Volcanoes Win 4th Straight

The Volcanoes eye a series sweep when they send lefty Nick Gonzalez to the mound, owner of the Northwest League's second-lowest ERA of 2.37.

Salem-Keizer has used seven and eight-run innings to record sizeable wins over Spokane and begin the second half on the right foot. Photo Courtesy: David Barker Salem-Keizer Volcanoes

(KEIZER, Ore. ) - Salem-Keizer has used seven and eight-run innings to record sizeable wins over Spokane and begin the second half on the right foot. It was only a four-run inning on Friday night, but it still got the job done as the Volcanoes won their fourth straight game over the Indians in front of 3,968 at Volcanoes Stadium.

With the game knotted at one in the second inning, the Volcanoes loaded the bases with nobody out. Brett Kay put Salem-Keizer on the board initially with an RBI single in to center field.

Tyler Hollick manufactured a productive out to score the Volcanoes second run of the inning, setting the stage for a red-hot Christian Arroyo. With two outs, Arroyo grounded a ball up the center of the infield for a two-RBI single, putting the Volcanoes in front 5-1.

Spokane responded immediately with a two-run homer from Seth Spivey to pull the Indians within a couple with six innings of baseball yet to be played.

However, the result of the final six innings of play was a whole lot of zeroes on the scoreboard, as the 5-3 score at the end of the third inning remained for the rest of the game.

Salem-Keizer did not record a base hit after the fourth inning.

Starter Jose Reyes ensured that the 5-3 edge would be all that the Volcanoes would need to cruise to their fourth consecutive win. Reyes tossed six innings of three-run ball, walking one and striking out two.

Reyes handed the reigns over to his bullpen in the seventh inning and was backed up by three effective innings of relief.

Armando Paniagua, E.J. Encinosa, and Eury Sanchez all pitched one scoreless inning to muffle Spokane's offense and allow Salem-Keizer to begin their second-half championship chase with a perfect 4-0 mark.

The Volcanoes defense was spectacular throughout much of the evening, save for an early error. Other than the one miscue, Salem-Keizer recorded a season-high three double plays and turned to Northwest League All-Star Christian Arroyo for some highlight-worthy defensive plays.

Reyes earned his fourth win of the season for Salem-Keizer, improving his record to 4-3 after starting the year 0-3. Eury Sanchez continued to thrive in the closer role with a clean bottom of the ninth, earning his sixth save of the year.

Up Next: The Volcanoes eye a series sweep when they send lefty Nick Gonzalez to the mound, owner of the Northwest League's second-lowest ERA of 2.37. Derek Thompson of Spokane will be Gonzalez' counterpart, entering the contest with a 3-4 record and a 3.64 ERA. First pitch is set for 6:35 p.m. in the series finale.

Source: Salem-Keizer Volcanoes