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Crazy 8s: Another eigth inning rally gives NorthPaws the win in Kelowna

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12 months ago

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The Kamloops NorthPaws defeated the Kelowna Falcons on Saturday night at Elks Stadium 7-6, securing the series victory. It was another back-and-forth ball game that saw the NorthPaws score three in the eighth inning and hold on to win their second one-run game of the season.

Following a scoreless first where the NorthPaws left two men on base, third baseman Kieran Gaffney got hit by a pitch to lead off. Left fielder Cade Palkowski drove Gaffney in with a triple to left center field. Second baseman Joey Marino made it a 2-0 game by driving in Palkowski with a sacrifice fly. Kamloops made it 3-0 in the third courtesy of designated hitter Matthew MacDonald. The Kamloops native hit the NorthPaws first home run of the season.

The Falcons responded in the bottom of the third with a pair of singles and a walk to load the bases. A single to right field scored a pair, making it a one-run game. Two batters later, Kelowna tied the game on a sacrifice fly.

The top of the fifth saw NorthPaws shortstop Elijah Clayton hit the team’s second triple of the night to lead off. Two pitches later, Clayton would score the go-ahead run off a wild pitch.

The back-and-forth battle would swing in favour of the Falcons in the bottom of the sixth, tying the game off back-to-back hits. Later in the inning, a strange situation would unfold as Falcons second baseman Zach Wieder was on third base. Righty Dylan Dekker was on the mound for Kamloops and saw Wieder break for home. Dekker threw the ball home, and the tag was applied. Initially, the Umpire ruled Wieder out at the plate, but the call was overruled because the third base umpire called Dekker for a balk, tying the game.

In the top of the eighth, first baseman Kalen Applefield and catcher Brendan Burke both reached base with third baseman Kieran Gaffney at the plate. Gaffney would get a hold of a 0-2 pitch and drive it to the gap in left-center field, scoring two runs. Cade Palkowski was up next and drove Gaffney in for the second time, making it 7-5.

“He had a big hit last night as well, and to see him do it again tonight was awesome; seeing our guys fight all night long is a great sign for us,” said Head Coach Reily Jepson.

The game would come down to the wire in the bottom of the ninth as righty Keith Manby came into the game with Falcons on second and third with no one out. Manby gave up a sacrifice fly, making it a 7-6 game, but shut the door, recording the final two outs and securing the series victory.

“That was massive for us. Keith was nails tonight. He did a great job,” said Pitching Coach Jack Slominski.

Although the NorthPaws improved to 6-2 on the season, the offence has struggled at times. However, tonight, the team finally saw its first home run and triple of the season.

“That’s been missing from our game early on, so it was nice to see tonight; those runs ignited our offence,” said Jepson.

After a pair of challenging games in Bellingham, the team has rattled off three wins in a row, and with more home games on the horizon, Jepson is excited.

“It’s nice for the guys to be able to sleep in their own beds and establish routines; it’s tough to do that when you’re on the road,” said Jepson.

The Falcons and NorthPaws will face off once again on Sunday afternoon at Norbrock Stadium. The first pitch is set for 12:05 pm, and you can watch the game on West Coast League TV.

 

 

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Summer Collegiate

Two returning pitchers, two D1 bats added to roster

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10 hours ago

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May 21, 2026

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May 21, 2026

For immediate release 

NANAIMO, B.C. — In the West Coast League, top-tier college status matters, and the Nanaimo NightOwls adding two position players from D1-level UC San Diego is a strong step for the coming season.

Nathaniel Widelski and Liam O’Day, an outfielder and infielder respectively, bring all around skills to the NightOwls for the summer of 2026 at Serauxmen Stadium.

Just as much interest for Nanaimo fans is the signing of pitcher Jaden Patrick of the Vancouver Island University Mariners, and returning lefty Jake Schumacher to the mix.

“We love having island players, and we like bringing quality people back for additional seasons, where they know our program and can be leaders,” said GM Tina Cornett. “Getting Liam and Nathaniel from UC San Diego is a big boost for the lineup.”

