The Emeralds were a very exciting team, as they won several games in dramatic fashion. It started with Em’s first baseman Clark Murphy’s two homer game on Opening night. Unfortunately, it ended with a loss in their final game, but the Emeralds have plenty to celebrate.

The Emeralds pitching staff led the Northwest League in ERA, at 3.00. Eugene pitchers also struck out a league-high 647 batters. The offense only hit .241, but the Em’s did lead the league in walks, with 329. The team did not feature a ton of power, but some individuals did have solid years.

Second baseman Maxx Tissenbaum finished sixth in the league with a .296 average. He showed remarkable plate discipline, drawing 27 walks against just 14 strikeouts. Tissenbaum was the Padres 11th round pick in June’s draft, out of Stony Brook University. Jeremy Baltz led the team in homers, with five. Baltz was drafted in the second round in 2012, out of St. Johns. He is an intriguing prospect, and could end up at Lake Elsinore in 2013.

On the pitching side, the Em’s had a variety of standouts. Justin Hancock was perhaps the most impressive. Hancock, a 2011 draft pick, went 5-2, with a 1.61 ERA, good for 3rd in the Northwest League. Roman Madrid went 7-0 out of the bullpen, and tied for the league-lead with 13 saves. He also averaged more than a strikeout an inning.

The Emeralds have always been a fascinating team to me, because most of the guys who play for the team are getting their first shot at professional baseball. Despite missing the playoffs, the future is bright for many who called Eugene home in 2012!

Tucson 3 (31-55), Las Vegas 1: The T-Padres are turning their fortunes around, as the have won 8 of 11. Matt Jackson, who has pitched most of the year for Lake Elsinore, got the win. Jackson contributed with five shutout innings.  The Padres won, despite having 0 extra base-hits.

San Antonio 4 (10-1), NW Arkansas 2: The Missions just keep on winning , improving to 10-1 in the second half.1B  Nathan Freiman(.284) slammed his 17th homer on the year, and2B  Jonathan Galvez(.339) also had a pair of RBI’s. Andrew Werner(3.57 ERA) got the win, as he gave up just two runs in six innings.

March 27, 2012; Phoenix, AZ, USA; San Diego Padres second baseman Jonathan Galvez (73) turns the double play while avoiding the Texas Rangers second baseman Ian Kinsler (5) in the fifth inning at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-US PRESSWIRE

Fort Wayne 8 (9-3), Bowling Green 1: Fort Wayne is playing well, and got five shutout innings from Midwest League All-Star Frank Garces. Garces has a 5-4 record on the year, with a 2.45 ERA. 2011 6th round pick OF Kyle Gaedele(.220) had two hits, and a pair of RBI’s.

Eugene 9 (10-9), Everett 1: The Emeralds returned home after a 14-game road trip, and beatdown first-place Everett. Jeremy Baltz(.291). went 2-3, with 3 RBI’s. Justin Hancock(3.06 ERA) was brilliant, as he gave up just one hit in five shutout innings. He also struck out seven.

Tucson 7 (23-49), Las Vegas 5: The T-Pads used a five-run third to best the 51′s. Blake Tekotte(.269) went 2-3, with a pair of walks, and Yasmani Grandal (.308 AVG) had three hits. Colt Hynes (3-6) got the win, despite giving up 5 runs in 6 innings.

June 2, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres catcher Yasmani Grandal (12) recovers a dropped third strike to throw the batter out at first base to end the eighth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-US PRESSWIRE

Corpus Christi 2, San Antonio 1 (28-43, 0-1 in the 2nd half): San Antonio lost in twelve innings, with their only RBI coming on a 3rd inning HR from Jake Blackwood, his 4th of the year. Hayden Beard was excellent for the Missions, going 7 innings, and allowing just one earned run.

Eugene 7 (4-2), Boise 4: The Emeralds pounded out 16 hits, although 15 were singles. Alberth Martinez(.389) went 4-4 and scored 3 runs. 2012 2nd round picks made their professional debuts in the game. Baltz started at DH and went 1-4. Phillips started at catcher, and went 2-5.