The Tropics finish up the six-game homestand with a three-game series against the Valencia Stars at ‘Iolani Palace. Hawaii took two of three in Valencia when they met for a three-game series in April.
Hawaii’s offense only struck out three times but scored a run on seven hits and drew three walks in a 6-1 loss. The Trops made lots of weak contact and the Stars defense hoovered up the mess. Bob Chastain was 2 for 3 and scored a run on a Mitch Wareham single. Elvin Hilliard pitched six innings allowing two runs on five hits and three walks while fanning six batters but takes the loss to fall to 3-1.
The Tropics even the series taking the middle game 7-2. Hawaii 1B Luis Estrada was 2 for 4 with a couple of homers (8) and three ribbies. Mitch Wareham was 1 for 4 with a two-run homer (2) in the 3rd inning. Slumping 2B Adhyapayana Mehta was 2 for 4 with a triple (1) scored a run and drove in a run. Starter Gerardo Rea earned the win with five innings allowing two runs on five hits and a couple of walks. He struck out seven batters as he improves to 2-3. The bullpen held the Stars scoreless in four innings of work with Chih Kuang and Utkan Gocek each throwing two innings.
The Stars win the rubber match to take the series as Hawaii’s offense is hitting ‘em where they are. The Trops scored a run on six hits while striking out three times in the 4-1 loss. They flew out 11 times and grounded out 12 times. Utbah ‘Crawdad Me’ bin Muta was mediocre with four innings allowing two runs on five hits and a couple of walks. He struck out three as he falls to 2-4. CF Carlos Sanchez was 2 for 3 with a solo homer (3) in the 2nd inning to provide Hawaii’s offense.
Valencia wins the series 2-1.
The Trops make a quick trip up to Portland for a three-game series against the Lumberjacks. The Tropics offense found their stroke after an early April series sweep of the Lumberjacks in Hawaii.
Hawaii starter Manny Ortiz was a bit shaky out of the gates against Portland’s offense as he gave up a run in the 1st and another in the 2nd before he settled in. He finished his day going six innings allowing just those two runs on five hits and a walk while striking out two batters. He earned the win to improve to 4-2 with a 2.79 ERA. The bullpen was solid with three scoreless innings to end the game. Carlos Sanchez homered again for the Trops with a two-run shot (4) in the 9th inning. He was 2 for 4 with a walk, scored two runs and had two RBI. 3B Felipe Hernandez was 2 for 4 with a walk and two ribbies. The Tropics wins 7-2.
Tropics pitching continues to dominate the Lumberjack’s lineup as they allow just two runs in the Hawaii win. Semih Gurani pitched the first four innings allowing a run on four hits and a walk while fanning six batters. Jorge Santos earned the win throwing two scoreless innings as he gave up three hits and struck out two batters to improve to 2-0. Adhyapayana Mehta was 1 for 4 with a solo homer (2) in the 7th inning but he also whiffed three times. Mitch Wareham ewas 1 for 4 with a walk, stole a base, scored a run, and drove in one. Hawaii wins 6-2.
The Tropics get the series sweep but had to sweat it out in the bottom of the 9th. Juan Martinez gave up a run to the Lumberjacks in the 9th on a hit and two walks but locked down his 2nd save of the season. He saved it for Elvin Hilliard who had pitched six innings allowing three runs on eight hits and a walk. He struck out four as he improves to 4-1 with a 4.05 ERA. Carlos Sanchez has had a big week for Hawaii and was 3 for 4 with an RBI double (7). Rookie SS Julian Rivera is in for the injured Quintin Trewartha and was 2 for 4 with a double (1), an RBI and scored a run. C Frank McMillan was 2 for 3 with a double (6) with a walk, scored a run and drove in a run. Hawaii wins 5-4.
The Tropics sweep the three-game series.
The Sacramento Mad Popes are back on top of the Pacific Division at 21-15 while Vancouver and Hawaii are tied for 2nd at 20-16 1 game back. San Fernando and the Bikini Krill are tied for 3rd at 19-17 2 games back. Valencia and Long Beach are both 18-18 three games back of Sacramento with Portland still bringing up the rear at 9-27.
