After dominating all the NECBL in most pitching categories -- first in wins (30), ERA (2.18), shutouts (9) and saves (15) -- the Twisters have picked up in the playoffs right where they left off.

In the first round, Dennis Robinson and Bobby Garza allowed just one run in the Twisters’ sweep of the Middletown Giants. On Friday night, Torrington starting pitcher Matt Torra did his part, tossing a masterful five-hit shutout over eight innings in leading the Twisters to a 2-0 win over the Newport Gulls and a 1-0 lead in the best-of-3 Southern Division Championship.

The win was the Twisters’ first in five attempts this season against Newport.

"Three of the four losses we could have won," said Twister Manager Gregg Hunt. "It was just a matter of getting a timely hit which is something we were able to do tonight."

The timely hit for the Twisters came courtesy of Brian Cavanaugh in the fifth inning.

Brandon Roberts led-off the frame against Newport pitcher James Duffey and was hit by a pitch. John Ingram walked and both runners moved to second on a sacrifice by Emory Davies, which set the stage for Cavanaugh who delivered with a two-run single to left.

"The difference in the game was our inability to hit with runners in scoring position," said Newport Manager Terry Rupp. "(The Twisters) only had one good opportunity and they came through. Good teams do that."

The Twisters turned in several top-notch defensive plays for the 730 fans at Fuessenich Park. Armand Gaerlan made three great plays at shortstop, one being a diving stop of a Ryan Chambers grounder in the fifth that started a 6-4-3 double play. In the sixth with the bases loaded, third baseman John Ingram made a lunging catch in foul territory that ended the inning.

"That was probably the best defense I’ve ever pitched behind," said Torra. "They were just unbelievable."

Torra, who went 5-1 with a 1.37 ERA in the regular season, struck out seven and walked none in his first start in eight days. He carried a perfect game into the fifth before Tim Pahuta broke it up with a clean single to left.

"I was stiff in the beginning of the game but I got stronger as it went along," said Torra. "I was anxious to get out and pitch after the long rest and I was ready to go."

In the eighth with two runners on and one out, Torra struck out Jason Armstrong and Greg Isaacson to end the inning and his night.

"(Torra) pitched a tough game," said Rupp. "Every time we put some pressure on him, he settled down and got the outs he needed."

Peter Maki, making the first appearance in the postseason by a Twister reliever, struck out two in the ninth to record the save.

Duffey got the loss for Newport despite allowing just two runs on four hits in eight innings of work. He struck out four and walked one.

Upcoming schedule

With the win, the Twisters have guaranteed themselves at least one more home game this season. ..HP Ben Rowe (3-1, 1.54 ERA) will start in game two tonight for the Twisters. The game will be played at Newport. RHP Jason Bolinski (3-2, 2.38 ERA) will start game three at home if necessary on Sunday.