The Eugene Emeralds (23-9, 51-19) extended their winning streak to six games with a 3-2 win in 12 innings over the Tri-Cities Dust Devils (32-29, 13-20) Wednesday night at PK Park.
With one out and one runner on third, Eugene second basemen Yeiler Peguero sent a high flying pop-up to right field. As the ball was caught, DJ Wilson tagged-up and sprinted for home.
Right as he entered his slide, the ball reached the catcher’s glove, but it was slightly too high and the catcher could not coral it.
Emeralds win 3-2.
The Emeralds started the game hot and took an early lead.
In the first inning Wilson hit a leadoff single to center. Yeiler Peguero advanced Wilson to second on a sacrifice bunt, and Wilson would reach third on a steal. After two consecutive walks, and with the bases loaded and one out, Dust Devil’s pitcher Elier Sanchez threw a wild pitch and Wilson scored from third with ease.
While Wilson was scoring, Chris Pieters advanced from second to third. Marcus Mastrbuoni would drive him in on a sacrifice fly, and the Emeralds would end the inning up 2-0.
Despite the rough early start, Sanchez through five solid innings, allowing five hits, two runs, two walks and six strikeouts.
The Dust Devils were held scoreless until they tied the game in the top of the ninth.
Andin Diaz came in to close the game for Eugene, but two early errors from Pieters and Peguero allowed for to Dust Devils to reach second and third with no outs. Diaz walked the next batter, Hunter Redman, and the bases were loaded with no outs.
The first run was allowed on a wild pitch from Diaz. Kyle Overstreet came in to score from third while runners advanced to second and third.
The tying run was scored on a fielders choice. Josh Magee grounded the ball to Emeralds shortstop Zach Short, who chose to get the runner advancing to third base.
Diaz was credited the blown save.
The Emeralds were unable to score in the bottom of the ninth, so the game headed to extra innings.
Eugene’s starting pitcher Manuel Rondon dominated through five innings. He allowed no runs, three hits, three walks and seven strikeouts to lower his ERA to 1.10.
After strong starting pitching, the relievers for both teams performed well.
For the Dust Devils, the relievers combined to allow six hits and one run in six innings pitched.
Eugene’s relievers gave up two hits and two runs in seven innings pitched.
Jed Carter got credited the win, and Dust Devils’ pitcher Ben Sheckler earned the loss.
The Emeralds will continue their series against Tri-Cities tomorrow at 7:05 p.m. at PK Park.
Follow Jack Butler on Twitter @Butler917