The Hillsboro Hops scored early and often to beat the visiting Vancouver Canadians 6-3. The Hops only earned seven hits on the night but with the added help of six walks, they were able to double the Canadians score.

The winning run came in the fourth when the Hops amassed three more runs to effectively put the game away. The winning run, Connor Owings, came home on a Mark Karaviotis RBI single. Two more insurance runs came across the plate on two wild pitches by Denis Diaz of Vancouver.

The Hops came home after a long road trip and made themselves feel right at home with a three run first inning to take an early 3-0 lead. Luke Lowery came to the plate with bases loaded for him to smash a double to center field scoring Jason Morozowshi and Adam Walton. Mark Karaviotis went to third on the play and came home on Stephen Smith’s sacrifice fly to left.

The Canadians managed to score a run in the second when Nash Knight came home from Javier Hernandez’ RBI single with the bases loaded. A double play and a fly ball ended the inning without any more damage until the ninth. It was then that Vancouver tried to mount a rally with two more runs across the plate. With two outs, Deiferson Barreto crashed a ground rule double over the left field fence with JB Woodman and Christian Williams on base in scoring position.

Curtis Taylor (S, 2) then came to the mound to face Javier Hernandez, getting him to fly out to center field to end the game and earn the save. Junior Garcia (W, 2-1) started his fifth game for the Hops, lasting five innings for the win. Garcia allowed one run on five hits striking out six. Connor Grey and Jeferson Mejia bridged the gap between starter and closer striking out four batters each.

Luke Lowery continued his power hitting for the Hops going 2 for 3 with a walk, double and two RBIs. Lowery is leading the Hops in hits (47), doubles (11), RBI (23) and total bases (64). Jason Morozowski went 2 for 4, walked and scored twice. Mark Karaviotis went 1 for 3, scored twice and an RBI. Conor Owings doubled and scored, Adam Walton singled and scored.

The Canadians started Denis Diaz (L, 0-2) on the mound for four innings and was saddled with the loss. The road team managed six hits with three doubles and a triple.

The win kept the Hillsboro Hops (10-5) on pace with the Eugene Emeralds atop he South Division. Both teams are on extended winning streaks with Eugene at eight and the Hops at three. The loss dropped the Vancouver Canadians (4-11) to seven games behind North Division leader Everett.

Both teams will meet at Ron Tonkin Field again on Saturday evening for the second game of the home stand. The Hops lead the series 1-0.

Hops notes: 1B Ramon Hernandez was promoted to the Kane County Cougars on the 12th. With Hernandez’ promotion, RHP Trevor Sims was sent to the Missoula Osprey to make room for two new players on the Hops roster: RHP Connor Grey and RHP Dallas Newton.

Connor Grey: the 22-year old was drafted in the 20th round this year (2016) out of St. Bonaventure. Grey was on the Pioneer All Star team facing three of his future teammates just last week in the All Star Game. Earlier this year, Connor took a potential no hitter into the eighth with eight strike outs. He has won all of his five starts for the Osprey.

Dallas Newton: will turn 22 on September 3rd. Newton was drafted in 2013 in the 23rd round out of Pitt Community College. Newton has spent all of his short professional career within the Diamondback organization. Dallas has started eight games this year earning a 2-0 record.

Boxscore

By Greg Stoker
@GDStoker