Ninth Inning Rally Tips Canadians over the Ems

Eugene, OR-A stellar season debut by starting pitcher Matt Lollis kept the Canadians at bay through six innings, but a ninth-inning rally by Vancouver gave them enough of a push to scoot by the Ems 2-1 in the second game of the three-game series.

RHP Lollis had a perfect game through the fifth inning before giving up a single to Canadians LF Zachary Hurley. On the night, Lollis allowed that single hit, walked one and struck out four.

The Ems bullpen were solid but didn't necessarily have the luck to carry through the pitcher's duel already started by Lollis and Vancouver's Kyle Christensen. RHP Deiber Sanchez starting off the seventh with two walks and allowing one hit before being replaced by RHP Matt Jackson in the eighth. Jackson had a three-up-three-down inning before allowing two runs in the ninth.

The Canadians big inning had an array of action, starting off with a single by 2B Jeremy Wells-who was then replaced by pinch runner Jose Crisotomo. Crisotomo advanced to third on back-to-back groundouts, setting up the RBI double by 1B Chris Affinito. A RBI single by RF Doug Landaeta brought in the final Vancouver run, leaving the Ems one run behind going into the final inning.

Ems 2B Jedd Gyorko gave fans a glimmer of hope with 2 outs in the ninth with his second double on the night (hit one off Doolittle in the seventh). The Ems lone run came from a homer by SS Tyler Stubblefield in the sixth inning.

Next up for the Ems: The Emeralds celebrate Father's Day with the final game of the three-game series with Vancouver. First pitch at 2:05 p.m. with pre-game catch on the field at 1:00 p.m. RHP Adys Portillo will be on the mound for the Ems, facing Canadians RHP Michael Hart.