EVERETT – The Everett AquaSox kept two streaks alive Saturday night.
Everett won its sixth consecutive game – it’s longest winning streak of the season, beating the Tri-City Dust Devils 6-3 in front of a sellout crowd of 4,688 at Everett Memorial Stadium. The Frogs also kept their “Frogstock” streak alive, winning for the fourth straight year while sporting tie-dyed jerseys.
First baseman Kris Sanchez hit his first professional home run and catcher Jeff Dunbar connected on a two-run shot as the AquaSox (20-25) again relied on the long ball to lead them to victory.
The Sox, who treated fans to a fireworks show after their Northwest League victory, also have been treating fans to fireworks during recent games. The Frogs have homered in five straight games and have hit eight home runs during their six game winning streak.
“We’ve been playing the two- or three-run home run. That takes a little pressure off the pitcher,” AquaSox manager Mike Tosar said.
Sox starter Alfredo Venegas (2-0) pitched six solid innings, allowing three runs and striking out five.
“That’s what we ask for – keep us in the ballgame and give us a chance.” Tosar said about the starting pitching.
Everett’s bullpen finished off the win with reliever Ryan Moorer allowing three hits, a walk and run and bullpen compadre Bryan Harris throwing 11/3 innings of one-hit, shutout ball. Harris picked up his team-leading third save of the season.
The Sox offense got to Tri-City starter Cory Riordan early, scoring three runs in the bottom half of the first. Ogui Diaz led off the first with a single and after a Welington Dotel single, stole third base. Diaz scored on a Riordan wild pitch and a pitch later Sanchez hit a blast over the right field wall that brought in Dotel.
Sanchez finished 2-for-4 with three runs batted in.
“We’re getting the big hits when we need them and at the right time,” Tosar said.
The Dust Devils (18-27) scored three runs in the fourth on four hits. Back-to-back doubles by Maruis Loupadiere (2-for-2, two runs scored, an RBI) and Nate Anderson (two RBI) accounted for all of Tri-City’s fourth inning runs.
Everett pulled ahead by one in the fifth when Sanchez singled in Dotel for his third RBI of the night.
“We’ve been playing well. Doing those little things right,” Tosar said.
Dunbar hit his third home run of the season in the sixth, a two-run shot that proved to be the difference in the game.
Third baseman Deybis Benitez finished 2-for-2 for the Frogs.
It was the first sellout of the season for the AquaSox and Tosar said it was “great to see good fan support.”
Of note
Groovy Baby: The AquaSox held their 10th annual “Frogstock” promotion Saturday night. The promotion has become a fan favorite since the Sox debuted it in 1998. The promotion is a play on the 60’s Woodstock festival.
Mixed Review: When Everett AquaSox PA announcer Tom Lafferty announced that Barry Bonds had hit his Major League record-tying 755th home run the fans in attendance reacted with a few cheers and a larger amount of jeers.
What’s in the car? During a between inning promotion called “What’s in the Car?” a gal was asked if she wanted an AquaSox hat or what’s in the car. She went for the car and out popped her boyfriend with a surprise prize for her.
A ring and the question, “Will you marry me?” She replied with a “yes.”
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