A common theme seems to be developing over the course of the Eugene Emeralds’ (13-25) first 38 games of the 2013 season. On numerous occasions, the team can trace their losses back to a single inning where a string of base hits sparked a run total that the Ems’ couldn’t manage to come back from. This hypothesized  theory held true Monday evening.

In the series ending game between the Emeralds and the Vancouver Canadians (22-16), a 4-run bottom of the fourth eventually doomed Eugene to a series tie with Vancouver. The final score was 4-2.

Emeralds starting pitcher Erik Schoenrock (2-3) pitched well, besides giving up four runs in the fourth. The four runs against Schoenrock would be the only runs the Canadians would score against Eugene on the evening. Vancouver benefited from a two-run RBI double by L.B. Dantzler to get the Canadians offense started in the fourth. Jordan Leyland and Justin Atkinson also recorded RBI’s in the frame.

In the fifth, the Emeralds responded quickly with a two-out two RBI double by center fielder Henry Charles, but that would be the only offense production the Ems’ would manage against the Canadians and starting pitcher Kyle Anderson. With the win, Anderson moves to 4-0 on the season with a 2.49 ERA.

The Ems’ will make the overnight trip from north of the border back to Eugene in time for a night game tomorrow against the Boise Hawks. Boise will send Dillon Maples to the mound, a recently promoted 20-year-old who has only logged one appearance this season at the single A level. Maples is still recovering from a strained ligament in his throwing arm that kept him out for most of his first professional season after being drafted in the 14th round of the 2011 MLB draft.

Tomorrow’s game against Boise will be the first of an 8 game home stand for Eugene. First pitch is set for 7:05 pm.