Volcanoes storm back and hang on for a 8-7 win over the Hawks

KEIZER, Oregon -- The Volcanoes beat the Hawks in nail biting fashion at Volcanoes Stadium in the first game of a three game series. Salem-Keizer scored five runs in the seventh inning to take a four run lead, but almost gave it up in the ninth as the Hawks did all they could to keep the game interesting. Ultimately, the Volcanoes shut the door with the bases loaded to win 8-7 against the Hawks.

 

The Volcanoes scored three runs in the first two innings to stay within striking distance of the Hawks who scored two runs in the first and second inning to lead 4-3 through six innings. Salem-Keizer scored two runs in the first on a bases-loaded walk by right fielder Heath Quinn, and later in the inning on a ground out by second baseman Kevin Rivera.

 

Neither team could barrel up a baseball after the third inning as both teams' relief pitchers, the Volcanoes' Nolan Riggs and Alec Kenilvort of the Hawks, allowed no hits through the sixth inning. George Thanopolous, the Hawks' second relief pitcher, came in for the sixth inning and didn't allow a hit, just like Volcanoes' second reliever Kendry Melo who did not allow a hit in the sixth.

 

The Volcanoes reached base in the sixth inning via a walk to center fielder Bryan Reynolds but couldn't score. An error by Hawks' first baseman Jacob Bosiokovic, who dropped a pop fly in fair territory, put shortstop Ryan Howard at first base to begin the inning. Catcher Zack Bowers reached on a walk to put runners on first and second with no outs in the seventh.

 

Rivera broke the hitless three innings in the ball game with a bunt single in the seventh inning to load the bases. The very next pitch scored Howard on a wild pitch by Michael Bunal, the third relief pitcher for the Hawks.

 

Designated hitter Ashford Fulmer then broke the tie with a single into right field, forcing Bunal out of the game with runners on the corners and no outs. Third baseman Manuel Geraldo followed suit with a single to center field, scoring Rivera. Fulmer then stole third base and Geraldo advanced to second on a wild pitch. Fulmer then scored on a passed ball and Rivera moved to third base on the play as the Volcanoes broke it open with no outs in the seventh.

 

After a groundout by left fielder Gio Brusa, Geraldo scored on another wild pitch. When the dust settled, the Volcanoes had scored five runs on three hits and one error to lead the ball game 8-4.

 

The Hawks threatened in the eighth inning but Melo didn't take any flak as he left two runners on base in the inning. Salem-Keizer tried to get more insurance runs in the bottom of the eighth, but headed to the top of the ninth needing just three outs, with a four run lead, to win game one of the series against Boise.

 

Riggs tossed 2.2 innings of perfect baseball from the fourth through the sixth. Melo tossed 2.1 innings, allowing one run on four hits before exiting in the ninth. The one run against Melo came in the ninth inning with one out on a grounder to the right side, cutting the Volcanoes lead to 8-5.

 

Cesar Yanez came in for Melo in the ninth inning with one out and runners on first and second. Yanez loaded the bases on a single by designated hitter Luis Castro. Yanez then walked in a run to make the game eight to six and then threw a wild pitch to make it a one run ball game. Yanez earned his fourth save of the season with a strikeout to third baseman Tyler Follis to end the game with the tying run at third base.

 

Melo receives the win after pitching 2.1 innings, allowing just one run, while Yanez received the save after coming in for 0.2 innings of relief work.

 

Salem-Keizer and Boise play game two of their three game series Tuesday night, July 19, at 6:35 p.m. at Volcanoes Stadium.