Elizabethton Takes Series in Extra Innings
By CHUCK ALTIZER
For Pulaski Baseball
PULASKI – The Elizabethton Twins broke a 1-1 tie by scoring five runs in the 10th inning to eliminate the Pulaski Mariners 6-3, in the first round of the Appalachian League Playoffs at Calfee Park.
The Twins will now host Johnson City, who earned a sweep of Danville with a 20-2 victory tonight, tomorrow night for the first of the best of three championship series.
Oswaldo Arcia, the league’s leading hitter picked his best time to get his first hit of the series singling to drive home the first run of the decisive 10th inning. Andy Leer then smacked a two-out two run double to increase the lead to three.
Leer led Elizabethton (2-0) with a pair of hits and three RBIs, as the Twins third baseman singled home a run in the sixth. Kyle Knudson added two hits, including a double for the Twins.
Ramon Morla drove home a run when he reached on an error to give the Mariners a 1-0 lead in the fourth inning. Matt Browning had two hits for Pulaski, including a solo home run in the bottom of the 10th. Jorge Agudelo also hit a solo home run in the last inning as well.
Tim Boyce started for Pulaski going six innings allowing just one run, while striking out eight. B.J. Hermsen lasted seven innings of four hit baseball for Elizabethton, allowing just the one run on five strikeouts.
David Gutierrez picked up the victory for the Twins in relief, while Matthew Bischoff took the loss.
The loss ends the season for the Mariners until 2011, where the team will return after signing a new two year agreement with Seattle, the parent club of the Mariners.
Governor McDonnell Updates Commonwealth’s Preparations in Advance of Hurricane Earl
Latest Models Continue to Show Track Well East of Commonwealth
Based on Path, Minor Impacts Anticipated; System to be Past Area by Holiday Weekend
RICHMOND –Following a visit to Virginia’s Emergency Operations Center in Midlothian, Governor Bob McDonnell today highlighted the precautionary preparations being taken by state agencies and officials ahead of Hurricane Earl. The tropical system, currently located roughly 230 miles south of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, continues on a northward trajectory at 18mph and has been downgraded to a still powerful Category 3 storm as of the 2pm update from the National Hurricane Center. Based on the present speed of the storm, the system should pass well to the east of the Commonwealth during the day on Friday. The governor declared a state of emergency in the Commonwealth of Virginia yesterday, a proactive step authorizing state agencies to take precautionary actions to prepare for any potential impacts in eastern Virginia from Hurricane Earl. A state of emergency must be declared under state law so that additional resources are available and positioned for use if necessary.
Speaking about Virginia’s state of preparedness, Governor McDonnell noted, “As predicted by forecast models, Hurricane Earl is now moving due north. This is good news for the Commonwealth. However, the storm is still several hundred miles away, and a slight shift to the west would have a significant impact on weather conditions in the state, particularly in our coastal areas. For that reason it is imperative that all state agencies and residents continue to monitor this storm closely over the next 24 hours. Residents in the Hampton Roads area in particular should pay close attention to local emergency authorities and news reports. While we do not expect a major impact in Virginia, we have prepositioned assets as a precautionary measure. Our state agencies are coordinated and prepared to respond to any developments that may take place over the next 24 hours”
Virginia’s coastal areas remain under a Hurricane Watch. Residents in Hampton Roads and the Eastern Shore could see tropical storm force winds with gusts up to 50 mph, beginning tonight and continuing through tomorrow morning. With the current forecast path, there is a high risk for strong rip currents, with waves 8-12 feet at the coast and 15-20 feet offshore. Rainfall of 1 inch or less is expected at the coast. Tides are expected to be 1-4 feet above normal, with a risk of localized moderate flooding, but less than what Hampton Roads experienced during the November Nor’easter. The storm will be well north of the area by later in the day Friday, and the forecast for the holiday weekend is for sunny skies with seasonable temperatures throughout the Commonwealth.
Some actions currently underway at the state level include:
· The Virginia Emergency Operations Center in Richmond is at “response operations” and is coordinating the state’s preparation for the storm. Staffing has been increased on a 24-hour basis.
· The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is making sure storm drains are clear in the Hampton Roads region.
· VDOT has prepositioned resources and performed a successful test of the Midtown Tunnel floodgates last night.
· The Virginia National Guard is preparing 200 soldiers for possible post-storm response in the Hampton Roads region, moving personnel, vehicles and equipment in Hampton and Norfolk to support missions such as high-water transport and light debris removal.
