Nothing works for Hops in 7-0 loss to Dust Devils

Tri-City might have the worst record in the Northwest League, but the Hops are making them look pretty good.

The Dust Devils hit the ball well, pitched dominantly, and ultimately breezed to a 7-0 victory over Hillsboro on Wednesday, July 10, at Hillsboro Ballpark.

Tri-City starting pitcher Chris Clark allowed just two hits in six shutout innings, then was spelled by three relievers who combined to hold the home Hops to a total of four hits, while striking out 10 over the game’s nine innings.

The Dust Devils got four runs in the second and three in the third, and were led by Landon Wallace who finished 2-for-4 with two RBI and a run-scored.

Hillsboro starter Jacob Steinmetz struggled over his four innings, allowing six earned runs on nine hits. The 20-year-old has labored in four starts since being promoted to the Hops from Single-A Visalia, allowing 12 earned runs in 13.1 innings.

Hops relievers Landon Sims and Zane Russell were a silver lining in relief of Steinmetz, combining to allow just two hits while striking out seven in five shutout innings.

Gavin Conticello had two of Hillsboro’s four hits in the game, going 2-for-4.

The loss was Hillsboro’s fourth straight and dropped them into a tie for last place with Tri-City in the NWL standings.

The two teams will go at it again at 7:05 p.m. this evening at Hillsboro Ballpark.