Luarbert Arias dominated for six innings in the Northwest League championship series, but came away with a no decision (Photo: Mike Wilson)
Hillsboro Hops 2 Dust Devils 1
(Hillsboro leads best-of-five series, 2-1)
Key Statistics: Reinaldo Ilarraza, 1-for-4, R; SS Jordy Barley, 1-for-3, BB; RF Logan Driscoll, 1-for-3, BB; LF Jack Stronach, 1-for-4, RBI; RHP Luarbert Arias, 6 IP, H, BB, 6 K; RHP Angel Acevedo (L, 0-1) 3 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 2 K.
Logan Driscoll has walked in six straight games. Photo: Mike Wilson.
Prospect Watch: The Dust Devils lost another heartbreaker Monday night as reliever Angel Acevedo allowed a two-run homer with two outs in the ninth inning. The Dust Devils got the winning run on base in the bottom of the ninth but they were unable to get the big hit. They face an elimination game Tuesday. … Logan Driscoll started in right field and reached base twice with a walk and a single. Driscoll has drawn a walk in each of the Dust Devils’ six playoff games. Overall, Driscoll is hitting .300 in postseason play. … RHP Luarbert Arias turned in arguably the best start of his professional career but he ultimately did not factor in the decision. Arias threw a career-high six innings and allowed just one walk and a single. He struck out six and was in complete control all night. Arias allowed just three earned runs over his last 21 innings, between the Arizona League and the Northwest League. The 18-year-old threw 62.1 innings in his second professional season. He should be a factor for a spot in the Fort Wayne rotation next season.
What lies ahead: Wednesday, the Storm open up the Cal League Championship series at home against Visalia. RHP Garrett Richards will make the start, in what should be his last tuneup before being activated off of the injured list.
In Amarillo, the Sod Poodles will take on the Tulsa Drillers, as Amarillo looks to earn a championship in their inaugural season. The starter will be announced after the roster is re-stacked for the final series.
Tri-City will send LHP Jason Blanchard to the mound tomorrow, in hopes of avoiding elimination. If the Dust Devils win, they will play a winner-take-all Game 5 Wednesday night.
