The Hillsboro Hops scored four runs in the top of the ninth to cap an amazing comeback and take a one run lead only to watch the Tri City Dust Devils pull the same feat with two runs of their own, taking the game back 5-4.

Stepping up to the plate in the ninth, the Hops had managed six hits but no scores in the previous eight innings. Hurting their chances before then were hitting into two double plays on the night. Down 3-0, Hillsboro more than made up for it by coming up with five more hits in one inning.

Josh Anderson and Connor Owings led off with back to back singles before a Manny Jefferson strike out. Adam Walton then singled to load the bases.  Chad Oberaker’s single brought Anderson and Owings home and left runners at the corners. Marcus Wilson doubled deep to left clearing the bases for the tying and go ahead runs. Wilson managed to steal third but never made it home, though it looked like the Hops may not need it as they had the lead for the first time in the game.

The Dust Devils had other plans. Coming up to the plate behind 4-3, Boomer White walked and took second on Nate Easley’s single. Luis Ascuncion smacked an RBI single to right scoring White and tying up the game. Easley, who had moved to second on Ascuncion’s single, stole third. Taylor Kohlwey came to the plate and sent a walk off single to left easily bringing home Easley for the game winning run.

Tyler Mark started for the Hops and lasted five innings allowing a respectable two runs (one earned) on four hits while striking out three. Palmer Betts shined for the next two innings keeping the Dust Devils hitless as well as scoreless with five strike outs of his own. Riley Smith allowed one run in the eightth but still looked like the winning pitcher after the Hops scored their four runs. Instead, the Dust Devils’ two runs and three hits off of Hops reliever Tommy Eveld (L, 1-1) in the ninth saddled Eveld with the loss.

Emmanuel Ramirez started for the Dust Devils and pitched six scoreless innings with nine strikeouts leaving the game in hand for the bullpen with a three run lead. Evan Miller took the ball and continued with two scoreless innings of his own allowing two hits and striking out three. Diomar Lopez (W, 4-0) had worse luck in the ninth. After allowing all four Hops runs, it was looking like Lopez may get the loss. Lopez’ luck changed when Tri City scored two more runs of their own, handing Lopez the win.

Though the Hops were having a hard time making it all the way home until the ninth, their bats were hardly quiet. Chad Oberaker went 2 for 3, scored once and had two RBIs. Marcus Wilson went 3 for 5 and clobbered a bases clearing two RBI double for the Hops only lead of the night. Josh Anderson went 2 for 4 and scored the Hops first run. Ramon Hernandez, Justin Chigbogu, Connor Owings and Adam Walton also singled.

For the Dust Devils, Taylor Kohlwey went 2 for 5 and singled home the game winning run. Chris Baker went 2 for 4 and scored twice. Nate Easley went 2 for 3 and scored the game winning run. G.K. Young homered in the second for the game’s first score. Luis Ascuncion hit the game tying single for the Dust Devils in the ninth.

The Hillsboro Hops (18-19) fell to nine games behind the first half division winning Emeralds and are now only one game ahead of third place Salem-Keizer with one more game to go in the first half. Tri City (19-18) now has sole possession of first in the North Division. Everett and Vancouver were eliminated tonight. Spokane dropped to one game behind Tri City.

Both teams will meet Monday night for the final game of the series which is tied at 2-2. It will also mark the last game of the first half and Tri City will win their first half crown with either another win or a Spokane loss.

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By Greg Stoker
@GDStoker