The Yakima Bears lost a close 2-1 game against the Eugene Emeralds Friday night at Yakima County Stadium. The Bears, who were mathematically eliminated from earning a spot in the playoffs with the loss, finish the regular season Saturday at Yakima County Stadium.
The Bears scored the first run of the game in the second inning. Justin Hilt hit a lead-off double, advanced to third on a groundout, and scored on a sacrifice fly to right field by Raul Navarro.
The 1-0 lead held up through six innings thanks to outstanding pitching from Bears starter Alex Capaul. Capaul faced only three batters in five of the first six innings. In the seventh things turned for Capaul.
After an out to start the inning, Casey McElroy singled, Travis Whitmore walked, and pinch-hitter Matthew Colantonio doubled to drive in the two base runners.
Capaul ended up taking the loss, as he was charged with two earned runs in six and a third innings.
Willy Paredes was dazzling out of the bullpen for the Bears. Paredes stranded an inherited runner while working around an error that allowed the first batter he faced to reach. After that, Paredes sent down seven consecutive batters. Paredes finished with two and two thirds innings without allowing a hit, walk, or run.
Both teams managed three hits in the game. Jimmy Comerota and Garrett Weber both went 1-for-3 with a walk for the Bears.
With the series tied at 2-2, the Bears and Emeralds finish it and the regular season Saturday at Yakima County Stadium. Game time is scheduled for 7:05. Free parking will be available to fans, Boomer bobbleheads will be given away at the gates, and a fireworks show will follow the game. Lefty John Pedrotty is the expected starter for the Bears, while the Emeralds have announced right-handed pitcher Ruben Mejia as their starter.
