G75: Boise's playoff hopes end with 14-7 loss on Saturday night

[Empty Body]

Boise, ID: The playoff dream is over for the Boise Hawks.
After picking up a big win last night over Hillsboro 3-2, the Hawks looked to come back again at Memorial Stadium to win again as they faced Hillsboro starter Tyler Keele. Coming into the game, Boise saw success against Keele with two wins prior against the right hander.
The Hawks got off to the exact start they needed. With four runs in the bottom of the 1st inning, the Hawks picked up right where they left off momentum wise and took the 4-0 lead going into the top of the 2nd. Luis Castro and J.B. Moss had the Hawks' hits in the inning and all was looking up for the Hawks.
That was until the very next half inning.
Hawks starter Keinter Olivares came out for his second inning of work after tossing a 1-2-3 inning in the 1st. The next thing Hawks fans knew, Hillsboro put seven runs on Olivares and reliever Jesse Lepore in the 2nd inning. Luis Lara capped off the inning with a three-run home run off of Lepore to make the game 7-4. Any and all momentum that Boise had disappeared.
The Hawks were never able to recover as after Boise scored their first four, Hillsboro scored 11 unanswered runs. The Hawks scored two in the 4th an one in the 6th, but it was not enough to change the shift of momentum. Hillsboro added three runs combined in the 6th and 7th innings to come away with the win.
When Boise showed a glimpse of comeback ability, Hillsboro answered. With three double-plays turned in the game, the Hops had a stellar defensive night. They did not make an error, compared to Boise's three.
With the loss, the Hawks have been eliminated from playoff contention. The first round of the playoffs will feature Hillsboro and the Eugene Emeralds. Boise will finish in third place in the south division in front of the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes.
Even though they cannot make the playoffs, there is one more game this season. Boise and Hillsboro will meet again tomorrow night at 7:15 p.m. MT at Memorial Stadium. The Hawks will bid farewell to their fans for one last time this season. Don't miss your chance to see the Hawks for the final time in 2017!