After getting swept by the Salem-Keizur Volcanoes last night, the Eugene Emeralds (11-23) dropped game one 10-2 against the Vancouver Canadians (20-14). This is the first of the five game road series against the Canadians as the Emeralds now look to snap their five game losing streak.
Getting the start for the Emeralds this evening was pitcher Tayron Guererro. In just two innings, Guererro gave up six runs (four earned) and four hits as the Emeralds fell behind early on. For the Canadians, it was Jeremy Gabryszwski getting the start, who managed to give up seven hits and two earned runs in five innings. Aside from the lack of scoring for the Emeralds, the pitching matchup set the tone for the remainder of the game as the Emeralds played catchup from the get-go.
The Emeralds took the first lead of the game in the top of the second. After getting Trae Santos and Fernando Perez on the corner bases, Wynton Bernard stepped up to the plate and delivered an RBI single to bring home Santos for the first run of the game. Despite taking the early lead, the Emeralds quickly fell behind in the third after giving up more than half their runs.
A Melvin Garcia lead-off double began the bottom third for the Canadians. Following was a Chaz Frank single–leading to an eventual steal to second–and a Garcia run coming off a fielders choice. With two runners on following their opening run, Frank came in to score on a Jordan Leyland walk. To continue the run, Justin Atkinson recorded a two RBI double to center field to give the Canadians a comfortable 4-0 lead. Finishing off the inning was Leyland and Atkinson who both came in to score to cap the six run inning for the Canadians.
In the top of the fourth, the Emeralds tacked on their second run of the game. After Henry Charles advanced to second, Perez recorded an RBI single to right field to bring home Charles.
The Canadians answered however with two additional runs of their own in the bottom fourth. Bringing in the first run of the inning was Dickie Thon, who blasted a solo home run to left field to bring the score to 7-2. Following the Thon home run were back-to-back singles by Andy Fermin and Leyland which was then converted into their second run after a Michael Reeve RBI single to left field.
In the seventh and eight inning, the Canadians brought home their final two runs of the game. Brenden Kalfus brought home a score in the bottom seventh off a wild pitch, while Leyland recorded a solo home run to right field to bring the game to a close.
On the horizon: The Emeralds will now look to rebound in game two tomorrow as they continue their five game series against the Canadians. Game time is set for 1:05 p.m. start.
For live tweeting during the game and news/recaps following the game, check back here with the Emerald.