The Tropics return to ‘Iolani Palace on a four-game winning streak and seven out of the last nine games. They will play a three-game series against the Vancouver Mounties to begin the home stand.
Game 1- Hawaii’s Russ McHaney hit a big pinch hit three-run homer to break a 3-3 tie in the bottom of the 8th inning. Juan Martinez earned the save of Hawaii but not until scaring the fanbase by giving up two runs to the Mounties in the top of the 9th. He allowed a lead-off single then a two-run blast. He walked the next batter then was paid a visit by Pitching Coach Tony Torres. Whatever Torres said to him worked as he induced a fly ball, a ground out then finally a fly out to end the game.
The Tropics began the game with Semih Gurani making the start. He threw 56 pitches in four innings allowing a run on four hits with five Ks. Troy ‘Teddy Bear’ Reynolds relieved Gurani and allowed a run on two hits and a walk in two innings while fanning two batters. Luis Perez gave up the game tying run in his two innings of work on two hits but also struck out three batters. He earned the win to improve to 1-1 with a 2.70 ERA.
McHaney was 1 for 1 with the three-run game winner. Adam Backhouse was 2 for 4 with a double and scored two runs. CF Shafiq Zahir was 1 for 4 with an RBI. Thomas Kramer keeps producing on offense going 2 for 3 with a walk and an RBI.
Hawaii wins 6-5.
Game 2- Hawaii DH Adam Backhouse hit two more homeruns and SS Tommy Kramer hit another as the offense produces 14 hits and scores 13 runs to beat the Mounties.
Backhouse was 4 for 5 with a solo homer in the 1st inning and a three-run shot in the 4th. He scored three runs and drove in five. Kramer was 3 for 4 with a solo homer in the 5th inning. He walked, scored two runs, and drove in three. LF Vicente Mendez was 2 for 4 with a walk, a double, scored two runs and had an RBI. 1B Mitch Wareham was 2 for 4 with a walk, a solo homer and a double. He had an RBI and scored three runs. C Katsumi Matsumoto was 1 for 4 with two ribbies.
Ricardo Tapia began the game and threw 51 pitches in 3.1 innings of work. He allowed two runs on three hits with three Ks. The Teddy Bear pitched for the 2nd time against Vancouver in this series and pitched two scoreless innings. He struck out a batter and earned the win to improve to 2-3 with a 3.86 ERA. John Moore held the lead after 1.1 scoreless innings allowing a hit, walking two and fanning two. Manny Ortiz completed the game with 2.1 innings allowing no runs on two hits with a K.
Hawaii wins 13-2.
Game 3- Hawaii starter Gerardo Rea and two relievers combine to shutout the Mounties on two hits as the Tropics get the sweep. Rea pitched six innings giving up all two hits, walked two and fanned six as he improved to 4-5 with a 3.86 ERA. Luis Perez pitched 2.2 innimgs walking one with two Ks while Juan Martinez came in to get the final out.
Tommy Kramer is playing with his hair on fire. He was 2 for 4 with an 8th inning three-run homer. Adam Backhouse was 2 for 4 and scored a run.
Hawaii wins 4-0.
The Tropics sweep the three-game series.
