The Hillsboro Hops' dominant Northwest League run continued Sunday night as the Hops, the D-backs' Class A Short-Season affiliate, clinched their second consecutive NWL championship with a 6-1 victory over Tri-City.
The Hops scored four runs in the second inning as the league's Pitcher of the Year, Carlos Hernandez, struck out seven in 5 2/3 innings to clinch the championship. Hillsboro has won four straight division titles and back-to-back league titles since relocating from Yakima, Wash., in 2013.
Hillsboro had the NWL's best regular-season record, at 45-31, with a roster that included five of the D-backs' Top 30 Prospects: shortstop Dansby Swanson (No.