The player signed this week by Head Coach Cody Andreychuk, further bolstering the 2026 roster:

IF Liam O’Day, UC San Diego, 6-2/195, R/R, San Diego

OF Nathaniel Widelski, UC San Diego, 6-1/180, R/R, San Diego

LHP Jake Schumacher, East Texas Baptist University, 5-10/180, Kennewick, WA

RHP Jaden Patrick, Vancouver Island University, 6-0/205, Victoria, B.C.

RHP Cesar Corrales Jr, Long Beach City College, 6-2/215, Playa Del Rey, CA

O’Day, a freshman, played in the California Collegiate League last summer, while Widelski recently hit his first college home run, in the lineup in centre field against the University of San Diego. Both have pro-potential body types and are expected to be key players at UCSD starting next season.

Patrick spent most of the summer of 2023 as a NightOwl, with four hits allowed and two strikeouts in three appearances in league action. The Victoria product is pitching for VIU this spring.

Schumacher, a Kennewick, WA product then pitching out of D2 St. Martin’s, made seven appearances for the NightOwls in 2024 and one rough outing inflated his ERA to 4.76. He is now at ETBU and has 20 strikeouts in 19.2 innings.

Corrales, who went to the same LA-area high school (St. Bernard’s) as pitching coach Gorm Heimueller graduated from a half century ago, has a fastball that gets up to 92, and is eager to pile up innings throwing for Heimueller.

Tickets are available for all games — season tickets, ticket packages, and single game offerings, though the NightOwls website (nanaimonightowls.com/ticketinfo). Don’t be fooled by third party resale sites.

The NightOwls open on the road at Ridgefield on May 29 but return home for the club’s fifth home opener on June 2 against the Kelowna Falcons, who are coached by former MLB player and broadcaster Gregg Zaun.

 

 

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Summer Collegiate

Victoria HarbourCats – USC Infielder, Local Catcher Headline Last Signed HarbourCats for 2026

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1 day ago

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May 21, 2026

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Carter Eberhard (Cal Baptist) (above) made a splash in the Alaska League last summer (photo courtesy of  CBU Lancers)

VICTORIA, B.C. — It’s hard to believe, but Hayden Woodson is about to become the first USC Trojan in Victoria HarbourCats history, with the team now into its 12th season in the West Coast League.

Woodson, a shortstop by trade who is athletic enough to play all over the diamond, saw little playing time at powerhouse USC as a freshman — but will get to break out as a HarbourCat in front of Victoria fans at Wilson’s Group Stadium at Royal Athletic Park, site of the 2026 and 2027 WCL All-Star Game festivities.

Woodson is joined on the last list of announced players for the 2026 season by Victoria-raised catcher Lukas LeGras, who got a taste of the WCL last summer.

Head coach Todd Haney has signed the following players for 2026:

C Lukas LeGras, Westmont, R/R, 6-0/205, Victoria
IF/OF Hayden Woodson, USC, R/R, 5-11/182, Whittier, CA
SS Frankie Rutigliano, Portland, R/R, 6-0/160, Medford, OR
1B/3B Carter Eberhard, Cal Baptist, L/R, 6-2/180, Castro Valley, CA
OF Bryan Bradshaw, UC San Diego, L/L, 6-0/210, Pomona, CA
SS Jax Heid, Southeastern Oklahoma State, R/R, 6-0/185, Boyd, TX

LeGras graduated from the Victoria Eagles PBL program and moved to Westmont University in California this past season, playing in ten games as freshman in an NCAA Div II conference. The Lambrick grad saw action in two WCL games for the HarbourCats last summer.

Rutigliano is a sophomore who does strong infield work with his glove and arm, and used his speed to swipe 19 bags for the Medford Rogues in the summer of 2025.

Eberhard, a lefty hitter finishing his sophomore year, hit .345 in the famed Alaska League in the summer of 2025, and has five home runs for CBU this spring in 37 games, including 19 starts.

