A towering two-run double off the bat of Canadians first baseman Balbino Fuenmayor in the bottom of the eighth inning Thursday at Nat Bailey Stadium propelled Vancouver to a 3-1 victory over Tri-City. Fuenmayor brought in Dalton Pompey and Nick Baligod to score.
The Canadians (5-2) got six solid innings out of starting pitcher Taylor Cole. The right-hander allowed seven hits and one run in the top of the fourth when a ground-out from Tom Murphy scored Derek Jones for the Dust Devils single point on the night.
From the bullpen, Phil Brua (two innings played) and closer Drew Permison (one innings played) managed the final three frames without giving up a run.
Offensively, Vancouver got a one-run single from Matt Newman in the bottom of the fourth to score Dalton Pompey to tie the game at 1-1.
Pompey and Nick Baligod where both on base in the bottom of the eighth inning when Fuenmayor hit his two-run double deep to center field off of Tri-City reliever John Hungerman.
This was the Cs first home victory of their short summer season. With the win, Vancouver improves to five wins and two loses and maintain a share of top spot in the Northwest Leagues West Division. The loss drops Tri-City to 3-4.
NOTES
Canadians outfielder Ron Melendez was placed on the seven-day disabled list with a hand injury while infielder Jorge Flores was activated prior to Thursday nights game.
Vancouvers streak of consecutive sellouts (nine) ended Thursday night with 3,730 fans taking in the action on an overcast night at Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium.
NEXT GAME
The Canadians play game three of their five-game home stand against the Tri-City Dust Devils on Friday, June 22 at 1:05 p.m. Vancouver sends Ben White to the mound to start the game.
For tickets, contact the box office at 604-872-5232.