Billingsley's Blast Lifts AquaSox to 9-4 Win
September 2, 2009 - Northwest League (NWL1)
Everett AquaSox News Release
EVERETT, Wash.- The Everett AquaSox (37-34) used the hot bat of Ben Billingsley to pick up a win in the first game of their final series at home. Billingsley hit a triple and a grand slam to lead the Frogs to a 9-4 victory over the Vancouver Canadians (33-38).
Carlos Silva began the game for Everett on Major League rehab and allowed a lead off single to Tyreace House, who then went to second on a wild pitch. With Michael Gilmartin batting, House stole third before scoring on a Myrio Richard single. Kent Walton then reached first on an error. Max Stassi drove Richard in with a single of his own to give the Canadians an early 2-0 lead.
Billingsley led off the bottom of the second with a walk. Canadians starter Joselito Adames then walked the next batter Brandon Bantz before Blake Trinkler gave the AquaSox the lead with a three-run blast to left field. The hit parade continued as new AquaSox shortstop, first-round pick Nick Franklin, lined a single to left field. Franklin was eliminated at second on a Jose Rivero force out. Rivero would go to second on the play as the shortstop Gilmartin threw the ball into the crowd. Rivero then scored on a Mario Martinez single to give the AquaSox a 4-2 lead.
The AquaSox added a run in the bottom of the third when Billingsley tripled and scored on a Blake Trinkler ground out, extending the lead to 5-2.
The Everett offense continued to sizzle in the bottom of the fourth. Jose Rivero walked before both Martinez and Welington Dotel singled to load the bases. Billingsley came up and cleared the bases with a grand slam to make the score 9-2.
The Canadians began to chip away at the lead in the top of the seventh. Gilmartin and Richard hit back-to-back home runs off of AquaSox reliever Eric Valdez to cut the lead to 9-4.
Fray Martinez came in for the AquaSox and allowed a walk and two singles before closing the door on the Canadians to preserve the 9-4 victory.
The AquaSox and Canadians will continue their three-game set Wednesday night. Luke Burnett will take the mound for the AquaSox. Burnett will be opposed by Vancouver's Dan Straily. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m.
Northwest League Stories from September 2, 2009
- Tri-City Maintains Eastern Division Dominance - Tri-City Dust Devils
- Billingsley's Blast Lifts AquaSox to 9-4 Win - Everett AquaSox
- Canadians Fall Victim To Big Inning In Everett Tuesday Night - Vancouver Canadians
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