July 30, 2026 — EVERETT, Wash.: The Everett AquaSox fell to the Hillsboro Hops 13-3 Thursday night, dropping the third game of the week at Hops Ballpark.
Each team found an offensive spark early on with the Hops taking a 2-1 lead at the end of two innings. Kenny Castillo opened the scoring with an RBI single for Hillsboro in the bottom of the first before Everett equalized in the next frame as Carlos Jimenez doubled and later scored on a throwing error. Breaking the knot in the bottom of the second was Slade Caldwell, whose sacrifice bunt brought home the Hops’ Avery Owusu-Asiedu.
Axel Sanchez powered the AquaSox to a 3-2 lead in the top of the fifth inning, blasting a two-run home run to left field after Luis Suisbel singled for his fifth long ball of 2026. Everett’s lead held until the bottom of the sixth when Hillsboro plated three runs to go ahead 5-3. Kayson Cunningham scored the tying run as a wild pitch was thrown, and each of Wallace Clark and Diosfran Cabeza contributed an RBI single.
The Hops extended their lead to 7-3 in the bottom of the seventh inning courtesy of JD Dix, who walked and scored on a throwing error, and Castillo, who hit a sacrifice fly. Hillsboro then placed the game out of reach during the next frame, surging for six runs during the bottom of the eighth inning to take a comfortable 13-3 lead.
Closing out the game for the Hops was left-hander Luke Craig. The southpaw dealt a scoreless top of the ninth inning, providing his team their first win of the six-game Northwest League series.
PICTURED ABOVE: Axel Sanchez
PHOTO BY: Landon Welter
LOOKING AHEAD: The AquaSox continue their six-game series against the Hillsboro Hops at Hops Ballpark! Game Four of the series is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. on Friday, July 31. Upon the conclusion of the series in Hillsboro, the AquaSox return home for a six-game series against the Vancouver Canadians beginning Tuesday, August 4! Promotions for the series include a Randy Johnson Bobblehead Giveaway presented by Gesa Credit Union, UW Bothell Alumni Night, Scouting America Night, Frogstock, and Faith & Family Night presented by Calvary Arlington!
ABOUT THE EVERETT AQUASOX: The Everett AquaSox are the defending 2025 Northwest League Champions and serve as the High-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. Established in 1984, the club has been affiliated with the Mariners since adopting the AquaSox name in 1995. For the latest updates on the 2026 season — including community initiatives and appearances by Webbly — follow the Frogs on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, or visit AquaSox.com. Season ticket packages, group outings, and picnic experiences are available now by calling (425) 258-3673 or by visiting the AquaSox Front Office at 3802 Broadway.
ABOUT MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL: Minor League Baseball consists of 120 teams across four classification levels (Single-A, High-A, Double-A and Triple-A) that are affiliated with Major League Baseball’s 30 teams. Fans flock to MiLB games to see baseball’s future stars and experience the affordable family-friendly entertainment that has been a staple of MiLB since 1901. For more information, visit MiLB.com and follow MiLB on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.