The Tropics return to the island for a three game series with the San Fernando Bears. The Bears have had some tough times as of late due to injuries to the pitching staff. This staff was seen as a big improvement to what was on the field in previous seasons and was the fuel to get the Bears to the playoffs.
Game 1- Hawaii SP Niccolo “Notorious” Destefani looked like his old self going seven innings giving up just one run on three hits, walked no one and struck out six Bears. He improves to 4-9 with a 4.61 ERA.
RP Norm McConnell pitched the final two innings getting his fifth save of the season. He allowed a hit, walked one and struck out three.
On offense, RF Mike Campbell stayed hot going 2 for 4 with two solo homers to the the Tropics. Campbell has hit 15 homers with 56 RBI this season.
Hawaii wins 3-1.
Game 2- The Tropics stifle the Bears offense for the second time in this series. SP Alaric Wullenweber pitched 6 1/3 innings giving up a run on four hits, walked two and struck out ten. He wins his 10th game of the season against four losses. He now has a 2.87 ERA.
DH Ernest McBride was 2 for 3 with a homer, two runs scored, an RBI and two walks.
Mike Campbell was 1 for 4 with a two run homer.
Hawaii wins 6-1.
Game 3- The Hawaii Tropics complete the series sweep of the Bears with another good pitching performance. SP Bob McConnell pitched five innings allowing a run on four hits, walked no one and struck out five. He wins his third game of the season and lowers his ERA to 5.00. As a group, the Hawaii starters threw 18 1/3 innings and gave up three runs, walked two and struck out 21.
1B Gary Allen was 2 for 4 with a double and a two run homer. He scored two runs and drove in three. Allen is hitting .310 with 24 homers and 64 RBI.
McBride was 1 for 3 with a solo homer.
Hawaii wins 7-2.
The Tropics host the Valencia Stars for a two game series to begin the month of July. The Stars arrive after losing a three game series to the Portland Lumberjacks two games to one.
Game 1- The Stars and Tropics play to a 4-4 tie going into the bottom of the ninth in the series opener. Valencia RP John Olson comes on to hopefully send the game to extras. The first hitter he faced was SS Ernesto Angel. Angel worked a full count before hitting a grounder to Stars second baseman Mark Wareham. Wareham booted the ball and Angel beat the late throw to reach on an error.
The next batter was Bastiao Fardos pinch hitting for 2B Fernando Rodriguez. Fardos lined the first pitch down the third base line that went all the way to the corner. Angel had a great read on the ball down the line and scored all the way from first beating the throw home for the game winner.
SP Jesus Gonzalez started of the game and pitched 4 1/3 innings. He gave up three runs on two hits and two walks. He struck out seven batters and got a no decision.
Norm McConnell pitched the final two innings and picked up the win. He gave up two hits, a walk and struck out two batters.
LF Jose Camacho led the Tropics going 4 for 4 with two doubles and a solo homer.
CF Manny Garcia was 1 for 4 with a solo homer.
McBride and Campbell were both 1 for 4 with a solo homers.
Hawaii wins 5-4.
Game 2- The Tropics eke out a series sweep with good pitching and timely hitting. SP Zak Johnson is enjoying a fine season earning his ninth win going seven innings allowing two runs on two hits, two walks and striking out five batters. Stephen Taub came on in relief and pitched two innings and gave up three hits and walked one while striking out four for his ninth save.
McBride hit his 26th homer of the season, a solo shot in the third. He was 3 for 4 with a stolen base.
Manny Garcia was 2 for 5 with a double and a run scored.
2B Jack “Junkyard” Nichols was 2 for 3 with an RBI.
Hawaii wins 3-2.
