Salem-Keizer Out-Slugged by Eugene
August 11, 2016 - Northwest League (NWL1)
Salem-Keizer Volcanoes News Release
KEIZER, Oregon - Having already fallen victim to one offensive outburst in the first game of the series, the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes (5-8) could not reverse their fortunes as the Eugene Emeralds collected their second victory in as many nights, 12-4.
Bearing the brunt of the damage - literally and figuratively - was starting pitcher Mac Marshall.
The left-hander could only muster three and two thirds innings, although he was only charged with two earned runs out of the six that came across during his outing.
Eugene's initial rally came in the third inning, as the ball simply did not bounce Marshall's way. After giving up a leadoff double, a one out comebacker kicked off the leg of Marshall into center field, bringing in the first run of the ball game.
Then an error and an infield single that tipped off the glove of Marshall loaded the bases, which set the stage for the Emeralds. Shortstop Zack Short lined a double just beyond the outstretched arms of a diving Ashford Fulmer down the left field line that would clear the bases to give the opposition a 4-0 lead.
More bad bounces came for Marshall in the fourth as a leadoff single clipped the starting pitcher in his left ankle; however, it did not knock him out the game. Unfortunately, the pitching change came four batters later as the combination of two singles, a sacrifice fly and a throwing error produced two more runs and provided Eugene with a six run lead.
Three additional Emeralds came across in the fifth and two more crossed in the sixth as the insurance proved to be more than enough for the opposing pitching staff.
Eugene starter and number 30 Cubs prospect - according to MiLB.com - Bailey Clark stifled a Volcanoes offense that, coming into the night, was best in the Northwest League in runs scored, pitching four innings of one-run ball.
The single run he did allow came off the bat of centerfielder Bryan Reynolds, who smashed a solo home run in the fourth to right-center field. It was his fifth home run of the season, at the time putting him in a tie for the most on the team.
However, in the home half of the seventh innings, the man whom Reynolds had locked himself up with atop the team's power rankings, Gio Brusa, blasted his sixth long ball of the year. It was a no-doubter off the back net, far out and beyond the confines of Volcanoes Stadium.
The other impressive performance of the night belonged to right fielder Heath Quinn, who had highlights with both the bat and the glove. He hit his fifth home run of the season and, in the top of the second inning, he threw out a runner at home plate trying to tag up. It was his sixth outfield assist on the season, which is now best in the NWL.
Salem-Keizer will be back at it for the final game of the series tomorrow night, August 11, as they try to salvage one game from visiting Emeralds. Game time is set to start at 6:35 p.m. PT. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.
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Northwest League Stories from August 11, 2016
- Dust Devils Extend Partnership with San Diego Padres - Tri-City Dust Devils
- Extra Credit - Hillsboro Hops
- Dust Devils Win on Wild Walk-Off - Tri-City Dust Devils
- Salem-Keizer Out-Slugged by Eugene - Salem-Keizer Volcanoes
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