Pickles Take Rubber Match In Dominating Fashion
PORTLAND, Ore. (June 20, 2024) – The Portland Pickles (10-6) pitching staff struck out 10 Cowlitz Black Bears (5-9) in a 8-1 series clinching win. The Pickles have won five of six series this season and sit second in the south division of the WCL.
The Pickles’ pitching staff was led by right-hander Noel Valdez (UC Davis) and right-hander Alex Overbay. The duo combined for 5.1 shutout innings, seven strikeouts, and one walk. Third baseman Alex Gouveia (UC Davis) impressed again with four singles. Jack Metcho (Pacific) and first baseman Kevin Ferguson (Hawaii) brought in two runs apiece.
Key Moments of the Game:
In the bottom of the first, a leadoff walk by center fielder Sam Christiansen (Oklahoma), two stolen bases, and a walk would bring up third baseman Alex Gouveia (UC Davis). Gouveia delivered a single up the middle to take the early 1-0 lead.
In the top of the fourth, an infield single would give the Black Bears a runner on base. A 4-6-3 double play and a ground ball to second would move us to the bottom half of the inning. A couple of errors in the top of the fifth would give the Black Bears runners on first and third. A pair of strikeouts would eliminate the threat and keep the Pickles’ 1-0 lead.
In the bottom of the fifth, second baseman Shunsuke Sakaino (CSUN) reached base with an infield single. A throwing error from the third baseman would give the Pickles’ runners on first and third. A passed ball, a walk by pinch hitter Jack Metcho (Pacific) and a ground ball to third would push three more runs across to extend the Pickles’ lead 4-0.
A walk and a single to right field in the top of the sixth would bring runners to first and second for the Black Bears. Left-hander Chris Downs (Cal Poly San Luis Obispo) came in with one out and forced back-to-back ground balls to keep the Black Bears off the board.
Shortstop Chipper Beck would start the bottom of the sixth inning with an infield single. Center fielder Sam Christiansen (Oklahoma) would work his second walk of the game to have runners on first and second with no outs. A fielder's choice would load the bases, and a pass ball would bring in another Pickles’ run for the 5-0 lead.
The top of the eighth, a solo home run would bring in the only run of the night for the Black Bears. The following inning, the Pickles responded with a leadoff single and fourth hit of the game from third baseman Alex Gouveia (UC Davis).An error, and then a single to left from catcher Nate Wood (South Alabama) would load the bases. Two fielder choices and a sacrifice fly would bring in three Pickles’ runs to push their lead 8-1.
For the series…
Alex Gouveia (UC Davis) started his Pickle season strong going 7-12, hitting .583 with three RBI, two walks, and two stolen bases.
Tanner Griffith (St. Marys) went 3 for 7, hitting .429, with two walks and a stolen base.
Nate Wood (South Alabama) went 2 for 6, hitting .333, one home run, three RBI, two walks, and two runs.
Alex Overbay (UNLV) 2.1 innings pitched, four strikeouts, allowing three hits, one walk, and no runs. At the plate added two walks and two runs.
Noel Valdez (UC Davis) 3.0 innings pitched, three strikeouts, two hits, no runs and no walks.
Collin Miskelly (LBSU) 1.2 innings pitched, four strikeouts, one walk, no hits, no runs
Dylan Smith (Northern Colorado) 5.0 innings, four strikeouts, six hits, two runs, one walk, and earned the win.
AJ Cox (Cal St. Bakersfield) earned a save in 1.0 innings of work and added a strikeout.
Luke Guest (Northern Colorado) 2.0 innings, three strikeouts, two hits, no walks and no runs.
Murphy Gienger (Northern Colorado) 3.0 innings, four strikeouts, two walks, two hits, and one run.
GAME NOTES:
Right-hander Noel Valdez (UC Davis) got his first start in his first appearance of the season. Valdez is the 12th different starting pitcher this year.
Alex Overbay (UNLV) made his second appearance on the knoll this season. Overbay recorded season highs with 2.1 innings pitched, striking out four Black Bears.
Left-hander Chris Downs (Cal Poly San Luis Obispo) made his season debut in the top of the sixth.
Right fielder Tanner Griffith (St. Marys) has reached base safely in 12 of 14 games this season.
Center fielder Sam Christiansen (Oklahoma) recorded his second game this season with at least two stolen bases. Christiansen has also reached base safely in 13 of 15 games this season.
Second baseman Shunsuke Sakaino (CSUN) has reached base safely in 8 of 10 games this season.
Two Pickles’ hitters recorded two walks in the game (Christiansen and Wood)
Coming into the game, the Pickles led the WCL in fielding percentage .979.
Pickles had runners in scoring position in 6 of 8 innings and left 13 base runners on base.
The Pickles have won their fifth series of the season, and have won five of six this season.
Pickles are 6-4 at home, 4-2 on the road, and 5-5 in their last 10 games.
Next Up:
The Portland Pickles will host another three-game home series in Walker Stadium against the Nanaimo NightOwls June 21st-23rd.
Ticket Info: https://www.picklestickets.com/
