The Eugene Emeralds defeated the Everett Aquasox by a final score of 5-4. After dropping the first two games of the series, the Emeralds have now split the series. Their record now suits at 53-53 on the season, and 20-20 in the 2nd half.
In the top of the first inning, the Aquasox loaded the bases after three straight walks. But, with one out on the board, Hogan Windish struck out swinging on a full count, giving the Emeralds an opportunity to limit the damage as much as possible. After Eugene’s starting pitcher, Seth Lonsway, threw a wild pitch, Harry Ford was able to come home for Everett’s first run of the game, but the Aquasoxs weren’t able to take anymore.
Two innings later, Walking Cabrera hit a two-out single to left field to put another runner on for Everett. Shortly after, Ben Ramirez was hit by a pitch, pushing Cabrera into scoring position. He later stole his sixth base of the season after sliding into third. With a 2-2 count, designated hitter Mike Salvatore tripled on a ground ball to left field, forcing both Cabrera and Ramirez to score for a 3-0 lead.
The Emeralds scored their first run in the latter half of the same inning. With Grant McCray in scoring position after a single and his 38th stolen base of the season, Aeverson Arteaga hit an RBI single to left field to cut the deficit back to two.
The following inning started off with Luis Toribio reaching first after a missed catch error by Everett’s starting pitcher, Raul Alcantara. The next batter, Damon Dues, reached on a fielder’s choice, but Toribio was able to advance to second after a throwing error by the Aquasox’s second baseman, Hogan Windish. After the first out of the inning, Carter Williams drew a walk on a full count, making the bases loaded for Eugene. Once Ghordy Santos struck out for the second out, McCray drew a walk with a 3-2 count for the Emerald’s second run of the game.
Once Toribio crossed home plate, Carter Howell drew Eugene’s third straight full-count walk to tie the game.
Everett was able to respond with one run in the top of the 5th inning after Cabrera hit a sacrifice fly to center field after Tyler Locklear started the inning with a hit by pitch and Windish pushing him into scoring position with a single to right field.
The score remained the same until the bottom of the 8th inning. Luis Toribio sent his 14th home run of the season over the center field wall to tie the game.
After last night’s walk off from Sean Roby, the Emeralds were in another position to do it again, and they took the opportunity. With a 1-0 count, Ghordy Santos ended the game with his 10th home run of the season, making the series tied at 2.
Starting on the mound for Eugene was left-handed pitcher Seth Lonsway. In his three-inning appearance, he allowed two hits, three runs, walked five, and paired it with three strikeouts. Nick Morreale relieved him in the top of the fourth inning and stayed in for most of the game. In four innings pitched, he allowed one hit, one run, no walks, and struck out three. William Kempner was awarded the win tonight after only allowing two hits, no runs, no walks and striking out three in the last two innings of the game. The Emeralds will look to continue their win streak tomorrow at 5:05 pm for the fifth game of the series. The game will be available to watch on MiLB.TV or listen to on 95.3 FM The Score