Two unearned runs were the difference in the Eugene Emeralds’ 4-2 loss to the Boise Hawks in their home opener Tuesday night.
The Emeralds (1-5) committed just one error in the night, but also recorded a crucial passed ball and two wild pitches. They’ve now lost four consecutive games.
The passed ball came in the first inning with runners on second and third, allowing Carlos Herrera to score.
Manager Gary Van Tol said the passed ball was the result of a pitch-call cross up. Pitcher Adbert Alzolay threw a breaking ball while the catcher, Tyler Alamo, expected a fastball, he said.
Alzolay managed to escape the inning without further damage, but was removed from the game after two innings, taking the loss. Van Tol said the team was simply being cautious after the 20-year-old’s first outing in six games.
“He’s had some arm issues in the past,” Van Tol said. “He’s obviously ready to participate in games, but we have to keep his pitch count and innings down.”
Boise’s (3-3) other three runs came in the third inning.
Greyfer Eregua threw a wild pitch that allowed Max George to steal third base. A few pitches later, Hamlet Marte singled to center to bring George home.
In the next at bat, shortstop Ho-young Son erred on a groundball hit by Brian Mundell, setting up runners on first and second. After a double steal, Kevin Padlo singled. This added Boise’s final two runs of the night.
Big innings, as was the case in the third Tuesday night, have been an issue for the Emeralds in their first six games of the season, Van Tol said.
“That’s part of the learning that takes place,” Van Tol said. “Sometimes those mistakes cost you runs, but hopefully those mistakes won’t happen again.”
The Emeralds scored both of their runs in the fourth inning.
Ian Happ, the Chicago Cubs’ 2015 first round draft pick, doubled to lead off the inning and scored in the next at bat when Alberto Mineo crushed a double of his own into the left field gap. Mineo then advanced to third base on a groundout and scored on a sacrifice fly by Frandy De La Rosa.
Eregua went on to pitch six innings, giving up just the three runs in the third — two of which were earned. Pedro Araujo finished the game with three scoreless innings.
“Our bullpen did an outstanding job to keep us in the game and give us a chance to come back,” Van Tol said.
The latter did not happen, however, as Boise’s Logan Sawyer gave up just the two runs in 6 2/3 innings. Sawyer allowed seven of the Emerald’s eight hits and two walks while striking out 11. Only Happ and Son, each with two hits and a walk, were able to reach base multiple times Tuesday.
Logan was able to command his fastball and mix in off-speed pitches, Van Tol said.
“(Sawyer) wasn’t overpowering by any means, but he wasn’t afraid to pitch to contact,” Van Tol said. “He kept his pitch count low, which was why he was able to go deep into this game.”
The Emeralds play two more games against Boise before a five-game home series versus Tri-City. Carson Sands is scheduled to pitch Wednesday for the Emeralds while Javier Palacios will toe the rubber for the Hawks.
Follow Jack Heffernan on Twitter @JackTHeffernan