AquaSox Drop Series Opener In Eugene
June 11, 2024 - EUGENE, OR: The Everett AquaSox six game series in Eugene got off to a rough start as the Eugene Emeralds knocked out 14 hits on their way to an 11-2 win. It was the third straight loss for the AquaSox, dropping their record to 26-31 on
June 11, 2024 - EUGENE, OR: The Everett AquaSox six game series in Eugene got off to a rough start as the Eugene Emeralds knocked out 14 hits on their way to an 11-2 win. It was the third straight loss for the AquaSox, dropping their record to 26-31 on the season. The Emeralds improved to 31-25.
The Emeralds opened up the scoring in the bottom of the second inning when Andrew Kachel scored on Rodolfo Nolasco’s line drive single into left field for an early 1-0 lead. Matt Higgins added to the lead in the bottom of the third when he blasted a home run off of AquaSox starter Ryan Hawks over the right field fence, scoring Quinn McDaniel. It was the second home run of the season for Higgins and the Emeralds led 3-0 after three innings.
Shaddon Peavyhouse replaced Hawks at the start of the fifth inning and proceeded to hit Nolasco with the first pitch of the inning. Peavyhouse then walked the next batter, Turner Hill. The base runners advanced to second and third bases when Diego Velasquez grounded out, putting Nolasco and Hill in scoring position. McDaniel then singled into centerfield, scoring both runners to make it a 5-0 game. McDaniel scored three batters later on a Justin Wishkoski single and Eugene’s lead was at 6-0 through five innings.
The AquaSox were finally able to get on the board in the sixth inning when Caleb Cali singled, advanced to second base on a wild pitch, and then scored when Hunter Fitz-Gerald doubled into right field.
Eugene built onto their lead in the bottom of the sixth inning on an Onil Perez two-run single that scored Hill and Velasquez for an 8-1 lead.
The AquaSox scored their second and final run of the game in the seventh inning when Brock Rodden walked, moved to second on a Victor Labrada walk, and then scored when RJ Schreck doubled on a line drive into right field.
The Emeralds scored the final three runs of the game in the bottom of the eighth inning on RBIs from McDaniel, Higgins, and Andrew Kachel. McDaniel tripled to score Velasquez. It was the third RBI of the game for McDaniel who finished the game three-for-four with a walk, triple, three runs, and three RBI. Higgins also drove in his third RBI of the game in the eighth with a sacrifice fly that scored McDaniel. Kachel’s RBI drove in the game’s final run when his single scored Wishkoski.
Eugene starting pitcher Trevor McDonald pitched three shutout innings, allowing only three hits and two walks while striking out five. Relief pitcher Julio Rodriguez was credited with the win, improving his record to 4-0 on the season. Rodriguez pitched 2.1 innings, allowing three hits, one earned run, and one walk with three strikeouts.
Ryan Hawks was credited with the loss for the AquaSox, dropping his record to 3-4 on the season.
Hunter Fitz-Gerald finished the game three-for-four with a double and RBI. Fitz-Gerald is 8 for 16 with four doubles and four RBI in his last four games and has raised his batting average from .213 to .260 during that stretch.
RJ Schreck went two-for-four with a double and RBI.
LOOKING AHEAD: The teams are scheduled to play the second game of the series on Wednesday, June 12. RHP Michael Morales (6-1, 2.55 ERA) is scheduled to start for the AquaSox. LHP Jack Choate (1-1, 2.11 ERA) will start for the Emeralds. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. and the pre-game radio show begins at 6:15 p.m. on 1380 KRKO.The AquaSox return home to the friendly confines of Funko Field on June 18 for a six-game series against the Hillsboro Hops. Following the series against Hillsboro, Everett will remain at Funko Field for another week, squaring off against the Spokane Indians in a six-game series beginning Tuesday, June 25. Get your tickets now and hit a home run by starting your summer with AquaSox baseball!
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 2023 season, community initiatives, and Webbly appearances follow the Frogs on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, or visit our website, AquaSox.com. Flex tickets, ticket plans, group outings, and picnics outings can be purchased by calling (425) 258-3673 or visiting the AquaSox Front Office at 3802 Broadway.