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NWL1 Eugene Emeralds

Ems Strike Early, Hang on for Win in Salem

July 28, 2019 - Northwest League (NWL1)
Eugene Emeralds News Release


Scoring in the very first inning, the Eugene Emeralds rode a hot start to a 4-3 win over the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes in front of 2.313 at Volcanoes Stadium

With Jacob Lopez starting for the Volcanoes, the Ems' offense ignited early, led by a leadoff single to center by Fernando Kelli. Kelli would advance to 2nd on a groundout from Darius Hill. Fighting through an 0-2 count, Nelson Maldonado would knock a blooper to center, scoring Kelli and giving the Emeralds a 1-0 lead. After Jake Slaughter was plunked during the next at-bat, Grayson Byrd chopped a grounder down the 3rd base line that was gloved by third baseman Carter Aldrete. Aldrete stepped on 3rd to force out Maldonado before firing across the diamond to first, attempting to complete a double play. Aldrete's throw would sail past Logan Wyatt at first, rocketing up the right field line and allowing Jake Slaughter to score for a 2-0 lead.

The stellar start set the tone for Michael McAvene, the Cub's 3rd round draft choice this past June making his first professional start. The former closer from the University of Louisville set down the Volcanoes top of the lineup in order, retiring the trio on just 13 pitches in his lone inning of work.

Eugene would hold the 2-0 advantage until the top of the 4th, sparked by the bottom two hitters in the order. With 2 outs and nobody aboard, Luis Vazquez roped a single to left. Pedro Martinez, the 18-year old second baseman making his Eugene Emeralds' debut, followed him up by blooping a single to left, advancing Vazquez to 3rd. On a 0-1 pitch, Martinez broke for 2nd, creating a hole at 2nd with Jeff Houghtby covering for the stolen base attempt. Fernando Kelli would chop a single through the vacated spot to bring Vazquez home, extending the lead to 3-0.

Zach Mort was able to complete his first 3 innings of work scoreless, piggybacking off of the start of Michael McAvene. However, the Volcanoes finally solved Mort in the 5th inning.

Ricardo Genoves lined a shot to center for a leadoff single to start the frame. Jeff Houghtby then followed him up with a ringing double down the right field line, bringing Genoves home all the way from 1st. Houghtby ended up at third after the relay throw was late at home from the outfield.

Carter Aldrete simply flew out to center in the next at-bat to score Houghtby at third with a sac fly, cutting the Emeralds' lead to 3-2.

Jonathan Soto would help the Emeralds bring one of those runs back in the very next inning, lacing a single to center to start the 6th. Luis Vazquez quickly sacrificed Soto over to 2nd with a bunt, before Pedro Martinez again singled, putting Soto at 3rd. During the at-bat to Darius Hill, Volcanoes' reliever Andy Rohloff sailed a pitch past catcher Ricardo Genoves, allowing Soto to come home and score on the wild pitch to make it 4-2 Ems.

Zach Mort kept the Volcanoes' offense at bay through 6 strong innings of work, allowing just 2 runs and scattering 6 hits with no walks surrendered. Fauris Guerrero entered in relief of Mort in the 8th, throwing a clean inning before sending us to a tight finish in the 9th.

Ahead by two in the bottom of the ninth, Fauris Guerrero started the frame by walking Logan Wyatt. After striking out Armani Smith and inducing a flyout from Ricardo Genoves, Jeff Houghtby belted a double down the left field line, scoring Wyatt to cut the deficit to one. However, with the tying run at 2nd, Guerrero was able to have Aldrete flyout to right, ending the game in a 4-3 win for the Emeralds.

The rubber match of the 3 game series will begin at 5:05pm at Volcanoes Stadium on Sunday. Be sure to listen live on 95.3 The Score.

Tickets to Emeralds home games are on sale now at www.EmeraldsBaseball.com or by calling (541) 342-5367.

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