KAMLOOPS — The Kamloops NorthPaws are returning to Dearborn Ford Field at NorBrock Stadium on Tuesday as the West Coast season begins to wrap up ahead of the playoffs.

The Paws are back in Kamloops after a tough road trip which saw the squad drop five of six on the road, concluding with a three game sweep at the hands of the Victoria HarbourCats in the provincial capital. Kamloops sits last in the North Division at 6-13 in the second half, 5.5 games back of the leading Bellingham Bells who arrive in the Tournament Capital on Tuesday for a three game set. 

The Bellingham Bells are continuing a Canadian road trip, which saw them win two of three versus the Nanaimo NightOwls on the Island. 

GAME 1

A late inning surge from the Victoria HarbourCats propelled the Islander to victory in the opening game of the set 11-6.

Shane Brinham was thrust into action for his first career WCL appearance, pitching a superb five innings of no-hit baseball, walking six but also striking out 5, taking a no-decision. 

The NorthPaws would jump out to an early 5-0 lead thanks to two runs in the 2nd and three more in the 3rd, before the HarbourCats racked up 11 runs from the 6th inning onwards. 

Shortstop Anthony Setticasi led the way for Kamloops with a 2-4 3RBI evening at the plate. Dylan Dekker, and Madden Ocko both added an RBI in the loss. The game unravelled in the seventh for Kamloops with Victoria pushing across seven runs and taking a lead they would never surrender. 

The Cats’ Michael Crossland, and Michelle Artzberger both collected 3RBI in the win for Victoria. Willem Heilker collected the win, pitching two innings of relief allowing 1 unearned run and striking out three.

Chase Taylor was tagged with the loss. 

GAME 2

Victoria’s offensive weapons continued to dominate Kamloops’ pitching staff in the second game, defeating the Paws 15-3. 

Cade Johnson started for Kamloops and took the loss, after pitching 2.1IP, 9H, 8ER, 2K. Joey Rico was a bright spot for Kamloops in the loss going 2-4 at the plate with 2RBI, both of his hits went for doubles. Jacob Schlesselman had the other RBI. 

Michelle Artzberger failed to cool off between games, collecting four more RBI in game two, for seven in the series. In total the Victoria batters collected 18 hits and 8 walks in the victory. 

Taylor Franklin earned the win, pitching one inning of clean baseball. 

GAME 3

Victoria completed the sweep during a matinee on Sunday 7-3. 

Sawyer Jensen got the starting nod for Kamloops and pitched well, allowing just 4ER over 6.0IP with 3K but ended up taking the loss. Cade Webber, and Oliver Mabee also pitched in the contest for the NorthPaws with Mabee allowing the other three runs to Victoria. 

Flynn Ridley was the winning pitcher of record, throwing three innings of no-hit ball in relief of starter Trey Langan. 

TJ Wachter hit his second homer of the season, a solo-shot in the fourth inning. Catcher Jerry Nix also collected an RBI in the loss on a 1-3 night. 

UPCOMING SCHEDULE
Monday, July 29 – Off-Day
Tuesday, July 30 vs Bellingham, 6:35 first pitch
Wednesday, July 31 vs Bellingham, 6:35 first pitch
Thursday, August 1, vs Bellingham, 6:35 first pitch
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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