The Eugene Emeralds bullpen proved to be the difference in the Tri-City Dust Devils' 2-1 loss at Gesa Stadium on Thursday night. The Dust Devils (29-39) could not produce a late rally to overcome the Emeralds' (42-26) one-run lead.

Both teams received impressive pitching throughout the game. Tri-City starter Peter Tago had one of his best performances of the season. The 20-year old righty allowed only one run in six innings, earning a no decision. Eugene starter Joe Ross also performed at a high level, giving up one run in five innings.

Neither team was able to score until the bottom of the fifth, when a sacrifice fly from Kyle Von Tungeln brought home Alec Mehrten for the Dust Devils. The Emeralds tied the game in the seventh when Tri-City reliever Chris Dennis walked Stephen Carmon to force in a run. Eugene got its first lead of the game in the eighth inning. Rosell Herrera committed a throwing error that allowed Maxx Tissenbaum to score what would become the deciding run in the game. Ryan Arrowood (3-2) suffered the loss despite giving up just an unearned run.

Brandon Alger and Roman Madrid were outstanding in relief for the Emeralds, combining to keep the Dust Devils scoreless for the final four innings of the game. Alger (4-1) earned the victory, striking out six batters in three innings of work. Madrid notched his Northwest League-high thirteenth save of the season.

The five-game series will continue on Friday night at Gesa Stadium. Right-hander Shane Broyles will start for the Dust Devils. Broyles is 4-3 with a 3.00 ERA. The Emeralds with send Tayron Guerrero to the mound. It will be just the third start with Eugene for Guerrero, who is 0-1 with a 6.75 ERA. First pitch is at 7:15 p.m. and gates open at 6:15 p.m. It is 10K Grand Slam Night presented by the Gesa Credit Union and $1 Family Feast Night presented by Lamb Weston.

Dust Devils Baseball... "It Will Blow You Away!"