Everett, Wash.
Published: Sunday, August 3, 2008

Eugene's seven-run eighth costs Frogs

Herald Staff

 The Everett AquaSox recent woes continued Saturday night in Eugene as the Emeralds defeated the AquaSox, 11-6, taking the rubber match of the three-game series. An abysmal half-hour plus 13-batter bottom of the eighth did Everett in as they gave up seven runs on five hits, two errors, four walks and a wild pitch. Four of the runs were unearned.

With the score 5-4 entering the home half of the eighth, Doug Salinas replaced Christian Staehely and struck out the first batter. It was all downhill from there, as Salinas gave up three hits, two walks and allowed five runs, taking the loss. With only one out, Robbie Dominguez took over, but walked two and gave up a hit, while recording one out and allowing two runs. Eddy Fernandez then was brought in to get the final out, which he did, but not before giving up another hit.

In the top of the ninth, Luis Nunez scored when left fielder Angel Mercado dropped a pop up, but it wasn't enough to overcome the disastrous eighth inning.

Emerald backup catcher Clinton Naylor was the star of the night, going 2-for-3 with three RBI after replacing Logan Gelbrich in the sixth inning. Emerald second baseman Derek Shunk was another surprising offensive star. Hitting .196 entering the game, Shunk was 1-for-4 with a walk, and RBI and two runs scored.

Fleming Baez was Everett's offensive bright spot, driving in a pair of runs with a double off the right field wall in the top of the sixth. The double, which scored Manelik Pimentel and Nate Tenbrink, was just a few feet short of being a three-run home run.

AquaSox right fielder Dennis Raben had a solo home run in the eighth, then scored a run an inning later after reaching on an error and being driven in by Tenbrink. Raben finished the night 2-for-5.

Starting Everett pitcher Robert LaFramboise pitched well, giving up two hits, while striking out four and walking one. But after 47 pitches, the 22-year-old lefty was done. Emerald starter Nicholas Vincent pitched a gem, striking out nine, walking one and giving up one run on three hits in five innings of work but ultimately ended up with a no decision.
© 2009The Daily Herald Co., Everett, WA