The Salem-Keizer Volcanoes built a 4-0 lead over the first five innings of the game and withstood two runs by the Hillsboro Hops for the win.  Left fielder for the home team, Harrison Freed hit a home run for the second game in a row. Both are the only home runs given up by a Hops pitcher so far this season.

Hops Bats Punch Through

Both Hops runs came in the sixth inning after the Volcanoes already reached four runs.  David Garza opened the inning with his second double of the season to left. After a flyout, Steve Leyton singled Garza home for their first score of the night.  New arrival Eddie Hernandez added a second single to move Leyton to second. Deiyerbert Bolivar replaced starter Jesus Ozoria on the mound.

Third round draft choice, Tristan English made it three singles in a row for the Hops to score Leyton.  It was English’s pro debut to go along with his first hit and RBI of his young professional career. The score would not change the rest of the night.

Pitching Stifles the Bats on Both Sides of the Field

Both teams would combine for only eleven hits on the night.  Surprisingly, The Hops outhit the Volcanoes 6-5. The major reason for the drought was the bullpen on both sides.  After rough starts for both starting pitchers, the hurling staff settled things down and remained in control for the rest of the game.

For the Hops, that control came from Jose Almonte and Trevor McKenna.  It was unfortunate for the Hops, they did not appear until after the first six innings and a 4-0 score.  Adrian Del Moral (L, 1-1) started for the Hops, lasting four innings. Del Moral was saddled with the loss.

The Volcanoes starter, Jesus Ozoria (W, 2-0) stayed strong through near six innings before giving up both Hops runs.  Bolivar (H, 1), Clay Helvey (H, 1) and Bryce Tucker (S, 1) combined the rest of the way to hold the Hops scoreless (except for one inherited runner).

Standings

The loss dropped the Hillsboro Hops (8-6) to one game behind the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes (9-5) who are now in the lead in the Southern Division alone.  S-K also wins the series over the Hops, 2-1

Now, the Hops will come home Friday night for the start of another home stand.  They will face Southern rivals the Eugene Emeralds for three games. Yunior Perez will start for the Emeralds.  Hillsboro has not yet determined their starter.  Also, the Volcanoes will travel to Boise for another three game series.

Copa De La Diversion 2019

Meanwhile, the first night of the home stand will also be the first night of Copa De La Diversion for 2019.  The special night is an appreciation of the Hispanic community, the fans and the players.  In addition, read more about the event in my article from last year.

This year, the Hops will wear uniforms stating “Sonadores de Hillsboro”.  The four dates this year will be tomorrow, June 28th, July 20th, July 30th and August 18th.  Tickets are on sale at the box office or at their website.

Box Score

By

Greg Stoker

@GDStoker