· The Virginia Department of State Police is sending additional troopers into the Hampton Roads region. VSP is also prepositioning swift-water rescue teams in the Hampton Roads region and Richmond areas.
· The Virginia Department of Social Services and Virginia Department of Health are on standby and prepared to open state-managed shelters if those are necessary. Medical facilities are on standby.
· The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is ready to provide sheltering for pets if necessary.
· Volunteer agencies are preparing resources for response operations if needed, including trucks, equipment trailers, volunteers, fuel, food and water.
More information about hurricane preparedness is available at www.ReadyVirginia.gov and www.ListoVirginia.gov. Virginians should call their local emergency manager for specific information about their area; a list of local emergency managers is available at http://www.vaemergency.com/library/directories/index.cfm. General information about the storm and state’s efforts to prepare is available by dialing 2-1-1. Online videos that explain storm surge and evacuation routes are at http://www.youtube.com/vaemergency (captions are available).
Mariners drop game one to Twins
Staff Report
The Elizabethton Twins erupted for three runs in the bottom of the eighth inning Wednesday night and took the first game of a best-of-three playoff series against Pulaski, 7-4.
The two teams play the second game Thursday night at Pulaski.
Here’s recap of the Wednesday night contest, courtesy of Minor League Baseball.
Pulaski Top of the 1st
Mario Yepez walks.
Jetsy Extrano homers (1) on a fly ball to left field. Mario Yepez scores.
Jorge Agudelo hit by pitch.
With Ramon Morla batting, Jorge Agudelo caught stealing 2nd base, catcher Jhonatan Arias to second baseman Gunner Glad.
Ramon Morla called out on strikes.
Jose Rivero flies out to center fielder Oswaldo Arcia.
Elizabethton Bottom of the 1st
Jamaal Hawkins reaches on throwing error by third baseman Ramon Morla. Jamaal Hawkins to 2nd.
Nate Roberts grounds out to first baseman Matt Browning. Jamaal Hawkins to 3rd.
Oswaldo Arcia out on a sacrifice fly to center fielder Mario Yepez. Jamaal Hawkins scores.
Brian Burke flies out to left fielder Jose Rivero.
Pulaski Top of the 2nd
Matt Browning grounds out, third baseman Andy Leer to first baseman Brian Burke.
Jabari Blash doubles (1) on a line drive to right fielder Daniel Ortiz.
Larry Gonzalez grounds out, first baseman Brian Burke to pitcher Manuel Soliman. Jabari Blash to 3rd.
With Jake Schlander batting, wild pitch by Manuel Soliman, Jabari Blash scores.
Jake Schlander grounds out, pitcher Manuel Soliman to first baseman Brian Burke.
Elizabethton Bottom of the 2nd
Daniel Ortiz doubles (1) on a line drive to right fielder Jabari Blash.
Andy Leer doubles (1) on a fly ball to left fielder Jose Rivero. Daniel Ortiz scores.
Kyle Knudson reaches on a fielder’s choice out, shortstop Jetsy Extrano to third baseman Ramon Morla. Andy Leer out at 3rd.
With Jhonatan Arias batting, wild pitch by Stephen Kohlscheen, Kyle Knudson to 2nd.
Jhonatan Arias singles on a line drive to left fielder Jose Rivero. Kyle Knudson to 3rd.
Gunner Glad flies out to right fielder Jabari Blash.
Jamaal Hawkins called out on strikes.
Pulaski Top of the 3rd
Mario Yepez strikes out swinging, catcher Jhonatan Arias to first baseman Brian Burke.
Jetsy Extrano hit by pitch.
Jorge Agudelo strikes out swinging. Jetsy Extrano steals (1) 2nd base.
Ramon Morla reaches on fielding error by third baseman Andy Leer. Jetsy Extrano scores.
Jose Rivero grounds out, third baseman Andy Leer to first baseman Brian Burke.
Elizabethton Bottom of the 3rd
Nate Roberts doubles (1) on a line drive to right fielder Jabari Blash.
Oswaldo Arcia grounds out, second baseman Jorge Agudelo to first baseman Matt Browning. Nate Roberts to 3rd.
Brian Burke pops out to first baseman Matt Browning in foul territory.
Daniel Ortiz strikes out swinging, catcher Larry Gonzalez to first baseman Matt Browning.
Pulaski Top of the 4th
Matt Browning grounds out, shortstop Jamaal Hawkins to first baseman Brian Burke.
Jabari Blash pops out to shortstop Jamaal Hawkins.
Larry Gonzalez doubles (1) on a line drive to left fielder Nate Roberts.
