Saturday, Aug. 08, 2009

Dust Devils bats go cold in Eugene

HERALD NEWS SERVICES

EUGENE -- Jerry Sullivan is thriving once again in a familiar role.

The Eugene right-hander had his fourth straight solid start since joining the rotation to lead the Emeralds to a 2-1 win over Tri-City on Friday night in front of 3,524 in Northwest League baseball at Civic Stadium.

Sullivan allowed one earned run and three hits in six innings while striking out three to improve to 3-2.

"I didn't have the command like I wanted tonight, but I told myself if I get the ball down in the zone I'll get some ground balls," Sullivan said. "We had some good plays out there to keep the game close."

Sullivan had a 5.91 ERA in six relief appearances to begin the season, but has lowered that mark to 3.45 since joining the starting rotation.

The third-round pick out of Oral Roberts has allowed four earned runs in 18 innings in his four starts.

Ryan Hinson followed Sullivan on the mound and earned his first save of the season with three scoreless innings.

He allowed only one hit and struck out the side in the ninth to finish with six strikeouts.

The game was scoreless through four innings, but Tri-City scored its lone run when Jose Gonzalez crossed home plate before a tag for the final out of the fith.

Eugene took the lead with two runs in the bottom of the fifth after it loaded the bases with no outs.

Chadd Hartman walked and Ty Wright singled before Jason Codiroli walked to load the bases.

Dean Anna grounded into a fielder's choice that scored Hartman to tie the game.

Edinson Rincon followed with a sacrifice fly to left that scored Wright.