Volcanoes Struggle in Series Finale
July 29, 2015 - Northwest League (NWL1)
Salem-Keizer Volcanoes News Release
Salem-Keizer struggled in all three phases of the game Tuesday night, falling to the Hillsboro Hops 10-0 in the series rubber match at Ron Tonkin Field.
Volcanoes starter Jordan Johnson (0-1, 3.86 ERA) dominated through his first four innings of work, holding Hillsboro to only two hits, but he ran into trouble in the fifth. Nate Robertson and Galli Cribbs Jr. both singled with one out in the frame before Sergio Alcantara doubled down the right field line, scoring Robertson. Zach Nehrir then grounded out, scoring Cribbs and pushing Hillsboro out in front, 2-0.
Hops starter Carlos Hernandez (3-1, 1.26 ERA) looked vulnerable early, allowing four hits through the game's first two innings. The Volcanoes nearly cashed in on Hernandez's shortcomings, but Scott Price was thrown out at the plate to end the second inning. Hernandez - who entered the contest with a league-best 1.57 ERA - then quickly regained form, retiring the next 14 batters he faced over seven scoreless innings.
Hillsboro, meanwhile, punished the Salem-Keizer bullpen throughout the remainder of the game. The Hops sent 10 batters to the plate in the seventh inning, tagging relievers David Owen, Jarret Leverett and E.J. Encinosa for seven runs. The Hops added two more runs in the eighth, extending their lead to 10-0 and putting the game fully out of reach.
Miguel Gomez went 0-for-4 on the evening, ending his franchise-record 22-game hitting streak. Gomez came up to the plate in the ninth and belted a line drive to right field, but Hops center fielder Zach Nehrir tracked it down to end the streak.
Player of the Game: Jordan Johnson turned in a quality performance in his first start with Salem-Keizer, allowing two runs in 4 2/3 innings of work. He allowed only two hits before running intro trouble in the fifth.
Up Next: The Volcanoes return home Wednesday night to take on the Everett AquaSox. Mike Connolly (2-1, 2.95 ERA) will start for Salem-Keizer. First pitch is set for 6:35 p.m.
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Northwest League Stories from July 29, 2015
- Todd Rahr Resigns As Team President of The Boise Hawks - Boise Hawks
- Volcanoes Struggle in Series Finale - Salem-Keizer Volcanoes
- Hernandez, Hops Thrash Volcanoes - Hillsboro Hops
- Tri-City Dust Devils Take Finale from Indians - Tri-City Dust Devils
- Welmon Slices Through Emeralds - Boise Hawks
- Emeralds Drop Series Finale with Boise - Eugene Emeralds
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