EVERETT — All the Everett AquaSox needed was one more hit.
They didn’t get it.
The Sox left the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth inning Saturday night in an 8-7 Northwest League loss to the Eugene Emeralds before a sellout crowd of 4,109 at Everett Memorial Stadium.
The Sox led 6-5 after six innings, but Eugene scored three times in the top of the seventh to build an 8-6 advantage. The key blow in the frame was a three-run double by Trae Santos.
Everett got an RBI single from Lonnie Kauppila in the eighth, then loaded the bases in the ninth on two singles and an error. Needing a hit to tie or win the game, Bryan Brito grounded out to end the rally.
Kauppila and Kyle Petty each had three hits and three runs batted in for Everett. Petty hit his second home run of the season in Everett’s three-run third inning.
Mountlake Terrace High grad Aaron Brooks (1-2) suffered the loss. He allowed three runs in his one inning on the mound.
AquaSox starting pitcher Jake Zokan was charged with five earned runs in 51/3 innings but still managed to strike out a season-high nine batters. In all, Everett pitchers combined for 15 strikeouts.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.