AquaSox Drop Game One 9-5

EVERETT, Wash. - Home runs by Kevin Mailloux and Jimmy Jacquot and five strong innings from Anthony Fernandez proved not enough as the Everett AquaSox (13-11, 40-21) fell to the Tri-City Dust Devils (9-15, 26-36) by a final of 9-5 in game one of a doubleheader Monday night at Everett Memorial Stadium.

The Dust Devils rallied from a 2-3 deficit to score seven runs in the sixth inning, sending 10 men to the plate off losing pitcher Taylor Lewis (0-1, 23.63 ERA). The big blow of the inning came on a Chandler Laurent two-out grand slam to center off Bennett Whitmore, who was facing his first batter after relieving Lewis.

Kraig Sitton (1-0, 2.70 ERA) earned the win for Tri-City.

Fernandez gave up his first home run of the season (67.0 IP) to Leonardo Reyes on a full count, two-out pitch in the first inning that gave the Dust Devils an early 2-0 lead. Fernandez also walked two in the frame, the first free pass he has issued since Aug. 1.

Kevin Rivers cut the lead in half in the bottom of the inning with a two-out RBI-double down the first-base line, scoring Terry Serrano from third.

Mailloux, whose 14-game hitting streak came to an end Saturday night, propelled the Sox back into the lead with his 13th homer of the season, a two-run shot in the fifth that put the Frogs up 3-2.

The lead wouldn't last long, however, as the Dust Devils tallied four hits, four walks and a grand slam in a seven-run sixth inning off Lewis and Whitmore to bounce back on top 9-3.

Jacquot hit a one-out solo home run to left center in the bottom of the sixth to account for the fourth AquaSox run, and Rivers knocked in his second of the game with a RBI-groundout in the seventh. Robbie Anston also went 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored.

Game two of the doubleheader begins 30 minutes after the conclusion of game one. Right-hander Austin Hudson (4-1, 2.66 ERA) is pitching for the Sox against righty Tyler Trice (1-1, 6.65 ERA) for the Dust Devils. Game two will last seven innings as well.

The 2010 AquaSox playoffs, presented by Sound Transit, have tickets on sale now. To reserve a spot at the first postseason run since 2002, please call (425) 258-3673, visit our box office at 3802 Broadway or go online at www.aquasox.com/tickets.

For more information on the Everett AquaSox, Class-A Short-Season affiliate of the Seattle Mariners, and for ticket information, please call (425) 258-3673 or visit www.aquasox.com.