Jake Schlander singles on a line drive to left fielder Nate Roberts. Larry Gonzalez out at home on the throw, left fielder Nate Roberts to catcher Jhonatan Arias.
Elizabethton Bottom of the 4th
Andy Leer triples (1) on a fly ball to center fielder Mario Yepez.
With Kyle Knudson batting, wild pitch by Stephen Kohlscheen, Andy Leer scores.
Kyle Knudson walks.
Jhonatan Arias singles on a line drive to left fielder Jose Rivero. Kyle Knudson to 2nd.
Gunner Glad strikes out swinging.
Jamaal Hawkins called out on strikes.
Nate Roberts doubles (2) on a fly ball to left fielder Jose Rivero. Kyle Knudson scores. Jhonatan Arias to 3rd.
Stephen Kohlscheen intentionally walks Oswaldo Arcia.
Brian Burke strikes out swinging.
Pulaski Top of the 5th
Mario Yepez strikes out swinging.
Jetsy Extrano strikes out swinging.
Jorge Agudelo strikes out swinging.
Elizabethton Bottom of the 5th
Pitcher Change: Bryan Leigh replaces Stephen Kohlscheen.
Daniel Ortiz singles on a fly ball to right fielder Jabari Blash.
Andy Leer called out on strikes.
Kyle Knudson singles on a ground ball to left fielder Jose Rivero. Daniel Ortiz to 2nd.
Jhonatan Arias grounds into double play, third baseman Ramon Morla to second baseman Jorge Agudelo to first baseman Matt Browning. Kyle Knudson out at 2nd.
Pulaski Top of the 6th
Ramon Morla pops out to third baseman Andy Leer in foul territory.
Jose Rivero grounds out, third baseman Andy Leer to first baseman Brian Burke.
Matt Browning strikes out swinging.
Elizabethton Bottom of the 6th
Gunner Glad doubles (1) on a line drive to center fielder Mario Yepez.
Jamaal Hawkins singles on a line drive to left fielder Jose Rivero. Gunner Glad to 3rd.
Pitcher Change: Ryan Kiel replaces Bryan Leigh.
With Nate Roberts batting, wild pitch by Ryan Kiel, Jamaal Hawkins to 2nd.
Nate Roberts walks.
Oswaldo Arcia strikes out swinging.
Brian Burke strikes out swinging.
Daniel Ortiz strikes out swinging.
Pulaski Top of the 7th
Jabari Blash strikes out swinging.
Larry Gonzalez pops out to third baseman Andy Leer in foul territory.
Jake Schlander singles on a ground ball to left fielder Nate Roberts.
Pitcher Change: Michael Tonkin replaces Manuel Soliman.
Mario Yepez flies out to center fielder Oswaldo Arcia.
Elizabethton Bottom of the 7th
Pitcher Change: Tim Griffin replaces Ryan Kiel.
Andy Leer pops out to shortstop Jetsy Extrano.
Kyle Knudson flies out to right fielder Jabari Blash.
Jhonatan Arias called out on strikes.
Pulaski Top of the 8th
Jetsy Extrano grounds out, third baseman Andy Leer to first baseman Brian Burke.
Jorge Agudelo strikes out swinging.
Ramon Morla grounds out, second baseman Gunner Glad to first baseman Brian Burke.
Elizabethton Bottom of the 8th
Gunner Glad doubles (2) on a line drive to left fielder Jose Rivero.
Jamaal Hawkins out on a sacrifice bunt, pitcher Tim Griffin to first baseman Matt Browning. Gunner Glad to 3rd.
With Nate Roberts batting, wild pitch by Tim Griffin, Gunner Glad scores.
Nate Roberts walks.
With Oswaldo Arcia batting, Nate Roberts steals (1) 2nd base.
Tim Griffin intentionally walks Oswaldo Arcia.
Brian Burke singles on a fly ball to left fielder Jose Rivero. Nate Roberts to 3rd. Oswaldo Arcia to 2nd.
Daniel Ortiz doubles (2) on a line drive to left fielder Jose Rivero. Nate Roberts scores. Oswaldo Arcia scores. Brian Burke to 3rd.
Andy Leer pops out to shortstop Jetsy Extrano.
Kyle Knudson hit by pitch.
Jhonatan Arias flies out to left fielder Jose Rivero.
Pulaski Top of the 9th
Jose Rivero grounds out, second baseman Gunner Glad to first baseman Brian Burke.
Matt Browning flies out to right fielder Daniel Ortiz in foul territory.
