Summer Collegiate

Kamloops takes two of three from Bellingham

Published

10 months ago

August 3, 2024

Dugout Wire Service

Photo Credits – Allen Douglas Photography

KAMLOOPS — Thompson Rivers University WolfPack pitcher Kolby Lukinchuk is officially the all-time leader in innings pitched for the Kamloops NorthPaws, and the righty showcased his skills on Thursday night, pitching 8.1IP in a come from behind victory for Kamloops as they took the series off the Bellingham Bells.

“I know hitting is a hard game and I know that if I just throw strikes the guys behind me will make the plays and bail me out,” said Lukinchuk. “I had to do some begging in between innings (to get the 9th), he let me start it but we had to play a matchup and I fully understand that, And I totally respect (Jose Bautista) for it.”

“I always believe in (Kolby Lukinchuk), the first two years I was just teaching him how to pitch, he picked it up really well,” said Manager Jose Bautista. “He can pitch backwards, throw strikes and get people out.”

Lukinchuk, with ice on his throwing elbow, joked he’s willing to pitch every game of the last six. He’ll likely get one more start on the road next week in Yakima.

A newcomer helped lead the offense in the rubber match of the series and ensure Lukinchuk got the win, as Keegan Drinkle went 3-5 2-2B, 2RBI.

“It means everything, I wasn’t doing anything they asked me to come out and get some reps. Glad to help the team out,” said Drinkle. “We battle, battle hard, compete to the end.”

As the WCL season wraps up next week a number of Paws have left the team and returned to their college rosters including Tuesday’s star TJ Wachter and a number of pitchers.

“I don’t have any (players left). You see today we had to pitch Matt (MacDonald) in the 9th inning to work through it,” added Bautista. “Going to be tough, because right now we don’t have too much (in terms of pitchers available).”

The NorthPaws have two home games remaining in 2024, both this weekend on Friday and Sunday against the Interior rival Kelowna Falcons.

“Very excited. See how it goes, see the rivalry, never really be part of a rivalry before,” said Drinkle.

GAME 1

TJ Wachter put on a show in his final game with the NorthPaws in 2024. The Kamloops first-baseman led the offense in a dominant 13-4 victory in game one versus the Bells going 4-5 with 6 RBI at the dish and finishing a triple shy of the cycle.

Wachter got the game rolling in the first with a 2-out RBI double that brought home Anthony Manuel and the Paws would never look back.

The big inning for the Paws would be the 5th, with Kamloops sending 12 men to the plate as they would score 8 runs, highlighted by a Wachter 3-run homer to left.

Lucas Smith got the start for Kamloops pitching 4.0IP 3H 0ER and earning a no-decision. The win went to newcomer Owen Fernandes 2.0IP, 2H, 0ER.

Wachter would get a chance at the cycle in the seventh, hitting a 2 RBI double to the gap but would be tagged out after putting on the brakes around second.

Kamloops locals Matt MacDonald and Nolan Austin both toed the rubber in the contest with Austin pitching a clean ninth.

GAME 2

The Bells would return serve in the middle game of the set, shutting out the NorthPaws 7-0.

Layton Haywood got the start for Bellingham and pitched six dominant innings of 2 hit, no run baseball before being lifted despite throwing under 60 pitches. Jack Svinth and Nic Peterson would complete the shutout on the mound.

Cade Webber took the loss for Kamloops, giving up all seven runs over 5.0IP.

Nate Kirkpatrick was the offensive hero in the contest going 3-5 at the plate, including a 3-run homer in the first to get the Bells rolling.

GAME 3

The rubber match of the three game set was a perfect example of a game of two halves, with the contest split directly in between the top and bottom of the 5th.

It was the Bells starting out hot, and in the second straight game would smoke a homer to left in the 1st inning as Roman Martin would club a 2-run shot off Kamloops starter Kolby Lukinchuk. Bellingham would add on three more runs in the fifth, including another 2-run homer from Jacob Meija making the score 5-0.

After 13.2 innings of shutout ball, the NorthPaws would rally with two outs in the fifth to show some life, newcomer Keegan Drinkle had the biggest hit of the inning a 2-RBI double. Jerry Nix would add an RBI on an infield single to make the contest 5-3 Bells.

Kamloops would claw one closer in the 7th thanks to a passed ball that allowed Kamloops’ Manny Recchi to score. In the 8th, Anthony Manuel would double home Jacob Schlesselman all the way from first to tie the contest at 5-5. Then with two outs in the inning, Madden Ocko legged out an infield single to bring across Manuel to give Kamloops a 6-5 lead.

