Frogs Win Season Opener Narrowly On the Road
June 18, 2011 - Northwest League (NWL1)
Everett AquaSox News Release
PASCO, Wash. - The Everett AquaSox began the 2011 campaign on the right foot, using a five-run fifth inning to narrowly defeat the Tri-City Dust Devils 5-4 on the road to record their first win of the season.
Right-hander Stephen Landazuri (1-0, 5.40 ERA) record the first Frogs win of the season after a rough first inning where he gave up three runs on three hits and a walk. After the first inning Landazuri settled down and silenced the Dust Devil bats, giving up only one hit over the next four innings to keep the Frogs within striking distance.
Tri-City starter Christian Bergman (0-1, 7.71 ERA) allowed just one AquaSox baserunner past first base through four innings, but in the top of the fifth the Frogs offense got things going with three straight hits to load the bases. Shortstop Marcus Littlewood recorded the first RBIs of the 2011 season by singling to left field with one out to plate first baseman Rudy Van Heydoorn and third baseman Danny Lopez. One batter later, designated hitter James Wood doubled to right field to plate two more Frogs. After a pitching change, right-fielder Jabari Blash added one last run in the inning capitalizing on an error by Dust Devils first baseman Blake McDade.
After the AquaSox took the lead with the five-run outburst, Everett's pitching staff took control of the game to hold the lead. Landazuri retired the Dust Devils in the fifth to pick up the win, then right-hander Nolan Diaz threw two shutout innings allowing two hits before handing the ball to right-hander Matthew Bischoff in the eighth inning.
After setting down the Dust Devils in order in the eighth, Bischoff gave up a hit in the ninth that lead to a sacrifice fly tightening the margin to one run 5-4. With a man on second and two outs, Bischoff popped up Tri-City third baseman Jayson Langfels to record a two-inning save.
The win improves the AquaSox to 1-0 on the season, which places them in a four-way tie after all Northwest League West teams recorded wins over East division teams. The Frogs will send out left-hander Tony Butler against Tri-City right-hander Vianney Mayo in the second game of the five-game set tonight at 7:15 p.m.
The 2011 home opener is set for Wednesday, June 22 at Everett Memorial Stadium against Vancouver. For information about ticket plans, planning a group outing or about the season schedule, the public is invited to visit the AquaSox stadium store at 3802 Broadway in Everett, call (425) 258-3673, or log onto aquasox.com.
Northwest League Stories from June 18, 2011
- 2011 Indians Rim of Honor Recipients Announced - Spokane Indians
- Boise Hawks Add Catcher Chad Noble to Roster - Boise Hawks
- Frogs Win Season Opener Narrowly On the Road - Everett AquaSox
- Huge Crowd and Fireworks Kickoff 2011 Season - Spokane Indians
- Bears give Canadians too many chances - Yakima Bears
- Bad Inning Costs Dust Devils Season Opener - Tri-City Dust Devils
- C's open 2011 season with 3-2 victory over Yakima - Vancouver Canadians
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