Wood’s Homer Propels Game One Win
PORTLAND, Ore. (June 18, 2024) – A three run home run in the second inning from Catcher Nate Wood (South Alabama) was the difference maker for the Portland Pickles (9-5) 3-2 win over the Cowlitz Black Bears (4-8).
Coming off of a road series over the Bend Elks, a six-game homestand stood in front of the Pickles to keep pace in the South Division of the WCL. Entering the day, the Pickles were tied for second with the Yakima Valley Pippins, and held the second best winning percentage in the entire WCL (.643).
Staring right-hander Dylan Smith (Northern Colorado) made his second start in his third appearance on the knoll this season. Smith threw a season high five innings and striking out four, matching his season high. Left-hander Colin Miskelly (LBSU) impressed in 1.2 innings of relief, striking out four Black Bears. Right-hander AJ Cox (Cal St. Bakersfield) rounded out the terrific pitching performance of the Pickles earning his first save of the year. The Pickles staff would strike out 10 Black Bears for the night.
Pickles’ hitters would have runners in scoring position in six innings while six different Pickles earned a hit. Starting second baseman Alex Gouviea (UC Davis) made his Pickles debut tonight hitting third. Defense would come up big with multiple big plays to limit the Black Bears to two runs as well.
KEY MOMENTS OF THE GAME:
Designated hitter Christien Banda (LBSU) got the Pickles started in the bottom of the first hitting a double to left field. Banda in his second straight start of the season would record a hit in his third straight game. In his first plate appearance of the season, Starting second baseman Alex Gouviea (UC Davis) worked a walk to reach base safely, but Pickles failed to bring them in.
In the top of second a single, double, and a single would help the Black Bears put up two runs to take the early 2-0 lead. The Pickles would then respond with third baseman Kevin Ferguson (Hawaii) leadoff walk. A Sam Christiansen (Oklahoma) double would put runners in scoring position once again. Catcher Nate Wood (South Alabama) would then belt his first home run of the season, and the fifth home run for the Pickles this season would take the 3-2 lead. A couple of great plays from the Black Bears defense would hold the Pickles to three runs in the inning.
A couple of great plays from the Pickles would shine in the top of the fifth. A great throw from catcher Nate Wood (South Alabama) threw out a base runner steal attempt at second. A double would then seem to have another Black Bear on base, but a great throw from left fielder Tony Otis (Pacific) would throw out the runner to end the inning.
In the bottom of the fifth, two runners would get on base, but a double play from the Black Bears would shut the inning down and keep the Black Bear run deficit to one run. Designated hitter Christien Banda (LBSU) in the top of the sixth would move to the mound for the Pickles and throw a three up three down inning. The left-hander Banda made his third pitching appearance this season.
A couple of walks in the top of the seventh would put baserunners on for the Black Bears. Left-hander Colin Miskelly (LBSU) came in with one out for his fourth appearance of the year. With bases loaded, Miskelly struck out back-to-back batters to end the Black Bears threat and keep the 3-2 lead.
In the top of the ninth, right-hander AJ Cox (Cal St. Bakersfield) came in for the save attempt. A leadoff single would start the inning with the tying run on first for the Black Bears. Cox would then pick-off the runner on first, strike out the next, and force a pop up to shortstop Harries for the final out and the 3-2 win.
GAME NOTES:
Ferguson has recorded a hit in seven of 10 games played this season.
Griffith has reached base safely in 10 of 12 games played this season.
Wood has recorded at least one hit in four of the last five games.
Harries has recorded a hit in six of nine games played this season.
Gouveia worked two walks in his first game of the season.
Pickles had runners in scoring position in six of eight innings.
NEXT UP:
The Portland Pickles Host the Cowlitz Black Bears tomorrow night for game two of this three-game home series. They will then host another three-game home series the Nanaimo NightOwls June 21st-23rd.
Ticket Info: https://www.picklestickets.com/
