Volcanoes snag 2-0 extra inning victory

PASCO, Wash - The Volcanoes pitching staff shutout an opponent for the first time this season in another 12 inning contest, the fourth such extra inning game in 8 days, 2 to 0 over Tri-City. Salem-Keizer utilized a two-run 12th inning to beat the NWL-leading Tri-City Dust Devils 2 to 0.

Both teams starting pitchers were virtually untouchable through five innings. Tri-City starter Ben Sheckler tossed 5.0 innings allowing just one hit, one walk, and striking out four. Opposing Sheckler, for the Volcanoes Julio Benitez went 5.2 innings, gave up four hits, no walks and struck out six in his outing.

The Volcanoes bullpen help up its end of the deal striking out 12 Dust Devils through the next 6.1 innings. Luis Pino struck out three and did not give up a hit, Heath Slatton struck out six and gave up just one hit, and Vic Black came in to get the save, walking just one Dust Devil and giving up one hit. Salem-Keizer stranded eight Tri-City runners on base throughout the game and turned out double play, allowing just nine baserunners all game.

In the twelfth inning, the Volcanoes used a leadoff single from the defensive replacement, Kevin Rivera, and a single from shortstop Manuel Geraldo to move Rivera to third. Rivera scored on firstbaseman Ryan Kirby's go-ahead single to center and Geraldo scooted all the way to third base. With one out, right fielder Juan Rodriguez singled to left which allowed Geraldo to trot home to give the Volcanoes a 2 to 0 lead.

Heath Slatton earned the win after throwing 3.0 innings and Vic Black, the former big-leaguer on a rehab stint came in to get his first save of the season. Satring second baseman Junior Amion, Geraldo and Rodriguez each fininshed with multi-hit games for the visitors

Alejandro De La Rosa will face off against Henry Henry as the Volcanoes and Dust Devils will battle again June 30 at 7:15 p.m. PDT from Pasco, Washington at Gesa Stadium.