The Tropics return home for a six-game homestand beginning with a three-game series against the Portland Lumberjacks. Portland AGM Sandy Mounds was spotted on Waikiki Beach surrounded by security and photogs getting close up shot of the Lumbejack’s front office beauty. The Trops lead the all-time series 153-133 but are 1-2 vs the Lumberjacks this season.
The Hawaii bullpen blows a lead in the 8th, but the Tropics take the series opener in extras. 2B Julian Rivera drove in the winning run in the 13th inning. He was 3 for 6 with a double (3), scored a run and drove in one. The Player of the Game went to Trops starter Elvin Hilliard after he threw 5.2 innings allowing a run on a solo homer, walked one and struck out five batters. Reliever Troy ‘Teddy Bear’ Reynolds earned the win after 2.2 clean, scoreless innings with two Ks. He improves to 1-1 with a 0.90 ERA. The converted starter has thrived as a reliever the last three seasons.
Hawaii wins 4-3.
The Lumberjacks used crowd and player distractions to score three runs in the 8th to take the lead. An unknown individual highjacked the big screen to show multiple pics of Sandy Mounds frolicking in the Hawaii sunshine in a barely there bikini. Portland evens the series 1-1. Hawaii starter Utbah ‘Crawdad Me’ bin Muta pitched five innings allowing two runs on four hits and two walks while fanning six to earn Tropics Player of the Game.
Portland wins 5-2.
The Lumberjacks hand the Tropics a one-run loss and take the series. Hawaii starter John Moore was better after a string of horrible starts. He allowed two solo homers in five innings in a no decision. Felipe Hernandez was 3 for 4 with an RBI and Carlos Sanchez was 2 for 4 with a solo homer. No one received Tropics Player of the Game. We were too distracted.
Portland wins 5-4.
Mounds wins the series 2-1.
GM Jim Walker said, “Sandy is welcome back anytime!”
