The Eugene Emeralds snatched their first series victory as well as their first win streak of the season in a 3-1 home win at PK Park over the Boise Hawks Thursday night.
Two runs in the first inning were all starting pitcher Justin Steele needed, as he posted six innings and allowed just one run. He also allowed only three hits while striking out six and walking none.
“The biggest thing is he has no fear,” manager Gary Van Tol said. “He goes right after the hitter. It’s kind of just the way he’s wired.”
Winning a second consecutive game and a series for the first time this season will help the Emeralds’ (3-5) confidence, Steele said.
“There are great vibes in our clubhouse and those go back on the field,” Steele said. “If the locker room atmosphere is good, you’re going to play well.”
Batting sixth in the lineup, Justin Marra finished with two hits, a walk and an RBI in four at-bats. His double in the first inning knocked in the Emeralds’ first run after Ho-young Son had previously scored on a groundout.
The Chicago Cubs’ 2015 first round draft pick Ian Happ, who was batting .304 heading into the game, went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts on the night. The team’s ability to score runs without production from its most potent bat will be crucial the rest of the season, Van Tol said.
“It’s not going to be the same guys every night,” Van Tol said. “These guys need to realize that.”
Along with Happ, two selections from the Cubs’ 2015 draft class made their debuts Wednesday night. Vimael Machin (10th round) and Blake Headley (20th Round) each recorded a hit in three plate appearances. Headley’s first-inning groundout knocked in the Emeralds’ first run.
Headley said he has been itching to play with his draft mates for the past few days.
“It’s pretty nice knowing that those are the guys that were in my draft class and seeing what we can do for this organization as we make a career out of this is pretty special,” Headley said.
Players making their professional debuts with the Emeralds can expect to play early and often, Van Tol said.
“Our plan with any guys coming out of the draft is to get them comfortable as soon as possible, so it was good to get them in there,” he said.
In the ninth inning, Sam Wilson retired the first three batters for his first save of the season. Van Tol said he would like to use him as a closer when he is available, but will pitch in other game situations as well.
After committing 13 errors in their first three games, the Emeralds made no defensive lapses tonight. In the sixth inning with a runner on first base, catcher Alberto Mineo threw the runner, Brian Carroll, out at second on a bunt attempt by Carlos Herrera. In the next at-bat, first baseman Blake Headley threw Herrera out at second on a pickoff play.
“Those are the little things that sneak between the cracks that people don’t pay attention to, but that’s how you win ballgames,” Steele said of the plays.
The Emeralds will begin a five-game home series Friday night versus Tri-City Dust Devils, the San Diego Padres affiliate that played in Eugene last season. Oscar De La Cruz will start for the Emeralds against the Dust Devils’ Travis Radke.
Follow Jack Heffernan on Twitter @JHeffy13