Salem-Keizer Takes First Series of Second Half
July 29, 2016 - Northwest League (NWL1)
Salem-Keizer Volcanoes News Release
The Salem-Keizer Volcanoes beat the Northwest League first half champion Eugene Emeralds by a score of 5-4 on Thursday night at PK Park. The victory clinched the series win for the Volcanoes -- their first back-to-back series wins since the first two series of the year against the Hillsboro Hops and the Boise Hawks.
Salem-Keizer struck first in the top of the second inning, scoring two runs. Right fielder Heath Quinn led off with a double to left field and first baseman Ryan Kirby followed with a home run over the right field wall. It was the third round-tripper of the year for Kirby.
Eugene answered in the bottom half of the inning with two runs of its own, both off of Salem-Keizer starter Garrett Williams. Back-to-back one-out singles by left fielder Kevonte Mitchell and second baseman Trent Giambrone as well as a two-out walk by center fielder D.J. Wilson loaded the bases for the Emeralds. The rally led to right fielder Robert Garcia and shortstop Yeiler Peguero hitting back-to-back infield singles, each bringing in a run, to tie the game at two.
The Volcanoes came right back with two more in the very next inning. Third baseman Manuel Geraldo led off the third with a triple and, two batters later, scored on a ground ball to first base by left fielder Gio Brusa.
Neither team would score again until the sixth, when Volcanoes designated hitter Julio Pena drew an eight-pitch walk and eventually came around to score on a wild pitch.
Williams left after throwing 2.2 innings in his team debut. He gave way to Victor Concepcion, a recent addition to the bullpen coming from the starting rotation. Concepcion looked comfortable in the long relief role, finishing with 4.1 innings pitched without allowing a run.
Kendry Melo took over for Concepcion in the eighth inning, but Emeralds third baseman Wladmir Galindo led off with a solo home run to center field. A single and a walk by Melo would bring up Giambrone, who hit into a fielder's choice that scored Jose Paniagua to bring Eugene within one. CJ Gettman entered the game on the mound in relief of Melo and got two quick outs to preserve the Salem-Keizer lead.
Jeff Burke came in and pitched a scoreless ninth inning to secure the save for Salem-Keizer. It was his first save of the year.
The Volcanoes will be back in action July 29, as they start a series with the Hillsboro Hops, with the first pitch from Ron Tonkin Field set for 7:05 p.m. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.
• Discuss this story on the Northwest League message board...
Northwest League Stories from July 29, 2016
- Dust Devils Snap Skid with Dominant Pitching Performance - Tri-City Dust Devils
- Hawks Send Four to NWL/PIO All Star Game - Boise Hawks
- No Sweep for You - Hillsboro Hops
- Salem-Keizer Takes First Series of Second Half - Salem-Keizer Volcanoes
- Spokane Can't Complete Sweep of Tri-City - Spokane Indians
- Canadians Drop Ninth In A Row After 6-1 Loss - Vancouver Canadians
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
