Hops set walks record in 6-0 loss to Everett

After taking five-of-six games with Tri-City last week, things started on a different note for Hillsboro this week, with the Hops dropping their series opener with Everett 6-0 on Tuesday night, June 18, at Memorial Stadium in Everett.

Despite boasting a pitching staff that ranks fourth in ERA amongst the 120 minor league teams, this night was not theirs, as Hops pitchers walked a franchise record 15 batters, in addition to tallying three more free passes on hit-by-pitches.

Everett (32-31) scored two runs in the first inning off Hops newcomer Jacob Steinmetz who was recently called up from Low-A Visalia. The 20-year-old righthander made it just two-thirds of an inning in his Hops debut, allowing two earned runs on two hits and three walks, while notching two strikeouts.

The AquaSox went on to add a run in the fifth, two more in the seventh, and a final run in the eighth.

Everett starting pitcher Michael Morales recorded his eighth win of the year and lowered his season ERA to just 2.22, allowing seven hits while striking out four in seven innings of work.

Hillsboro (32-30) actually outhit the Sox 8-4 in the game, and was led by Christian Cerda who went 3-for-3.

The two teams will play two games on Wednesday in order to make up a postponed game from May 5, with the first of the twin bill beginning at 6:05 p.m.