C's search for answers after dropping fifth straight to Emeralds
The Canadians managed a run in the top of the 1st inning when DH Jon Berti singled, advanced over to third base on an errant pick-off attempt from Eugene starter RHP Colin Rea and scored on a hard hit single from SS Shane Opitz giving Vancouver a 1-0 lead.
The Emeralds got that run right back in the bottom of the 1st inning when 2B Cody Spangenberg would double to center field off of Canadians starter RHP Blake McFarland who would then proceed to walk the next three hitters he faced. RF Lee Orr, 3B Travis Whitmore and CF Kyle Gaedele would all reach base pushing Spanenberg in without swinging a bat to tie the game at 1-1.
With Eugene up 3-1 heading to the bottom of the 4th inning, McFarland would run into trouble once again as he would load the bases for RF Lee Orr who would smash a 2-2 fastball over the right field wall for a grand slam extending the Emeralds lad to six.
The Canadians dipped into the bullpen in the top of the 5th, but the Eugene offense continued to pound the C's arms adding two more runs when DH Jose Dore would hit a solo home run off of RHP Eric Brown, followed by an RBI C Matt Colantonio that scored 1B Zach Kometani who had doubled seconds earlier that helped Eugene to a 9-1.
Vancouver RF Nick Baligod lead off the top of the 6th inning drawing a walk off of Eugene reliever RHP Simon Berroa, advanced out to second on a wild pitch and scored on a single off the bat of 1B Randy Schwartz.
The C's would find one more run in the top of the 9th inning when 2B Bryan Kervin doubled and socred on a single from 3B Balbino Fuenmayor, but the night belonged to Eugene who locked up a NWL record 14th straight victory, topping Vancouver 9-3.
The loss drops Vancouver record to 11-8 (.579) on the season, while the win moves Eugene to 17-2 (.895) and six games clear of Vancouver for top spot in the NWL West Division.
The Canadians and Eugene Emeralds wrap-up this three-game series on Wednesday, July 6th at 7:05pm at PK Park. Vancouver sends RHP Zack Breault to the mound in the series finale.
Canadians Baseball returns to Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium on July 13th at 7:05pm as Vancouver welcomes the Boise Hawks for a five-game series followed by a three-game series vs. Eugene.
Tickets to Vancouver Canadians baseball can be purchased by visiting the Nat Bailey Stadium Box Office at 4601 Ontario Street, by calling 604.872.5232 of by scrolling to the top of this story and clicking on the ticket option that best suits your needs this summer.