EVERETT, WA – Six consecutive hits in a six-run seventh and a breakout performance from Austin Smith spurred the Canadians to a 7-4 win over the Everett AquaSox (SEA) Friday night at Everett Memorial Stadium.
Trailing 2-1 after six and unable to figure out #18 Mariners prospect Colton Shaw (L, 6-5) over their first two times through the order, the C’s used a lead-off hit by pitch – their league-high 89th of the year – to start their rally. Edward Duran and Gable Mitchell followed with singles to load the bases before Maddox Latta stroked a game-tying hit to centre that chased Shaw from the game.
With a new arm on the mound, Smith would put Vancouver in front for good by legging out a go-ahead single for his third knock of the game. Jaxson West and Raimundo De Los Santos would add RBI infield hits of their own in the next two at-bats and a throwing error on the latter made it 6-2 C’s before a run-scoring fielder’s choice finished the frame with the Canadians leading by five.
Reece Fields (S, 1) closed out the game with three innings in which he allowed two runs on four hits with five strikeouts in the second outing of his pro career.
Smith’s first hit was a go-ahead solo homer in the third, which he bookended with a ninth inning single to complete his perfect night at the plate.
#18 Blue Jays prospect Silvano Hechavarria (W, 1-4) bounced back from a career worst outing last weekend with his best High-A start of the season. The right-hander went six innings, allowed two runs on five hits – including two solo homers – with one walk and five strikeouts.
All nine starters made a contribution, eight reached base and seven had a hit. Joining Smith in a multi-hit effort were West and De Los Santos; those three players – the bottom third of the order – accounted for eight of Vancouver’s 12 hits in the game.
Reigning Northwest League Pitcher of the Week and #3 Blue Jays prospect Johnny King looks to lead the C’s to a series split opposite Evan Truitt tomorrow night. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. on the C’s Broadcast Network.
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.