Bradshaw, a lefty-hitting junior, broke out as a college hitter batting .404 with seven home runs and 13 stolen bases while at Mt. Sac in junior college.

Heid saw plenty of playing time as a freshman, batting .258 with a couple of home runs, while drawing 31 walks over 49 games and striking out just 20 times.

The HarbourCats begin their 2026 season on May 29th with a visit to Portland and then return to Victoria for the Home Opener against the Edmonton Riverhawks on Tuesday, June 2, 6:30 pm.

Season tickets, single-game tickets, 12 and 32-game flex packs and 2026 All-Star Game ticket packages are now on sale at http://harbourcats.com/tickets or at the HarbourCats office at 1814 Vancouver Street.

 

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Victoria HarbourCats – Canadian Club Named Presenting Sponsor of 2026 West Coast League All-Star Game in Victoria

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1 day ago

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May 20, 2026

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VICTORIA, B.C. – The Victoria HarbourCats are proud to announce that Canadian Club has been named the Presenting Sponsor of the 2026 West Coast League All-Star Game, marking a major milestone in a new long-term partnership with Suntory Global Spirits. The All-Star Game sponsorship forms part of a long-term agreement between the HarbourCats and Suntory, bringing Canadian Club, one of the world’s most admired whisky brands to the forefront of one of summer baseball’s premier events.

As Presenting Sponsor, Canadian Club will play a central role in shaping the fan experience at the 2026 West Coast League All-Star Game, set to take place at Wilson’s Group Stadium at Royal Athletic Park July 15th, 2026, preceded by the Home Run Derby July 14th, 2026.

Beyond the All-Star Game festivities, fans can expect to see Suntory Global Spirits brands integrated throughout the ballpark this season with a series of elevated and immersive activations, including:

• Top Deck Lounge by Sipsmith Gin – a refreshed, unique double-decker British bus
experience offering premium views and a vibrant social atmosphere.
• Canadian Club House – a newly themed hospitality space along the third base line
designed for groups and premium experiences.
• Additional in-game and on-site activations designed to enhance the overall fan
experience throughout the 2026 season.

Fans, groups, and organizers are encouraged to visit harbourcats.com/groups to find availability and booking information for all premium spaces as the Home Opener draws closer.

“Partnering with Canadian Club as the Presenting Sponsor of the 2026 West Coast League All-Star Game is a tremendous step forward for our organization,” said Jim Swanson, Managing Partner of the Victoria HarbourCats. “This long-term agreement with Suntory Global Spirits allows us to elevate not only the All-Star Game, but the entire fan experience at the ballpark.”

“As long-time community supporters, we’re excited to continue our work and expand
our visible presence in Victoria and be part of such a marquee event,” said Karissa Dahl
of Suntory Global Spirits. “Canadian Club has a long history of bringing people together, and the HarbourCats provide the perfect platform to connect with fans in a fun and meaningful way.”

The 2026 West Coast League All-Star Game will bring together the league’s top talent for a celebration of collegiate summer baseball, with Canadian Club at the centre of the festivities.

Details on All-Star Game programming, events, and ticketing will continue to be announced in the coming weeks leading up to the festival.

ABOUT THE VICTORIA HARBOURCATS
The Victoria HarbourCats are a premier summer collegiate baseball organization competing in the West Coast League, delivering high-quality baseball and entertainment to fans at Wilson’s Group Stadium at Royal Athletic Park in Victoria, British Columbia.

Media Contact:

Jim Swanson
(778) 265-0327
jim@harbourcats.com
www.harbourcats.com

ABOUT SUNTORY GLOBAL SPIRITS
Suntory Global Spirits is a world leader in premium spirits with a mission of inspiring human connections. Their includes notable brands such as -196, Canadian Club, Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Sipsmith Gin, Alberta Distillers, and other globally-recognized products. With an unwavering attention to detail and enduring respect for nature, Suntory crafts spirits of the highest quality and delivers brilliant experiences to people around the world.

Media Contact:

Karissa Dahl
(604) 340-1779
karissa.dahl@beamsuntory.com
www.suntoryglobalspirits.com

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