The Tropics play a three-game series against the Sacramento Mad Popes at ‘Iolani Palace.
Game 1- The Tropics score a run in the top of the first inning then watch the Mad Popes offense score 14 unanswered runs to wipe out Hawaii in the series opener. Adhyapayana Mehta was 2 for 3 with a walk and a run scored while Ron Shiplack was 1 for 3 with an RBI.
Michael Kalil was annihilated by the Mad Popes as he allowed seven runs on nine hits and two walks. He struck out three in 4 2/3 innings and took the loss to fall to 0-4 with a 4.91 ERA. Jason Wellon took his beating allowing five runs on five hits while getting no outs before leaving the game.
Sacramento wins 14-1.
Game 2- Hawaii starting pitching fails again as the Mad Popes control the Tropics and the series. Carlos Valle pitched just 3 2/3 innings giving up five runs on nine hits and a walk while fanning three batters. He falls to 1-3 with a 5.84 ERA. Jason Wellon bounced back with a clean 1 2/3 innings and three Ks.
Angelo Lucchesi was 2 for 4 with an RBI. Rhys Brickell was 1 for 3 with a walk and an RBI. Shafiq Zahir was 1 for 3 with a double and a run scored.
Sacramento wins 6-2.
Game 3- Sacramento earns the series sweep as they get to Hawaii starting pitching once again. Hawaii starter Austin George was the victim this time, allowing four runs in four innings. He gave up six hits, walked four batters and struck out two. His record drops to 1-4 with a 9.00 ERA.
Ron Shiplack was 1 for 5 with two RBI. Karunamaya Makarand was 2 for 3 with a run scored. Rhys Brickell was 1 for 3 with a run scored.
Sacramento wins 5-3.
Sacramento sweeps the three-game series.
Hawaii Manager Ernesto Garcia said, “Our hitters and pitchers are having some bad luck. Our defense is holding up. Our coaches are not and they need to step it up.”
