The Tropics return to Hawaii from Ohio to play a four-game series against the Chicago Black Sox at the Palace. The Black Sox hold a 80-73 advantage against Hawaii in the all-time season series but the Trops are 24-12 in the last 36 games.
The Tropics trailed the Black Sox 6-3 in the bottom of the 9th and rally for two runs but ultimately fall to Chicago 6-5. Jake Diamond drew a four pitch walk to lead off the 9th then moved to third on a one out Felipe Hernandez double. Diamond scored on a fielder’s choice by Adhyapayana Mehta to third that he beat out at the plate to make it 6-4. With runners at first and second, Angelo Lucchesi hit a line drive out of the reach of the Black Sox short stop that scored Hernandez to make it 6-5 but Mehta was thrown out a third for out #2. The rally ended when rookie SS Julian Rivera struck out to end the game.
Hawaii starter Elvin Hilliard took another loss in this mid-season skid as he gave up four runs on six hits and a couple of walks in six innings. He struck out five as he falls to 8-4. Utkan Gocek gave the Trops a clean inning in the top of the 9th.
Chicago wins 6-5.
Hawaii found themselves in the same predicament again trailing in the bottom of the 9th 3-1. The Trops get a Felipe Hernandez solo homer on the first pitch he saw to lead off the 9th to make it 3-2. After a groundout by Russ McHaney and strikeout by Carlos Sanchez, the Trops had back to back singles by Jake Diamond and Julian Rivera. Gerald Mitchell had a chance to tie the game with a single or win it with an extra base hit but hit into a 4-3 groundout to end the game.
Gerardo Rea was the losing pitcher after allowing two runs on five hits and a walk in 4.2 innings. He struck out seven batters as his record drops to 3-5 with a 4.48 ERA. Luis Perez pitched two scoreless innings with three Ks.
Chicago wins 3-2.
The Hawaii Tropics found themselves up 3-0 going into the top of the 9th then had a slight scare as the Black Sox scored an unearned run to avoid the shutout. The Trops get the though with Juan Martinez shutting the door on the Sox to earn his 7th save. The Player of the Game was starter Utbah ‘Crawdad Me’ bin Muta as he kept Chicago hitters off balance all day going 7.1 innings and gave up just two hits with a couple of walks. He struck out three as he improves to 7-5 with a 3.41 ERA. Carlos Sanchez was 2 for 4 with a solo homer (10) and a double (14). Angelo Lucchesi was 1 for 2 with a walk, triple (4) and two ribbies.
Hawaii wins 3-1.
The Chicago Black Sox win the finale to take the series and officially put Hawaii in slump mode. The Black Sox abused Hawaii starter Manny Ortiz for four runs on six hits in 5.1 innings. He walked two and fanned four as he falls to 6-5 with a 3.40 ERA. John Moore took a beating allowing three runs on three hits and a walk while striking out two batters.
Hawaii Pitching Coach Anibal Aguirre said, “Moore can’t be pouting ahorita. He needs to keep us in the game!”
Hawaii catcher Frank McMillan was 2 for 4 with a solo homer (10) and drove in two runs. Russ McHaney was 1 for 4 with a solo homer (7) in the 9th inning.
Chicago wins 7-4.
The Black Sox wins the series 3-1.
GM Jim Walker said, “We can’t have an extended slump. The Mad Popes will run away with the division if we nod off.”
Pacific Division Standings as of June 19, 2058
Frick League Wilcard Standings
