The Tropics next host the Madison Wolves for a four-games series at ‘Iolani Palace.
Game 1- Hawaii gets a run in the home half of the 8th inning to take the lead then held their breath as reliever Juan Martinez
gives up a two-out double. Martinez struck out Madison CF Rafael Perez to seal the win. Martinez pitched an inning and struck out two batters to earn his 3rd save. Luis Perez eaned his 1st win of the season to improve to 1-5 after a scoreless inning. He walked two batters and struck out one.
The Trops started John Moore who threw 68 pitches in 4.1 innings. He gave up just two hits, walked onr and fanned five. Hawaii reliever Manny Ortiz was lit up for three runs on four hits in 1.2 inning that put the Tropics down 3-1. Utkan Gocek came on and began the string of scoreless innings for Hawaii allowing a hit, walking one and striking out one in his inning.
At the plate, DH Russ McHaney was 1 for 3 with a two-run homer (2) in the 6th inning. He’s shown no ill effects of his shoulder injury in the season opener. RF Carlos Sanchez was 2 for 4 with an RBI and scored a run. 2B Adhyapayana Mehta was 2 for 4 and scored two runs. C Katsumi Matsumoto was 1 for 3 with a double and an RBI.
Hawaii Manager Rich Kerr said, “The offense is stepping up and getting it done. I’d like more runs but this’ll have to do.”
Hawaii wins 4-3.
Game 2- The Trops put up a five spot in the 6th inning as they run their winning streak to four games. SS Thomas Kramer led the way going 2 for 4 with a three-run homer (7) in the 6th and a RBI double (11) in the 2nd. He scored a run and drove in four runs. 3B Mitch Wareham was 4 for 5 with a double (16), a RBI and scored two runs. McHaney was 1 for 5 with an RBI double (3).
Bill Williams made the start and threw 65 pitches in 3.2 innings. He allowed three runs (two earned) on four hits and two walks. He struck out three in a no decision. Phil Thompson was the winner as he pitched 3.1 hitless, scoreless innings. He struck out a batter as he improves to 1-3 with a 3.79 ERA.
Hawaii wins 7-5.
Game 3- The Madison Wolves took advantage of the wildness of Hawaii starter Gerardo Rea. He walked five and gave up four hits that resulted in four runs. He struck out a batter in 2.2 innings of work. He is now 1-12 with a 6.41 ERA. Manny Ortiz had a better outing with two scoreless innings against the Madison lineup. He allowed a hit and struck out a batter.
Mitch Wareham was 2 for 4 with a two-run homer (4) in the 6th inning and a double (17) in the 3rd. LF Shafiq Zahir was 1 for 3 with a solo homer (3) in the 7th inning.
Madison wins 5-3.
Game 4- The Hawaii offense sputters, and the bullpen couldn’t keep the Wolves off the bases as the Trops fall. Hawaii scored just a run on six hits while drawing three walks in the loss. Tomas Borges drove in the only run for the Tropics on a solo shot (21) in the 4th inning.
On the mound, Elvin Hilliardwas economically in his pitches as he threw 69 in 5.1 innings. He allowed two runs on five hits and a walk. He struck out three but takes the loss and falls to 6-7 with a 4.13 ERA. Utkan Gocke pitched well out of the ‘pen with 1.2 scoreless innings. Juan Martinez, Troy ‘Teddy Bear’ Reynolds and Chih Kuang each gave up a run as the Wolves pulled away late.
Madison wins 6-1.
The Wolves and Tropics split the four-game series.
Kerr said, “I might make some adjustments to starters and relievers. Try to get the best matchups.”
Hawaii GM Jim Walker said, “It’s early but 4-2 since the pitching strategy began is a good sign.”
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