Salem-Keizer Tops Ems in Rubber Match
July 26, 2015 - Northwest League (NWL1)
Salem-Keizer Volcanoes News Release
A seventh-inning two-run single from Fernando Pujadas proved to be the difference as the Volcanoes held on to defeat the Eugene Emeralds 5-4 Saturday night at PK Park.
The win secured Salem-Keizer's first series win since a July 9-13 sweep of the Vancouver Canadians.
Salem-Keizer broke a scoreless tie in the third. Steven Duggar reached on an error to begin the frame, scampering all the way to second when Emeralds starter Carson Sands mishandled a throw from first baseman Matt Rose. Sands retired the next two batters but couldn't escape the frame unscathed, allowing three consecutive doubles to Miguel Gomez, Chris Shaw and C.J. Hinojosa as Salem-Keizer took a 3-0 lead.
The Emeralds came roaring back the very next half inning. Eugene sent nine men to the plate, scoring three runs and chasing Volcanoes starter Mac Marshall from the game. Marshall struggled in his first professional start, allowing 12 baserunners in only 2 2/3 innings of work. Marshall left the game with the bases loaded, but reliever Chris Owen (1-1, 5.79 ERA) struck out Donnie Dewees to negate the threat.
Both clubs exchanged scoreless frames until the Volcanoes reclaimed the lead in the seventh. With men at first and second and two outs, Pujadas punched a single into left that scored both runners and put Salem-Keizer ahead, 5-3. It was Pujadas' fourth hit on the night.
Eugene tacked on a run in the eighth but reliever Cory Taylor stranded the tying run at second base to end the frame. Ryan Halstead tossed a scoreless ninth for his fourth save.
Owen, who was roughed up in his Volcanoes debut, tossed 3 1/3 scoreless innings with three strikeouts to pick up his first win of the season. Gomez had two hits on the night, extending his hitting streak to a franchise record 20 consecutive games.
Player of the Game: Fernando Pujadas posted his first four-hit night of the season Saturday night, collecting three RBIs.
Up Next: The Volcanoes begin a three-game series at Hillsboro Sunday afternoon. Logan Webb (3-1, 4.06 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 4:05 p.m.
Northwest League Stories from July 26, 2015
- Hawks Steal One in Eugene - Boise Hawks
- Late Rally Falls Short in First-Half Finale - Salem-Keizer Volcanoes
- AquaSox Strand 13 in Loss to Canadians - Everett AquaSox
- Hops Escape Volcanoes and Rain - Hillsboro Hops
- Flag in Hand, Hops Suffer "Day-After" Loss in Boise - Hillsboro Hops
- Frogs Fall to Spokane Behind Beanballs - Everett AquaSox
- Salem-Keizer Tops Ems in Rubber Match - Salem-Keizer Volcanoes
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