Jabari Blash hit by pitch.
Larry Gonzalez grounds out, second baseman Gunner Glad to first baseman Brian Burke.
Cougars, Jones upbeat despite loss
By MIKE WILLIAMS
Publisher
Pulaski County Head Football Coach Todd Jones and his Cougars head into the second week of the 2010 season upbeat, despite losing to Radford in week one.
Most of the upbeat attitude is due to the effort given by the Cougar players, and a strong second half performance last Friday night that almost gave Pulaski County a come-from-behind victory.
“We made a lot of mistakes against a good football team and they took advantage of it,” said Jones Tuesday afternoon in the weight room of the Louisa P. Chrisley Fitness Center.
The Cougars committed eight penalties and turned the ball over twice on the night against the Bobcats.
Despite the mistakes, Pulaski County had an opportunity to still win the game in the end, getting the ball back with three minutes to play and needing only a field goal to tie. However, penalties pushed the Cougars in the wrong direction on their final possession and the game would end with the Bobcats on the winning side of a 32-29 final score.
Radford led 26-7 after a poor first half by the Cougars on both sides of the ball.
The Cougars, however, came roaring back in the second half and looked like a different team the final two quarters.
The first score came after Pulaski County’s Pierce Rigney won a tug-of-war with Radford QB Dantae Carter and raced down the field. The possession ended with Cody Long’s 6-yard-run for six.
The next Cougar score came on a 40-yard dash by Jamall Payne. Pulaski County scored two-point conversions on each TD and trailed, 26-23.
Carter scored his first TD of the season next on a 2-yard run to put Radford up 32-23.
Pulaski County’s Randall Cobbs scored his second TD of the game on a 20-yard run – his first came in the opening quarter on a 23-yarder – to close out the scoring.
Cobbs led all rushers with 106 yards on 16 carries. Long had 49 yards on 8 carries, Payne had 38 on 2, and Rigney added 11 yards on 4 carries.
“We came back,” said Jones, “we just couldn’t get over the hump. But I’m proud of how the kids came out and played the second half. Wow, what a bunch of great kids.”
Jones credited the second half turnaround not only to the players, but his coaching staff as well.
“Our offensive and defensive coaches made adjustments with our kids. It says a lot about the coaching staff, coming in and making the appropriate adjustments. The kids were communicating and working. They’re (players) not quitting – not giving up. They didn’t put their heads down they didn’t give up. They kept playing and fighting to the very end and that’s what you want as a coach,” Jones said.
The Cougars entered the game with only 15 practice days and trying to learn new offensive and defensive schemes.
“They’re learning … trying to pick up new stuff. I think they’re starting to get more comfortable with what’s going on,” Jones said of his charges.
While the players are trying to learn new systems, the coaches are learning too.
“We’re still learning the kids, moving them to different spots and trying to find the right spot for all of them,” Jones said.
“Our kids are still learning what we want and what we expect of them, and we’re learning them. We don’t like to lose, but we came out of there with some good things – good feelings. We’ve got a lot of things to improve on. That’s a lot on me. I’ve got to improve. But we’ve made some adjustments and our kids are understanding more what we want to do,” Jones continued.
The new Cougar boss was especially pleased with his team’s improved defense the second half against Radford.
“The entire defense played well the second half,” Jones stated. “Early on we were only getting one or two kids to the ball. In the second half we were getting five, six, seven or eight players to the ball. So team defense – speed moving to the ball really picked up,” he added.
While Jones said a “ton of kids did a good job” in the Radford game, he mentioned several by the name.
“Chase Cook came in with little practice at all running the offense, doubling up and having to play on defense, and he did a good job. Tyler Cole played a really good game. (Pierce) Rigney – we moved him a little bit. James King … we moved some kids. They’re all playing good. Pedro (Salamanca) … just all of ‘em. Wojo (Tommy Wojcik) played with a broken hand and did well,” Jones said.
Next up for the Cougars Friday night is Northside – the defending Group AA Division 3 state champions from last year.
“Very physical, fundamentally sound,” Jones said of the Vikings. “They get the ball in a lot of kids’ hands. It’s hard to key on one person,” he added.
On defense, Jones said, the Vikings – coached by Burt Torrence – “fly to the ball.” He said the Vikings are sound and solid on special teams.
“We have to come out and play mistake-free football. If they turn the ball over we’ve got to take advantage of it and put four quarters together,” Jones said.
Northside, 12-2 last year and 4-0 in the Blue Ridge District, is the odds-on favorite to repeat as district champions this year.
