It was a turn of events for the Eugene Emeralds as they dropped the fifth and final game to the visiting Tri-City Dust Devils 6-0. After blanking the Dust Devils 6-0 last night, the Emeralds simply could not get anything going on offense as they gave up a string of runs early in the game. The Emeralds did however manage to win the series with a 3-2 overall advantage as they now get prepared for a three game homestand against the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes.
The early difference in the game was the matchup between the starting pitchers. While Sam Moll allowed no runs and recorded four strikeouts, Emerald starting pitcher Erik Cabrera allowed six runs (four earned) and six total hits in his four innings pitched. By the end of the fourth inning, the game was essentially out of reach as the Emeralds found themselves in a deep 6-0 hole.
The runs began to pour in for the Dust Devils in the top of the second. Beginning with an early Sean Dwyer walk and a Wilfredo Rodriguez single to center, the Dust Devils were in good position to get on the board. Despite being one out away from ending the inning, the Emeralds ended up giving up a late Chris O’Gowd one RBI double to end the inning as they trailed 2-0 heading into the third.
In the top of the third, the Dust Devils would continue their run on offense as they recorded three additional runs. After a Alec Mehrten walk and a Mike Tauchman single to left to begin the inning, the Dust Devils once again converted their opportunities into runs. With two runners on, Michael Benjamin stepped up to the plate and hit a two RBI double to left center. Following was a Wilfredo Rodriguez RBI single to left to bring home another run. Heading into the fourth, the Dust Devils held a commanding 5-0 lead.
In the top of the fourth, the Emeralds failed to end the inning once again after recording two early outs off a 6-4-5 double play. After a Wilson Soriano single to center and an eventual steal to second, Alec Mehrten recorded a one RBI single to left to bring home another run which gave the Dust Devils a commanding 6-0 lead heading into the fifth inning.
Despite being down six runs, the Emeralds finally managed to get something going on offense as they put three runs on the board in the bottom fifth. After an Anthony Torres single and a Miguel Del Castillo walk, Henry Charles recorded a one RBI double to right to give the Emeralds their first two runs of the game. After Charles made his way to third off a steal, Marcus Davis hit a one RBI single to put the score at 6-3 heading into the sixth inning.
In the final three innings, the Emeralds made a valiant effort to try to make a late game comeback. Aside from giving up a one RBI single to Wilson Soriano in the top sixth, the Emeralds actually managed to come up with two runs in the bottom seventh to bring the game to a 7-5 score.
After piling on runners with two outs remaining, the Emeralds recorded two runs off of a walk and wild pitch which were made while the bases were loaded. The Emeralds did have two innings to tie or win the game, but failed to come up with any more runs.
“No adjustments, we just got to continue to play the way we’ve been playing,” Manager Jim Gabella said after the game. “The positives: obviously our pitching has been our strength; we’re starting to swing the bats better,” Gabella said. “We broke down a little bit defensively that’s why didn’t win today; we’re not going to change anything, just going to keep working and keep doing what we’ve been doing.”
On the horizon: After a 3-2 series win against the Dust Devils, the Emeralds will now get ready for their three game series against the Salem-Keizur Volcanoes beginning tomorrow night. Gametime is set for a 7:05 p.m. start.
For live tweeting during the game and news/recaps following the game, check back here with the Emerald.