The Hawaii Tropics make a quick trip to Yellow Springs, Ohio to play a four-games series with the Nine at Utopia Field. The Nine lead the all-time regular season 103-69.
Hawaii GM Jim Walker said, “That’s the only way that 69 can be bad.”
Yellow Springs starter Cory ‘Mugshot’ McGuire and two relievers held the Hawaii offense to just six hits in a 5-0 shutout. LF Vicente Mendez was 1 for 3 with a walk and stole a base to lead the Trops offense.
On the mound, Gerardo Rea struggled in his start going 6.1 innings allowing four runs on six hits and two walks in the loss. He struck out four as he falls to 3-4 with a 4.52 ERA.
Yellow Springs wins 5-0.
The Hawaii offense breaks out in Game 2 with 9 runs on 16 hits as they even the series with Yellow Springs 1-1. Trops RF Carlos Sanchez was 3 for 4 with a solo homer (8) with three RBIs. 1B Luis Estrada was 2 for 4 with a double (12) with two ribbies and scored a run. Felipe Hernandez was 3 for 5, scored two runs and drove in one and Angelo Lucchesi was 3 for 4 with a walk, scored two runs and drove in a run.
All this offense was great, but the Player of the Game went to a pitcher. Utbah ‘Crawdad Me’ bin Muta pitched six scoreless innings giving up just two hits, walked two and struck out three batters as he improved to 6-5. The Hawaii bullpen was shaky as three pitchers gave up three runs in three innings with three hits and five base on balls.
Hawaii wins 9-3.
The Hawaii Tropics break a 4-4 tie with a big 6-run 7th inning capped off with a Grand Slam that was his 3rd homer of the day. Estrada was 3 for 5 with six RBI and scored three runs and now has three slams this season along with two three homer games so far. C Katsumi Matsumoto was 2 for 4 with a double (6) and a two-run homer (2). Angelo Lucchesi was 1 for 5 with a two-run double (9).
Manny Ortiz struck out seven in 5.1 innings but gave up two homers and seven hits allowing four runs to cross the plate. Luis Perez earned the win with 2.2 scoreless innings of work allowing just a hit and struck out two. He improves to 4-0 with a 2.70 ERA.
Hawaii wins 10-4.
The Trops bats stay hot as they pump out 12 hits and scored six runs as they get the series win. Luis Estrada was 2 for 4 with a triple (2) and three RBI. Russ McHaney was 1 for 4 with a walk and a solo homer (6). McHaney has struggled early on but is finally beginning to heat up. DH Jake Diamond was 2 for 4 with a walk, scored a run and drove in a run. Mitch Wareham had a fantastic day at the plate going 4 for 5 with a triple (1) andf scored a run.
Semih Gurani went 5.1 innings and earned his 6th win of the season. He allowed two runs on three hits and a walk with three Ks. He is now 6-3 with a 2.19 ERA. Juan Martinez earned his 6th save with 2.2 scoreless, hitless innings with a K.
Hawaii wins 6-3.
The Tropics win the series 3-1.
Pacific Division Standings as of June 15, 2058
Frick League Wildcard Standings
