Volcanoes Fall in Game Two, Ready for Rubber Match
July 28, 2016 - Northwest League (NWL1)
Salem-Keizer Volcanoes News Release
EUGENE, Oregon - The Eugene Emeralds struck early in game two, holding the lead the entire contest in a 4-1 win over the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes. Despite two hits apiece from right fielder Heath Quinn and shortstop Ryan Howard, the Volcanoes' offense was unable to sustain a significant rally in the loss.
Left-handed pitcher Connor Menez made his first start in a Volcanoes uniform after being called up from the Arizona League. Menez was taken in the 14th Round of the 2016 Draft and has had a successful season thus far playing for the Rookie League affiliate of the Giants. Up to this point, Menez has recorded a 2.57 ERA with 26 strikeouts and just four walks.
Despite Menez's credentials going into the game, the Emeralds got started early with an infield single by first baseman Chris Pieters, and the pegging of third baseman Wladamir Galinado helped ignite their offense.
With two runners on base, designated hitter Jose Paniagua hit a long fly ball to Quinn who fumbled the ball as he crashed into the wall. A shallow fly ball single by shortstop Zack Short would go ahead and score Pagiagua from third. This left the score at 3-0 after just the first inning.
The second inning brought more of the same, as a walk of left fielder Kevonte Mitchell followed by a passed ball and a fielder's choice gave the Emeralds a runner on third. A single from right fielder Robert Garcia then turned into another run for Eugene, leaving the score set at 4-0.
Menez did not instantly find success as he transitioned into this higher level of baseball. However, after the second, he settled down and pitched the next three innings without surrendering a run.
It took the Volcanoes until the sixth inning to get anything significant going offensively. Quinn led off the inning with a single. Then a walk of designated hitter Gio Brusa followed by a double play resulted in Quinn making his way to third.
After a walk of All-Star first baseman John Riley, Howard stepped up to hit a line drive just past the reach of the left-handed reliever Tyler Peitzmeier, which put the Volcanoes on the board and left the score at 4-1 in the middle of the sixth.
As the game wore on, the Emeralds' offense became stagnant, with all their damage being inflicted in the first two innings of the contest. Right-handed reliever Rayan Hernandez came in for Menez in the sixth and went three scoreless, giving up just one hit in the appearance.
This loss ties the series at one game apiece. The rubber match is set for July 28 at 7:05 p.m. at PK Park, where the Volcanoes look to take the series from the league-leading Emeralds. 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 July 28, 2016
- Late Inning Comeback Not Enough as Dust Devils Fall - Tri-City Dust Devils
- Volcanoes Fall in Game Two, Ready for Rubber Match - Salem-Keizer Volcanoes
- Bo and Betts Blank Boise 4-0 - Hillsboro Hops
- Indians Top Tri-City 7-5 for Third Straight Win - Spokane Indians
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