Vancouver Canadians finding their groove in first homestand against the Eugene Emeralds

JEN FIELD

April 7, 2026 marked the first homestand of the Vancouver Canadians 2026 season. Their first matchup was against the Eugene Emeralds. 

Though the Emeralds won 4 of 6 games, the Canadians showed a lot of promise for the coming season. 

The Canadians debuted a new jersey to celebrate 75 years at The Nat. These new "The Nat" jerseys will be worn every Tuesday throughout the season.

Johnny King was the starting pitcher for the Canadians, while Charlie McDaniel started for the Emeralds. In the first inning, the Emeralds scored 1 run, making it the only run for the inning. 

The Canadians switched pitchers at the top of the second to Holden Wilkerson. 

The Emeralds scored their second run of the night at the top of the fourth. Another pitching change occurred, this time for the Emeralds with Cade Vernon coming in at the bottom of the fourth. 

The Emeralds kept the lead, scoring their third run of the night in the top of the fifth. However, the Canadians scored 2 runs in the bottom of the fifth. An error at home plate allowed the first run, while a hit to centre field secured the second. 

Another Emerald pitching change occurred with Trey Dillard coming in to relieve Vernon. 

Eminen Flores relieved Wilkerson at the mound for the Canadians at the top of the sixth. The Emeralds scored their fourth of the night, putting the game 4-2 going into the seventh. 

Jay Schueler relieved Flores at the top of the eighth, while Brayan Palencia relieved Dillard at the bottom of the eight. 

Both teams brought in their closers in the ninth inning. Jonathan Todd for the Canadians, and Ben Peterson for the Emeralds. 

The Canadians looked for a comeback in the bottom of the ninth, and Carter Cunningham gave the team some hope, hitting a homerun, to put the game within one. 

Despite their best efforts the game ended 4-3 for the Emeralds. The Canadians made some incredible plays throughout the game, and looked to show their full abilities in the games to come. 

The night was capped off fireworks to welcome in the new season.

Wednesday's game went to the Emeralds in a 5-2 victory, but the Canadians fought back on Thursday securing a 14-5 win.

The win on Thursday marked the Canadians first win of the season and they looked for the repeat on Friday. However, despite the extra inning the Emeralds would win 6-5. 

Saturday, April 11, the Canadians had their first ever Filipino Heritage Day celebration. This day honoured the pride, identity and culture of the Philippines through music, dance and art. 

Local artist Mar Cortez designed a jersey for the Canadians to wear for the game, telling a story through the colours and designs chosen. 

The jersey’s were up for auction and all proceeds went to promote Benson Flores and Filipino history Canada, in partnership with Pinoy Festival Alliance. 

Colby Holcombe was the starting pitcher for the Canadians, while Yunior Marte started for the Emeralds. 

The Emeralds scored the opening run in the top of the third. The Canadians changed pitchers part way through the inning, bringing out Eminen Flores to relieve Holcombe. 

The Emeralds changed pitchers part way through the bottom of the fifth, bringing out Cade Vernon to relieve Marte. The Canadians capitalized on the change, scoring their first run of the game. 

The Canadians switched pitchers again at the top of the seventh with Jonathan Todd relieving Flores. Todd would close out the game for the Canadians. 

The Emeralds scored their second run of the night in the top of the eighth, breaking the tie. They switched pitchers part way through the eighth. Ben Peterson relieved Vernon and would remain for the final inning. 

Both teams scored a run in the ninth inning. Similar to Tuesday the game the Canadians looked to pull ahead in the final inning, but fell just short. Leading to a 3-2 Emeralds victory. 

Sunday the final game of the first homestand went to the Canadians. The Emeralds would take the series 4-2. 

The Vancouver Canadians next homestand starts April 21, against the Tri-City Dust Devils at Nat Bailey Stadium.