The Kamloops Northpaws lost the rubber match to the Wenatchee Apple Sox on Thursday night after a five-run seventh inning by the home team. The Apple Sox led 5-1 heading into the fourth inning, but the North scored four, tying the game. The lead would change twice more as Wenatchee took a 6-5 lead into sixth, but it didn’t last much longer as Kamloops grabbed a one-run lead of their own. Despite 11 hits in the game, the NorthPaws offence fizzled out late as the mountain was too big to climb this time around.

Kamloops starter Owen Fernandes worked quickly in the bottom of the first, recording the first two outs. The Apple Sox hitters mounted a rally with a walk, a single, and a triple, making it 2-0.

The top of the third saw NorthPaws center fielder Ethan Kodama send a single to center field, scoring catcher Kalen Applefield and cutting the lead in half.

Wenatchee responded in the bottom of the third, extending their lead. Fernandes would record two quick outs but had trouble finishing the inning. A single, walk, and double put the Sox up by two. A few pitches later, Fernandes threw one away, scoring the fourth run. That would be it for the righty as lefty Kaden Douglas-Pluff came on in relief. Three pitches later, the third run of the inning came across after a single to left field.

The third out of the inning was a highlight reel play from Kodama in center. Wenatchee shortstop Cade Martinez sent a fly ball to the left-center gap. The Apple Sox already had the bases loaded, and if the ball fell, two more runs were bound to score. Kodama tracked down the ball and laid out, making a diving catch to spot the bleeding.

The play by Kodama gave the bats some life in the top of the fourth. Nolan Austin and Ethan Kodama both singled with one out. The order was back to the top for second baseman Elijah Clayton, who made it three singles in a row, scoring Austin. Connor Clark reached base via an error setting up Drew Schmidt, who hit a sacrifice fly to right field, scoring Kodama.

Right fielder Jared Hall was next and tied the game with one swing of the bat. Clark stole second, putting himself in scoring position, later tying the game as Hall singled to left field. The Apple Sox would regain their one-run lead in the bottom of the fifth.

In the sixth, Kodama and Clayton both singled, and Clark sacrificed himself with a bunt, moving his teammates to second and third. Drew Schmidt sent a sharp ground ball to shortstop that couldn’t be handled as Kodama scored, tying the game once more. Hall was up next and came through in a big moment, sending a line drive to center that scored Clayton, giving the NorthPaws their first lead of the game.

Unfortunately for Kamloops, that was the last run they would score. The Apple Sox came to bat in the bottom of the seventh and made the most of the NorthPaws mistakes. Two errors, one past ball, one single and a double brought in five runs for the Apple Sox, sending the hometown crowd into a frenzy.

Despite the series loss, the NorthPaws had 11 hits, including two crucial hits from Jared Hall, who had three of the biggest RBIs of the game for Kamloops. The NorthPaws have had stretches where they couldn’t get the big hits to fall their way, but in the last two games of the series, that changed.

“I think we were due for it. There was a string of games where we left ten plus guys on base, so hopefully, the guys realize how big this is, and we keep it rolling this weekend,” said Assistant Coach Trey Newman.

Another positive for the team was that they had 46 stolen bases as a team, which led the league. However, with four more on Thursday night, the team now has an even 50 on the season.

“It’s a testament to the guys; they know what our identity is, and that’s them going out there and playing our game,” said Newman.

The NorthPaws will now return home for their first three-game home series of the season. The team has played 10 of their first 12 on the road and is eager to treat the fans.

“I’m excited for them; these guys have been grinding on the road. I know it will be great to have two-night games this weekend, so hopefully, Norbrock is loud,” said Newman.

The Edmonton Riverhawks will come to town starting on Friday night. The first pitch is set for 6:35.

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NANAIMO, BC — Series Nanaimo, and the trophy will stay with the Nanaimo NightOwls, at least until next week. As the teams meet again in a weekday series in Victoria. Jacob Hayes set up the charcuterie board and hit a Grand Salami in the top of the fourth inning, and the NightOwls pitching did the rest, holding Victoria to just four runs on eight hits.