Jones is hoping for a repeat of the atmosphere in Kenneth J. Dobson Stadium this Friday night.
“It was a great feeling to see all the people in the stands (last week),” Jones said. “The way they supported these kids, it was a great environment. I wish we’d had a better outcome, but it was exciting to see the support,” he said.
Game time Friday night is 7:30 p.m.
DMV Returns to Full Operations Tomorrow
RICHMOND – The Virginia Information Technologies Agency continues to make progress in returning all state agencies to normal operating conditions in the wake of the recent disruption in service caused by the failure of a major data storage system. The initial failure affected 26 of the Commonwealth’s 89 agencies and caused 13 percent of the Commonwealth’s storage servers to stop working.
As of this morning, all impacted state agencies have received access to their computer systems and files. The required pre-usage testing process is ongoing and found issues are being addressed. Specifically, the Department of Motor Vehicles will be back to normal operations by tomorrow. Details regarding the status of specific local DMV’s will be released on www.dmvnow.com. In order to accommodate Virginians inconvenienced by recent events, the governor has directed DMV to extend office hours over the weeks and weekends ahead in order to process the backlog in applications that has developed. DMV will provide specific information regarding the extended hours later today.
Speaking about the progress being made, Governor McDonnell remarked, “The recent computer outages impacting state agencies, and the citizens they serve, are disappointing and unacceptable. In the days ahead we will be launching a comprehensive effort to determine how this situation occurred and, most importantly, how we can ensure that it does not happen again. However, the foremost priority at this time is ensuring that all state agencies return to their normal operating conditions as quickly as possible. As of this morning all state agencies again have access to their computer systems and files. While some testing still is being done prior to a full return to normal, this is a positive development.”
The governor continued, “The recent outages have had a particularly disruptive impact on Virginians dealing with our Department of Motor Vehicles. To ensure that all problems are corrected as quickly as possible, I have directed officials at the agency to extend office hours over the weeks, and weekends, ahead. Details will be released by DMV later today. From this office to our agencies to our customer service centers, we are all committed to fixing these recent issues, returning all state operations to normal, and ensuring that outages of this nature do not take place in the future.”
Governor McDonnell Declares State of Emergency as Precaution for Hurricane Earl
RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell today declared a state of emergency in the Commonwealth of Virginia, a step authorizing state agencies to take precautionary action to prepare for any potential impacts in eastern Virginia from Hurricane Earl. A state of emergency must be declared under state law so that additional resources are available and positioned for use if necessary. The latest National Weather Service models show that Earl is expected to take a track to the east of the Commonwealth with minimal impacts. Models also indicate Hurricane Earl will be well clear of the Mid-Atlantic region prior to the holiday weekend.
Speaking about the declaration, Governor McDonnell noted, “The current forecast has Hurricane Earl passing east of Virginia later this week. However, a change in the storm’s path could bring hazardous weather conditions to eastern Virginia. This declaration is a precautionary move which will allow state agencies to be ready just in case resources are needed.”
In declaring a state of emergency, the governor authorizes state agencies to identify and position resources and manpower for quick response anywhere they are needed in Virginia. In anticipation of this weather system:
The Virginia Emergency Operations Center is coordinating the state’s preparation for the storm at Increased Readiness condition with increased staffing.
The Virginia Department of Emergency Management is holding conference calls with the National Weather Service, local governments and state agencies.
The Virginia Department of Transportation is making sure storm drains are clear in the Hampton Roads region.
· The Virginia National Guard is preparing for possible post-storm response in the Hampton Roads region and the Adjutant General is now authorized to call up those resources he thinks are necessary to ensure it can fulfill its mission in the event the storm impacts Virginia.
· The Virginia Department of Social Services and Virginia Department of Health are on standby and prepared to open state-managed shelters if those are necessary.
Virginians, especially those in Hampton Roads or travelling to the coast, should pay close attention to local weather forecasts. Also, they should have an emergency plan in case the storm changes its forecasted path. A slight westward movement in the track of the storm will increase the risk of dangerous weather in eastern Virginia. We ask Virginians to remain vigilant. In order to be prepared, all citizens should ensure that they stock up on supplies.
More information about hurricane preparedness is available at www.ReadyVirginia.gov and www.ListoVirginia.gov. Online videos that explain storm surge, lane reversal and evacuation routes are at http://www.youtube.com/vaemergency (captions are available).
