VANCOUVER, B.C. — Chris Kirkland overcame a shaky first inning to pitch six innings and pick up the win for the Everett AquaSox as the Sox defeated the Vancouver Canadians 8-4 Friday night.
Kirkland walked two batters, threw a wild pitch and gave up two singles in the first inning, but then gave up just one run pitching out of a bases-loaded jam with no outs.
The relief pitching nailed down the victory for Everett. Eric Valdez and Chad Cordero combined to pitch three innings, giving up no runs and just one hit to the Canadians.
Mariners first-round pick Nick Franklin picked up his first triple for the AquaSox (38-36). Wellington Dotel also batted 3-for-5 with two triples for Everett, who had seven extra-base hits.