July 29, 2026 — EVERETT, Wash.: The Everett AquaSox rallied late to defeat the Hillsboro Hops on Wednesday night at Hops Ballpark, scoring seven runs in the game’s final two innings to win 9-8.
Aiden Taurek opened the scoring for Everett in the top of the second inning, knocking an RBI ground-rule double to score Carlos Jimenez. The score held until the bottom of the fourth when Hillsboro snuck ahead 2-1 as Kenny Castillo contributed a double of his own, which was good for two runs.
Everett tied the game in the top of the fifth as Carter Dorighi hit an RBI single. However, the tie did not last for long as the Hops surged for five runs in the bottom half of the frame. Slade Caldwell’s RBI triple broke the 2-2 knot, and Kayson Cunningham added an RBI single to further their lead. Rounding out the inning, Yassel Soler smashed a three-run home run for his 10th long ball of the 2026 campaign to set the Hops ahead 7-2.
Hillsboro brought home their eighth and final run in the bottom of the sixth thanks to José Mejía’s sacrifice fly. Trailing 8-2 entering the top of the eighth, the AquaSox rallied for three runs courtesy of Jimenez’s RBI single, Korbyn Dickerson’s RBI groundout, and Anthony Donofrio’s sacrifice fly to cut their deficit down to just three runs.
The AquaSox found a magic spark in the top of the ninth, surging ahead to take a late 9-8 advantage. With one out, Ricardo Cova doubled, allowing Luke Stevenson to cut the Hops’ lead down to one run by blasting a two-run home run for his 14th launch of the season. Afterwards, Brandon Eike doubled and advanced to third base on a passed ball to place the tying run just 90 feet from home plate, putting Everett in a strong opportunity to tie the game.
Down to his team’s final out with Eike on third, Dickerson lined an RBI single to center field to tie the game 8-8. Taurek ultimately played hero in the next at-bat, putting the AquaSox ahead 9-8 by knocking a run-scoring double to left field.
Pitching with a one-run lead in-hand, Everett righty Christian Little threw a scoreless bottom of the ninth to tally his seventh save of 2026 while locking down the Frogs’ second victory of the six-game series.
PICTURED ABOVE: Carlos Jimenez
PHOTO BY: Evan Morud
LOOKING AHEAD: The AquaSox continue their six-game series against the Hillsboro Hops at Hops Ballpark! Game Three of the series is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. on Thursday, July 30. 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.