VANCOUVER, BC – The Canadians secured their first home series win of the season with a 5-3 triumph over the Tri-City Dust Devils (LAA) Saturday evening. Vancouver kept pace with Eugene in the Northwest League second half standings as they still sit half a game out of first place.
The C’s put two runs on the board in the second inning after knocks by David Calabrese and Max Viera placed runners on second and third. A wild pitch and sacrifice fly would plate a pair as Vancouver jumped out to a 2-0 advantage after two innings. In the third, Tri-City scored a run of their own, but the Canadians responded with a Maddox Latta homer – his second of the week and sixth of the season - to left-center field to make it 3-1.
Dasan Hill made his Nat Bailey debut, allowing one unearned run on four hits across four innings without issuing a walk. The #6 Blue Jays prospect struck out three in his first home start since joining Vancouver.
The C’s would add on key insurance runs in the 5th and 6th innings. After Jojo Parker was hit by a pitch to start the 5th, he stole second base to get into scoring position. Two batters later, Parker would race around to score after an error by Tri-City. Viera tripled to right field to start the 6th inning, later scoring on Ty Southisene’s RBI single to make it 5-1.
Holden Wilkerson (W, 7-7) entered the game in the fifth and closed out the game. Although he allowed a run to score in the 7th and 9th, he got out of a jam to end the game and preserve the victory. Across his five innings, he punched out three while allowing five hits and a walk.
The Canadians wrap up their series with Tri-City tomorrow when Troy Guthrie gets the start against fellow righthander Chase Shores during a WhiteSpot Family Fun Sunday. First pitch is set for 1:05 p.m.
For tickets and more information throughout the 75th anniversary season of The Nat, visit CanadiansBaseball.com, call 604-872-5232 and follow the C’s on social via @vancanadians.