SF Giants High-A club lose Everett AquaSox in Northwest League championship series

The Eugene Emeralds put together a strong season, including being the best team in the Northwest League in the second half. On Saturday, that season came to an end as the SF Giants High-A club lost in four games in the championship series against the Everett AquaSox.

SF Giants High-A club lose Everett AquaSox in Northwest League championship series

As is often the case in minor league baseball, the first half and second half of the year were wildly different seasons for Eugene. This is due to trades, promotions, and injuries. The team that begins the year often looks much different by the end of the season.

When the season began, Scott Bandura, Bo Davidson, and James Tibbs III were roaming the outfield grass for Eugene. Davidson and Bandura were promoted to Double-A midway through the year, whereas Tibbs III was included in the package to acquire Rafael Devers.

In the second half of the season, the Emeralds got reinforcements. Nate Furman had a prolonged rehab assignment, and Parks Harber was acquired in the trade that sent Camilo Doval to the New York Yankees. This gave Eugene's lineup some much-needed offense.

There were some constants along the way, too. Charlie Szykowny blasted 21 home runs, and Jonah Cox swiped 58 bases. Cesar Perdomo and Josh Bostick anchored the rotation.

In the first half of the season, the Emeralds sat in the middle of the pack with a 32-34 record. They followed that up with a 49-17 record in the second half. By far, they were the best team in the second half, and clinched a spot in the championship series.

The Emeralds faced off against the AquaSox in the championship series. They split the first two games of the series. Euegene won the second game after getting out to a 4-0 lead. They allowed two runs in the ninth inning, but still secured the victory.

That proved to be their only victory in the series. They dropped the next two games, including Saturday's 6-3 loss.

Regardless, it was a nice season for Eugene. The Giants' lower affiliates have all put together strong 2025 campaigns. There is value in building a winning culture in the minors. The Giants hope that will percolate up through the system as these players graduate to new levels.

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