NightOwls starting pitcher Lino Zepeda went 4 strong innings, giving up just three runs on four hits and striking out four. The relievers did the rest, as Jaedeyn Edwards went three scoreless innings with three strikeouts and got the win on the afternoon for Nanaimo.

It was the Jacob Hayes show Thursday afternoon at Wilson’s Group Stadium. Jacob, from Azusa Pacific University, put the NightOwls ahead in the fourth inning with a Grand Slam, and Nanaimo didn’t look back. Hayes also walked in a run with his great eyes at the plate and finished the day with five RBI. It also brings his hit streak up to 8 games, and he will look to continue the hot streak on Friday against the Kelowna Falcons.

Chipping in offensively were Drew Giannini, who had two singles on the day. Second basemen Talan Zenk also had two hits on the day, going two for five and also adding a run.

Brady Morse and Dalton Hanson closed out things on the mound for the Nanaimo Night Owls. Catcher Brock Wirthgen called a great game and threw out the only baserunner who tried to steal on him. It might not be best to test Brock’s arm this year.

Head Coach Cody Andreychuk spoke about the game, “The guys came out with a chip on their shoulder today after yesterdays loss and responded well. Excellent pitching and defense today by all of our guys and great at-bats led to some big-time hits.” On Jacob Hayes, “His Grand Slam really helped us get the momentum back.”

Series Nanaimo NightOwls after an all-around team win. The rivalry continues next week, so there isn’t much time for gloating, even thou I am going to do it. Trophy Stays in Nanaimo!!

The Nanaimo NightOwls continue their road trip in Kelowna for a weekend series against the Falcons. That goes Friday, Saturday, Sunday, June 13th, 14th, and 15th. Nanaimo heads back to Victoria for a three-game stint before returning home on June 20th against the Port Angeles Lefties for a weekend series. Lots of action at Serauxemen Stadium, and Sunday is Family Fun Day and Nanaimo Bar Jerseys, so come with a sweet tooth.

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June 12, 2025

For immediate release

VICTORIA, B.C. – The Nanaimo NightOwls spoiled the school spirit day party, winning the rubber match against the Victoria HarbourCats 8-4.

The atmosphere at Wilson’s Group Stadium at Royal Athletic Park was buzzing with thousands of kids attending Mayfair Optometric’s annual School Spirit Game. The final attendance number was 3584.

The home team got off to a quick start when Logan Shepherd (Tacoma CC) hit a three-run home run in the bottom of the first inning. That was his fourth long-ball of the season and third in this series. The slugger is on a six-game hit streak and leads the team in RBIs with 12.

BOX SCORE

Hudson Lance (Coastal Carolina) made his third appearance of the season and was solid through three shutout innings. He ran into trouble to lead off the fourth, giving up a pair of singles and a walk to load the bases. Lance was given the opportunity to escape the jam but gave up a grand slam to Jacob Hayes, flipping the game on its head and giving the Owls a 4-3 lead.

Jack Finn (Illinois State) replaced Lance and got through the rest of the fourth inning unscathed. In the fifth, the NightOwls loaded the bases again and scored three runs on a walk and a pair of sacrifice flies. Finn struggled with his control in his second appearance in 2025, throwing 1-1/3 innings, giving up three runs on two hits and walking two.

WCL STANDINGS

Garrett Villa (Angelo State) completed 1-2/3 innings, giving up zero runs on one hit and striking out one. Isaiah Afework (Tacoma CC) drove in his fifth run of the campaign with an RBI infield single in the eighth inning. The Cats threatened late, loading the bases, but could not capitalize.

Tristan Thomas (West Texas A&M), Shea Lake (West Texas A&M), and Marcus Janovsky (UBC) all pitched in relief in the latter stages of the game.

WATCH GAMES HERE

Cayden Munster (Fresno State) went three for four in his second game as a HarbourCat for his second straight multi-hit game.

The HarbourCats are at home this weekend against the Bellingham Bells. The games are Friday, June 12 at 6:35 PM, Saturday, June 13 at 6:35 PM, and Sunday, June 14 at 1:05 PM. Buy tickets HERE.

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 at harbourcats.com/tickets.

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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