Semones’ Grand Slam Pilots Hillsboro Over Tri-City

A 2nd inning grand slam by Fox Semones of the Hillsboro Hops (4-3 2H, 33-38) proved the decisive blow, as the visitors took an 8-1 win over the Tri-City Dust Devils (2-5 2H, 31-39) Friday night at Gesa Stadium.

The slam, off Tri-City’s Jose Salvador (1-3), came with two outs and gave Hillsboro an early 4-0 lead in the 2nd inning. The Hops’ Ryan Bliss added a solo home run for a five-run 2nd inning.

Salvador ended up going 3.2 innings, striking out seven but taking the loss. Dylan King followed with 2.1 innings of scoreless relief, and Houston Harding went the final three innings, giving up only one run.

The Dust Devils’ offense, meanwhile, struggled to spin into motion against Hillsboro's Luke Albright (4-4), getting just four hits. Their lone run came in the 4th inning, with Osmy Gregorio doubling to lead off the frame. A walk and a hit batter loaded the bases, and a passed ball allowed Gregorio to score.

Offensive highlights included Kyren Paris getting two hits in his first two at-bats. Mitch Nay added a single, reaching base three times.

Tri-City looks to rebound Saturday night in game five of their six-game series with Hillsboro, a 7:05 p.m. first pitch with righty Ryan Costeiu starting for the Dust Devils and Marcos Tineo going for the Hops. After the game fans will be treated to postgame fireworks thanks to Yoke’s Fresh Market.

Whether at the park, or anywhere around the world, you can tune in to the broadcast of the game at 6:50 p.m. with the King Beverage Budweiser Pregame Show at dustdevilsbaseball.com and the MiLB First Pitch app.

Tickets for Saturday’s game, the remainder of the series, and all games are on sale now. Ticket packages are also available and start at just $99, and special ticket rates are available for groups of 20 or more. For more information on Dust Devils single game, season, mini-plan (11, 22, 33) and group tickets, visit dustdevilsbaseball.com or call 509-544-8789.