Hops return home in style, defeating Spokane 5-0 in their first game in Hillsboro in more than two weeks

The Hops made the most of their first home game in more than two weeks, defeating second place Spokane 5-0 on Tuesday night, May 7, at Hillsboro Ballpark.

Hillsboro starting pitcher Joe Elbis allowed five hits, struck out four and walked none in six shutout innings, then watched as relievers Carlos Meza, Listher Sosa and Jhosmer Alvarez held things down over the final three innings.

In all, Hops pitchers allowed six hits, struck out six and allowed nary a walk in what was likely the team’s most impressive game on the mound this season.

Hillsboro (12-15) scored the game’s first run in the second inning on a Kevin Sim double, scored three more in the sixth on hits by Christian Cerda and Kevin Sim, then notched the game’s final run in the eighth on a Cerda single to right field.

Cerda finished the game 2-for-4 with two RBI and a run-scored, and was one of four Hops with multiple hits in the game.

Spokane (15-8) had six different players record hits in the game.

Indians starting pitcher Victor Juarez took the loss, allowing four earned runs on seven hits in six innings of work.

The two teams will face off again at 6:05 p.m. on Wednesday night, at Hillsboro Ballpark.