C’s Break Open Tight Game, Beat Hops 10-3

BOX SCORE

VANCOUVER, B.C. --- A close game got away from the Hops’ bullpen on Tuesday night at Nat Bailey Stadium. The Vancouver Canadians snapped a 2-2 tie with two runs in the bottom of the sixth inning, and cruised to a 10-3 win in the first game of the six-game series.

Hops shortstop Ryan Bliss hit a home run to left field in the top of the first inning --- a mammoth shot onto the roof of the home run porch --- to put Hillsboro up 1-0, but Vancouver answered with a run in the bottom of the inning on back-to-back doubles off Hops starter Scott Randall by catcher Zach Britton and shortstop Leo Jimenez.

Hillsboro got another run in the top of the second on a walk, an error, and one of manager Vince Harrison’s favorite plays. With runners at the corners and one out, Danny Oriente stole second base; on Britton’s throw to second, Neyfy Castillo scampered home from third. It was 2-1 Hillsboro.

The Canadians tied it in the fourth. Riley Tirotta --- coming off a wrist injury, in his first game with Vancouver since May 31st --- doubled down the left field line and advanced to third on an error by Channy Ortiz in left. He then scored on a Miguel Hiraldo sacrifice fly.

It was still 2-2 entering the bottom of the sixth. Randall gave up a single to Jimenez and a ground-rule double to Tirotta, followed by a booming two-run double by Hiraldo. The Canadians had their first lead, 4-2.

Castillo answered with a solo home run off Juan Nunez leading off the top of the seventh to make it 4-3, but that’s as close as the Hops would get. The Canadians added two in the bottom of the seventh off Gerald Ogando, who had an impressive streak snapped. Hugo Cardona homered leading off the inning, snapping a run of 21 consecutive batters retired by Ogando over five outings.

Vancouver put the game away with four runs in the bottom of the eighth, on just one hit. Julio Frias walked four batters, and all four scored to make it 10-3.

Jol Concepcion worked the final two innings for the Canadians to pick up his fourth save. Sean Wymer worked the fourth through sixth innings and earned the win. Randall took the loss.

The Hops were playing without top prospect Jordan Lawlar. The number-six overall pick in the 2021 draft was unable to enter Canada, and had to be transferred back to Low-A Visalia for this series. Likewise for starting pitcher Jamison Hill (Visalia) and outfielder Gary Mattis Jr. (Rookie-level Arizona Complex League). All are expected to rejoin the Hops following the series.

Hillsboro (8-8 in the second half) is now a game and a half behind first-place Vancouver (9-6) in the second-half playoff race.

The series continues on Wednesday at 7:05PM. The radio pregame show begins at 6:50 on Rip City Radio 620AM and online at www.RipCityRadio.com.