The Tropics make their next stop in Twin Cities for a four-game series against the River Monsters. The Trops and Monsters are tied 2-2 in the season series, but Hawaii leads the all-time season series 96-78.
The Tropics play in the 3rd extra inning game in the last 5 games but prevail over the River Monsters in 14 innings 5-4. Twin Cities ties the game in the bottom of the 8th inning with a run off Hawaii pitcher Gerardo Rea. The game remained ties 3-3 until the 11th inning when Hawaii pulled ahead on a Julian Rivera RBI single that scored Carlos Sanchez drom second. Trops reliever Chih Kuang gave up a lead-off solo homer to Joshua Koka to tie the game back up. Hawaii took the lead for good in the top of the 14th on an RBO single off the bat of Vincente Mendez that scored Quintin Trewartha. Trops reliever Utkan Gocek gave up a lead-off single but then induced a flyout before fanning the final two batters. He pitched two scoreless innings to improve to 2-4 with a 3.27 ERA.
Hawaii wins 5-4.
The struggles for Hawaii starter Elvin Hilliard continue as he gives up four runs on seven hits in five innings of work. He falls to 9-7 with a 4.67 ERA. Hawaii’s offense scored 3 runs on 10 hits but drew just one walks and struck out 10 times in the loss. Trops 3B Mitch Wareham was 2 for 5 with a double (28) and a solo homer (9) to lead the Hawaii offense.
Twin Cities wins 6-3.
The River Monsters score three runs in the 1st inning of Trops starter John Moore and never trail as they take a 2-1 series lead over Hawaii. Moore set down the first 2 batters he faced before giving up two singles and a three-run homer. He was snakebit the rest of the night as he walked three batters along with striking out five. He falls to 0-2 with a 4.36 ERA. The offense has been stagnant the last two games with 2 runs on 8 hits, 3 walks and 9Ks while also stranding 22 baserunners. Russ McHaney led Hawaii going 1 for 3 with a solo homer (17) in the 5th.
Twin Cities wins 5-2.
The Tropics play their 4th extra inning game out of the last 8 games but get the win to earn a series split. The Trops had fallen behind the Monsters 6-2 after the 5th inning and things were looking bleak, but they inched closer with two runs in the top of the 6th. Carlos Sanchez hit a lead-off solo homer (13) then Adhyapayana Mehta followed with a double (24). After Bob Chastain struck out, Julien Rivera doubled (20) to drive in Mehta.
Hawaii struck again in the 8th with two more runs off Twin Cities relief. Carlos Sanchez began the rally again with a single followed by another Mehta double that put runners at second and third with no outs. The Monsters chose to pitch around Russ McHaney to load the bases. That strategy didn’t pay off as Julien Rivera drew a bases jammed walk to plate Sanchez. With the infield in, Katsumi Matsumoto grounded to short who threw home for one but Matsumoto legged it out to avoid the double play. Felipe Hernandez lifted a flyball deep enough to score McHaney with the game tying run.
The game remained knotted at 6-6 until the top of the 14th inning. Luis Estrada led off the inning and fouled off the 1st pitch. He took the next pitch to the opposite field for a solo homer to put the Trops up 7-6. Carlos Sanchez reached on an error after the 1B dropped the throw. Mehta single to move Sanchez to second before McHaney struck out. Julien Rivera hit a ‘tweener that the catcher, pitcher and 1B couldn’t field to load the bases. After Matsumoto fanned, Felipe Hernandez stepped to the plate. The first pitch to Hernandez was WILD and went to the screen allowing Sanchez to score an insurance run for the Trops. Hernandez ended the inning by striking out.
Bill Phillips came out for his second inning of work and set the Monsters down 1-2-3 and get the win. He improves to 2-2 with a 0.83 ERA. Carlos Sanchez earned Player of the Game honors going 4 for 7 with an RBI and scoring four runs. Mehta was close going 5 for 7 with an RBI and two runs scored. Rookie Julien Rivera was 3 for 5 with a walk and three ribbies.
Hawaii wins 8-6.
Hawaii and Twin Cities split the four-game series.
Hawaii Manager Rich Kerr said, “These extra-inning games are eating through our staff. Don’t know how long this can keep up without an injury happening. I’m gonna have to juggle some players. “
Pacific Division Standings as of July 18, 2058
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