Notes From The Nat

Poor Matty.

It seems like every get-away game brings forth a new adventure. With the boys having lost (large) two games in Salem, it was hoped the early start to Sunday’s game would be the tonic they needed to salvage .500 for the trip and get out of the House of the Witch Kings and back up to Van-City.

Fate had other plans.

The Canadians let opportunities slip through their fingers yet again on Sunday, as missed chances to put Salem away cost them dearly as they lost 5-4 to the Volcanoes in 13 innings.Six strong innings from starter Inoel Deaza went for naught as the C’s couldn’t seal the deal in the 8th inning, allowing Salem back into the game.

With two out and none on, reliever Matt Manship proceeded to load the bases for the second straight inning. Whereas in the 7th he was able to finish things off by striking out Matthew Weston, there was no such luck in the 8th. With two outs and the bases loaded, an Emmanuel Burriss single plated two runs and sent the game into extras.Each team had their chances, and the longer the game went, you had the feeling it was going to end in spectacular fashion.

So, as well as the Volcanoes season has been going this year, it was Robert Felmy with the heroics on this night, with a walk-off home run to win the game in 13 and give the Volcanoes a perfect 6-6 season sweep of the Canadians in Salem.

Both teams head up I-5 for a three-game set starting Tuesday in Vancouver. Scott Deal is projected to be the starter, but nothing is for certain as we head into the season’s dog days, and the A’s take their last chances to observe the players at this level.

Wednesday is the ninth SportsAction Nooner of the year, and Thursday, August 31 will be the final fireworks night of the year. After that, six games will remain, all versus the Everett Aquasox - 3 down there and three up here.Matt’s final broadcast will be Wednesday, August 30 starting at 12:50. Expect lots of tears and guest appearances as Matt closes out two great years with the Canadians.

Beer Hawker and Merchant of Venom Rob McGowan will broadcast the final 6 games with Everett, all on canadiansbaseball.com. If you haven’t had the chance yet, Rob encourages all interested parties to email Matt their best wishes as he moves off into this exciting new stage of his career.