AquaSox rally, hold off Hops

  • Herald staff
  • Monday, June 30, 2014 10:04pm
  • Sports

HILLSBORO, Ore. — The Everett AquaSox have been on the wrong end of more than their share of close games so far during the Northwest League season. Monday night they got one back.

Everett scored three runs in the top of the ninth inning, then spectacularly survived a bases-loaded, nobody-out situation in the bottom of the ninth to come from behind and beat the Hillsboro Hops 5-4.

Nine of Everett’s 13 losses this season were by three or fewer runs, including five one-run defeats, and the Sox have made a habit of stranding the tying or go-ahead runs in the late innings. The Sox seemed headed to another of those Monday as they trailed 4-2 going into the ninth.

But Everett rallied. The Sox loaded the bases with two out on singles by Kyle Petty and Luke Guarnaccia and a walk by Taylor Smart. Chris Mariscal followed by lining a single to center. Hillsboro center fielder Taylor Ratliff, in a rush to try and prevent Guarnaccia from scoring from second with the tying run, misplayed the ball. That not only let Guarnaccia score, it also allowed Smart to come around from first and give the Sox a 5-4 lead.

Then Everett did its best Houdini impersonation in the bottom of the ninth. An infield hit and a pair of bunts on which no out was recorded gave Hillsboro the bases loaded with nobody out. The Hops only needed to get the runner from third home to extend the game. However, Mariscal made a nice play on George Roberts’ chopper to short to make the first out at home. Then Grant Heyman grounded to third, where Smart stepped on the bag and threw across the diamond to first for a game-ending double play.

Guarnaccia finished 3-for-4 and Phillips Castillo went 2-for-4 with a home run to lead Everett (5-13), which snapped a five-game losing streak. Leoncio Munoz earned the win with 31/3 innings of stellar scoreless relief, allowing just one hit and striking out five. Cruz Pereira picked up the save for the ninth-inning escape.

Elvin Soto went 4-for-5 to lead Hillsboro (11-7). Hops closer Zac Curtis, who came into the game having been unscored upon this season and having struck out 11 in six innings, took the loss.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27

Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.