Kristian Robinson, Hillsboro Hops Control Canadians 6-0
Kristian Robinson came to play and helped beat the host Vancouver Canadians for a Hillsboro Hops victory, 6-0. Robinson went 2 for 4, knocked in three runs and scored twice. Both of his hits went for extra bases. A double to left field in the ninth and a first inning two run home run to right-center showed his ability to pepper the field.
Hops Pitching Strangles Canadians
While Kristian Robinson gave a near MVP performance, he had competition from his own teammate. Starting pitcher Deyni Olivero (W, 3-0) gave the Hops six innings and no runs with only three hits. Olivero was joined by bullpen mates Erin Baldwin and Jake Polancic to continue the mastery that Deyni started. Baldwin set up the next two innings keeping the Canadians hitless and scoreless. Polancic finished the job by inducing all three batters to consecutive flyouts to end the game.
Turn of the Bat
For the hosting team, the Canadians sent Luis Quinones (L, 0-1) to start on the mound. Quinones struggled to find a balance allowing a base runner for every out he acquired. But, then, an inocuous error tipped the scales and he couldn’t recover. With Steven Leyton already on first with one out, Quinones let loose a wild pitch sending the runner to second.
After a groundout, Kristian Robinson stepped to the plate as a potential third out. But, his foul pop up towards first base was dropped giving life to Robinson. More importantly, the next pitch became a two run homer over the right field fence. The wheels came off.
The fourth gave another missed opportunity. Jesus Marriaga reached on a throwing error and took second on a wild pitch. David Garza walked and both base runners followed with a successful double steal putting both in scoring position. Then, two Nicks brought both home. Dalesandro and Grande doubled the Hops score to 4-0.
Standings
It seemed like a night where almost everything bounced the Hillsboro Hops (14-6) way. Not only was their offense and defense crisp, except for one throwing error, but the win also extended their season high winning streak to six games and a sweep of the three game series with the Canadians. As a result, the Hops maintain their Northern Division lead over the S-K Volcanoes of just one game as both teams remain the hottest in the league. Despite the loss, the Vancouver Canadians (5-15) remain five games back of the Northern Division co-leaders Tri City Dust Devils and Spokane Indians.
Consequently, Hillsboro returns to Ron Tonkin Stadium for the Fourth of July holiday and fireworks after the game. Moreover, the Hops host the Spokane Indians in a meeting of division leaders. Firstly, Luis Frias (1-1) will take the mound for the Hops. In his last game, Frias went five innings and struck out nine in the no decision.
Secondly, Ben Anderson (0-0) will be making his second appearance for the Indians. In his debut, Anderson went two innings and struck out three in his no decision.
Meanwhile, catchup on previous games with the daily recaps throughout the season.
Box Score
By
Greg Stoker
@GDStoker