Hops return from break with 8-6 win at Everett

Maybe a reset was all the Hops needed to get things turned around?

After a rough start to the second half of the 2024 season, Hillsboro got things started properly in their first game back after the All-Star break, defeating Everett 8-6 on Friday night, July 19, at Funko Field in Everett.

The Hops got five runs in the first inning, one each in the third, sixth and eighth innings, then held on as the home AquaSox rallied late for their second straight win, and third in their last four tries.

Neyfy Castillo and Christian Cerda each carded three hits for the Hops, with Castillo driving in four runs, all of which came as the result of a first-inning grand slam.

Jack Hurley and Junior Franco tallied two hits apiece, with Hurley hitting his team-leading ninth home run.

Avery Short started the game for Hillsboro on the mound, earning the win after allowing two earned runs on five hits in 5.1 innings of work.

Ryan Hawks started the game and took the loss for the Sox, allowing six earned runs in five innings.

Bill Knight and Hunter Fitz-Gerald combined to go 4-for-7 with two home runs, four RBI and three runs-scored for Everett.

The two teams will face off again at 7:05 p.m. this evening in Everett.