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The American Legion Twins began a brutal portion of their schedule by splitting a doubleheader against Service in Anchorage on Saturday.

The Twins lost the first game 9-8 before coming back to swamp the Cougars 12-2 in the second game in five innings. The Twins are now 4-5 in the league and 8-10 overall.

The Twins return to Coral Seymour Memorial Park for a 12:30 p.m. doubleheader today against Chugiak before traveling to Fairbanks for doubleheaders on Tuesday and Wednesday.

In the first game, the Twins grabbed a 6-0 lead after the second inning but Service crawled its way back into the game. Twins starter Mitchell Thompson gave up three earned runs on three hits in six innings, then Bobby Myles gave up six earned runs in six innings.

Service took the lead before the Twins came back to tie the game at 8 in the eighth. Service won the game in the ninth on a single, steal, ground-out and then a sacrifice fly.

On offense in the first game for the Twins, Jake Darrow was 1-for-3 with a run and an RBI, Mike Griffin was 1-for-3 with two runs, a double and an RBI, Thompson was 1-for-3 with two runs and an RBI, Josh Gilbert was 2-for-3 with an RBI and Steven Steger was 2-for-5 with two RBIs.

Vinnie Madrid was hit in the face with a ground ball in the first game and was taken to the hospital, but he was given the go-ahead to play in the second game.

The Twins had 10 hits, but were hurt by 10 runners left on base.

"What we were disappointed in was leaving 10 guys on base, including seven in scoring position," Twins manager John Butler said. "We just needed a key hit there, but at least we were making contact and hitting the ball. Our defense played extremely well."

Due to the nature of the first loss, Butler was happy with the nine-hit, 12-run outburst in the second game. "Even though the last game was a heartbreaker, the guys showed what they are capable of doing," Butler said. "Especially after losing the first game like that, it was nice to see them come out and hit the ball all over the place in the second game."

Larsen Kohler picked up the win in the second game, going all five innings and giving up three hits and no earned runs. He struck out five.

"He was right there painting the corners," Butler said. "His control is starting to come around. He's pitching like he did last year at the state tournament."

Butler tried Griffin in the leadoff spot, and Griffin responded by going 1-for-1 with three walks and three runs. Also for the Twins, Darrow was 3-for-3 with three RBIs and two runs, Gilbert was 2-for-3 with five RBIs and two runs and Thompson was 2-for-4 with two RBIs.