August 18, 2026 — PASCO, Wash.: Although the Everett AquaSox outhit their opposition and found a ninth-inning spark, late rally efforts ultimately fell short as the Tri-City Dust Devils secured a 12-9 victory in Game One of the six-game Northwest League series at Gesa Stadium.
An eight-run second inning fueled the Dust Devils, setting them ahead 10-0 just two frames into the game. Capri Ortiz and Jorge Ruiz each knocked two-run singles, and Kendrey Maduro cleared the outfield fences with a two-run home run that doubles as his second with the Dust Devils. Rounding out Tri-City’s scoring for the night was Kevyn Castillo, who hit an RBI single, and Maduro, who hit a solo homer for his second long ball of the game.
Everett’s offense rallied late, scoring two runs in the top of the ninth before coming up just short. Luke Stevenson brought in the first AquaSox run of the night by blasting a solo home run, and Brandon Eike continued his recent hot hand with an RBI double. Matthew Ellis belted a two-run home run for the Frogs’ second long ball of the game, and Carlos Jimenez added the team’s third by smashing a three-run bomb during the top of the sixth. Austin St. Laurent capped off Everett’s efforts at the plate, adding a two-run single during the game’s final frame.
From the mound, Tri-City’s Jose Atencio dealt 3.0 innings of one-run baseball, allowing just one run on three hits while striking out three. Benny Thompson contributed a scoreless outing, hurling 1.2 scoreless innings while giving up a lone hit. Coming out of Everett’s bullpen, right-hander Ben Hernandez threw 2.0 shutout innings, allowing just one hit while striking out two.
With the loss, the AquaSox now sit three games back of the Vancouver Canadians for a berth in the 2026 Northwest League Championship Series.
PICTURED ABOVE: Brandon Eike
PHOTO BY: Landon Welter
LOOKING AHEAD: The AquaSox continue their six-game Northwest League series against the Tri-City Dust Devils! Game Two is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Wednesday, August 19, at Gesa Stadium in Pasco, Washington! Upon the conclusion of the Dust Devils series, the AquaSox return home for their final regular season homestand of 2026! Facing the Eugene Emeralds in a six-game series starting Tuesday, August 25, the AquaSox look forward to hosting Sam’s Cats & Dogs Bark In The Park, a Cal Raleigh Bobblehead Giveaway, a Cal Raleigh Replica Jersey Giveaway, Sunday Fun Day, and more!
ABOUT THE EVERETT AQUASOX: The Everett AquaSox are the defending 2025 Northwest League Champions and serve as the High-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. Established in 1984, the club has been affiliated with the Mariners since adopting the AquaSox name in 1995. For the latest updates on the 2026 season — including community initiatives and appearances by Webbly — follow the Frogs on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, or visit AquaSox.com. Season ticket packages, group outings, and picnic experiences are available now by calling (425) 258-3673 or by visiting the AquaSox Front Office at 3802 Broadway.
ABOUT MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL: Minor League Baseball consists of 120 teams across four classification levels (Single-A, High-A, Double-A and Triple-A) that are affiliated with Major League Baseball’s 30 teams. Fans flock to MiLB games to see baseball’s future stars and experience the affordable family-friendly entertainment that has been a staple of MiLB since 1901. For more information, visit MiLB.com and follow MiLB on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.