Late Homer Stuns Volcanoes
July 24, 2015 - Northwest League (NWL1)
Salem-Keizer Volcanoes News Release
Salem-Keizer Volcanoes Pitcher Mike Connolly
(Salem-Keizer Volcanoes, Credit: Mason Shoultz)
The Volcanoes allowed only four hits but fell to Eugene 2-1 Thursday night at PK Park.
Salem-Keizer carried a 1-0 lead into the eighth but Donnie Dewees belted a two-run home run off of reliever Ryan Halstead (1-1, 3.46 ERA) to put Eugene out in front. The homer spoiled another brilliant outing from starter Mike Connolly, who allowed only one hit in 6 2/3 scoreless innings.
The Volcanoes cashed in on a leadoff walk to take a 1-0 lead in the second inning. Junior Amion drew a free pass to begin the frame before Shilo McCall ripped a double down the left field line, scoring Amion and putting Salem-Keizer out in front.
Connolly cruised through his 6 2/3 innings of work, never facing more than four batters in a frame, before leaving the game with one out and a runner at first base. Halstead completed the frame, inducing a groundout from pinch-hitter Justin Marra, to preserve the shutout for Connolly. It was his second consecutive shutout after blanking the Tri-City Dust Devils for six innings on July 18.
The Volcanoes had ample opportunities to extend their advantage throughout the ballgame but routinely came up empty, stranding nine runners on base and going a collective 0-for-12 with runners in scoring position. That inability to increase the lead ultimately proved fatal for Salem-Keizer.
Halstead quickly ran into trouble in the eighth, allowing a pinch-hit single to Matt Rose with one out in the inning. Dewees then blasted his first home run of the season to put Eugene ahead, 2-1.
Tyler Peitzmeier (2-0, 0.00 ERA), who tossed two scoreless innings in relief for Eugene, picked up the win for the Emeralds.
It was the fifth time this season Salem-Keizer lost despite leading in the eighth inning and the second time in five days.
Player of the Game: Mike Connolly was outstanding for the Volcanoes and has now tossed 12 2/3 consecutive scoreless frames.
Up Next: The Volcanoes continue their series with the Eugene Emeralds Friday night. Andrew Suarez (0-0, 0.00 ERA) will make the start for Salem-Keizer. The broadcast will be available on volcanoesbaseball.com or through the TuneIn Radio app. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m.
Images from this story
 Salem-Keizer Volcanoes Pitcher Mike Connolly (Mason Shoultz) |
Northwest League Stories from July 24, 2015
- Eugene Emeralds to Wear Civic Stadium Tribute Uniforms - Eugene Emeralds
- Craig Schlitter Added to Boise Hawks Roster - Boise Hawks
- C's And Tri-City Rained Out; Doubleheader Saturday - Vancouver Canadians
- Late Homer Stuns Volcanoes - Salem-Keizer Volcanoes
- C's canâ??t stop Dust Devils surge toward post-season, drop first game in past five - Vancouver Canadians
- Hops Beat Boise 4-1, Magic Number Now 1 - Hillsboro Hops
- AquaSox Bats Back up Masterful Pitching - Everett AquaSox
- Emeralds Beat Salem-Keizer on Dewees' Two-Run Homer - Eugene Emeralds
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