Aeverson Arteaga's Walk-off Defeats AquaSox

EUGENE, OR: Aeverson Arteaga led off the bottom of the ninth inning with a game-winning walk-off home run as the Eugene Emeralds (22-17) overcame an early five-run deficit to defeat the Everett AquaSox (18-21) 6-5 in the opener of a seven-game series.

Emeralds starting pitcher Nick Sinacola walked AquaSox hitters Harry Ford and Ben Ramirez to lead off the game. Tyler Locklear singled up the middle to score a pair of runs. Walking Cabrera singled to load the bases with only one out, however, Sincola was able to retire the next two batters, leaving three Sox baserunners stranded.

The AquaSox added to their lead in the top of the second with back-to-back home runs. Alberto Rodriguez hit his third home run of the season, a three-run home run, scoring Blake Rambusch and Ford to make it a 4-0 game. Locklear then hit his 10th home run of the season over the fence in right-center field and the AquaSox extended their lead to 5-0.

AquaSox starting pitcher Raul Alcantara retired the first seven batters that he faced before running into control issues in the bottom of the third inning. He walked three consecutive batters to load the bases and then hit Arteaga with a pitch, scoring Ghordy Santos for the first Eugene run. Damon Dues scored on a Victor Bericoto sacrifice fly followed by Grant McCray scoring on Logan Wyatt’s RBI single and the Emeralds trimmed the Sox lead to 5-3 after three innings.

Some photos from last night's action down in Euguene.

Photo Credit: Joey McCraken pic.twitter.com/VA5JbVdJZY

— Everett AquaSox (@EverettAquaSox) May 24, 2023

The Emeralds scored two more runs in the fourth inning. Dues drove in Jimmy Glowenke with an RBI single to cut the Sox lead to one followed by Santos scoring the game-tying run on a McCray sacrifice fly.

The game was tied 5-5 after four innings and the score would remain unchanged going into the ninth inning. Arteaga led off the bottom of the ninth and quickly ended the game when he hit Mike Flynn’s 1-0 offering over the center field fence for the winning run. It was the fifth home run of the season for Arteaga who was trenched by his awaiting teammates when he crossed home plate.

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Pictured Above: Tyler Locklear
Photo Credit: Joey McCraken

WRAPPING IT UP: Harry Ford walked three times and went one-for-two. Ford now has walked a league-leading 37 times. It was the fourth time this season that Ford has walked three or more times in a game. Ford also improved his on-base percentage to .441 which is third in the Northwest League this season. Tyler Locklear has hit four home runs and 10 RBI in his last seven games.

LOOKING AHEAD: Game two of the six-game series is scheduled for Wednesday, May 24. RHP Nick Davila will get the start and make his Everett AquaSox debut while LHP Matt Mikulski (0-1, 7.52 ERA) will take the mound for Eugene. The first pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. and the pre-game show begins at 6:15 p.m. Tune in to 1380 AM/95.3 FM for all of the action

The Frogs return to the friendly confines of Funko Field for a six-game homestand against the Hillsboro Hops starting May 29 for a special Monday Memorial Day Game starting at 4:05 PM. The series resumes on Wednesday, May 31st, and runs through Sunday, June 4th.

ABOUT THE EVERETT AQUASOX: The Everett AquaSox are the High-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. Everett is a member of the Northwest League and has been a Mariners affiliate since establishing the AquaSox moniker in 1995. For updates on the 2023 season, community initiatives and Webbly appearances follow the Frogs on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok or visit our website, AquaSox.com. Season Tickets, mini-plans, group, and picnic outings can be purchased by calling (425) 258-3673 or visiting the AquaSox Front Office at 3802 Broadway in Everett.