Robinson Drives in Four, Leads Hops Past Volcanoes

The Hillsboro Hops kicked of the second half with a thrilling 5-4 victory against the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes. With his family in town from the Bahamas, Kristian Robinson drove in four runs and hammered his third home run in the last four games, continuing his brilliant season.  
Tommy Henry started for the Hops in his professional debut, fanning two Volcanoe hitters and allowing an earned run. The Hops wasted no time, tying the game in bottom of the first when Robinson and Jesus Marriaga pulled off a double steal. Ryne Nelson took over in the second inning and struck out the side while giving up an earned run, putting the Volcanoes up 2-1. 

The Diamondback's 11th round selection, Nick Snyder, pitched a scoreless third inning and due to Robinson's eighth home run of the season in the bottom half of the frame, would go on to collect his first win as a pro. Wilfry Cruz entered in the fourth and pitched four innings of no-hit ball, while recording seven strike outs.  
Robinson struck again in the bottom of the seventh with a two-run single that drove in Jorge Barrosa and Steven Leyton. The Volcanoes did not go away quietly though, making things interesting when Alexander Canario hit a two-run shot in the top of the eighth inning. The Hops bullpen did not give in to the Volcanoes potent offense with Eduardo Herrera recording a five out save.  
The Hillsboro Hops will play game two of the series tomorrow against the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes at 7:05 pm, catch all the action on Rip City Radio 620 AM with the pregame show airing at 6:35 pm.