David Garza Jr. went 3 for 4 on a night that he and several of his teammates turned on the offense like a spigot on the Hoover Dam.  The end result was a 5-3 washout by the Hillsboro Hops over the Everett Aquasox. But, both sides flowed with the power.

There might not have been any home runs or triples but throw in a few doubles and a bunch of singles and the runs poured across the plate.  Especially when they bunch in the same inning.

First Inning

With one out, David Garza Jr. stepped up and sent his fifth double of the season straight up the middle for his first hit of the game.  Kristian Robinson later joined him on base with a walk. It looked like the Hops just might start out with the early lead instead of trying to catch up mid-game or later.  And they didn’t have to wait.

After Tristin English joined the party by being hit by a pitch to load the bases,  Joe Gillette came to the plate to seal the deal. Instead of a handshake, he slapped the ball to right field, opening the doors for David Garza Jr. and Robinson to come home.  Opening score: Hillsboro 2, Everett 0.

Tables Turn

The score held until the fifth inning with both sides taking control from the mound.  But, the Aquasox got tired of being behind. With one out, Cash Gladfelter started the ball rolling with a double.  Carter Bins brought him home with an RBI single. Cade Marlowe got in line with another single. Robert Perez doubled Bins home and a sacrifice fly by DeAires Moses gave Marlowe a ticket home.

When the Hops next came to the plate, they were down to the Aquasox 3-2 and looking to catch up once again.

Coming From Behind — Again

It all happened in the seventh inning.  The first run in the comeback happened when David Garza Jr. singled home Nick Grande who had singled.  The Hops managed to tie the game and still have three outs to play with. Jesus Marriaga singled home Ricky Martinez who had walked.  And finally, Kristian Robinson singled home David Garza for the final score: 5-3.

One Blip Pitching

In total, the Hops strung together four singles and a walk to create three runs.  However, to protect the two run lead, the Hops brought Mailon Arroyo (H, 1) and Justin Garcia (S, 1) to limit the Aquasox scoreless and hitless the rest of the way.

The end game effort on the mound preserved the win for Marcos Tineo (W, 4-2) who came in for Andrew Saalfrank (who was on a pitch limit) and held sway for five innings.  Ironically, it was Tineo who allowed the only hits and runs the Aquasox would get, all in the fifth inning. But, Tineo grabbed control back and stuck around for the Hops to re-take the lead.

Standings

The win put the Hillsboro Hops (7-3) into sole possession of first place in the Southern Division.  The loss maintained the Everett Aquasox (3-7) spot two games behind the Northern Division leading Spokane Indians.

Friday night, the Hops will start a new series hosting the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes.  Tommy Henry (0-0) will start for the Hops. The Volcanoes have yet to name a starter.

Stay with the Minor League Sports Report for game recaps throughout the season.  Follow me on Twitter for half inning updates on all home games.

Box Score

By

Greg Stoker

@GDStoker