Vancouver Pounds Volcanoes in Opener
June 19, 2015 - Northwest League (NWL1)
Salem-Keizer Volcanoes News Release
Fernando Pujadas of the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes
(Salem-Keizer Volcanoes, Credit: Mason Shoultz)
The Vancouver Canadians spoiled Salem-Keizer's home opener Thursday night, beating the Volcanoes 11-2 in front of 2,822 at Volcanoes Stadium.
Vancouver put pressure on the Volcanoes' pitching staff all night, stealing six bases. Canadians' leadoff batter Earl Burl was particularly pesky, going 2-for-4 with two doubles, three runs scored, an RBI and two stolen bags.
Salem-Keizer starter Nick Gonzalez (0-1, 5.79) worked his way around runners in scoring position through the first two innings but ran into trouble in the third. Juan Tejada led off the inning with a double to centerfield and quickly advanced to third when Volcanoes first baseman John Riley couldn't field a pick-off throw from Gonzalez. Burl later pulled a double down the left field line, scoring Tejada. Burl would come around to score later in the inning on an RBI groundout by Lane Thomas, giving Vancouver a 2-0 advantage.
Vancouver tacked on another run in the fifth, though it was nearly much worse. Thomas lifted a sacrifice fly into centerfield that scored Burl, who had walked earlier in the inning. Gonzalez came within a strike of escaping the frame, but following a walk to Juan Kelly, manager Kyle Haines had seen enough. He called on left-hander Kyle Singer, who promptly hit the first batter he faced, but struck out Gabriel Cenas to strand the bases loaded.
The Volcanoes, meanwhile, couldn't seem to figure out Vancouver starter Clinton Hollon (1-0, 0.00). A 2013 second-round draft pick, Hollon was making his first appearance in 659 days following Tommy John surgery. The left-hander shutout Salem-Keizer through his five innings, allowing only one hit while striking out seven.
The Canadians broke the game open over the next three frames. Vancouver pounded eight hits and scored eight runs - two in the sixth, three in the seventh and three in the eighth- off of Singer and reliever Ramon del Orbe.
Salem-Keizer struggled offensively all night. Following a leadoff single by Brennan Metzger in the third, the Volcanoes failed to reach base until Fernando Pujadas homered with one out in the eighth.
Eric Sim, who has spent the past three seasons as a catcher, tossed a scoreless ninth for Salem-Keizer- striking out all three batters he faced - in his debut as a pitcher.
Up Next: The Volcanoes try to even their series with Vancouver Friday night at Volcanoes Stadium. Logan Webb, a 2014 fourth-round draft selection, is set to start for Salem-Keizer. First pitch is set for 6:35.
Images from this story
 Fernando Pujadas of the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes (Mason Shoultz) |
Northwest League Stories from June 19, 2015
- Hillsboro Hops vs. Spokane Indians - Hillsboro Hops
- Ian Happ Joins the Eugene Emeralds - Eugene Emeralds
- Indians Walk off with Win in Tight Opening Night Battle - Hillsboro Hops
- Moore's Walk-Off Gives Indians Season-Opening Win - Spokane Indians
- Vancouver Pounds Volcanoes in Opener - Salem-Keizer Volcanoes
- Boise Hawks Win 2015 Home Opener Against Tri-City Dust Devils - Boise Hawks
- C's Cruise in Season Opener vs. Salem-Keizer - 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.
