Ems Revive Only To Be Extinguished Late

The Eugene Emeralds suffered a crushing defeat in Everett, falling to the Aquasox 4-3 after a furious ninth inning rally in front of 3,495 at Funko Field.

The Aquasox jumped out in front in the very first inning off of Eugene starter Chris Clarke, with Connor Hoover belting a 3-run home run off a 2-1 fastball, giving Everett a 3-0 lead.
That lead would hold all the way into the 9th inning, Tim Elliott, Jorge Benitez, and Kelvin Nunez fired 8 no-hit innings. Benitez was sensational on the mound, working 5 innings while striking out six. Elliott started the game and went two strong innings, with Nunez coming in to pitch to begin the 8th.
However, the Ems would finally score a breakthrough in the final frame. After Nunez walked Yovanny Cuevas and Fernando Kelli, Edmond Americaan sliced a 2-run double down the left field line with 1-out, not only breaking the no-hit bid at the finish line, but also putting the tying run at second. After another out was recorded, Grayson Byrd lined a single to left, plating Americaan and improbably tying the game.
Yet, Everett quickly bounced back in their half of the 9th. Cade Marlowe began the home half of the frame by beating out an infield single, advancing to 2ndlater on a Trent Tinglestad groundout. After Joe Nahas struck out Robert Perez, the Ems decided to intentionally walk Connor Hoover, giving an opportunity for Cesar Izturis Jr. to win the game.
Izturis Jr. would bounce a grounder through to left field, Marlowe racing home to score the winning run and giving the Aquasox the 4-3 win.
The Emeralds will look to bounce in Game 2 on Saturday night at Funko Field, with first pitch scheduled for 7:05pm. Be sure to listen live on 95.3 The Score.
Tickets to Emeralds home games are on sale now at www.EmeraldsBaseball.com or by calling (541) 342-5367.
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