The Tropics begin a seven-game road trip in San Fernando playing a four-game series against the Bears. Hawaii leads the season series 4-3.
Game 1- Bears starter Zach Davis scatters seven hits and allows just a run in eight innings to beat the Tropics in the series opener. Hawaii’s sole run was on a solo homer off the bat of Rhys Brickell in the 4th inning off of Davis. Brickell was 1 for 3 with a walk.
Austin George made the start for Hawaii allowing five runs (four earned) on nine hits and a walk in 5 2/3 innings. He struck out four batters and falls to 6-10 with a 4.11 ERA. Phil Thompson threw 26 pitches in two innings of work giving up three hits.
San Fernando wins 5-1.
Game 2- The Bears maul the Tropics for 15 runs on 16 hits and shut out the Hawaii offense to go up 2-0 in the series. Hawaii starter Semih Gurani was battered for seven runs on ten hits and a walk in just two innings. He struck out a batter and falls to 9-10 with a 4.62 ERA. Alberto Castaneda allowed a run on a solo homer in 1 2/3 innings of work. He walked two and struck out one. Jason Wellon also pitched 1 2/3 innings and gave up three runs on three hits, two walks and struck out a batter. Tye Whitford took his turn and allowed four runs on two hits and two walks in 1 2/3 innings.
Hawaii hitters had 7 hits in 32 at bats while drawing three walks and fanning six times. They left 16 base runners on. Frank McMillan, Masaki ‘Icon’ Sato, Adhyapayana Mehta, Thomas Kramer, Mike Campbell, Al Garrett and Will Patterson had hits for the Trops.
San Fernando wins 15-0.
Game 3- The Bears crush the Tropics again as this series is turning into an embarrassment. Hawaii starter Terry Hansen gave up four runs on six hits and three walks. He struck out four batters and left the game after 3 1/3 innings with an injury that will keep him out for the rest of the season. He finishes his season 11-7 with a 4.27 ERA. Angel Hernandez gave up a run on a hit and a walk in 2 1/3 innings of relief. He struck out three batters. Juan Cerda was a complete embarrassment on the mound as he gave up four runs on three hits and a walk without getting an out.
Frank McMillan was 2 for 4 with two RBI and his coming into his own behind the plate. Rhys Brickell was 1 for 4 with a walk and a run scored. Tommy Kramer was 2 for 5 with a run scored.
San Fernando wins 11-2.
Game 4- The Tropics sprint out to a 5-0 lead over the Bears, but their leaky pitching staff gives up the lead late and loses the game in extras. Michael Kalil gave the Tropics 6 1/3 innings but allowed four runs on six hits. He walked four batters and struck out two in a no decision. Dominic Thompson blew the save allowing a run on two hits in 1 1/3 innings. Jason Wellon took the loss after allowing a walk off homer in the 11th. He pitched 2 2/3 innings giving up three hits with a K. He falls to 1-2 with a 3.91 ERA.
The Hawaii defense turned three double plays and threw two base runners out at 3rd base.
Adhyapayana Mehta was 1 for 6 with a run scored. Pedro Huerta was 1 for 4 with a double, a run scored and an RBI. He was caught stealing but showed off his arm with one of the OF assists. Rhys Brickell was 1 for 5 with a run scored. ‘Icon’ Sato was 4 for 4 with a double, a walk, a run scored and an RBI. Tommy Kramer was 3 for 5 with a couple of doubles, a run scored and an RBI.
San Fernando wins 6-5.
The Bears sweep the four-game series.
GM Jim Walker said, “We are getting close to hitting rock bottom. Maybe in a couple more weeks.”
