After taking the series lead with a late game winning Trae Santos RBI , the Eugene Emeralds (9-8) fell in game four 4-2 in a grueling 13 inning outing. The Spokane Indians (7-10) simply had one final run down the stretch and it was just enough to tie up the series at two games a piece.
Starting on the mound for the Emeralds this evening was left-handed pitcher Erik Schoenrock (2.78 ERA), who entered the game with a 2-3 record. Facing off against Schoenrock was left-handed pitcher Ryne Slack (1.57 ERA), who entered the game with a clean 2-0 record. Despite Schoenrock only allowing one run during his three innings, it would be Slack gaining the spotlight as he gave up his first hit in the bottom of the fifth along with no earned runs through five innings. Slack simply dominated the mound tonight and allowed his team to get off to the start they needed.
The Indians were the first ones to get on the board this evening as they took a 2-0 lead in the sixth inning via an Emerald draught that lasted nearly five innings. During this draught, the Emeralds had no hits and no runs as they struggled make contact with Slack. While the Emeralds answered in the final two innings, the Indians were in control of the game for most of the game.
In the final two innings, the Emeralds came alive and tied up the game with their first two runs. Following a Fernando Perez one RBI single in the bottom eighth, Malquiel Brito stepped up and recorded a crucial two RBI single to left field to send the game into extra innings.
Ending the game in the top of the 13th inning would be third baseman Janluis Castro. With two runners on, Castro stepped up to the plate and delivered a game winning two RBI double down the right baseline that just skimmed the line. Considering neither team had much momentum in extra innings, the Emeralds would fall short in the bottom 13th as they now begin to prepare for game five tomorrow evening.
“Their relief pitchers did a great job and shut us down in extra innings,” said Manager Gabella after the game. In regards to the game winning hit, Gabella had this to say: “As soon as he hit, I was hoping it was hooking, but it didn’t hook enough.”
On the horizon: The Emeralds will now try and take the series with a game five win tomorrow night at PK Park. First pitch is set for a usual 7:05 p.m. start.
For live tweeting during the game and news/recaps following the game, check back here with the Emerald.