EUGENE, Ore. — For the second night in a row, the Everett AquaSox bullpen surrendered a lead in the eighth inning. As a result, for just the second time this season, the Frogs lost their second game in a row.
The Eugene Emeralds scored two runs — both with two outs — in the bottom of the eighth inning and defeated the AquaSox 2-0 Wednesday night.
It was the first time the Sox have lost back-to-back games since July 4-5, also while playing in Eugene.
Ronnie Richardson tripled to score Alberth Martinez in the eighth and then scored when the next batter, Jonathan Roof, hit an RBI single to right field.
Marcos Reyna (0-2) took the loss after relieving starter Scott DeCecco in the seventh inning. Both runs were charged to Reyna. Reliever Brandon Plotz, who took over after Richardson’s triple, gave up the other RBI basehit.
Meanwhile, the Frogs’ offense was held to just three hits — by Taylor Ard, Marcus Littlewood and Janelfry Zorrilla.
The Frogs’ best chance to score came in the first inning. Leadoff hitter Jamodrick McGruder began the game with a walk and advanced to second base when Ketel Marte grounded out. McGruder stole his Northwest League-leading 19th base of the season to get to third, but was thrown out at home while trying to score on a groundball by designated hitter Mike Zunino.
With the victory, the Emeralds (5-4) overtook Everett (4-4) in the West Division second-half standings. They sit in first with the Vancouver Canadians (5-4), who were 5-1 winners over Salem-Keizer on Wednesday. The AquaSox won the division’s first half crown, ensuring Everett a postseason berth.
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