The Eugene Emeralds took the series finale against the Everett AquaSox by a final score of 4-3. The win means the Ems split the 6-game series against the AquaSox. The Ems record moves to 55-53 on the season and 21-21 in the 2nd half.
The AquaSox were able to put the first run of the game up on the board in the top of the 3rd inning. Andrew Miller was on base and hit a shot to Ghordy Santos at 2nd base. Labrada was able to reach on an error charged to Santos and Miller came home to score on the play to give the AquaSox the 1-0 lead. It didn’t take long however for Eugene to quickly answer back. In the bottom of the third inning Grant McCray and Carter Howell both were able to reach base. Aeverson Arteaga was able to single on the first pitch of the at-bat out to right field and McCray came home to score on the play to tie the game up at 1-1.
Both starters were able to settle in and really slow the game down over the next few innings. Eugene’s starter, Daniel Blair, spun one of his best games on the mound. He pitched 4.2 innings and allowed 2 hits and 1 run. The 1 run he did give up was an unearned run in the 3rd inning. He walked just 1 batter and struck out 9. After a couple of tough appearances to start his career in Eugene, Blair has now really settled in and he’s been absolutely light’s out in recent appearances. He’ll look to keep his strong outings going next week against the Vancouver Canadians.
In the bottom of the 6th inning is when Eugene was able to break out of the tie. Carter Williams and Damon Dues both were able to reach base and Grant McCray roped his 20th double of the season out to right field. Both runs came home to score and the Ems had taken the 2-run lead. Carter Howell followed it up with a double of his own that scored McCray to give the Emeralds the 4-1 lead after the first 6 innings. The Ems offense had had opportunities to score but hadn’t been able to capitalize, so it was great to see them finally breakthrough in such a big way in the inning.
The AquaSox wouldn’t go quietly into the night however. In the top of the 8th inning Andrew Miller stepped into the box with a pair of runners on. He singled through the right side of the infield and both Walking Cabrera and Colin Davis came home to score on the play. The Emeralds were able to get out of the inning and send the game to the top of the 9th.
Tanner Kiest came in for relief of Daniel Blair and pitched 2.1 innings and gave up just 3 hits and no runs while striking out 2 hitters. He eventually earned his 2nd win of the season. Eric Silva came in for an inning of relief and gave up the RBI-Single to Andrew Miller but he was able to work his way out of the tough jam to keep the lead for the Ems. In the top of the 9th inning in a 1-run the Emeralds turned to Hunter Dula to close out the game. He faced off against the top of the AquaSox’s lineup and sent them down in order to give Eugene the win. Dula earned his 8th save of the season.
It was a great way to end the series for the Emeralds. After dropping 2 of the first 3 ballgames, they were able to take the 2 of the next 3 games for the series split. They now sit just 2 games out of a playoff spot with a huge series looming against the Vancouver Canadians. The Emeralds will be at home for the 2nd straight week, and they’ll open up the series on Tuesday night against our friends north of the border. First pitch is set for 6:35 P.M.
