Crooked Number Curses C's In 9-2 Loss

PASCO, WA – The Canadians allowed six runs in an inning for the second time in their last three games to fall 9-2 to the Tri-City Dust Devils (Angels) Wednesday afternoon at Gesa Stadium.

Alan Roden and Rainer Nunez combined on consecutive one-out hits in the top of the first to grab an early 1-0 lead, though the Dust Devils rallied for a run of their own in the bottom of the frame to tie it.

A first-pitch homer from Riley Tirotta started the second, but that would prove to be the last of the runs the C’s would score on the day. Tri-City roared to life for six runs (five earned) on five hits in the home half, including a three-run homer from Werner Blakely that made it 7-2 Dust Devils and bounced starter Abdiel Mendoza (L, 0-1) from the game.

On came Eric Pardinho, who turned in his finest outing of the year with 3.2 innings of relief. He retired the first 10 batters he faced before allowing three consecutive two-out hits in the fifth that brought in two runs, but finished his day by striking out the last batter he faced to give him seven punch outs. That’s the most in a game by a Vancouver reliever this year.

The Canadians put multiple runners on base in the sixth and seventh but failed to score, continuing their recent struggles with runners in scoring position. They went 2-for-7 in those spots today.

Braden Scott, Justin Kelly and Sam Ryan worked together to post three innings of scoreless relief as the Dust Devils went on to win 9-2.

Roden, Nunez and Tirotta carried the load on offense with two hits apiece. Six of nine staters reached base.

The C’s go back to work Thursday night at 6:30 p.m. when they send #9 Blue Jays prospect Adam Macko to the hill looking to end their four-game losing streak. Connor Van Scoyoc goes for Tri-City. First pitch is set for 6:30 p.m. with coverage on CanadiansBaseball.com and the Sportsnet Radio Network.