Twins go 2-2 at Sapa-Johnsrud Memorial

The Glacier Twins were bounced from the Sapa-Johnsrud Memorial Tournament on Saturday in Whitefish following an extra-inning 6-5 loss to the Spokane Cannons.

Spokane rallied to tie the game at 5-5 in the bottom of the seventh and scored the go-ahead run in the ninth.

“The boys played well,” Twins coach Bob Rupp said of the close game. “We made a couple errors at the end. If we don’t make those, we probably win that game.”

Spokane went on to win the tournament with a 12-2 blowout over Great Falls in the championship.

Glacier opened the Memorial Tournament going 2-1 in pool play.

Thursday evening, the Twins rallied past Lethbridge in the bottom of the seventh for a 11-10 victory.

The Elks posted five runs in the top of the frame to take a 10-9 lead, but Glacier came back to score the go-ahead run when Zack Darling hit an RBI single to bring in Austin Robins.

The teams traded leads nine times and combined for 23 hits. Simmons finished 2-for-2 at the plate.

Brandon Maassen pitched 3 2/3 innings and tallied five strikeouts. Peter Seymour pitched three strong innings.

Seymour has been battling a shoulder injury all season. Rupp says he’s finally healthy enough to get back in the pitching rotation.

“It’s exciting to see Peter really working out there,” Rupp said.

Friday evening, Glacier topped the Meridian Rangers 8-4 with solid pitching and fielding.

Hugh Ramlow worked the mound for 6 2/3 innings for the win. He tossed 15 first-pitch strikes.

A four-run fourth inning put Glacier on top for good. Robins crushed a 3 RBI double to left field to make the score 7-2.

Later Friday night, Glacier fell to Great Falls 6-1. The Twins were held to three hits and scored their only run in the first inning.

Rupp noted the Twins defense throughout the tourney and commended center fielder Maassen.

“He made a couple outstanding catches for us,” Rupp said.

Glacier (27-17, 13-5) travels to Missoula July 17 for a conference game. They’re at home July 18 for two non-conference games with Coeur d’Alene, then finish the regular season on the road with conference games at Cranbrook and Libby.

Rupp says they’re in position to finish strong heading into the district tournament in Eureka.

“These boys can play with anybody if they concentrate and hit good,” Rupp said.