Look Back: Week 6 (June 8th-13th)
Look back: week 6 saw the second consecutive winning week, stirring up hope for a turnaround that leads closer to the top. While that is better than losing the week, it still is not getting the Hops any closer to the top. Instead of losing 2-4 or breaking even at 3-3, the Hops are now winning at a pace of 3-2.
However, the leaders are still winning at a pace of 4-2 or 5-1, slowly pulling farther ahead. Like the previous week five, it was a rain-shortened week and the Hops won the week, 3-2. Hillsboro started out at 13-16 and ended 16-18, five games back of leader Everett Aquasox.
Look Back: Week 6 Game by Game
Game 1: Hops W, 7-4, Lead Series 1-0
Buddy Kennedy was the star of this show. Hitting a grand slam in the second inning. Hitting a two-run double in the eighth. Kennedy tied a team record by knocking in six runs. Ahead by three in the top of the ninth, Nick Snyder came on to strike out the side. Hops led the series 1-0. Kenny Hernandez (W, 2-0) earned the win.
Game 2: Hops W, 10-2, Lead Series 2-0
Buddy Kennedy led off with his second homer in two days in the first inning. The whole team got in on the act as they batted around the order taking a 5-1 lead. That was enough for the win but the Hops scored four more runs in the sixth and one more in the eighth. Both times with a memorable home run. Ricky Martinez slapped one to left for his first professional home run of his career.
But Nick Dalesandro’s inside the park home run in the sixth is the one that will be talked about for a long time. When Nick crossed the plate, his smile stretched ear to ear and his arms pumped in the air like he was easily lifting a car. His teammates piled out of the dugout with matching enthusiasm. Hops led the series 2-0. Ryne Nelson grabbed the win (W, 3-1).
Game 3: Hops L, 0-6, Lead Series 2-1
After scoring 17 runs over the opening two days, the Hops couldn’t get one man across the plate. Tri City won 6-0. The Hops broke up the perfect game in the fifth inning. Stopped the no-hitter in the 7th. And got two runners on base at the same time during the eighth. Hops led the series 2-1.
Game 4: Hops L, 2-4: Series Tied 2-2
The Hops got on the scoreboard for the first time in the ninth inning but it was too little too late. Down 4-1, Tristin English doubled home Buddy Kennedy for the final score, 4-2.
Game 5: Hops W, 5-3, Lead Series 3-2
Closest game of the bunch. Both teams scored one run in the first. Then, the Dust Devils took the lead 2-1. The Hops took it back 3-2. The Dust Devils tied it 3-3. Hops went ahead for good 5-3. The go ahead and winning run came when Reece Hampton tripled and came home on Buddy Kennedy’s sac fly. The game was called due to rain. With the Hops up 5-3 in the middle of the eighth, it was considered complete.
Game 6: Game Suspended Due to Rain (Hops Win Series)
This game will likely be played later in the season when these two teams meet again.
Look Back: Week 6 Stars
At the Plate
Buddy Kenendy took back the team lead in several categories with the hottest bat of the week. Kennedy went 8 for 17 to bat .470 for the week, including two doubles, two home runs (including a grand slam) and scored six runs. Add to that eight RBIs including a franchise-tying six in one game.
Blaze Alexander raced just behind Buddy going 6 for 16 (.375), including two doubles, two triples, an RBI and scored four runs. These two continue to race ahead of their teammates. It is welcome to see Blaze running hot after having a slow start.
Even more welcome is Ricky Hernandez. The middle infielder had an even rougher start but hung in there until the floodworks opened up. Ricky’s first home run of the season gave the biggest clue that things turned around. For the week, Rickey went 4 for 12 (.333), including two RBI and scored once.
On the Mound
Kenny Hernandez (2-1), Ryne Nelson (3-1) and Blake Workman (2-0) got the win. Nick Snyder (5) picked up two saves.
Look Back: Week 6 Season So Far
The major changes in the season rankings came from the hot bat of Buddy Kennedy. As a result, he is now the team leader in four different categories and tied at the top in three others. Buddy currently leads in hits (27), RBI (17), batting average (.300) and total bases (43). He is also tied with Reece Hampton in walks (13) and OPS (.858).
As the win record started climbing, so did the Hops pitchers. Ryne Nelson is the leader in wins (3). Blake Workman (2-0) and Wesley Rodriguez (1-0) lead in percentage (1.00). Nick Snyder has the saves (5) crown so far.
Look Back: Week 6 Transactions
None reported for the week of 6/8-6/13.
The Hops go to Eugene for the week of 6/15-6/20 to play the Ems. So catch them on MiLB.tv or 620 AM radio. Consequently you can link with either from the Hops front page starting near game time and through to the end of the game. Also, my look back at weeks four and five recently published. Therefore, take a look.
By
Greg Stoker
@GDStoker
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