The Eugene Emeralds won the rubber game of their three-game series with the Boise Hawks, winning a wild one on a Trae Santos single in the bottom of the ninth with two outs. Ronnie Richardson started the inning off by singling to left field. He attempted to win the game for the Ems on Hunter Renfroe’s double, but was cut down at home plate on the relay from shortstop Carlos Penalver. The next batter was Santos, and his single back up the middle was enough to score the speedy Renfroe and secure the win, and the series, for the Emeralds.
The Ems collected 14 hits during the game, four of which came from Richardson who went 4-for-4 in the win. Renfroe, Santos, Michael Bass and Fernando Perez each added two hits to contribute to a packed box score. Eugene’s bats have been coming around lately, helping the team to two consecutive wins and a series win to begin the second half of the season.
The Ems got the scoring started early when Richardson scored on Paul Blackburn’s wild pitch. Later, Perez would single home Henry Charles with two outs, giving Eugene an early 2-0 advantage. Boise then answered in the second, loading the bases with one out and capitalizing on Jacob Hannemann’s game-tying single, scoring Lance Rymel and Jose Dore.
Some small ball and fielders choice plays lead to both teams plating runs in the third, tying the score at four, and it would stay that way until the top of the lineup’s heroics in the ninth.
The run that ended up winning the game for Eugene almost ended up being the tying run. In the top of the ninth, David Bote doubled with one out and advanced to third on an error, giving the Hawks a golden opportunity to score a late run and put the pressure on the Emeralds. Instead, Travor Gretzky struck out to end the threat.
The bullpen was on lock down once again for the Ems, allowing three hits in five innings of relief of Starter Erik Cabrera. Coby Cowgill, Kyle Lloyd and Adam Cimber (1-1) fanned five Hawks hitters without allowing a single walk.
After being a hit or two away from multiple victories during their recent road trip, the Ems have showed the ability to hit for contact and power, and come from behind to win ballgames, an encouraging sign to begin the second half. Although they’ve only played three games, the Emeralds look like an improved bunch that are finally breaking through after being on the brink of success all season long. There’s still a long way to go until the postseason in September, but even cautious optimism points to this club being a contender to win the South Division and sneak into the playoffs.
Eugene continues their home stand Friday against the Vancouver Candians, who took three of five games from the Ems last weekend. Richardson, Renfroe and company will have a shot to redeem themselves over the next five games against their rivals from the North.