Today’s Game
Opponent: Eugene Emeralds
When: 7:05 p.m.
Where: PK Park, Eugene, Ore.
Radio: KRKO (1380 AM)
Probable starters: Everett right-hander Jordan Pries (2-2, 3.62 ERA) vs. Eugene right-hander Juan Herrera (2-3, 4.23)
Familiar surroundings
When Tri-City relief pitcher Chris Dennis tossed 21/3 scoreless innings against Everett in Wednesday’s series opener, it wasn’t the first time he’d pitched against the AquaSox at Everett Memorial Stadium.
The right-hander from Bothell was a member of the Everett Merchants in 2009 and he appeared in that year’s Everett Cup exhibition game.
“I threw one inning,” Dennis recalled of his Everett Cup appearance. “It was shaky, but no runs scored.
“That definitely took (some edge off Wednesday’s appearance),” Dennis added. “Having a cheering section here was really nice, too.”
Pitching professionally is an unexpected change of paths for Dennis. He’d just completed his senior season at the University of Portland in June. He served as the Pilots’ closer, going 3-2 with a 2.29 ERA and 10 saves. He figured his baseball career was complete, and he was preparing to enter the workforce.
The Colorado Rockies had different plans, selecting Dennis in the 34th round of the draft and sending him to the Northwest League to begin his career.
“I had an internship and I was at work when I got the call,” said Dennis, who was attempting to get his start in the financial industry. “I was planning on working there throughout the summer, then trying to find a real job. It worked out for the best.”
Dennis, who pitched at Edmonds Community College before heading to Portland, is 1-0 with a 5.89 ERA for the Dust Devils, walking nine and striking out 18 in 18 1/3 innings.
“It’s definitely been a learning experience,” Dennis said. “It’s a lot of fun, great guys, great coaches. But the level of competition is a lot better than college, so it really makes you be at the top of your game every time you go out there.”
The view from above
Seattle Mariners director of minor-league operations Pedro Grifol attended Everett’s 6-4 victory over Tri-City on Saturday primarily to get a first-hand look at starting pitcher Jose Campos.
However Grifol, a former AquaSox manager, also had good things to say about the rest of the team.
“I think these guys have made a lot of improvements,” Grifol said. “I think the coaching staff here has done a heck of a job getting these guys prepared to play for the second half, they’ve made a lot of improvement from the first half.
“It was nice to see (Ramon) Morla at third base and healthy,” Grifol continued. “It was good to see (Jharmidy) De Jesus healthy and playing. (Mario) Yepez has improved tremendously, he’s got a hell of a swing and he’s doing some nice things. Overall it was a good day.”
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