After giving up the series opener last night, the Eugene Emeralds (3-2) bounced back to grab game two against the visiting Vancouver Canadians (3-2). Despite struggling on offense early in the game, the Emeralds got it going late in the game and took advantage of their opportunities to tie up the series at one a piece, notching a 5-2 win.
Starting on the mound for the Emeralds this evening was left-handed pitcher Erik Schoenrock, who entered the game with a 2-3 record along with a 2.75 ERA. While Schoenrock began the game off with four quick strikeouts through the first two innings, he quickly turned for the worst after giving up three hits and two earned runs in the top third. Schoenrock was immediately replaced in the top of the fourth by right-handed pitcher Kyle Lloyd.
Getting the start for the Canadians was left-handed pitcher Kyle Anderson who entered the game with a perfect 4-0 record along with a 2.47 ERA. Anderson finished with three strikeouts, allowed no runs and gave up three hits through his five innings.
The Canadians took the early lead in the top third after bringing home the first two runs of the game. Following his own advancement to second off a wild pitch, David Harris came in to score after a second wild pitch. To cap off the inning, Justin Atkinson hit a one RBI single to left field following a Melvin Garcia double to right, as the Canadians held a 2-0 lead heading into the fourth inning.
The Emeralds would answer in the bottom sixth however with two runs of their own. To begin the inning, the Emeralds got two runners on with one out remaining. Then stepping up to the plate was Trae Santos who recorded a two RBI double to center to tie the game up at two a piece heading into the seventh inning.
In the eight inning, the Emeralds went on a game winning run as they poured in three late scores. Following a Ronnie Richardson lead-off double to left and Henry Charles getting hit by a pitch, Hunter Renfroe stepped up to the plate and delivered the play of the game. With runners on first and second and two outs remaining, Renfroe blasted a near home run to deep left, recording a three RBI double to give the Emeralds their first lead of the game. Continuing the run was Santos who hit a two RBI single to give the Emeralds a comfortable 5-2 lead heading into the ninth.
“We needed this win,” Renfroe said after the game. “We were struggling a little bit at the plate as of late, but we came out and swung the bat really well,” Renfroe said.
In regards to the pitching, Renfroe felt his teammates did what enough to grab the win.
“We had a little bit more walks than we had planned on,” Renfroe said. “But we fell through it, threw strikes at the end and got the win. That’s all that matters.”
Closing out the game was Adam Cimber, who improved to 2-1 after grabbing the win tonight. Aside from allowing two runners on in the top ninth, Cimber managed to close out the game and only gave up one hit in his 1.1 innings.
All-in-all the Emeralds can thank their strong pitching core for tonight’s victory. Despite Schoenrock giving up two early runs, it would be the pitching down the stretch that saved the Emeralds from their second consecutive loss. In total, the Emeralds used five different pitchers this evening en route to the win.
On the horizon: The Emeralds will now look to take the series lead in game three tomorrow night. Game time is set for a 5:05 p.m. start.
For live tweeting during the game and news/recaps following the game, check back here with the Emerald.