NWL1 Salem-Keizer Volcanoes

Volcanoes Homer Twice, Win Fourth Straight

Published on July 7, 2015 under Northwest League (NWL1)
Salem-Keizer Volcanoes News Release


Salem-Keizer won its fourth consecutive game Monday night, defeating Tri-City 4-3 at Volcanoes Stadium. The Volcanoes' four-game winning streak is their longest of the season.

The Dust Devils out-hit the Volcanoes 10-8, but Salem-Keizer managed to muscle its way to the victory.

Tri-City starter Travis Radke (1-2, 5.00 ERA) appeared to be in total command early, scattering three hits - all singles - through his first three innings of work. That all changed in a hurry, as Salem-Keizer blasted two homers in the fourth. With Chris Shaw standing at first, Jose Vizcaino Jr. belted the first home run of his professional career just barely over the right center field fence. The ball bounced just off the top of the wall, allowing Vizcaino Jr. to circle the bases for the first time as a pro. Chase Compton hit a towering solo shot two batters later, extending the Volcanoes' lead to 3-0.

The Volcanoes tacked on another run the following inning. Julio Pena led off the inning with a single, stole second and advanced to third on a wild pitch. Junior Amion then singled to right, scoring Pena and pushing the Salem-Keizer advantage to 4-0.

Volcanoes starter Drew Leenhouts (3-1, 1.90 ERA) was fantastic once again, scattering four hits while striking out seven in five scoreless innings. Reliever Rayan Hernandez struggled to produce similar results, allowing back-to-back hits to Carlos Belen and Ty France to lead off the sixth. Mason Smith then hustled out an infield single that scored Belen. A.J. Kennedy moved the runners over with a sacrifice bunt before Justin Pacchioli grounded out, scoring Ty France and cutting the deficit in half.

The Dust Devils inched closer in the seventh. Jarret Leverett hit Peter Van Gansen with one out in the inning before Jose Carlos Urena stroked a double into left that soared just beyond Shilo McCall's outstretched glove. Van Gansen sprinted all the way home and scored, bringing Tri-City within a run. Urena advanced to third on a wild pitch but wouldn't advance any further as Leverett escaped the jam with the lead intact.

Ryan Halstead pitched a scoreless ninth to secure his second save of the season.

Player of the Game: Drew Leenhouts was tremendous after fighting his command in the first inning. The left-hander fired five shutout innings while striking out seven in yet another quality outing.

Up Next: The Volcanoes continue their series with the Tri-City Dust Devils tomorrow night. Mike Connolly (1-1, 3.86 ERA) will start for Salem-Keizer. First pitch is set for 6:35 p.m.

Check out the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes Statistics

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Northwest League Stories from July 7, 2015


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