Hillsboro Maintain Division Lead Despite Loss

Nick Baker turned in his best start of the season, the Hops bullpen allowed two hits and Tri-City scored only two runs. However, it wasn't enough as the Hillsboro Hops fell to the Tri-City Dust Devils 2-1 tonight at Ron Tonkin Field.

On a night where the Hops (20-14) could have taken a two game lead in the NWL South standings due to a 12-5 Boise loss, the division leaders posted six hits, going 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position.

Baker, in his second professional start, threw six stellar innings of three hit, one-run baseball. His only mistake came in the fifth inning as he left a fastball over the plate to Dust Devils' (13-21) outfielder Ryan Garvey who launched the ball over the left field fence.

Garvey's home run, one of his two extra-base hits on the night, tied the game at one. The Hops scored in the first inning yet again as Jordan Parr stole home. Parr has now reached base in 23 straight games, a Hops' franchise record.

Baker settled down after allowing the Garvey home run in the fifth and retired the next six Dust Devils he faced, keeping the scored knotted at one.

Left-handed reliever Kyle Anderson made his Hillsboro debut and gave up one run, an RBI double from Garvey to left field, and put the Hops in a hole they couldn't climb out of.

The Hops failed to get a runner past second base in the final three innings of the game, never truly putting a scare into Tri-City.

George Roberts recorded two hits for the Hops tonight, bumping his average up to .291. Dustin Loggins made a two-inning relief appearance and allowed no runs on one hit and two strikeouts. Loggins' ERA is now at an impressive 2.08.

First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. tomorrow night against Tri-City. Be sure to catch all the live action on Rip City Radio 620 or www.foxsportsradio620.com. Pre-game starts at 6:35.