh to make it interesting.
Jaxon Robertson had two runs batted in and stole two bases in the victory. Ryan Gaab and Rhett Nikolejsin also knocked in two runs each for the Twins.
Brett MacMurchy gave up eight hits, but just two runs, in 5 2/3 innings of duty. He also struck out three. Thomas Husband and Luke Niemegeers finished the game in relief.
“Brett MacMurchy pitched a good game ... and then the relief pitching was good after that as well,” said Phillips.
The Twins other game was called in the top of the sixth inning due to a power failure in Regina. It occurred in the evening, and left the ballpark in darkness, which prevented the game from being finished.
(Details on the game were not available).
The Twins record is 3-1. They will play their home opener on Wednesday night in Weyburn against the Regina White Sox, starting at 7 p.m. Phillips said the game will be a fundraiser for a Weyburn family with a child who needs a service dog, and a good crowd is expected for the game.
Then they will host the Saskatoon Giants on Saturday at Lynne Prime Park for their first games of the year in Estevan. Games will be at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
“We’re playing really well,” said Phillips. “It doesn’t matter who we put in the order, it seems the kids respond well and hit well, and they’re just smart ball players.”
The Twins will then visit the Muenster Red Sox on Sunday.
