AquaSox move into first place

The Mariners may have been slaughtered last night, but their Single A cousins are looking to have a repeat of 2010. Thanks to the media folks in Everett for this news:

EVERETT, Wash. — The Everett AquaSox (8-5, 24-27) moved into sole possession of first place in the West Division for the first time in the 2011 season, defeating the Vancouver Canadians (5-8, 29-22) by a score of 5-1 to win their sixth straight home game and second consecutive home series.

Sox starter Bennett Whitmore (3-5, 4.78 ERA) won his first home start of the season by pitching six innings allowing just one run while striking out five. Whitmore came into the game with a 9.13 ERA at home and had not given up less than four runs in a home start this season.

The Sox broke up a 1-1 tie with a run in the fourth set up by two stolen bases by third baseman Ramon Morla, and the two runs in the fifth to put the game out of reach were scored on a squeeze play and a throwing error by Vancouver catcher Chris Schaeffer attempting to catch designated hitter Jabari Blash stealing third base. Everett recorded six stolen bases in the game.

Left-fielder Nathan Melendres scored two runs in the game while extending his league-high ten game hitting streak and 16-game on-base streak. Right fielder Mario Yepez also extended his league-high home hitting streak to 15 games with a double in the third inning. Yepez is fourth in the league in average at .333 for the season.

The Frogs will look for their first home series sweep when they send out left-hander Jordan Shipers (1-4, 4.43 ERA) against Vancouver right-hander Blake Mc Farland (4-4, 5.54 ERA) at 7:05 p.m.