Joe Elbis dominates in 3-0 Hops win over Tri-City

Death, taxes, and the Hops taking Game 1 of a series.

For the fourth straight series, Hillsboro defeated their opponent in the first of a six-game set, this time beating Tri-City 3-0 on Tuesday, June 11, at Hillsboro Ballpark.

Joe Elbis — the reigning NWL Pitcher of the Month — again dominated from the mound, allowing just three hits while striking out eight in eight shutout innings.

Offensively, the Hops got two runs in the second inning and another in the seventh, led by Jose Fernandez who drove in two of Hillsboro’s three runs with a ground ball single in the second, finishing 1-for-2 with two RBI and a run-scored.

Additionally, Neyfey Castillo tallied two hits in four at-bats.

The win was Elbis’ fourth of the season, and allowed the righthander to lower his ERA to 1.55.

Alfred Morillo picked up the save for Hillsboro, striking out three in a hitless ninth inning.

Chris Clark to the loss for Tri-City, allowing two earned runs on three hits, while striking out six in six innings of work.

Hillsboro and Tri-City will face off again tonight at 6:35 p.m. at Hillsboro Ballpark.