With three teams tied for first in the West Division, and the fourth team only 1 game back each and every game takes on a higher level of importance for the three teams that haven’t already clinched a playoff spot. Today the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes will try and get one step closer to earning the second half playoff spot as they host the first half division champions Eugene Emeralds.
The Emeralds make the short trip to Salem-Keizer after playing a five game series at home against the Tri-City DustDevils. The Emeralds won 3 of the 5 games, but are only 5-5 over their last 10 games.
The Volcanoes return from Boise after losing 4 of their 5 games against the Hawks, but like the Emeralds they are 5-5 in their last 10 games.
Starting for the Volcanoes is Reinier Roibal who has been very strong in his last four starts. Roibal has only given up 5 earned runs in his last 4 starts, including 6 shutout innings against Boise on August 2nd. However, despite having only given up more then 3 earned runs once in his 9 starts Roibal is still looking for his first victory of the season.
For the Emeralds James Needy will take the mound. Although his overall stats are solid Needy has had a roller coaster type of season. In his previous start, August 2nd, Needy only lasted 2.1 innings giving up 3 earned runs and walking 4 batters. In the start before that, July 27th, Needy only gave up 2 earned runs in 5 innings of work, not giving up a walk and striking out 4, and earning his first win of the season.
Emerald’s keys to the game:
* Be in the Zone. If Needy starts to walk Volcanoes batters then his night is going to be cut short. The Volcanoes offense has the ability to take advantage of free base runners in a hurry.
* Push it early on. With the Volcanoes struggling the last 5 games the Emeralds need to get out early on and do whatever it takes to keep this Volcanoes team on the ropes. The Volcanoes are a streaky team and the Emeralds don’t want them to wake up until this series is over.
Volcanoes’ keys to the game:
* Think a little less, play a little more. The biggest problem I’ve seen with the Volcanoes this year is that they play mental games with themselves too often and don’t just go out on the field and play. Sometimes you can be your own worst enemy.
* The middle of the lineup needs to get going again. The Volcanoes offense has been the key to most of the teams success, but when the middle of the lineup isn’t hitting well the whole lineup suffers. Panik, Murray, Krill and others need to have solid at bats and not give any outs away.