The American Legion Twins lost 4-0 to South at the state tournament Sunday at Mulcahy Stadium in Anchorage.
“This is probably the best game that’s been played in the tournament to date,” Twins assistant Gary Oliver said. “It was close and tight.
“We just couldn’t get a clutch hit when we needed it.”
The No. 5 seed Twins fall into the losers’ bracket at the double-elimination tournament and will have to win five more times to be the tournament champs. The Twins play No. 3 Chugiak today at 10 a.m. today. The squads split a pair games this year.
Nick Jensen and Sage Dudick combined to shut out the Twins for No. 8 seed South.
Jensen pitched seven innings and allowed five hits, while Dudick allowed just one hit over the final two innings.
The Twins received solid outings from Klayton Justice and Tyler Covey. Justice went the first six innings and gave up five hits and four earned runs while walking eight and striking out three. Covey gave up two hits in three scoreless innings while walking two and striking out one.
“We are very proud of both of their performances,” Oliver said.
Oliver said the defense also continues to be solid. The Twins had just one error and have not given up an unearned run in the tournament.
At the plate, Josh Darrow was 2 for 4 while Justin Wisnewski was 1 for 2 before twisting his ankle in the bottom of the fifth.
Oliver said the injury swelled up so much that Wisnewski likely is done for the tournament.
“I hope Justin recovers as quick as he can,” Oliver said. “He’s one of the team leaders. He’s a solid centerfielder and one of the big bats. His speed on the basepaths also will be missed.”
JJ Sonnen, Dallas Pierren and Kenny Griffin added hits for the Twins. Pierren tripled to lead off the fourth, but was left stranded.
“A lot of guys, even though they hit the ball hard, were hitting it right at somebody,” Oliver said. “We just didn’t get the bounces.”
