Tri-City Loses Lead Late, Again
Dust Devils reliever Billy Vopinek (0-2) blew his second save in as many nights Friday night, allowing two runs in the ninth and getting tagged with the loss. Vopinek's first pitch of the ninth was homered to deep left field by Volcanoes third baseman Adam Duvall, his second home run of the season.
Tri-City starter Erik Stavert (0-0) was in line for his first win of the season as he worked five innings, allowing one earned run on four hits. Stavert lowered his season earned run average to 2.00 after the outing. Relievers Josh Mueller and Kraig Sitton also came on for the Dust Devils, combining for three shutout innings.
Dust Devils outfielder Chandler Laurent drove in the two Tri-City runs on the game, putting his season run batted in total at a team high 14. Also, infielder David Hernandez made his Dust Devil, debut going 2 for 4 at the plate.
Volcanoes reliever Mario Rodriguez (1-0) earned his first win of the season, working two innings of relief. Rodriguez did not allow a run and surrendered just one hit.
Tri-City will try to end their six game skid Saturday night in game three of five against Salem-Keizer. Left-hander Josh Hungerman (1-2) takes the mound for the Dust Devils looking to earn his second win of the season. Edward Concepcion (2-2) will get the start for the Volcanoes. Concepcion has a 6.89 earned run average in 15 2/3 innings of work. Fans will be treated to postgame fireworks tomorrow night, presented by Back to Basics Chiropractic.
Dust Devils Baseball... "Cooler than Ever!"