Earlier in the season, the Eugene Emeralds (7-9) dropped their first four games against the Spokane Indians (13-3), who currently sit atop of the Northwest League North. Today, the Emeralds took game one against the Indians to begin their five game home stand, handing them just their third loss of the season.
“It’s one day at a time,” manager Robbie Wine said. “These guys are learning about the daily routines, going through it over and over. What happened yesterday does not matter.”
Against the league leading Indian batters, the Emerald pitchers held their own. Allowing just five hits and two runs, the Emeralds managed to win the game with their defense, which forced the Indians to abandon runners on multiple occasions.
Starting on the mound for the Emeralds was right-handed pitcher Jimmy Brasoban (2-1), who was awarded with today’s win. In 5.2 innings, Brasoban allowed four hits and both Indian runs (earned), while also striking out three.
Also having a stint at the mound was former Portland Pilot left-handed pitcher Travis Radke, who made every pitch count. During his 1.1 innings pitched, Radke retired all four batters he faced in consecutive order. Radke was drafted in the 25th round prior to signing with the Emeralds.
Ryan Butler was awarded the save after closing out the final two innings for the Emeralds.
For the Emeralds, it was a game of three innings offensively. Beginning the game with two combined runs in the second and third inning, the Emeralds held the lead for the entirety of the game.
They added two more runs in the bottom fifth off a pair of RBI singles from Cory Spangenberg (single) and Marcus Davis (double).
Leading the Emeralds were center fielder Spangenberg (2-4) and shortstop Trea Turner (1-3), who are both recently drafted first rounders. The two combined for three of the Emerald’s seven hits and three runs.
“Spark plug,” Wine said in reference to the two. “When he (Turner) gets on base, he makes things happen. As Turner goes, we go.”
Also having a day was left fielder Davis, who finished 2-3 on the night.
The Emeralds will continue their home series against the Indians tomorrow in a double header. First pitch is set for a 12:05 p.m. start at PK Park.
Follow Hayden Kim on Twitter @HayDayKim