Michael Curry Clears Hops, Dust Devils Win 4-1
The game stayed close until Michael Curry’s three run double cleared the bases and the home team Tri-City Dust Devils erupted in the bottom of the eighth inning. Then, Ramon Perez (W, 2-1) continued on the mound shutting down the Hillsboro Hops and earning the win, 4-1. Before that, the game was close.
Pitching Controlled Tempo
Angel Acevedo started for the Dust Devils and was the first to give up a run, albeit in the third inning. Acevedo went a full six innings giving up just that one run on two hits. The Venezuelan native maintained control with four strike outs and did not give up a walk. His first hit allowed in the game, a single by Ryan January, became the only run scored by the Hops. A second single, this time by Jake McCarthy, brought the run home a couple of batters later. Unfortunately, Acevedo left after six innings with the score tied and the win out of reach.

In stepped reliever Ramon Perez for the win. The 19-year-old from Cuba kept the Hops scoreless for the last three innings, limiting the Hops to three more hits for a total of five. That would be enough for the Hops to outhit the winning team, 5-3. But, it was also enough time to give Michael Curry a chance to launch the home team ahead for good.
Hops Match Strikes
However, the game remained close up until that time because the Hops pitching staff did just as well until the fateful eighth. Up until that time, Hops pitching matched Dust Devil pitching. Luis Frias started for the road team going over four innings ands striking out seven batters, but also walked four. The last two walks led to Brian Christian taking the mound in the fifth with no outs and a runner at first.
Christian allowed a fielder’s choice followed by a walk and a single to result in the Dust Devils first score of the game. But, he did get his team out of a jam by striking out four batters. Justin Garcia came on in the bottom of the eighth with the game tied at 1-1. By the time Garcia struck out two batters, the 17th round draft choice out of this year’s draft loaded the bases by walking the next batter – all on free passes.
Michael Curry Doubles Bases Clear

After Michael Curry took the stage with two outs and slammed a double to center field, the bases emptied faster than a critic could close the show. The dust settled and the Dust Devils held a 4-1 lead.
The loss helped the Hillsboro Hops (9-7) maintain a tie with the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes (9-7) for the lead of the Southern Division. The win helped the Tri-City Dust Devils (6-11) to stay within five games of the Northern Division leading Vancouver Canadians (11-6). Both teams return to Gesa Stadium in Pasco for the fourth game in the series. The Hops will have another chance to clinch the series as they lead 2-1.
Next Game
Ryan Weiss (0-1) will take the mound for the Hops on Sunday night. On 8/5, Weiss allowed three runs in three innings for a no decision. The 2018 4th round draft choice struck out four batters and gave up five hits but did not walk a batter.
Adrian Martinez (2-4) will face Weiss for the Dust Devils. The native of Baja California, Mexico, last faced a batter on 8/4. At that time, the RHP lasted less than five innings giving up five runs on nine hits for the loss.
Former Hops
Could the AAA Reno Aces have the next Hops player to reach the majors? See which one you think will be next.
Boxscore
By
Greg Stoker
@GDstoker