Greenville Outlasts Pulaski 5-2; playoffs begin tonight
By CHUCK ALTIZER
For Pulaski Baseball
PULASKI – The regular season finale saw the Greenville Astros take a 5-2 decision over the Pulaski Mariners at Calfee Park on Tuesday night.
Pulaski (37-28) will now move into their first round playoff game tonight against the Elizabethton Twins in Elizabethton at 7:00. Burlington and Johnson City will play in the other playoff match up at Burlington.
In the victory, Greenville (31-35) got eight of their 10 hits from the first five guys in the order, including all four RBIs.
Delino DeShields, Rafael Valenzuela, and Telvin Nash each had a pair of hit and a RBI for the Astros.
The Mariners got two hits from Jabari Blash, while Jetsy Extreano and Hassiel Jimenez added RBIs.
Paul Gerrish picked up the victory in relief for Greenville, while Richard Vargas took the loss for Pulaski. Seongi Kim made his debut for the Mariners in relief striking out seven in three innings pitched.
After the first game in Elizabethton, Pulaski will play at home against the Twins in game two of the best of three series. The third game, if necessary will be at Pulaski on Friday night.
Virginians Need to Prepare for Hurricane Earl
Videos explaining storm surge, hurricane evacuation now online
From Va. Dept. of Emergency Management
RICHMOND, VA – Virginians need to prepare now for Hurricane Earl, which is forecasted to be a Category 3 or 4 hurricane as it approaches Virginia’s coast later this week.
The forecasted path for Earl has changed several times so it is important for Virginians, especially those living in the Hampton Roads region, to pay close attention to the storm. Those in Hampton Roads should review their evacuation and shelter plans. Also, people should make sure they have their emergency supplies ready.
“A small change in Earl’s forecasted path could bring a major hurricane to Virginia,” said Michael Cline, state coordinator for the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. “Virginia state agencies are getting ready for the storm, and so should residents.”
The Commonwealth has activated the Virginia Evacuation Coordination Team for Operational Response to assess Earl’s potential impact and to take necessary actions. The Virginia Emergency Operations Center is now at Increased Readiness Condition.
VDEM and the Virginia Department of Transportation have created a series of online videos to help families understand storm surge (the reason for large-scale evacuations), and how an evacuation would work. The videos are available at http://www.youtube.com/vaemergency.
A list of needed emergency supplies and maps of storm surge areas and evacuation routes can be found at http://www.ReadyVirginia.gov.
Mariners Use Long Ball to Corral Astros
By CHUCK ALTIZER
For Pulaski Baseball
PULASKI – The Pulaski Mariners connected on four home runs in the seventh and eight innings to break open a 2-2 tie and defeat the Greenville Astros 8-6 in game two of a three game series at Calfee Park.
Pulaski (37-27) got the go ahead home run in the seventh inning when Mario Yepez lined a shot over the right centerfield wall for the third of his three hits on the evening to make the score 4-2. In the eighth, the Mariners connected on three round trippers to build an 8-2 lead.
Ramon Morla connected on his league leading 17th home run before Jabari Blash and Ethan Paquette went back-to-back in the inning. Morla recorded two hits on the evening, while Matt Browning added a pair of hits and a RBI.
Greenville (30-35) made the score close with four runs in the ninth, as Jonathan Merritt connected a three run home run. Merritt had three hits and three runs scored as well. Telvin Nash added a solo shot in the ninth, while Ricardo Garcia and Rafael Valenzuela tallied two hits for the Astros as well.
Yovanny Olivero earned the victory in relief of the Mariners, with Ryan Cole taking the loss for the Astros.
The Mariners and Astros wrap up the regular season tomorrow night with a game at 7:00. Pulaski will advance to the playoffs on Wednesday when they travel to Elizabethton for a three game series before returning home for two games if necessary. If the Mariners win that series, they will take on the winner of the Johnson City and Burlington series for the Appalachian League Championship.
Mariners travel to Elizabethton for playoffs Wednesday
From the Town of Pulaski
The Town of Pulaski Mayor and Council would like to congratulate the Pulaski Mariners on clinching the Appalachian League East Division.
The Pulaski Mariners have secured their second playoff appearance in three years.
The Mariners will face off against Elizabethton Twins in Tennessee on Wednesday, September 1. Then the teams will return to Pulaski to play at Historic Calfee Park on Thursday, September 2. Game time is 7:00 p.m. If a third game is necessary it will be played on Friday, September 3, at Calfee Park.
The Town of Pulaski invites the public to come out on Thursday to celebrate the Mariners winning the Appalachian League East Division and to watch a great championship game.