Hillsboro Turns Key Double Plays in 5-3 Victory
Hillsboro, OR (August 17, 2022) - There were a combined six double plays in the game, three per side, with Hillsboro turning one in each of the final three innings, en route to a 5-3 win. The three double plays were one shy of the team record, which has been
Hillsboro, OR (August 17, 2022) - There were a combined six double plays in the game, three per side, with Hillsboro turning one in each of the final three innings, en route to a 5-3 win. The three double plays were one shy of the team record, which has been done three times before. Gerald Ogando recorded the win in relief, pitching two innings and allowing just one hit. Christian Montes De Oca got his fifth save and remains perfect in save opportunities for the Hops.
Jake Wong entered the game with an ERA north of nine in 16 innings pitched over four appearances against Hillsboro this season. The Hops got to Wong early in the first, as Deyvison De Los Santos extended his MiLB leading hit total to 134 on an RBI infield single.
After a seven-pitch first inning for Yilber Diaz, the Emeralds worked his pitch count in the second. Two walks and a single loaded the bases with just one out, but Eugene would just score one run on a sac fly by Rob Emery.
The third through fifth innings were scoreless, as both Wong and Diaz settled in. Diaz gave up one earned run over four innings and Wong gave up one earned run over five innings.
It was 1-1 in the sixth, where both teams scored twice. A walk, pair of singles, wild pitch, balk and passed ball scored the runs for Eugene, as they took a brief 3-1 advantage.
The Hops got their two runs without getting a base hit. Ryan Bliss was hit-by-pitch and Jordan Lawlar walked, putting two on with one out. The double steal was on and the catcher Pat Bailey attempted to throw Bliss out at third, but his throw sailed past Toribio and into left field, scoring both runners.
Hillsboro handed Mat Olson his first loss of the season, after he allowed two runs in the seventh. Ramses Malave hit a ground-rule double over the head of Pomares to drive in a run and Jacen Roberson later scored on a wild pitch, giving Hillsboro a 5-3 lead.
Giants’ top prospect, Marco Luciano, had his first at-bat since being activated from the IL in the ninth and represented the tying run. Luciano battled against Montes De Oca, but hit into a double play on a 3-2 count to end the threat.
Each side walked six batters, with Lawlar, Vukovich and Del Castillo all reaching base twice.
Hillsboro (48-60) and Eugene (66-41) will play game three of a six-game series at Ron Tonkin Field on Thursday. The pre-game show will start at 12:50 with first pitch at 1:05, on Rip City Radio 620 and MiLB.tv. The game will also be featured on MLB.TV as the free game of the day.