Game one of three against the visiting Salem-Keizer Volcanoes did not go well for the Eugene Emeralds as they fell 9-2 to open the three game home stand. The Emeralds gave up too many early runs to the Volcanoes and could not find a way to climb back into the game. With the win, the Volcanoes improved to 8-4 on the season while the Emeralds fell to 5-7.
Starting pitcher Yimmi Brasoban had a rough start to the game as he gave up three runs (two earned) and two hits in two innings. The Volcanoes’ starting pitcher Andrew Leenhouts ended the game with two strikeouts and allowed no runs through five innings. Aside from the costly errors, the early pitching matchup between Brasoban and Leenhouts proved to be the biggest factor in the game one outcome. The Ems, after strong pitching performances against the Tri-City Dust Devils, struggled on the mound.
“The defense broke down a little bit at the beginning of the game and got us down with a bunch of runs,” said manager Jim Gabella after the game. “Last night we kind of battled back, tonight we couldn’t. Just one of those days.”
The Volcanoes got on the board right away, bringing home two early runs. After a Tyler Hollick walk and an eventual steal to second, Brandon Bednar hit an RBI single to center to give his team a 1-0 lead with one out. With two runners on, Shilo McCall hit an in-field single to load the bases. Jonathan Jones then walked to give the Volcanoes a 2-0 lead heading into the second inning.
In the top of the second the Volcanoes tacked on another run. After a lead-off Ryan Honeycutt double to right center and a Bednar walk, Tyler Hollick hit an RBI single to bring home Bednar for their third score of the game.
The Volcanoes continued to bring runs home throughout the game. After a fourth inning lead-off single to left by Eugene Escalante and a Randy Ortiz in-field single, the Volcanoes had two runners on with two outs. Bednar hit a two RBI single to extend the lead to 5-0. To finish off the inning, Sam Eberle hit a three RBI single to right which was followed by a two run home run by Shilo McCall to give the Volcanoes a 9-0 lead.
Aside from two runs scored in the bottom seventh by a Ryan Miller two-RBI single to right, the Emeralds would eventually go on to lose 9-2. By the end of the game, the Emeralds were charged with three errors and allowed eight total hits.
On the horizon: The Emeralds now look to game two of the three game series against the Volcanoes. Gametime is set for a 7:05 p.m. start tomorrow night at PK Park.
For live tweeting during the game and news/recaps following the game, check back here with the Emerald.