EUGENE, Ore. -- Nothing like celebrating America's birthday with fireworks in the 4th. No, that's not a typo. The Hillsboro Hops (4-9 second half, 39-39 overall) exploded for ten runs in the fourth inning Thursday night, turning an early 6-1 deficit into an 11-6 victory over the Eugene Emeralds (6-7,
EUGENE, Ore. -- Nothing like celebrating America's birthday with fireworks in the 4th.
No, that's not a typo. The Hillsboro Hops (4-9 second half, 39-39 overall) exploded for ten runs in the fourth inning Thursday night, turning an early 6-1 deficit into an 11-6 victory over the Eugene Emeralds (6-7, 39-39) in front of a sellout crowd at PK Park.
Apparently, no lead is safe in this series. Hillsboro's win came just two nights after they blew an 8-1 lead with two outs in the seventh inning. The win is Hillsboro's third in four games in this split series after taking two of the first three at home.
Christian Cerda hit a deep home run to left on the third pitch of the inning from lefthander Jack Choate, who entered the game with the lowest opponent's batting average in the Northwest League. The next nine batters reached base and 14 would step to the plate in the fourth to record the third-highest single-inning run total in team history.
In what looked to be a pitcher's duel coming in, neither Choate nor Hillsboro's Joe Elbis (7-2) was up to their usual standard. The Emeralds batted around against Elbis in the second inning, plating five runs to take a 6-1 lead. After back-to-back walks to start the bottom of the third inning, Elbis appeared close to being removed. But the 21-year-old righty righted the ship and retired nine of the next ten batters he faced with four strikeouts to reach the required five innings pitched to qualify for the win.
Not so for Choate, who gave way to Cody Tucker (1-1) after allowing five hits and a walk to the first six Hops in the fourth. Charged with seven hits and seven earned runs over 3+ innings, Choate had never allowed more than four runs in 33 professional appearances over two seasons.
Tucker could not locate the plate initially. missing with his first nine pitches. Castillo chased one breaking ball down and away for a strike, but earned a five-pitch bases-loaded walk. Gavin Conticello followed with a grounder to short, but Diego Velasquez muffed it for an error to score Hurley, who had earlier chased Choate with a two-RBI single. That gave Hillsboro a 7-6 lead.
Tucker's next four pitches didn't find the plate and Cerda drew his second bases-loaded walk of the contest. Tucker finally ended the on-base streak by retiring Manny Pena on strikes for the first out of the inning. Kevin Sim then hit a fly to shallow left. Left fielder Alex Suarez, playing deep, got a late break but recovered to make a spectacular, full-extension diving catch. Castillo raced home on the sacrifice fly. Two outs, but the Hops weren't done. Cole Roberts dropped a base hit into right center field to send Conticello and Cerda home with the ninth and tenth runs of the inning.
That would end the scoring. Armando Vasquez, Alfred Morillo and Junior Cerda combined to hold Eugene scoreless over the final four innings. Daniel Blair and Mike Mikulski combined to keep the Hops in check over the final innings.
Cerda has followed up a torrid June (.382 average) with hits in his first three games of July. The three RBI was a season-high for the 21-year-old backstop. The home run was his first of the season. Hurley went 3-for-5 with a double, two RBI and a run scored. Jose Fernandez had a pair of hits, two runs and an RBI.
Eugene leadoff batter Quinn McDaniel paced the Ems 10-hit attack, going 3-for-5 with a double, two RBI and two runs. Bryce Eldridge, one of the top prospects in the NWL at 19-years-old, extended his current hit streak to eight games with a pair of singles, driving in two. The 6-7 first baseman is batting over .400 in seven games at Eugene.
The Hops and Ems play game five of the series at 6:35 p.m. Friday. High temperatures in the south Willamette Valley are expected to reach triple digits. Pregame airtime on Rip City Radio 620 AM is at 6:20 p.m.
FAQs
Early U.S. settlers brought their love of fireworks with them to the New World and fireworks were part of the very first Independence Day – a tradition that continues every 4th of July when we celebrate as John Adams had hoped “with pomp, parade….
