The Tropics jet off to Seattle for a three game series against the Storm at the King County Complex.
Game 1- The Tropics take out their frustrations on the Storm with a 12 run 15 hit barrage to end their 8 game losing streak. SP Ernie Poole got the start and the win for Hawaii but was lost for the season to what is feared to be a term labrum. He pitched six innings surrendering three runs on seven hits. He walked none and fanned three batters to improve to 3-8 with a 6.42 ERA. The bullpen took over and gave up just two hits the rest of the way along with issuing four walks. RP Luis Santiago was the first reliever to take over and recorded just one out before being lifted for Scott Lucas. Lucas pitched an inning walking two and fanning one. Tye Whitford came in for a inning of work giving up a hit, walking two and striking out one. Jorge Andres finished the game off getting two outs and allowing a hit.
On offense, Hawaii had a big day from backup C Katsumi Matsumoto. Matsumoto was 2 for 5 with a double and a homer. He scored two runs and drove in five runs to lead the Trops. Ira Sanchez added a 3 for 5 day with two runs, two RBI and a stolen base. Stephen Cox was 2 for 5 with two runs scored and a stolen base.
Hawaii wins 12-3.
Game 2- The Tropics score two runs in the eighth with the score tied 4-4 to escape with another win in Seattle. Hawaii scored the go ahead run on a Logan ‘LJ’ Niles single that scored Bronx ‘Little Bron’ Cortez with the go ahead run. The Trops tacked on the insurance run on a bases loaded walk to Katsumi Matusmoto.
On the mound, SP Niccolo “Notorious” Destefani pitched 5 2/3 innings giving up four runs on seven hits and two walks. He struck out three in a no decision.Denny Hamilton took a blown save but vultured the win with 1 1/3 innings of work. He gave up three hits and a walk while fanning a batter. Ronnie Sprinkles, who has been having a good season, pitched 1 2/3 inning allowing just a hit and struck out four batters. Rich Martinez recorded the last out of the game on a strike out.
Hawaii wins 6-4.
Game 3- The Tropics complete the sweep of the Storm with an extra inning win. Hawaii scored two runs in the top of the tenth off of an Otto Altaner two run homer. Altaner was 4 for 5 on the day with a double, a homer, a run scored and four RBI.
He received some help from Pierangelo Ferri who went 2 for 4 with a solo homer, three runs scored and an RBI.
SP Zak ‘Hitman’ Johnson was actually brilliant for Hawaii going six strong allowing a run on two hits, no walks and eight Ks. He doesn’t get a decision but lovers his ERA to 4.53 on the season.
Hawaii wins 6-4 and sweeps the series.