After giving up 5ER in 5IP, Lukinchuk would find his groove, pitching 8.1IP before giving way to Matt MacDonald who recorded the final two outs for the save and a series win for Kamloops.

UPCOMING SCHEDULE
Friday, August 2, vs Kelowna, 6:35 first pitch (Fan appreciation night)
Saturday, August 3 @ Kelowna, 6:35 first pitch
Sunday, August 4 vs Kelowna, 2:05 first pitch (FINAL HOME GAME OF THE SEASON)
Monday, August 5 – Off-Day
Tuesday, August 6 vs Yakima Valley, 6:35 first pitch
Wednesday, August 7 vs Yakima Valley, 6:35 first pitch
Thursday, August 8 vs Yakima Valley, 7:05 first pitch (FINAL GAME OF THE SEASON)

FOR MEDIA REQUESTS
Jenna Forter
General Manager
Kamloops NorthPaws
p. 250-200-1415
www.northpawsbaseball.ca

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Summer Collegiate

Victoria HarbourCats – Pacific FC and HarbourCats Propose a ‘Fan Exchange’

Published

13 hours ago

June 10, 2025

Dugout Wire Service

June 10, 2025

For immediate release

VICTORIA, BC – Local soccer and baseball are poised to captivate much of the team sports attention in the Capital Region in summer. Pacific FC, of soccer’s Canadian Premier League and Victoria HarbourCats, of baseball’s West Coast League are teaming up for a special “fan exchange” to broaden spectator horizons.

On June 18, Pacific FC players and coaches will be honoured guests of the HarbourCats as the baseball team faces the island rival Nanaimo NightOwls in a game at Wilson’s Group Stadium at Royal Athletic Park in the north end of downtown Victoria (gates, 5:30pm, first pitch at 6:35pm).

Pacific FC fans will be offered, via email from the club, a special ticket code for the game, and Pacific FC will be welcomed on the field pre-game.

Then, on June 27, Pacific FC will reciprocate by hosting members of the HarbourCats at Starlight Stadium in Langford when Pacific takes on Vancouver FC (gates 5:30 p.m., 7:00 p.m. kick off) — and HarbourCats fans who are registered with the team’s ShowPass ticketing system will receive a special promo code for tickets to that CPL game.

“There are many great things to do in the summer in Victoria, and we are proud of the numbers we get for our baseball entertainment, with our food truck festival atmosphere,” said Jim Swanson, Managing Partner of the HarbourCats. “Teaming with PFC and giving our fans an incentive to experience a night at Starlight is good for the sports community— and we welcome all PFC fans to give us a try, especially if they haven’t been to a HarbourCats game before.”

Pacific FC are in their seven season of the Canadian Premier League and have a winning history. The club won the CPL Championship in 2021 and have advanced to playoffs in all past seasons.

“We are a community-minded organization and we are grateful for this opportunity to team up with the HarbourCats to offer sports fans the chance to come out and see athletes from both clubs,” said Ross Marshall, Managing Director, Pacific FC. “We invite everyone to join us at both games to celebrate the love of sports in this community.”

For more information, fans can contact either team — info below.

Link to HarbourCats tickets: harbourcats.com/tickets USE DISCOUNT CODE PFCGOAL

Link to Pacific FC tickets: https://www.gofevo.com/event/Experiencepacific2

HarbourCats Season Tickets, 10 and 32-Game Flex Passes and Single Game Tickets are now on sale for all 33 home games and four “Showcase” events through the HarbourCats’ new and one-and-only ticketing partner SHOWPASS.

Tickets and merchandise can also be purchased in person at the HarbourCats office at 101-1814 Vancouver Street or by calling 778-265-0327.

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Summer Collegiate

Victoria HarbourCats – Aryze and Bishop’s Family Cycles come together for HarbourCats’ first-ever BIKE TO THE GAME DAY

Published

1 day ago

June 9, 2025

Dugout Wire Service

June 9, 2025

For immediate release

VICTORIA, B.C. – Join us for BIKE TO THE GAME DAY—Presented by Aryze Developments & Bishop’s Family Cycles.

Victoria’s cycling culture is taking centre field as two local businesses—Aryze Developments and Bishop’s Family Cycles—team up to present Victoria HarbourCats’ first-ever Bike to the Game Day, happening Tuesday, June 17 at Wilson’s Group Stadium at Royal Athletic Park. Gates open at 5:30 PM, with the first pitch at 6:35 PM as the HarbourCats face off against island rivals, the Nanaimo NightOwls.

