Worst-To-First One Step Closer, Ems Advance to Championship Series
September 7, 2018 - Northwest League (NWL1)
Eugene Emeralds News Release
EUGENE, OR - Do we have your attention now? Much maligned for reaching the Northwest League Playoffs with the league's worst overall record, the Eugene Emeralds are officially heading to the Championship Series, defeating the Hillsboro Hops 3-2 in Game 2 in Hillsboro, sweeping the first round series 2 games to none.
After getting no-hit going into the 6th inning, the Ems took advantage of a defensive miscue by the Hops in the frame, scoring two runs after a chopper off the bat of Nelson Velazquez scooted up the middle and the Hops were unable to complete the play. Luke Reynolds then followed him up with an RBI double, and those 3 runs were all the Ems needed to finish off the victory. Are you paying attention now?
The series victory not only sends the Emeralds to their third consecutive championship series appearance, but they also defeated the team with the league's best overall record in the Hops, who finished a full 20 games ahead of Eugene in the overall standings. However, in the playoffs, throw the records out the window. The Ems have proven that they can win when it matters most. Do you believe us now?
The Ems will now await the result of the winner-take-all Game 3 on Friday, September 7th, between Spokane and Everett to determine who they will face in the championship series. If Everett wins, the Ems will travel for Games 1 and 2 in Everett on Saturday and Sunday, before returning home to PK Park in Eugene for Games 3-5 on Monday-Wednesday of next week. If Spokane wins, the Ems host all 5 games of the final series, beginning on Sunday, September 9th and potentially running through the following Thursday, if necessary.
Tickets will become available as soon as the Emeralds learn of their championship opponent on Friday night and the schedule is officially known. Fans can purchase those tickets at www.EmeraldsBaseball.com. Why not us?
The Eugene Emeralds are the short-season Class A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. For the third consecutive season, the Ems will be in the NWL Championship series, looking to avenge last season's loss to Vancouver. The Eugene Emeralds are dedicated to providing the best in family entertainment and were nominated for the Larry MacPhail Award for a seventh consecutive year in 2017. For more information, please visit our website at www.EmeraldsBaseball.com or call the Emeralds front office at 541-342-5367.
Northwest League Stories from September 7, 2018
- Apostel and Gonzalez Help Spokane Punch Ticket to NWL Championship - Spokane Indians
- Late Inning Heroics Not Enough, 5-4 - Everett AquaSox
- Northwest League Championship Series Set, Eugene Faces Spokane - Eugene Emeralds
- Ems End Hops Season with Playoff Sweep - Hillsboro Hops
- Scotiabank Field Lands at #8 of 160 Minor League Ballparks Reviewed - Vancouver Canadians
- Worst-To-First, Ems Advance to Championship Series - Eugene Emeralds
- Worst-To-First One Step Closer, Ems Advance to Championship Series - Eugene Emeralds
- Indians Fall to Everett 8-3, Series Heads to Deciding Game 3 - Spokane Indians
- Six-Run Fourth Propels Sox to Victory, 8-3 - Everett AquaSox
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