Elbis Silences Dust Devils in Eight-Inning Gem

Hillsboro, OR (June 11, 2024) – The Hops returned home to open a six-game series with the Los Angeles Angels High-A Northwest League affiliate Tri-City Dust Devils. The reigning NWL pitcher of the month Joe Elbis was on the mound for the Hops and continued his dominance over eight scoreless frames. Jose Fernandez had the big knock, a two-RBI single and Neyfy Castillo had two hits in the 3-0 Hillsboro series opening win.

Chris Clark took the mound for Tri-City and was coming off his first professional win on Wednesday. The Hops struck first off Clark in the second inning with a two-RBI single by Jose Fernandez.

Tri-City’s biggest threat of the game came in the third inning with two runners on and just one out in a 2-0 game, but Elbis was able to get Jorge Ruiz to ground into a double play that ended the inning.

The Hops held onto a 2-0 lead through the middle frames, where Clark pitched well. The former fifth round pick by the Angels has the most quality starts in the NWL behind the Hops’ Spencer Giesting. Despite taking the loss (1-6), Clark put together another quality start, pitching six innings and striking out six while allowing two runs for the Dust Devils.

Hillsboro added one more insurance run in the seventh off Carlos Espinsoa when Manny Peña continued his hot hitting with an RBI single. Hillsboro took the 3-0 to the ninth where Alfred Morillo shut the door on the Dust Devils for his first save of 2024.

The two worst hitting teams in the league combined for just eight hits in the 3-0 Hops win. Neyfy Castillo was the only player for either team with a multi-hit performance.

The Hops and Dust Devils will play game two of the series tomorrow at Hillsboro Ballpark. First pitch is at 6:35 and the pregame show starts at 6:20 on Rip City Radio 620 and Bally Live.