EVERETT — The 2017 Everett AquaSox have not been known for their pitching. But on Tuesday night it was the men on the mound’s time to shine.
Three Everett pitchers combined for the AquaSox’s first shutout of the season as the Sox defeated the Spokane Indians 8-0 at Everett Memorial Stadium in Northwest League play.
Everett came into the game having allowed a league-high 318 runs in 50 games (6.36 per game), and the Sox hadn’t allowed fewer than five runs in a game since July 21, a span of 14 contests.
But pitchers Randy Bell, Michael Suarez and Scott Kuzminsky combined on a six-hitter. Both Bell and Suarez tossed four scoreless frames, with Suarez picking up the win.
Ronald Rosario finished 2-for-3 with a home run, while Chris Torres added a three-run double for Everett, which improved to 6-7 in the second half and 23-28 overall.
Spokane, which leads the North Division, fell to 9-4 (25-26).
The Sox opened the scoring in the bottom of the third inning. Rosario led off by putting a shot over the net behind the scoreboard in right-center for a solo homer.
Austin Grebeck followed by bunting for a base hit and taking second when the ball was thrown away, then advancing on a flyout and a groundout to make it 2-0.
Everett then broke the game wide open in the sixth as Spokane’s pitching staff self-destructed.
A single, walk and error by starter Tyler Phillips on a sacrifice bunt loaded the bases for Juan Camacho, who lined a two-run single to left to chase Phillips.
Argenis Rodriguez came on in relief, and although he induced a double-play, he then hit a batter and issued two walks to reload the bases. Torres followed by ripping a bases-clearing double into the right-field corner to make it 8-0.
Rosa gone
The Sox lost one of their three Northwest League All-Stars when second baseman Joseph Rosa was promoted Sunday to Clinton of the mid single-A Midwest League. Rosa, who in 44 games with Everett had a triple-slash line of .296/.374/.531 with six homers and 28 RBI, was needed in Clinton after Lumberkings infielder Luis Rengifo was involved in a minor-league trade between the Seattle Mariners and Tampa Bay Rays.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