“We’re incredibly fortunate to live in a city where you can safely cycle from just about any neighbourhood along all-ages-and-abilities routes that connect right to the stadium gates,” says Luke Mari, Principal at Aryze Developments. “Victoria’s cycling infrastructure isn’t just progressive—it’s practical—and it’s something worth celebrating.”

Fans who arrive by bike will benefit from additional secure bike parking inside the stadium concourse, making it easier than ever to leave the car at home. Attendees will also have the chance to test-ride a selection of e-bikes and cargo bikes from Bishop’s Family Cycles and speak with their knowledgeable staff to explore family-friendly cycling solutions.

“The location of Wilson’s Group Stadium at RAP is ideal for encouraging more active transportation and in particular getting to our games that way,” said Adrian Somers, VP of Operations and Business for the HarbourCats. “Our park is right on the corner of two key bike corridors—Vancouver Street, and Caledonia Avenue—and there are always safe places to lock bikes for those who cycle to our games. The City of Victoria continues to add more bike lock options, and we’re excited to work with Aryze and Bishop’s Family Cycles to steer that message home.”

Located at 730 Pandora—Bishop’s Family Cycles is a family owned, Victoria run business based on community, family and green–energy alternatives. Named after their own son Bishop—owners Rob and Liz are passionate about encouraging families and young cyclists to get riding!

Aryze Developments, a long-time advocate for urbanism and sustainable infrastructure, brought forward this partnership as a natural extension of their mission in city-building for the better. As a newly certified BCorporation, Aryze is committed to rigorous standards in balancing profit and purpose as an organization.

Tickets for Bike to the Game Day are available now HERE. You can also purchase tickets in person at the HarbourCats office at 101-1814 Vancouver Street or by calling 778-265-0327. Fans are encouraged to arrive early, lock up safely, and explore the concourse festivities before the game begins.

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Summer Collegiate

NorthPaws close out first full week of the season with a loss to Kelowna

Published

2 days ago

June 9, 2025

Dugout Wire Service

The Kamloops NorthPaws were unable to secure a weekend sweep of the Kelowna Falcons, losing 9-3 on Sunday afternoon at Norbrock Stadium. After taking the first two, the NorthPaws were unable to manufacture runs despite having nine hits. Kelowna took advantage when they needed to, and the deficit was too large to overcome.

The Falcons would draw first blood as a single with two runners on would make it 1-0. In the bottom of the second, Kamloops left fielder Austin Coyle singled and stole second. Coyle took off for third and would score off a throwing error by the Kelowna catcher, tying the game.

In the top of the fourth, the Falcons went to work, forcing four walks, a hit by pitch, and two singles, scoring four runs and making it 5-1. Kelowna would add one more in the top of the fifth off an RBI double. Kamloops responded with a Joey Marino sacrifice fly in the bottom half, but a controversial play at third base killed the rally.

The Falcons would use that and capitalize in the top of the seventh. Three walks and a single made it 7-2. A few pitches later, the bases were loaded, and a base hit up the middle made it 9-2. In the bottom half, second baseman Elijah Clayton hit his second triple in roughly 17 hours. He would later score courtesy of a single up the middle from designated hitter Matt MacDonald.

That would be all the NorthPaws could muster against the Falcons. Kelowna made it through Sunday with just three pitchers being used. Each arm went three innings, giving up one earned run.

“We shot ourselves in the foot a little bit today with leaving guys on base and being too aggressive, but that will happen from time to time,” said Head Coach Reily Jepson

Although it wasn’t the conclusion to the week they wanted, the NorthPaws have won two of their first three series and are off to their best start in franchise history.

“We’ll take 6-3 for sure, I’m proud of the way these guys have grinded in the first 10 days of the season,” said Jepson.

Local kid Matt MacDonald has been finding his form of late with two hits on Sunday and playing a significant role in Kelowna on Saturday night, hitting the team’s first home run of the season. Having played 7 of their first nine on the road, hearing the home crowd road on Friday night still hits home.

“When the crowd started clapping during the final out was so cool to me; I haven’t really experienced that, so it was really cool. I’m hoping we get more games like that this year,” said MacDonald.

The team will be off on Monday but back on the road Tuesday night as they pay a visit to Wenatchee for a three-game series against the Apple Sox. The NorthPaws will be back at home on Friday, June 13th, as they host the Edmonton River Hawks for a weekend series.

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