Volcanoes Leenhouts Baffles AquaSox Batters in 7-1 Victory

After lasting just one-third of an inning in his last outing against Hillsboro, Leenhouts struck out two in a scoreless first inning.

Drew Leenhouts tossed six scoreless innings and the Volcanoes' offense scored four runs in the fifth inning as Salem-Keizer defeated Everett 7-1 on Monday night at Volcanoes Stadium. Photo Courtesy: David Barker Salem-Keizer Volcanoes

(KEIZER, Ore. ) - Entering the 11th game of the season, the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes were still in search of their first win from a starting pitcher this season.

Thanks to Drew Leenhouts, they got what they were looking for.

Leenhouts tossed six scoreless innings and the Volcanoes' offense scored four runs in the fifth inning as Salem-Keizer defeated Everett 7-1 on Monday night at Volcanoes Stadium.

"It was really nice. It was a good change of pace," Leenhouts said regarding the commanding win. "Those late inning wins can get kind of tiring because you aren't going to win all of them. It's nice to have that lead and be able to have control of the game the entire time."

After lasting just one-third of an inning in his last outing against Hillsboro, Leenhouts struck out two in a scoreless first inning.

"I remember distinctly that the very first out a hard hit ball on a 2-1 pitch," Leenhouts said. "Massoni made a really good play and I think that really helped me out. Last game I wasn't able to feel comfortable at all, so it was nice to have that [first out] off my back and pitch my own game."

The offense responded in the bottom half of the inning, aided by some sloppy defensive play. With one out and nobody on, a missed catch by Kyle Petty at first base allowed T Relaford to reach base. Ryan Jones followed with a single, and Craig Massoni walked to load the bases.

Shilo McCall struck out swinging, but Will Callaway got the Volcanoes on the board with an infield single to shortstop.

With Leenhouts keeping Everett off the base paths, the Volcanoes offense finally had the big inning it was looking for in the fifth.

Relaford started off the inning with an innocent infield single to shortstop, and Jones followed it up with another base hit to right. Massoni singled to left field, loading up the bases with nobody out.

After Cruz Pereira struck out McCall for the first out, Callaway again came through with a two-RBI double down the left field line. The Volcanoes extended the lead to 5-0 on a sacrifice fly by Leonardo Fuentes and an RBI single from Fernando Pujadas.

That run support was more than enough for Leenhouts, who allowed just two hits in six strong innings. He struck out six, and faced just two batters over the minimum.

"It's definitely a lot easier pitching with a lead. That allows you to take more chances with your pitches," Leenhouts said. "You can be more aggressive when you have the lead and that gives you every advantage as opposed to the hitter."

Everett scored one run in the seventh, but the Volcanoes responded with a two-spot in the bottom half. Callaway connected on his second double of the game and later scored on a wild pitch.

Hollick put the finishing touches on Salem-Keizer's win, knocking an RBI single to right for the 7-1 lead.

Callaway paced the Volcanoes' offense in a big way. He finished 4-for-4 with two doubles and 3 RBIs in Salem-Keizer's largest win of the season.

Up next: Looking to solidify their series win over Everett, the Volcanoes will send Jose Reyes out to the mound. Reyes took the loss his last time out against Hillsboro. He pitched 5.2 innings, allowing 10 hits and four earned runs. Game time is set for 6:35 p.m. Gates open at 5:30

Source: Salem-Keizer Volcanoes