Baseball is a sport all of its own. Often called the Sport of America, baseball has enriched the lives of many for years and still continues to do so. Like most sports, baseball takes practice, precision, and the mentality of teamwork. A pitcher cannot win the game without his offense, but we all know the game would come to a standstill without the effort of the pitcher.
The thing I have noticed most about baseball is the necessity to adjust. Batters can practice for years, trying to master the pitching style of just one pitcher. The catcher must adjust to every pitch, as must the batter and the entire defensive stance behind the mound.
Where am I going with this? Well, I felt this appropriate to discuss, considering the current standing of our very own Hillsboro Hops. Yes, it has been a rough start to the season, but I am confident adjustments will be made.
Traveling to Boise last Tuesday, the Hops won one of the three games. The first dropped game by the Hops was handed to their opponent with an error late in the eighth inning. Starting for the Hops was Ben Eckels, who received his second loss as a Hop, with an ERA of 2.5.
Going into their second game of the day, the Hops came out on top, defeating the Hawks 3-2. Pitcher Daniel Gibson received the win with Will Locante receiving his first save of the season.
Returning home after a long road trip, the Hops brought their focus back to Hillsboro in front of an energetic home crowd. Jose Martinez was the starting pitcher for the Hops, but was relieved in only the third inning. Martinez struck out two of the Volcano players, but allowed five runs.
Zach Esquerra continued to prove vital to the Hops lineup, batting over .360 and contributing over 15 RBIS for the team. In the loss against the Volcanoes, Esquerra had one home run and went 2-for-4.
The Hops concluded the game with a 10-4 loss. They continued with two more home losses, losing to Salem-Keizer 2-7, then again 3-4 in front of a home crowd.
In game three of the series, pitcher Ross Geredman took the mound, pitching six innings, allowing only three runs. However, late Hops errors allowed the Volcanoes to secure the win. Though a series loss, fans were able to see Jordan Parr hit his second home run of the season, bringing his average to just under .300.
Despite a 4-14 Hops record, their opponents do not outplay the Hops; we are seeing Hops players committing trivial errors. Offensively, the Hops are the frontrunners in the league for the most runs scored, yet they are in last place. Defensive errors by the Hops are allowing their opponent a bit more cushion and one too many chances.
Next up, the Hops take on the Emeralds in Eugene and then return home for a five game series against Vancouver. While there are many adjustments to be made by the Hops, there is plenty of baseball left, as well as time to improve their record. Go Hops!
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