The Canadian’s long postseason run (hopefully) got off to a rocky start in Oregon last night. The Eugene Emeralds handily took game one 10-3 as they flexed their first-place muscles.
The tough part is the Canadians got off to a great start in the first inning. Dasan Brown absolutely smashed a solo home run only six pitches into the game providing a big spark for the road team.
MONDAY NIGHT BASEBALL is under way in Eugene!
A solo home run for @dasani_brown3 gives us an early lead. pic.twitter.com/gcRmdNGFd2
— Vancouver Canadians (@vancanadians) September 13, 2022
They were primed to tack on more runs after a hit by a pitch and a base hit had two men on, but those runners would end up being stranded. Despite leaving those runs off the board, this was what I thought the recipe for success would be for the Canadians. Grab an early lead and do everything you can to see more pitches and take a patient approach at the dish.
Unfortunately, that game plan didn’t last long.
The Emeralds had the most potent offence in the circuit this season, and they wasted no time responding in the bottom of the first. After a couple of singles and a walk, Andy Thomas stepped up to the plate and slapped a grand slam to put Eugene up for good. Marco Luciano’s double an out later plated two more runs, and before Vancouver blinked it was 6-1.
Then the Emeralds do what they do and made the Canadian’s arms work extra hard for every out. Only two Canadian’s pitchers made it through their outing without allowing a run, fully demonstrating how difficult it is to work through the Eugene lineup without getting into trouble.
Game two is set for tonight at 7:35 pm at PK park where the Canadians will look to get back on track. Tighter defence and a deeper outing from the starting pitcher are requirements for the Canadians to come back home with a split. Game three is Friday night at Nat Bailey Stadium.