Flag-Happy Hops Stumble to Loss in Eugene
July 22, 2014 - Northwest League (NWL1)
Hillsboro Hops News Release
A day after securing the South Division's first-half flag --- and a September playoff berth --- the Hillsboro Hops struggled to a 13-7 loss in the final game of a three-game series at PK Park in Eugene.
Early on, it appeared the lack of pressure with the first-half title already won would benefit the Hops. Second baseman Galli Cribbs Jr. and center fielder Taylor Ratliff hit consecutive two-run doubles as part of a five-run second inning. And when Hops catcher Tyler Baker clubbed his first professional home run --- a long two-run shot to right in the third --- Hillsboro had built a 7-2 lead.
But it was downhill from there.
Eugene had consecutive run-scoring hits by newcomer River Stevens and Nick Vilter off Austin Platt in the third to cut the deficit to 7-4. A hit batsman led to another Ems run in the fourth. And when two more Hops errors --- one on first baseman Jake Mayers (which probably should have been given to Platt) and one on left fielder Yorman Garcia --- led to three runs in the fifth, Eugene had an 8-7 lead. They plated five more runs in the sixth off Mike Cetta, four of them unearned because of a rare error in center field by Taylor Ratliff, who dropped Marcus Davis' fly ball after a long run to left-center.
In addition to the four errors, Hops pitching issued 11 free passes --- eight walks and three hit batsman. The 13 runs were the most the Hops had allowed since a 15-2 loss at Tri-City on July 13, 2013.
The Hops notched 14 hits, including three by Nate Robertson, but they left 11 men on base, including seven in scoring position.
Hillsboro finishes the first half 22-16, in a first-place tie with Boise. The Hops earned the playoff berth by virtue of having a better in-division record in the first half. Hillsboro was 10-8 within the South Division; Boise was 9-9.
The Hops now travel to Vancouver, B.C. to open the second half on Tuesday night. Right-hander Nick Baker (1-1, 2.17) will start the opener for Hillsboro. He'll be opposed by Vancouver lefty Zak Wasilewski (2-2, 4.95). Airtime on Rip City Radio 620 AM for the opening game of the five-game series will be 6:35 PM, with first pitch scheduled for 7:05. The series in Vancouver continues on Wednesday (7:05), Thursday (7:05), Friday (1:05) and Saturday (7:05). Hillsboro returns home to Ron Tonkin Field to open a three-game series with Boise at 4:05 PM on Sunday.
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Northwest League Stories from July 22, 2014
- Hillsboro Hops Game Day Information - Hillsboro Hops
- Flag-Happy Hops Stumble to Loss in Eugene - Hillsboro Hops
- Marra's Blast Lifts Hawks over Salem-Keizer 7-6 - Boise Hawks
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