Wong's quality outing goes for naught in 3-2 loss.
July 26, 2016Grand Canyon right-hander Jacob Wong turned in his best start of the summer but got a no-decision as Bend rallied for a 3-2 win over Corvallis on Tuesday in the series opener.
Wong allowed one run and six hits over seven innings and left with a 2-1 lead. He struck out six in his longest outing since a 5.1-inning effort in a 3-1 win over Yakima Valley on July 3.
Rebounding from sub-par relief showings in his last four appearances, when he gave up eight earned runs in 7.1 innings, Wong lowered his ERA from 3.03 to 2.70 with his fourth quality start in five opportunities.
However, he was saddled with a no-decision when the Elks (19-27 WCL, 8-11 second half) roughed up closer Chase Kaplan (Kansas in 2017) for two runs in the eighth inning. Relievers Camden Muller and Sam Boone protected the 3-2 lead over the final two innings and the Elks snapped a five-game tailspin.
Corvallis (31-19 overall, 24-19 WCL, 6-10 second half) had runners at the corners followign two walks and a wild pitch with two outs in the ninth, but Kyle Nobach (Oregon State) flew out to deep center to end the game. Nobach went 0-for-3 with two walks, snapping his five-game hitting streak.
The Knights had just three singles the night after being shut out by Victoria in the rubber game of that series. Nick Kahle (Washington in 2017) had their lone RBI on a first-inning sacrifice fly. Their other run scored on a bases-loaded passed ball.
The series resumes at 6:40 p.m. Wednesday. Dixie State left-hander Aaron Pope (4-2, 2.27) is the scheduled starter for the Knights, opposed by Mt. Hood CC righty Nate Hunter (1-3, 4.63).
Wednesday is Andrea Beem Team Key Chain Giveaway Night. The first 250 fans get a free key chain. Specially-priced pours of Spindrift Cellars wine are available, and general admission tickets are just $2 for seniors (60-plus).
The series concludes on Thursday, with San Francisco righty Grant Goodman (0-0, 2.48) getting the ball for the Knights. It is a Block 15 Thursday, and Reusable Grocery Bag Tote Bag Night, presented by Barker Uerlings Insurance. The first 250 fans receive a free tote bag; adult beverages and hot dogs are priced at $2.
Corvallis then plays at Kitsap on Friday through Sunday. Its final home series of the regular season is Aug. 2-4 against Gresham.