The Hillsboro Hops struck first, scoring a run in the third and then played catch up the rest of the way as the Vancouver Canadians took over to win the game, 5-1. The Hops lone run came on a solo blast by Manny Jefferson. The team managed four hits the rest of the way.

Vancouver struck back in the next inning starting off with a Mattingly Romanin walk. Romanin was moved along to second and third on singles by Deiferson Barreto and Yeltsin Gudino. A wild pitch by Hops starter Colin Poche allowed Romanin to come home, tying the game, 1-1.

The next inning (4th), the Canadians took the lead and never looked back scoring three runs in the fourth alone. Trevor Sims relieved Colin Poche on the mound and the Canadians rocked and socked him; a welcome to Vancouver he would not soon forget. With two outs, Gabriel Clark singled to left and moved to second on an infield single to short by Mattingly Romanin. Deiferson Barreto punched a double through the left side to score Clark, leaving both remaining runners in scoring position. Lance Jones brought them both home when he smacked a grounder up the middle for a safe hit. Vancouver went up 4-1.

The only score left settled was an insurance run in the sixth that the Canadians would not need. Jose Martinez came on in relief but not before Sims loaded the bases with two outs. Yeltsin took the opportunity to ground into a fielder’s choice bringing home Gabriel Clark. Final score: Vancouver over the Hops, 5-1.

Marcus Wilson had a hot bat on a cold night for the Hops, going 2 for 4 and inched his BA up to .242. Manny Jefferson had his solo homer for the Hops only score. It was Jefferson lone hit of the night. Max Brown and Justin Chigbogu also went 1 for 4 on the night. Gavin Stupienski smacked the other Hops hit, going 1 for 2. Jefferson’s four-bagger was the only extra base hit for the Hops.

The Canadians were a little better but worked them into scoring bunches more effectively. Deiferson Barrero was the only Canadian to get more than one hit going 2 for 4 with a double, scored a run and knocked in an RBI. Lance Jones, Yeltsin Gudino, Gabriel Clark and Mattingly Romanin all hit safely once during the game. Clark and Romanin scored twice. Lance Jones led with two RBI. Gudino and Barreto each earned an RBI.

Colin Poche started his second game for the Hops performing nicely though he only lasted three innings. While he was on the mound, he allowed one run on two hits, striking out three. Trevor Sims (1-1) took the most damage lasting a little over two innings, allowing four runs on four hits with three walks. Jose Martinez and Jake Winston took over during the seventh allowing no runs or hits to shut the Canadians down.

Luis Sanchez started for the Canadians and went three innings. Sanchez gave up the Hops lone run on Manny Jefferson’s solo blast and gave up a total of three hits. Andy Ravel (1-0) took over in the fourth. Ravel pitched three innings of one hit ball and kept the Hops off the scoreboard for the win. Mike Ellenbest (S, 1) came on for the final three innings, pitching two hit ball and striking out two for the save.

The Hillsboro Hops (3-6) fell into a last place tie with Boise, three games behind South leading Eugene. The Vancouver Canadians moved into a first place tie with Everett in the North.

Both teams will meet at Nat Bailey Stadium on Monday at 7:05 pm for the fifth and final game of the series. The Hops will start LHP Anfernee Benitez (1-1) who will face RHP Justin Maese (0-1). The Canadians lead the series 3-1.

Boxscore

by Greg Stoker
@GDStoker