The Eugene Emeralds dropped the final game of their five-game series with the Vancouver Canadians 7-0, but will begin their road trip as the division leaders.
Vancouver’s offense was fueled by three home runs — all no-doubters hit by Dan Arcila, L.B. Dantzler and Brenden Kalfus. The Canadians scored their first run in the opening frame when Ian Parmley walked, stole second and then scored on a throwing error by Anthony Torres. Arcila got the power party started in the second inning with his first homer of the year, a moon shot to right center to add on to Vancouver’s 1-0 lead.
Ems starting pitcher Erik Cabrera (0-6) had some control issues, giving up three walks and throwing three wild pitches, all happening in the third inning and led to a Vancouver run. Cabrera allowed five hits over four innings, but was hurt by giving up walks and wild pitches, as well ad the Torres error. He showed some poise in the fourth when the bases were loaded with one out. He retired David Harris and Dickie Thon to strand the bases loaded and keep the deficit at 3-0.
Kalfus added two runs in the fifth with his first long ball of the season — a towering shot that landed on the roof of the Emeralds bullpen. Dantzler added insult to injury with his team-leading seventh home run in the eighth with a man on.
The seven runs were plenty for Canadians starter Shane Dawson and his bullpen. Dawson lasted four innings, giving up just one hit while fanning six Ems hitters. Matt Dermody (3-1), Garrett Pickens and Chuck Ghyseis allowed a hit apiece over the final five innings, completely shutting down Eugene’s bats.
The Emeralds couldn’t get much of anything going offensively, getting the leadoff man aboard twice and advancing runners past first on just two occasions.
Overall, the series with Vancouver went well for the Ems and they swung the bats well, scoring 22 runs (4.4 per game). Manager Jim Gabella said the club looks forward to the upcoming road trip with their focus on forgetting about Tuesday’s loss.
“We’re doing a lot of good things, you know. We’ve won eight out of 12 games … but like I say everyday, tomorrow’s another day,” Gabella said. “We lost today, their pitchers did a nice job. We’ll come out tomorrow and keep working.”
The Ems will travel to the Tri-Cities to take on the Dust Devils, whom the Emeralds are 3-2 against this season. The Dust Devils are currently 3-5 in the second half of the season.
One of the difficulties that comes with not only managing a professional baseball team but also playing for one is the chance of getting traded. With the Major League Baseball trade deadline looming, players may find out that tonight’s game with their team was their last. Gabella said no transactions have occurred that he’s aware of.
“No news is good news,” Gabella chuckled.
The trade deadline is Wednesday July 31 at noon Eastern Time.