Geraldo Perdomo Powers Comeback, Hops Jump S-K 9-7
Coming back from a five run deficit to tie the game in the seventh, Geraldo Perdomo launched a triple in the eighth to clear the bases and put the Hillsboro Hops up 9-7 over the Salem-Kaiser Volcanoes for good. The win extended their franchise leading streak to 50 wins with one game left to go in the regular season.
The Comeback Begins
The Hops were faced with a five run deficit twice in the game: 6-1 in the fourth and 7-2 in the sixth. Then, if not the impossible, the improbable started to happen. In the bottom of the sixth, Joey Rose tripled to bring home Andy Yerzy who walked to first. Rose then scored on Jorge Perez’s ground out to second baseman Kyle McPhearson.
That brought the home team to within 7-4. Next inning, David Garza, Jr. and Jake McCarthy doubled back to back for the innings first score. Geraldo Perdomo Singled home McCarthy. Perdomo scooted over to second on a wild pitch by Sydney Duprey and came home on LT Tolbert’s single to tie the game.
Geraldo Perdomo Takes Lead
But, Geraldo Perdomo was only getting started. The following inning, the eighth, Perdomo hit the go ahead triple that held on for the win. The improbably happened. Down 7-2 in the sixth, the Hops scored seven unanswered runs to win the game. The loss left the visiting Volcanoes dejected as the loss eliminated them from playoff contention.
Bats were solid on both sides. S-K launched four home runs to take the early lead. Joey Bart, the second overall draft pick and phenom for the San Francisco Giants, hit his 13th of the season. David Villar and Wander Franco hit one each. Aaron Bond clobbered two out of the park.
Chester Pimentel Closes Win
But, it wasn’t enough to hold the Hops or Geraldo Perdomo back. The Hops shortstop showed power not normally associated with the hot spot in the infield with his three hits, a triple, home run and three RBI. Likewise, with Joey Rose’ triple started the comeback and four doubles by their teammates, there was no way the Volcanoes could hold them down.
Chester Pimentel (W, 3-0) took over in the top of the eighth and finished the game to earn another win. Consequently, Pimentel limited the Volcanoes to one hit and no runs in 1.2 innings. Cooper Casad pitched the last two innings and gave up Perdomo’s two run triple for the loss.
Portland Maverick’s Final Appearance
Finally, the Hops have a chance to extend their own franchise mark for wins to 51 with their final game Monday night. The last game of the regular season will also be the final appearance for this year of the Portland Mavericks. Hops players will don the now familiar red uniforms of the legendary team from the 70’s. Furthermore, you can read up on the history of the Mavericks by clicking on the link.
Hillsboro’s Opponent
The Eugene Emeralds (17-20) sit one game ahead of the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes (16-21) for the final playoff spot. Since the Emeralds hold the tie breaker by owning the second half series 4-2, the Volcanoes are eliminated from the playoffs. The Ems will face the Hillsboro Hops in the first round.
First playoff game will be 9/5, Wednesday at PK Park in Eugene. First home game for the Hops will be the next day 9/6, Thursday at Ron Tonkin Field. If needed, the third game will be Friday, 9/7, also at Ron Tonkin Field for the rubber match. Both games in Hillsboro will be at 7:05 PM.
Boxscore
By
Greg Stoker
@GDStoker