A six-hour bus ride and 105 degree temperatures welcomed the Boise Hawks on the annual Western Idaho Fair trek through the Northwest League, as the Boys of Summer opened their exodus in Yakima tonight.  A potent offensive attack and a summer lightning storm (pictured left) proved to be the highlights in a 9-3 Hawks victory.

The win propels the team to a 28-31 record, the first time since June 22 that the Hawks have been three games under .500, with Boise sitting six games back of Tri-City in the standings with 17 games left.  The Hawks have now won ten of their last 13 games.

Boise had a season-high seven doubles, part of a 16 hit attack in the win.  Jae-Hoon Ha had a pair of two-run doubles, while both Jose Valdez and Hak-Ju Lee recorded three hit games.  The star, however, was on the mound, as Trey McNutt tossed three and two-thirds innings of shutout ball, allowing just one hit and striking out two.

FLASHES IN THE HILLS: Starting in about the sixth inning, a huge electrical storm gathered on top of the Yakima Ridge – about 15-20 miles east of County Stadium – in plain view over the outfield wall.  Although the Valley was in no danger to the storm, it was a spectical for all – and possibly the highlight for Bears fans.  What was nice was the wind from the storms helped cool down the muggy night.

LOVIN THE HOTEL: For the second time in less that two weeks, I have set up shop at the Best Western Ahtanum Inn in Yakima (my room pictured to the right).  Although many of the hotels in the league are newer – they do not have the charm and personality of this mom-and-pop hotel.  The people are really friendly from the front desk staff to the cleaning staff, the room is tidely and clean, and as my son enjoyed the last trip through, they have a great courtyard and pool for everyone to use.

BEST OF COMING UP: Just as I talked about on Hawk Talk tonight, we will be starting a “Best of the NWL” segment on the blog in the days to come.  Best Stadium, Best Mascot, Best Food, Best Hotel, Best Press Box…but is there anything from the road that you want Best Of?  Respond to the blog or email me at boisehawks@yahoo.com and we can try and answer your request.