The Hawaii Tropics host the Chicago Black Sox in a three-game series at ‘Iolani Palace.
Game 1- The Black Sox continue the Tropics misery in 2052 as they down the home team in the opener. Hawaii starter Michael Kalil took his 3rd loss in as many starts after allowing three runs on six hits and four walks. He struck out five batters in the loss falling to 0-3 with a 2.91 ERA.
The Hawaii offense is still the problem as they could only muster 2 runs on 6 hits. Angelo Lucchesi is one of the only bright spots as he was 2 for 4 with a walk and an RBI. Ron Shiplack was 2 for 4 with a double, triple and scored a run. Ramao ‘Massacre’ Saturnino was 1 for 4 with a solo homer in the fifth inning and a walk.
Chicago wins 4-2.
Game 2- A struggling Austin George awakened and threw eight shutout innings to get his first win of the season. He allowed just three hits, walked one and fanned four batters to improve to 1-2 and lower his ERA to 8.10. Alberto Castaneda earned the save with an inning pitched and allowed two hits.
The Hawaii offense is still lethargic, as it managed just six hits and two runs off of Chicago pitching. Karunamaya Makarand was 2 for 4 with a double, a stolen base and a run scored. Backup catcher Katsumi Matsumoto was 2 for 3 with a run scored.
Hawaii wins 2-0.
Game 3- The Hawaii offense explodes in anger and overcomes an ugly start by Carlos Valle to run away from the Black Sox to win their first series of the season.
Hawaii third baseman Rhys Brickell has had a slow start to the season but broke out with a 2 for 4 day at the plate. He hit two doubles, walked, scored two runs and drove in five runs. He was assisted by a big day from catcher Ron Shiplack. Shiplack was 3 for 5 with a double, three runs scored and four RBIs. SS Thomas Kramer flexed his muscles hit a two run homer and doubled in a 3 for 5 day at the plate. He scored a run and drove in four runs.
Carlos Valle was hammered for five runs on eight hits and three walks in just 2 1/3 innings of work. He struck out two batters in a no decision. Alberto Castaneda pitched 2 2/3 innings to earn the win after allowing a run on a hit and a walk. He struck out a batter and improves to 1-0 with a 0.96 ERA. Ronnie Sprinkles pitched two innings allowing a run on three hits and struck out a batter. Jason Wellon followed Sprinkles with two innings of shutout baseball allowing a hit, walking two and fanning two.
Hawaii wins 16-7.
Hawaii wins the series 2-1.
