The Hillsboro Hops have begun a demanding stretch of 12 consecutive road games on a winning note, defeating the Spokane Indians with a 5-2 victory. The win marks the first step in what will be a significant road trip for the club.
Izzi Shines in Debut Appearance
Central to the Hops’ success was the impressive debut performance from pitcher Ashton Izzi. Izzi provided a strong outing, allowing only two earned runs on six hits over five innings of work. He demonstrated excellent control, issuing no walks while striking out six Spokane batters. Despite a shaky first inning for the team, Izzi’s ability to limit damage and keep the Hops within striking distance proved crucial.
Indians Take Early Lead, Hops Respond
The Spokane Indians managed to draw first blood in the bottom of the first inning. An RBI single by Aidan Longwell drove in the game’s initial run, followed by an RBI double from Blake Wright, giving the Indians a quick 2-0 lead. However, the Hops quickly showed their resilience, responding with runs in the second, seventh, eighth, and ninth innings to ultimately secure their hard-fought victory.
Offensive Contributions Power Comeback
The Hops’ offense found its rhythm throughout the game, with several players contributing key hits. Cristofer Torin was a standout at the plate, tallying three hits and crossing the plate for two runs. Janel Luis, Druw Jones, and Angel Ortiz each added two hits to the team’s effort. Ortiz, in particular, made a significant impact by driving in two runs, including the critical go-ahead RBI triple in the eighth inning that shifted the momentum permanently in Hillsboro’s favor.
Druw Jones continues to demonstrate excellent form, currently batting an impressive .471 over the past week. His consistent hitting provides a significant boost to the Hops’ lineup. Similarly, Junior Franco is also in a hot streak, hitting .474 in the same recent span, showcasing the depth of offensive talent within the team.
Bullpen Closes Door on Spokane
After Izzi’s solid five innings, the Hops’ bullpen effectively shut down the Spokane offense. The relief corps, comprised of Dawson Brown, Victor Morales, Carlos Rey, and Sam Knowlton, combined over four shutout innings. They surrendered just two hits in that span, ensuring the Hops maintained their lead and closed out the victory. The collective effort from the bullpen highlighted the team’s depth and ability to protect a lead.
On the Spokane side, starting pitcher Alberto Pacheco delivered a respectable performance, giving up one earned run on six hits over his six innings of work. Despite his efforts, the Indians’ offense could not overcome the Hops’ late-game surge and the solid relief pitching.
