Gems Fall in Medford 7-6; Opening Night Tonight at 6:35 pm
Published on June 1, 2013 under West Coast League (WCL)
Klamath Falls Gems News Release
Medford, OR, June 1, 2013: The Klamath Falls Gems opened their pre-season baseball schedule on the road against the new West Coast League franchise, the Medford Rogues, losing 7-6 in extra innings last night at Harry and David Field.
After taking the early lead with two runs in the top of the first inning, courtesy of a Ryan Hayden RBI single, and a fielder's choice by Chet Thompson which scored a run, Rogues starter Mike Bradshaw (Nevada-Reno) settled in and retired the next seven Gems batters before being relieved by former Gems pitcher Chase Tokunaga (Univ. of Maryland) in the top of the 4th inning.
Klamath Falls starter Tyler Johnson (Lane CC) pitched 4 innings, giving up 6 hits and one earned run before giving way to Brandon Horth (Loyola Marymount) in relief. The Gems offense busted open in their half of the 6th, as back-to-back singles by college teammates Dylan Rogers and Ryan Hayden (O.I.T) set the stage one batter later as 3B Jack Karraker delivered a one out double to deep left center, scoring two runs as the Gems were on their way to a three run 6th.
Medford scored one run in the 7th, and 3 more in the 8th off Gems reliever Travis Kelly (Lane CC) to once again tie the ballgame. Medford's Conner Harris (George Fox University) shut out the Gems over the last 3 and 2/3 innings, giving up one hit. Klamath Falls reliever Parker Sherrell (Lane CC) pitched effectively the last 3 1/3 innings before loading the bases in the 11th inning for Medford on two walks and a hit batsman. A passed ball by catcher Jarren Goddard (Lane CC) scored Jake Whistler from 3rd base with a head first slide and the Rogues earned their first pre-season win in the first game of the season. Harris notched the win for Medford, and Sherrell took the loss for the Gems.
The Gems kick off their Home Opener tonight at Kiger Stadium at 6:35 with Magnet Schedule Giveaway Courtesy of Charter. The first 1000 fans through the gate get a Magnet Schedule courtesy of Charter Communications. It's also Legacy Furniture Giveaway Night, in which one lucky fan will have the chance to win a recliner valued at over $700 with all proceeds going to charity.
2013 Klamath Falls Ticket Packages are available by calling 541-883-4367. The first home game of the 2013 season will be this evening against the Medford Rogues, with game time starting at 6:35pm.
The Klamath Falls gems are members of the West Coast League, the Diamond Standard among summer collegiate baseball. The eleven team, professional style wood-bat league features pro prospects from major conferences across the country. More than 120 WCL alums played affiliated professional baseball last season, and 20 ex-WCL stars played in the Major Leagues last season. For more information on the league, please visit www.westcoastleague.com.
West Coast League Stories from June 1, 2013
- Gems Fall in Medford 7-6; Opening Night Tonight at 6:35 pm - Klamath Falls Gems
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