E-Twins edge out G-Reds, 4-1

GREENEVILLE, Tenn. -- SS Miguel Hernandez collected three hits, but Elizabethton got back-to-back home runs to lead off the ballgame, as the Twins knocked off the Greeneville Reds, 4-1, on Monday night in front of 1,119 fans at Pioneer Park.
With the loss, Greeneville drops to 20-31 on the campaign. Elizabethton's victory improved their overall mark to 28-21.
The Twins wasted no time in taking the lead, as LF Lean Marrero (1-5, R, HR, RBI) ripped the first pitch of the game over the right-center field fence for a home run. The blast - just his second of the year - gave Elizabethton a 1-0 edge. Five pitches later, SS Yunior Severino (1-4, R, HR, RBI, 2 SO) lofted a fly ball down the right-field line for another solo shot - his fifth - to make it 2-0.
Greeneville chipped into the Twins' advantage in the seventh. Hernandez (3-4, R, SO) started the inning with a single and moved to third on an errant pickoff throw. With one away, 3B Raul Juarez (0-2, RBI, SO) hit a deep drive to left, but it stayed in the park for a sacrifice fly, as the 19-year-old scored to trim the Reds deficit down to one, 2-1.
However, that would be as close as the G-Reds would get. A two-out walk and a fielding error in the top of the eighth set the stage for RF Jean Carlos Arias (1-4, 3B, 2 RBI, SO). The left-handed swinger smacked an offering down the line in right for a three-base hit - scoring both runners - to stretch Elizabethton's lead out to three, 4-1.
The Reds rallied in the bottom of the ninth, but could not complete the comeback. Hernandez reached on an infield single and C Rob Boselli (1-3, BB, SO) drew a walk with one down. RHP Johan Quezada (1.0 IP, H, BB, SO) buckled down and recorded a strikeout and a line out to third to end the game and seal his second save of the year.
RHP Alexis Diaz (6.0 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, BB, 6 SO) tossed his third quality start of the year - striking out six over six innings - but suffered his second-straight defeat for Greeneville. E-Twins RHP Brian Rapp (4.0 IP, 2 H, R, BB, 6 SO) surrendered just one unearned run in four frames of relief to earn his first professional victory. LHP Kody Funderburk (4.0 IP, 4 H, BB, 2 SO) went four scoreless in a start for Elizabethton but received a no-decision.
The Redlegs will look to bounce back on Tuesday, as they will attempt to seal a series triumph in the rubber match. Greeneville's RHP Daniel De La Fuente (0-0, 0.00 ERA) is expected to make his first Appalachian League start. The Twins are projected to counter with recently acquired RHP Luis Rijo (3-1, 2.35 ERA).
The G-Reds Pre-Game Show will kick off the broadcast at 6:45 p.m. ET, leading up to the 7:00 p.m. ET start at Pioneer Park. Tuesday evening's contest can be heard on GreenevilleReds.com or via the TuneIn Radio and MiLB First Pitch apps. 
It will be a $2 Tuesday at the ballpark, as fans can Bojangles and barbecue sandwiches, pizza, sweet tea, and select beer options for just two bucks.
Single-game tickets are still available and can be purchased online at GreenevilleReds.com or by calling the Reds' Ticket Office at (423) 609-7400.