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 Hillsboro Hops

Shankin Gets Hops Within One of Title

September 11, 2015 - Northwest League (NWL1)
Hillsboro Hops News Release


Luis Veras of the Hillsboro Hops
Luis Veras of the Hillsboro Hops
(Hillsboro Hops, Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer/Hillsboro Hops)

HILLSBORO, OR - With the bullpen absolutely taxed after Wednesday's 13 inning marathon against Salem-Keizer, the Hops knew they needed something big out of Thursday's starter Brett Shankin. And did he ever deliver. In Game 1 of the Northwest League Championship Series, Shankin delivered seven strong innings of one-run ball to lead the Hops to a 2-1 victory over the Tri-City Dust Devils. The Hops are one win away from successfully defending their 2014 NWL Championship.

The magic that descended upon Ron Tonkin Field in September of 2014 has returned in spades. Late hits, massive miscues, new villains and emerging heroes come to life in the playoffs, and 2015 has proven to be quite the drama, complete with the requisite comedy and tragedy.

Hillsboro jumped ahead Thursday night in the bottom of the second inning. Luis Veras led the inning off with a line shot to center that Tri-City centerfielder Rod Boykin misplayed. He came in on the liner, then frantically backpedaled when he realized he didn't do his math right. The ball sailed over his head and came to rest at the centerfield fence. Alexis Olmeda, the very next batter, plopped a bloop single into center to score the game's first run.

The game would be tied in the top of the fifth on Shankin's only blemish. He hit Boykin with a pitch who scampered to second on a ground ball deftly fielded by Sergio Alcantara. Peter Van Gansen then delivered a sharp, two-out single to center to level the game.

It was always tense as the game was close for the duration. Tri-City had their best chance in the top of the eighth inning after Kirby Bellow came in to replace Shankin. Justin Pacchioli led the inning off with a single. Van Gansen was called on to lay a bunt down and got under one. The ball carried down the right field line in foul territory, but Hops first baseman Trevor Mitsui laid out to snare the sinking bunt.

With one out in the inning, Ty France ripped a single to right off of Ariel Hernandez to move the runners to the corners. The fireballer buckled down, needing a strikeout to preserve the Hops lead. He threw a nasty breaking ball to Henry Charles to record the crucial second out. Then, for good measure, the hulking Dominican blew the doors off of Carlos Belen and the threat was smushed.

The bottom of the eighth provided the game's winning run. Dansby Swanson worked a one-out walk and Grant Heyman ripped a single to left center and the Hops had runners on the corners. Trevor Mitsui was issued a free pass and the sacks were full with one out.

In stepped Luis Veras. He shot a single right up the middle off of Phil Maton, and the Hops had their lead. They unfortunately couldn't extend it any further.

With limited arms at the disposal of Shelley Duncan, Hernandez was given the ninth. Austin Allen walked to lead off the inning. Mitch Morales entered to run for Allen. He took off, attempting to swipe second. Alexis Olmeda jumped up and fired a ball certain to land in the centerfield turf. Swanson leapt and speared the sailing throw, and in one motion, brought it down on the hip of Morales before he could touch second. Considering the circumstances, it may have been the play of the year.

Pinch hitter Mason Smith then grounded out and the Devils were down to their final out with no one on base. Hernandez walked Tidwell and Boykin and trepidation seeped into the Hillsboro crowd. But - never fear - Hernandez induced a soft ground ball and Swanson tapped second to get the Hops within one victory of another title.

Tomorrow is a travel day for the two teams as they make the four-hour trip up to Pasco, Washington. Game 2 of the series will be Saturday at 7:15 from Gesa Stadium. Coverage begins at 6:45 PM on Rip City Radio 620 AM and at www.ripcityradio.com. Cody Reed gets the ball with a chance to carry his team to glory.





Images from this story

Luis Veras of the Hillsboro Hops
Luis Veras of the Hillsboro Hops

(Craig Mitchelldyer/Hillsboro Hops)
  

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