Frogs blanked by Volcanoes

KEIZER, Ore. – The Salem-Keizer Volcanoes flipped the script on the Everett AquaSox on Sunday night.

One night after Everett shut out Salem-Keizer, the Volcanoes returned the favor, shutting out the AquaSox 2-0.

Salem-Keizer pitchers Ryan McGrath, Steven Edlefsen and Danny Otero combined to limit Everett to six hits, and only one Everett baserunner ventured as far as third base. It was the first time this season Everett was shut out.

The Volcanoes received all the run support they needed in the sixth, scoring both their runs. Sean Van Elderen led the way for Salem-Keizer (21-5), going 3-for-4 as the Volcanoes reversed the score from Saturday’s game.

Matt Mangini went 2-for-3 and Gregory Halman was 2-for-4 for Everett (12-14) in a game that was completed in a tidy 1 hour, 59 minutes.

All three of Salem-Keizer’s pitchers were effective. Starter McGrath tossed 52/3 scoreless innings, giving up five hits, one walk and striking out five before departing with the game scoreless. Edlefsen relieved McGrath and threw 21/3 hitless innings, earning the win. Otero then pitched a scoreless ninth for his league-leading eighth save.

Everett starter Edward Paredes nearly matched Salem-Keizer’s pitchers, but was saddled with the loss, his first of the season in four decisions. Paredes went seven innings, giving up two runs – one earned – on six hits and one walk. He struck out three.

Everett’s pitching had done a number on Salem-Keizer’s bats lately, and Paredes began the game with five scoreless innings. However, the Volcanoes snapped a string of 212/3 scoreless innings against Everett in the sixth. With two out Michael Ambort doubled into the right-center gap. Van Elderen lined a ball down the right-field line that right fielder Welington Dotel dived for, but had the ball go off his glove for an RBI triple. Van Elderen scored on third baseman Matt Mangini’s error as Salem-Keizer took a 2-0 lead.

That proved enough as Everett never got a runner past first the remainder of the game.