Late rally lifts Hops over Ems in series opener

The hits just don’t keep coming for Hops opponents who are averaging less than two runs-per-game over the team’s last seven games.

That trend continued in Hillsboro’s series opener with Eugene on Tuesday night, with Hops starter Joe Elbis dominating the Ems to the tune of a 4-1 win at Hillsboro Ballpark.

Elbis allowed one earned run while striking out eight in 6.2 innings of work, lowering his season ERA to 1.91.

Eugene starter Nick Sinacola was equally impressive, allowing no runs on just four hits in five innings of work, but the home Hops (22-23) jumped on reliever Kyle Cody to the tune of four eighth inning runs en route to their series-opening win.

Kevin Sim, Jack Hurley and Christian Cerda all had RBIs in the game, with Sim, Hurley and Gavin Conticello all tallying two hits.

Hillsboro relievers Alfred Morillo and Kyle Amendt were dominant in relief of Elbis, allowing just a single hit while striking out six over the game’s final 2.1 innings.

Amendt picked up his fifth save in the game, while lowering his season ERA to just 0.68.

Ems first baseman Zach Morgan was 3-for-4 at the plate to lead Eugene (24-21).

The two teams will square-off again at 6:35 p.m. this evening, at Hillsboro Ballpark.