Kristian Robinson homered for the second game in a row but it was not enough as the Hillsboro Hops could not catch up, falling to the Spokane Indians.  The Robinson homer brought the Hops within one but it turned out to be the final score 3-2.

Hops Fall Behind

Meanwhile, the Indians built up their lead over the first four innings, one run at a time.  For Spokane, Eugene native Kellen Strahm singled and scored in the first. In the third, Strahm again scored after reaching base on a throwing error.  To cap it off, Cristian Inoa walked and scored for a 3-0 lead.

While that was happening, Spokane pitcher Theo McDowell (W, 1-1) held the Hops bats to one run on only two hits over four plus innings.  The Hops first score of the night didn’t come until two outs in the fifth. So, in stepped Jeifry Nunez (H, 1).

Consequently, Nunez took the visiting Indians to the end of the eighth.  During his reign, the only Hops hit he gave up was the Kristian Robinson homer in the sixth inning.  Nick Starr (S, 1) closed the last two innings blanking any effort the Hops gave to score the tying run.

Luis Frias Strong Effort

Luis Frias (L, 1-2) started for the Hops and went five innings giving up all three Indians runs for the loss.  During his last five games, Frias struck out 7.4 batters per five innings. Despite the league leading number of K’s and the 1.80 ERA, he couldn’t overcome the two unearned runs.

Standings

The loss ended the Hillsboro Hops (14-7) season high six game winning streak.  It also ended the Spokane Indians (11-10) five game losing streak.  The loss dropped the Hops into a tie with the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes for the Southern Division lead who are now on a five game winning streak of their own.  Also, the win gave the Indians sole possession of first place in the Northern Division.

Both teams will return Friday night for game two of the three game series.  Again, the game will be followed by fireworks. Taking the mound for the Hops will be Michel Gelabert (4-1).  In his last game played last Monday, Gelabert went five innings in his win over Eugene.

Further, Ricky Vanesco will face Gelabert for the Indians.  Vanesco’s last appearance was last Saturday where he faced Vancouver.  In 4.2 innings, he kept the Canadians scoreless in the no decision.

Transactions

The last few days have been extremely busy for the Hops.  Here is a quick run down.

Several Hops have been promoted to higher leagues:

Adrian Del Moral was sent to the Kane County Cougars where he made his first start on Wednesday.  Del Moral now has his first win.

Jose Cuas joined his teammate on the Cougars.  Cuas opened the season with the Hops and appeared in seven games earning a 2-1 record with 3 saves.

Lucas Herbert played five games for the Hops, went .333 and jumped all the way to the AA Jackson Generals.  Herbert last played with the Hops on 6/24.

Promotion From Lower Leagues

Wilfry Cruz came from the Missoula Osprey where he started three games and started one. Cruz made his first start for the Hops and earned his first win.

Joining him is Eddie Hernandez from the AZL Dbacks.  Hernandez has already played in five games and is batting .333 with seven hits.

The Newly Drafted Rookies Arrive

LHP Andrew Saalfrank, the Diamondbacks 6th round choice this year, has yet to make an appearance.  He is from Indiana University.

RHP Eduardo Herrera was signed as a free agent and is now with the Hops.  Herrera made his first appearance on the Hops mound on Independence Day spreading zeroes across the board for one inning.

Drey Jameson is Arizona’s 1st round choice this year.  Out of Ball State, the RHP will debut in tonight’s game.

Ryne Nelson is the team’s 2nd round choice this year giving the Hops the top three 2019 draft choices in the lineup.  The RHP also debuts in tonight’s game.

Meanwhile, check here for other game recaps this season on Minor League Sports Report.

Box Score

By

Greg Stoker

@GDStoker