Schwarber, Realmuto go back-to-back to push Tucson past Allentown

Pitching took center stage in Game 1 of the Tucson-Allentown semifinal but a falsh of power in the 7th, with back-to-back home runs by the Scorpions, proved to be the difference.
The Scorpions took Game 1 at home by a score of 2-1, with superb pitching from both sides.

Allentown drew first blood with back-to-back doubles in the 2nd by Giancarlo Stanton and Jose Abreu.

Mules starter Hirashi Iwakuma went the distance only to take the loss. He threw just 79 pitches over 8 innings, yielding 6 hits and 2 runs while striking out 5. He did not walk a batter.

Abreu doubled again in the 4th only to get stranded at 3rd after a wild pitch and that would be last time the Mules would threaten.

Tucson's offense didn't do much either but the Scorpions' bats did just enough. Michael Brantley doubled to lead off the game only to have Iwakuma set down the next 12 batters. First overall pick Kyle Schwarber, playing DH, and catcher J.T. Realmuto slammed back-to-back home runs in the 7th and that was the difference.

Arrieta went 5 innings, giving up 1 run on 3 hits. He walked 3 and struck out 6 but did not get the decision. Arrieta threw just 81 pitches so he could be available to make a start in Game 4. Carlos Villanueva earned the win, tossing 3 innings of one-hit ball and Tony Watson pitched a clean 9th for the save.

Game 2 is scheduled for Monday. Zach Greinke starts for Tucson and Allentown counters with Jamie Garcia.