Why do we light off fireworks on the 4th of July? ›
The tradition of setting off fireworks for the Fourth of July started on the very first Independence Day in 1777, with firework celebrations taking place in Philadelphia and Boston. The Philadelphia celebration was complete with 13 rockets, one representing each colony, fired off at the beginning and end of the show.
What actually happened on July 4th, 1776? ›
Independence Day. On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence, announcing the colonies' separation from Great Britain.
How many fireworks are shot on the 4th of July? ›
4th of July Fireworks
Fireworks, first authorized by Congress for 4th of July, 1777, are another legacy. The American Pyrotechnics Association (APA) estimates that more than 14,000 fireworks displays light up U.S. skies each 4th of July.
What is the true meaning of the 4th of July? ›
Why does America celebrate the Fourth of July? The easy answer is that July 4 is celebrated because that's the day in 1776 when the country declared its freedom from British rule by signing the Declaration of Independence. True history buffs will know that only John Hanco*ck penned his signature on July 4th.
Who said we should celebrate the 4th of July with fireworks? ›
To answer this question, a lot of people point to John Adams's letter to his wife, Abigail, informing her that the Continental Congress had declared independence: “[This day] ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to ...
Why do Americans shoot fireworks on the 4th? ›
When did fireworks become popular for the Fourth of July? On July 4, 1776, the United States declared its independence from Great Britain. The following year was when the first official Independence Day celebrations took place in Philadelphia, which, of course, included fireworks illuminating the sky.
What is the history of the Fourth of July fireworks? ›
Fourth of July Fireworks
The first fireworks were used as early as 200 BC. The tradition of setting off fireworks on the 4 of July began in Philadelphia on July 4, 1777, during the first organized celebration of Independence Day. Ship's cannon fired a 13-gun salute in honor of the 13 colonies.
What president was born on the 4th of July? ›
It was President Calvin Coolidge. Coolidge, who served as the 30th president, took the oath of office after the sudden death of Warren G. Harding in 1923. He was born in Plymouth, Vt., on July 4, 1872.
Was slaves free on the 4th of July? ›
Much in the way abolitionists in Boston were claiming victory over slavery while Black people couldn't vote and 250,000 Black Americans were still in chains in Texas. On July 4, 1776, there was freedom for some. Juneteenth ended slavery as an official policy, but freedom took significantly longer.
Which president died on July 4th? There was more than one.
- John Adams served as President of the United States from 1797-1801.
- Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence and the United States' third president, was born in 1743 in Albemarle County, Va. ...
- James Monroe was the country's fifth president.
On September 9, 1776, the Second Continental Congress adopted a new name for what had been called the "United Colonies.” The moniker United States of America has remained since then as a symbol of freedom and independence.
What city has the best fireworks for 4th of July? ›
Top 10 Firework Displays in the US (plus local places!)
- New York, New York: Macy's 4th of July Fireworks. ...
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Wawa Welcome America July 4th Fireworks & Concert. ...
- Washington, D.C.: Fireworks at the National Mall. ...
- Boston, Massachusetts: Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular. ...
- Saint Louis, Missouri: Fair St.
The earliest fireworks came from China during the Song dynasty (960–1279).
What happens if a fireworks hits your leg? ›
Second-degree burns: Second-degree burns affect more than just the top layer of skin and will often cause blistering. To treat a burn of this severity: Run the affected area under cool, not cold, water for 10 minutes. Once it has cooled, cover the area in moist, sterile, non-fluffy dressing to prevent infection.
Why do we celebrate 4th of July kid friendly? ›
Celebrating the 4th of July is important because it marks a significant moment in American history – the birth of the nation. This day commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, which declared the American colonies free from British rule.
What is Fourth of July tradition? ›
Whether they are shared with family, friends or neighbours, backyard barbecues and block parties are a perfect way to build community and celebrate independence. Taking a trip to the local fireworks stand to pick up some sparklers, ground flowers and Roman candles is an American tradition.
