Canadians drop series opener to Hops 4-3

(Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium - Vancouver, B.C.) - Canadians RHP Juan Nunez allowed four runs in the top of the 1^st inning and along with LHP Jake Fishman did not allow another run over the game's final eight innings, but the Vancouver offense couldn't find a way to overcome the early deficit falling 4-3 on Saturday night.
Nunez (2-2) went five innings allowing six hits and a pair of walks while striking out six in the loss while Hops starter RHP Luis Madero went six strong innings allowing all three of the Canadians runs which included a pair in the bottom of the 1^st inning when DH Riley Adams reached on a throwing error that scored CF Reggie Pruitt and 1B David Jacob hit a sacrifice fly to center field scoring SS Kevin Vicuña (hit by pitch) that brought Vancouver to within a pair of runs.
The Canadians would pull to within one run in the bottom of the 5^th inning when SS Kevin Vicuna managed a base hit to center field scoring C Matt Morgan (error) to make it a 4-3 lead for Hillsboro.
Hops pitching took over from there as RHP Matt Peacock (1.2IP), LHP Anfernee Benitez (0.1IP) and RHP Erbert Gonzalez (1.0IP) went the final three innings without allowing a hit or run to secure the victory.
Canadians LHP Jake Fishman went four scoreless innings allowing just two hits to keep the game within reach.
With the loss, Vancouver falls to 18-12 (.600) through the first 30 regular season games of 2017 and fall to just 2 ½ games clear of Tri-City with eight games remaining in the first half. 
The Canadians host Hillsboro on Sunday, July 16^th at 1:05pm with the game announced as SOLD OUT. Tickets to Canadians Baseball for Monday through Wednesday (July 17-19) are available at www.canadiansbaseball.com, by calling 604.872.5232 or by visiting the Nat Bailey Stadium Box Office at 4601 Ontario Street, Vancouver, B.C.
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