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Sox Fall Short Behind Ben Williamson’s Three Doubles

April 14, 2024

EVERETT, WA: In an evening that saw the AquaSox bats come alive early courtesy of Ben Williamson and Brock Rodden, the Emeralds pulled ahead late to secure victory 6-5. Four batters into the bottom of the first inning, Williamson hit an RBI double down the right field line to tie

EVERETT, WA: In an evening that saw the AquaSox bats come alive early courtesy of Ben Williamson and Brock Rodden, the Emeralds pulled ahead late to secure victory 6-5.

Four batters into the bottom of the first inning, Williamson hit an RBI double down the right field line to tie the game 1-1. Jared Sundstrom proceeded to give Everett an early 2-1 lead on an RBI groundout.

In the second inning, Rodden continued his recent power surge. After Victor Labrada walked and stole second base for his 80th career stolen base, Rodden launched a towering home run for the second time in as many days over the right-center field wall. Rodden’s 378-foot blast gave the Sox a 4-1 lead and, for the first time in his professional career, Rodden homered in consecutive games.

From the third inning on, Williamson doubled twice more, marking the first time in his professional career where he has doubled two or more times in one game. He finished tonight’s game with three doubles and two RBIs, having hit safely in seven of eight games this season. Labrada showed off his speed again, collecting a triple for the 14th time in his career. Rodden and Hunter Fitz-Gerald walked twice, and Williamson, Axel Sanchez, and Ty Duvall all walked once. RJ Schreck also hit safely.

On the bump, right-hander Juan Burgos made his first start of the year. Burgos worked three innings, allowing only one run while striking out four batters. Burgos induced an impressive 1-6-3 double play on a comebacker to the mound to end the third inning and his outing. Southpaw Brandyn Garcia entered in relief of Burgos and worked three innings, striking out a professional career-high five batters.

Ultimately, Eugene would prevail in the late stages of the game. Andrew Kachel hit a 2-RBI single in the top of the eighth against Everett reliever Troy Taylor, capping off a three-run top of the eighth inning. Kachel has seven hits in four games played against Everett this series.

A ninth-inning comeback was attempted by Everett as Williamson’s second RBI double of the night cut Eugene’s lead to one run. Ben Madison had other plans and extinguished Williamson’s spark by striking out pinch hitter Bill Knight with runners on second and third to secure victory for Eugene.

In the final three innings of the game, the Sox threw a trio of relievers. Jason Ruffcorn made his fourth appearance, throwing one shutout inning. Ruffcorn has surrendered zero runs on the season. Bryan Pope and Taylor combined to pitch the rest of the game for Everett.

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PICTURED ABOVE: Ben Williamson
PHOTO CREDIT: Shari Sommerfeld

LOOKING AHEAD: Tomorrow afternoon is Sunday Fun Day! First pitch for goodr Sunglasses Sunday Fun Day is at 4:05 p.m. Right-hander Ty Cummings will take the mound for Everett in his second start. Come enjoy a pregame autograph session with two AquaSox players outside of the Frog Shop from 3 to 3:30 p.m. Kids age 14 and under may also run the bases postgame, courtesy of Port of Subs. Gather your friends and family and enjoy our Chick-Fil-A 4 for $44.00 promotion, where you can buy four Upper Reserved seats, four hot dogs, four chips and sodas, plus four Chick-Fil-A sandwich vouchers for just $44.00!

ABOUT THE EVERETT AQUASOX: The Everett AquaSox are the High-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. Everett is a member of the Northwest League and has been a Mariners affiliate since establishing the AquaSox moniker in 1995. For updates on the 2024 season, including community initiatives and Webbly appearances, follow the Frogs on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok or visit our website, AquaSox.com. 2024 season ticket and mini plans can be purchased by calling (425) 258-3673 or by visiting the AquaSox Front Office at 3802 Broadway in Everett.