The Hawaii Tropics step back through the ‘Door’ to return home and begin an eight-game homestand. They’ll pop off with a four-game series with the Des Moines Kernels to begin the first leg of games against the Heartland Division.
Hawaii slugger Luis Estrada crushed a Grand Slam (9) in the 2nd inning to cap off an eight-run inning as the Tropics cruise to a series opening win over the Kernels. Estrada was 1 for 4 on the day but it was a BIG hit as he set the home crowd off. C Frank McMillan added a solo homer (5) in the 6th inning. He was 2 for 4 with two RBI and scored two runs. Rookie SS Julian Rivera had been filling in nicely and was 1 for 4 with a two-run double (3) in the 2nd inning.
Hawaii starter Utbah ‘Crawdad Me’ bin Muta earned his 4th win to even his record at 4-4 after allowing two runs on five hits while walking none and striking out seven. The bullpen had a hiccup as reliever Juan Martinez allowed two homer and three runs in an inning of work and made Manager Rich Kerr nervous enough to make a move to Utkan Gocek. Gocek responded with 1.1 scoreless innings to shut down the uprising.
Hawaii wins 9-5.
Hawaii’s offense couldn’t generate anything against Des Moines starter Alonso ‘Sandman’ Amaya. The Sandman threw 102 pitches in 8.1 innings allowing just five hits as he wins his 5th. Hawaii’s Manny Ortiz did almost as well as he pitched six scoreless innings allowing just three hits, walked two and struck out three in a no decision. Phil Thompson took the loss for the Trops allowing a solo homer in two innings of relief to fall to 1-2 with a 1.62 ERA.
Vicente Mendez lead the Tropics with two hits of the five given up by Amaya. Mitch Wareham, Carlos Sanchez and Angelo Lucchesi each singled off of Amaya.
Des Moines wins 3-0.
Hawaii pitchers and Des Moines starter Tommy ‘Stew’ Akers engaged in a pitching duel. Hawaii had gone through starter Semih Gurani and two relievers but ‘Stew’ continued to deal. Until he didn’t. In the 9th, Jake Diamond singled but was forced at second after a Wareham groundball. Mendez singled that sent Wareham easily from first to third. Felipe Hernandez was smart as he took the 1st pitch he could handle and drove it. It was deep enough to left to score Wareham with the walkoff and ruin Aker’s start.
Gurani threw 5.2 scoreless innings allowing just two hits and fanned four batters. Luis Perez earned the win with a scoreless inning allowing a hit and striking out two batters as he improves to 2-0 with a 3.33 ERA.
Hawaii wins 1-0.
Hawaii’s pitching has been lights out lately as they shutout the Kernels in the series finally and ensure the series win. Elvin Hilliard pitched seven innings giving up just three hits, walked one and struck out ten batters as he improves to 6-1 with a 3.66 ERA. Jorge Santos pitched two innings issuing a walk and striking out three batters.
Luis Estrada hit his 10th homer and was 3 for 3 with his 5th double. He drew a walk, scored a run, and drove in three runs. Julian Rivera hist his 2nd homer with a three-run shot in the 6th inning. Russ McHaney finally got back on the field after struggling early at the plate. He hit his 3rd homer of the season in the 5th inning.
Hawaii wins 7-0.
The Tropics win the series 3-1.
Hawaii GM said, “Our fans are ecstatic right now but I’m asking them to remain wary. Just enjoy what’s happening right now and let’s not get ahead of ourselves.”
