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NWL1 Eugene Emeralds

Emeralds Use Big First Inning to Sink Vancouver

July 8, 2015 - Northwest League (NWL1)
Eugene Emeralds News Release


EUGENE, Ore. - The Eugene Emeralds scored four runs in the bottom of the first and held on to defeat Vancouver, 6-4, on Tuesday night in front of 2,134 at PK Park.

With the victory, Eugene (12-8) has clinched the series win against Vancouver. The Emeralds have won four straight series since going 1-4 at Everett to open the season.

Eugene starter Justin Steele picked up the win, improving to 3-0 on the season. He allowed four runs, but just one was earned. Steele struck out six while walking one. Greyfer Eregua tossed three no-hit innings of relief before Jared Cheek threw a scoreless ninth for his second save of the season. The three pitchers combined for 15 strikeouts and just two walks.

It was an explosive first inning for both teams. Vancouver plated a pair of unearned runs on an error and a passed ball in the top of the first before the Emeralds responded with a four-run home half of the inning. After a groundout to start the inning for the Ems, Frandy De La Rosa and Ian Happ both drew walks. Matt Rose followed with a double off the wall in right center to drive in both. After Tyler Alamo singled, Ian Rice doubled to the same spot to score Rose. Ho-young Son's sacrifice fly an at-bat later scored the Ems' fourth run of the inning.

Vancouver got one back in the top of the second, but the Emeralds scored again as well. Donnie Dewees crossed home on a RBI groundout by Happ to make it a 5-3 lead for the Emeralds. Vancouver scored again on an error in the fifth when a ball was misplayed at short. Holding on to a one-run lead, the Ems gave themselves some insurance in the eighth. Kevonte Mitchell, who is on a five-game hitting streak, tripled to right and scored on a sac fly by De La Rosa.

Notes: There were five extra base hits (four doubles and one triple) through the first two innings.

#EMBraceBald Night: To support Doernbacher Children's Hospital at OHSU and raise money to fight pediatric cancer, the Ems encouraged fans to bid for a chance to give their favorite Ems player a buzzcut. Emeralds staff and coaches also joined in the event, with chairs lined up on top of the home dugout after the game for some buzzcuts benefitting a great cause.

Up Next: The Emeralds meet Vancouver on Wednesday in the series finale with RHP Oscar De La Cruz on the bump. Eugene is looking to go 4-1 in the five-game series.

Upcoming Promos: It's Sandlot Night at the ballpark tomorrow! Kids eat free every Wednesday as well, sponsored by Carl's Jr. and Lone Pine Farms. Children under 12 will receive a voucher good for a free hot dog, apple and 12 ounce soda.

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