Andy Yerzy hit a two run shot in the second highlighting the inning where the home team scored five runs and held on for the win.  The Hillsboro Hops sweep the Eugene Emeralds in the three game series by a score of 6-4.  The Hops added one more run in the sixth after the visiting Ems struck for two more in the fifth.

Andy Yerzy Hit Homer to Punctuate the Scoring

It was the second inning that won the game.  The Hops sent all nine batters to the plate, starting with this years third round draft choice Tristan English.  The right fielder walked and was followed by David Garza, Jr.’s double and Nick Dalesandro’s RBI single. Garza scored on a passed ball and a couple of batters later, Ricky Martinez gained base on a fielder’s choice and brought home Dalesandro.

That set the stage for the Andy Yerzy hit.  With two strikes, Yerzy swung with a quick slice through the strike zone and the ball headed towards the right field fence never reaching very high in the air.  It was a line drive that was determined to reach the fence and beyond.

After giving up a single to Kristian Robinson, the night was over for Ems starting pitcher Niels Stone (L, 1-1) who took the loss.  The Hops wouldn’t score again until the sixth when Nick Grande led off the inning with a triple that split left fielder Dalton Hurd and center fielder Fernando Kelli rolling all the way to the fence.  Grande later came home on Ricky Martinez’ sac fly.

Michel Gelabert Gets the Win

Michel Gelabert (W, 2-0) started for the Hops and lasted through five innings and one batter in the sixth for the win.  Along the way, he held the Ems to three runs. But, Gelabert did have trouble with the visiting Ems and help from his teammates to stay afloat.

One such instance of help featured the quick reactions of second baseman Nick Grande who speared a line drive before it could make the outfield and quickly picked off Jake Slaughter who could not get back to first base before Grande’s throw beat him.

To go along with Yerzy’s right field blast, he also added a single in the fourth.  Ricky Martinez had two RBI with a single and a sacrifice fly. Also, Nick Dalesandro was a key part of the five run second inning with his RBI single and score.  Consequently, Dalesandro added another single in the eighth.

Standings

With the win, the Hillsboro Hops (11-6) now hold the best record in both divisions.  The Hops stand alone in first in the Southern Division. The loss dropped the Eugene Emeralds (7-10) to four games back of the Hops.

The Hops will hit the road on Monday to play the Vancouver Canadians to start a three game series before returning home on Thursday, the Fourth of July.  Both Thursday and Friday will feature fireworks after the games. Tomorrow night, Vancouver will put Nick Fraze (0-1) on the mound. In his last appearance on Tuesday, Fraze went one inning and gave up three runs in the no decision.  The starter for the Hops has yet to be determined.

The Emeralds will continue their road travels to the Tri-Cities for three games.  In addition, The Dust Devils pitched a no hitter last night combining the efforts of four Tri-Cities pitchers.

Furthermore, keep up to date on all game recaps right here on Minor League Sports Report.

Box Score

By

Greg Stoker

@GDStoker