On a night where the rain drizzled throughout the evening, half of the league’s games were called for too much moisture falling from the sky. However, the game went on for the Hillsboro Hops and Tri-City Dust Devils. I have a feeling the Hops would have taken the rain out.

The game remained close until the sixth inning when the Dust Devils exploded like a wet fire cracker all over the Hops for five runs in a game the Hops lost 8-3.

Hops pitchers had trouble keeping a handle on the moist sphere as the weather led to five wild pitches by Hillsboro alone. Anfernee Benitez started for the Hops and lasted almost five innings. Benitez allowed one run on four hits and seven strike outs. It was a competent job with the home team up two to one as he left the field.

Tucker Ward (0-2) came on in relief to finish the inning and start the sixth, getting pinned with the loss. After three runs and two hits out of five batters, it was time for Ward to be relieved as well.

With the score now Dust Devils up 4-2, Jordan Watson took the mound to finish the inning. It would take longer than expected. Watson faced six batters but gave up four runs (two earned) on three hits and the Hops now faced a slippery, wet slope of a 6-2 deficit.

The Hops managed to get one run back when Manny Jefferson walked with the bases loaded, bringing home Justin Chigbogu for the final run that the Hops would score on the night. Tri-City claimed two more runs in the next inning for the final score of 8-3.

Emanuel Ramirez (3-0) started for the Dust Devils and almost made it through six innings before he stepped down for the night. Ramirez allowed all three Hops runs on six hits with six strikeouts. It would be enough for the win. Evan Miller and Aaron Cressley combined to finish the game with no runs on no hits, keeping the Hops chances plastered to the ground.

There were only six hits by the Hops tonight. Jason Morozowski, Josh Anderson, Justin Chigbogu, Marcus Wilson, Alexis Olmeda and Sergio Alcantara each hit safely in the game. No Hops batter smacked more than one hit.

The Dust Devils’ bats were like kindling striking a match. Buddy Reed went 4 for 5 with a double, scored and punched three RBIs. Boomer White went 2 for 5. Three more singles and a double were spread out equally among four other Dust Devil batters.

The Hillsboro Hops (9-12) fell a half game behind second place Salem-Keizer who were rained out tonight. The Hops are now five and a half games behind the South Division leading Eugene Emeralds who were also rained out. The Tri-City Dust Devils (13-8) gained a half game on the Everett Aquasox who were rained out. The Dust Devils now lead the North Division by one and a half games.

Both teams return to Ron Tonkin Field for the fifth and final game of the five game home stand for the Hops. The series is tied at 2-2 with tomorrow’s winner taking the series. The evening will feature this year’s Christmas in July celebration.

Boxscore

By Greg Stoker
@GDStoker