After dropping game one against Everett (7-6), the Eugene Emeralds (7-6) won two straight to take the series. Despite the loss, the Aquasox remain atop of Northwest League North.
In a close game, the Emeralds were the first to get on board. After River Stevens led off with a double to left field, Franchy Cordero brought him home on a groundout.
In the top of the third, the Aquasox not only answered, but they took the lead. Their first run came off of a Chris Mariscal RBI single with the bases loaded. Three consecutive RBI singles from Joseph DeCarlo, Kyle Petty and James Alfonso gave the Aquasox a 4-1 lead heading into the fourth inning.
In response to giving up four runs in the third, the Emeralds went on a run of their own. Beginning with a Yale Rosen ground-rule double that brought in Marcus Davis, the Emeralds retook the lead with a four run inning. Two Aquasox errors and a Nick Vilter capped off the inning as the Emeralds headed into the fifth with a 5-4 lead.
The remaining four innings ended in dramatic fashion. After scoring one run each in the sixth and seventh inning, bringing the score to 6-5, the game came down to the ninth inning.
Trailing 6-5 in the top of the ninth, the Aquasox did what they could and tied up the score. Following a pitching change from Seth Lucio to Bryan Verbitsky, Austin Cousino doubled to centerfield, giving the Emeralds a chance to win the game and series in the bottom of the ninth.
To begin the inning, the Aquasox made a pitching change of their own as Kody Kerski replaced Hawtin Buchanan. And while the Emeralds managed to get in scoring position with Cordero advancing to third, it wouldn’t be until Edwin Moreno entered the game on an offensive substitution that they would get the game winning run.
With two runners on, Moreno stepped up to the plate and hit a walk-off RBI single to centerfield.
Receiving the win on the mound for the Emeralds was Verbitsky (2-2), who allowed two hits and one run during his lone inning. He finished with two strikeouts.
Next up for the Emeralds is a three game away series against the Northwest League South leading Hillsboro Hops (8-4) this Thursday. Thursday’s game is set for a 7:05 p.m. start.
Follow Hayden Kim on Twitter @HayDayKim