The Leading Men

The Hops had struggled against the southern division rivals this year and looked to find some sort of momentum after dropping four consecutive games heading into this series. Thanks to a strong performance by Jhoan Duran on August 17th, Tyler Keele matched. Keele threw six and two third innings scattering four hits and punching out six.
Since the break Keele has strung together three excellent starts compiling 17.1 innings, 20 strikeouts, and only four runs allowed. Safe to say the Hops' ace is back. The Hillsboro Nine exploded in the bottom of the second inning for the second straight night. Piecing together three RBI hits in a row. Singles from Dan Swain, Jorge Perez, and a Grotjohn double gave the Hops an early 4-0 lead.

Since the break Keele has strung together three excellent starts compiling 17.1 innings, 20 strikeouts, and only four runs allowed. Safe to say the Hops' ace is back. The Hillsboro Nine exploded in the bottom of the second inning for the second straight night. Piecing together three RBI hits in a row. Singles from Dan Swain, Jorge Perez, and a Ryan Grotjohn double gave the Hops an early 4-0 lead.
Eugene threatened in the top of the third, when Miguel Amaya tripled and scored on a Zach Davis sacrifice fly to center field.In need of a shutdown inning the Hops' offense denied the Emeralds pitching staff that need. Tra Holmes singled in catcher Daulton Varsho and Camden Duzenack came around to score shortly after on an error by Ems third baseman Austin Filiere.
The Hops' bullpen continued their excellent season as Juan Torres and Cal Becker finished the game off with 2.2 scoreless innings.
Duzenack and Grotjohn combined for seven of the Hops 14 hits. Grotjohn produced three hits, two of them doubles, and four RBIs. Duzenack went a cool 4-5 from the leadoff spot breaking out of his recent offensive skid.
Something to Note:
After losing four straight games Hillsboro has bounced back nicely, winning two tough games against an opponent which they were a mere 3-8 against on the season to this point. With Eugene forming up as the likely first round opponent in the Northwest League Playoffs these two wins to close out the season series with the Emeralds helps the club build momentum heading into the post season.
Start spreading the News:
The Hillsboro Hops are 6-0 at Ron Tonkin Field in the playoffs and also hold home field advantage in the first round due to the first half pennant win. Tickets are still available but are going incredibly quick. Do not miss this game because playoff baseball is back.
What's Next:
Hillsboro will head south for a four game set against the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes, a series that includes a game during the eclipse on Monday, August 21st.
Tune in to Rip City Radio 620 AM for the call at 7:05 PM. Pregame show starts at 6:35 pm.