Hops ride Joe Elbis' arm to a 4-0 win over Vancouver in series opener

A good pitcher is tough to beat and that’s exactly what the Hops had in a 4-0 win over Vancouver on Tuesday, May 21, at Hillsboro Ballpark.

Hillsboro starting pitcher Joe Elbis dazzled, again, allowing just three hits while striking out six in 7.1 shutout innings.

The 21-year-old righthander has allowed 11 hits and no runs in his last three starts, while striking out 15 and walking just two. Elbis has also allowed just a single run in his last four starts over a 24 inning stretch.

Hillsboro relievers, Kyle Amendt and Listher Sosa, held things down for Elbis over the final 1.3 innings, striking out four of the six batters they faced.

Offensively, the Hops (19-20) got a run in the opening inning and two more in the second before adding a final run in the seventh.

Andrew Pintar and Manuel Pena led Hillsboro with two hits apiece, while Jack Hurley, Gavin Conticello, Christian Cerda and Manuel Pena all tallied RBI in the game.

Vancouver (16-20) starter Pat Gallagher lasted only 3.2 innings, giving up two earned runs on five hits.

The two teams will play again at 6:35 p.m. tonight at Hillsboro Ballpark.