Loving single sends D-Backs past Yanks

from staff reports

   Wendell Loving lined a solid, run-scoring single to right-center field in the eighth inning, lifting the Expert Express Diamondbacks to a 3-2 win over the Moose Yankees in an Elizabethton Jr. Babe Ruth game Tuesday night at Elizabethton High.
   Luke Snyder, who worked his way on base with a walk, scored the deciding run to make a winner out of Nick McNeal, who went the distance.
   The game was very much a pitcher's duel between McNeal and Terry Campbell before Campbell was relieved by Jeff Peters in the sixth.
   The D-Backs held a 2-0 lead entering the top of the seventh, but the Yankees rallied to extend the contest. Moose almost took the lead in the seventh, but an outstanding catch by Expert right fielder Isaiah Osborne kept the score tied.
   McNeal led Expert at the dish, going 3-for-3, while Travis Bishop, Nick Papantoniou, Wesley Keylon and Loving each had one hit.
   Peters went 2-for-3 to top Moose, with Jonathan Canaday and Dexter Price both batting 1-for-2.
   David's Trophies Giants 15
   Elks Cubs 8 (5 innings)
   The Giants erupted for six runs in the fifth inning, breaking open a close game that was shortened by the time limit.
   Scott Burleson, who pitched the win in relief, had a 2-for-3 night for the Giants. Aaron Bradford and Matthew Rasnick each went 2-for-3 as well.
   Blake Russell, Frankie Birchfield and Brandon Medina added one hit apiece for the winners.
   Topping the Cubs was Brandon Grindstaff at 2-for-2. Jacob Thomas reached base three times, batting 1-for-2 with a double and two RBIs. D.J. Reece also went 1-for-2.