Eighth inning meltdown leads to 11-10 Hops loss to visiting Eugene

A day removed from snapping their seven game losing streak, the Hops got right back in the losing saddle in a 11-10 loss to Eugene on Tuesday, July 4, at Hillsboro Stadium.

The visiting Emeralds scored seven runs to erase a six-run deficit in the eighth inning, then plated a run in the top of the 10th inning after the Hops had tied it in the ninth for the one-run win.

Justin Wishkoski and Alexander Suarez each had three hits for Eugene, joining three of their teammates with multiple hits in the game.

In all, Eugene tallied 14 hits in the game, eight of which came off of Hillsboro relievers who combined to allow eight earned runs and three base-on-balls in relief of Hops starter Roman Angelo who allowed three earned runs, while striking out 10 in 6.1 innings of work.

The Hops too tallied 14 hits in the game, led by Gavin Conticello who went 3-for-6, along with Jack Hurley who was 2-for-4 with a home run, three RBI and two runs-scored. The round tripper was Hurley’s eighth of the season.

Wishkoski double in Eugene’s go-ahead run in the top of the 10th inning.

The Hops went down in order in their half of the 10th.

The game was the second game back in Hillsboro for 2023 first round draft pick Tommy Troy who went 1-for-5 with an RBI and two runs-score in the game, and is a combined 1-for-9 in his two games back.

The two teams will play again at 7:05 p.m. tonight at Hillsboro Stadium, and the game will be immediately followed by a firework display to celebrate Independence Day. The Hops will travel to Eugene for three games with the Ems July 4-6.