NWL1 Hillsboro Hops

Blown Lead Breaks Hops' Hearts

Published on July 1, 2014 under Northwest League (NWL1)
Hillsboro Hops News Release


HILLSBORO, OR - JUNE 30: The Hillsboro Hops vs the Everett AquaSox at Ron Tonkin Field in Hillsboro, OR. (Craig Mitchelldyer/Hillsboro Hops)(Craig Mitchelldyer/Hillsboro Hop)

The Hops hot streak came to an end tonight at Ron Tonkin Field as they fell to the Everett AquaSox 5-4. With the loss, Hillsboro has now won four of their last six games.

The Hops failed to capitalize on a monster performance from Elvin Soto and solid outings from Austin Platt and Nick Baker, as the Hops (12-6) seemed to have control of the game after the fifth inning.

The AquaSox (4-14) took a lead in the top of the fourth on a fielding error from Hops' third baseman Nate Robertson. They didn't keep that lead for long as the Hops scored two runs on a few choice hits and some errors from Everett.

After holding the AquaSox scoreless in the visitor half of the fifth, Elvin Soto ripped a triple, one of his three hits, to left center. George Roberts' sac fly to center scored Soto and a Bennie Robinson single scored Nate Robertson from third to give the Hops a 4-1 lead.

Everett inched a little closer in the top of the eighth as Phillips Castillo launched a no-doubter all-bagger to left field. After failing to score a run in the bottom of the eighth, the Hops sent out Zac Curtis to pick up his fifth save in as many tries.

After loading the bases, Curtis gave up a single to center that scored runners from second and third. A fielding error from Taylor Ratliff allowed the runner from first to score found themselves on top 5-4.

The Hops looked as though they were going to continue their walk-off magic as they loaded the bases before Everett could record any outs. Yorman Garcia reached on a single, Pedro Ruiz got aboard on a throwing error and Soto bunted his way onto first base. With no outs and the bases juiced, George Roberts hit into a fielder's choice as the Everett shortstop threw out Garcia at home. Grant Heyman, who had a rare rough game, came up with the chance to be a hero and grounded into a 5-3 double play to end the game.

Platt and Baker each threw four innings, each allowing a run, albeit an unearned run against Platt. Zac Curtis recorded his first blown save of his professional career in five attempts. Soto finished the game 4-for-5 with one run scored and Robinson recorded two hits with a run batted in.

Tomorrow's first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Hear all the live action with Rich Burk and Matt Richert on Rip City Radio 620 AM beginning with the pregame show at 6:35 p.m.

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Northwest League Stories from July 1, 2014


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