The Volcano slugfest was just enough to hold off the visiting Hillsboro Hops, 12-9 in Salem-Keizer.  No lead was safe enough to breathe easy until the final out. Even though the Volcano slugfest erupted for eight runs in the third inning alone.

Sean Roby Stays Hot

Ever since his appearance in the 2019 All-Star game, where he started at third base, Sean Roby has been on a tear.  Roby started the festivities in the first inning when he smacked a three-run homer to left-center giving the Volcanoes the early lead.

Even the eight run explosion in the third kicked into gear when Roby singled home the first run of the inning followed by a grand slam slugged by Volcano catcher Brandon Martorano.  Add to that an unearned run and end it with a two run homer by Carter Aldrete and the Volcanoes never relinquished the lead.

Valiant Effort

The Hops never had the lead during the game but it wasn’t for a lack of effort.  In fact, in most games played by the Hops in any season, nine runs would win the game.  The Hillsboro team just picked a night where the other guy scored twelve.

It didn’t take long for the Hops to put the heat on.  Less than an inning in fact. After Sean Roby’s three-run homer, Hops newcomer Corbin Carroll followed with a two run triple to pull the visitors back to within one run.

Unfortunately, after the eight run Volcano slugfest, Hillsboro found themselves down 11-2.  The deficit turned into a daunting challenge. One from which the Hops didn’t back down.  Only, they had to do it piece by piece. Luckily, they had six more innings to try and make up the difference.

Step By Step

In the fourth, Daniel Wasinger singled home Tristin English.  Staying in the flow, Corbin Carroll scored again on a fielder’s choice.  The score now read 11-4. Not much of a difference but two runs closer.

Top of the fifth, another newcomer, Liover Peguero scored on a ground out.  Next inning, Eddie Hernandez tripled home Daniel Wasinger and then came home on Ricky Martinez’ sacrifice fly.  Score now read 11-7. Only four runs down and if they didn’t have the Volcanoes attention before, they had it now with four more innings to go.

The seventh turned out to be a lucky seventh for the Hops.  Liover Peguero scored on a wild pitch. Then, Corbin Carroll scored on another wild pitch, his third run of the game.  Then the luck ran out. The Hops scored no more runs the rest of the way. In the bottom of the inning, Armani Smith doubled home Alexander Canario for the final score of the game: 12-9.

The game burned through eleven different pitchers trying to put a lock on the gate.  A few had some success but a game containing four doubles, two triples and three homers cannot be called a pitcher’s duel.

Conor Grammes (L, 0-1) started for the Hops and took the loss.  Jordan Scott (W, 2-0) came on in the seventh and shut down the scoring for the Hops the rest of the way for the win.  Clay Helvey (S, 4) made a ninth inning appearance for the save.

Standings

After sweeping the last two series, the Hillsboro Hops (10-6) received a sweep by the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes (9-7) .  Tonight’s loss dropped the Hops to a one game lead over the Eugene Emeralds and the Volcanoes who are tied for second in the Southern Division.

The Hops will stay on the road and travel to Everett to face the Aquasox.  Tyler Holton (1-0) takes the mound for the Hops. In his last appearance, Holton went two innings and gave up five runs on five hits for the no decision.  Everett will start Juan Then (0-2). In his last appearance, Then lasted almost five innings giving up two runs on three hits for the loss.

Stay with the Minor League Sports Report for game recaps throughout the season.  Follow me on Twitter for half inning updates on all Hops home games.

Box Score

By

Greg Stoker

@GDStoker