Summer Collegiate

NorthPaws drop game three after a big seventh inning from the Apple Sox

Published

12 months ago

June 13, 2025

Dugout Wire Service

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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Summer Collegiate

2026 NightOwls Coaching Staff

Published

2 days ago

May 23, 2026

Dugout Wire Service

NightOwls coaching staff grows in 2026

Heimueller celebrating 50 years in baseball

Cody Andreychuk, the Head Coach of his hometown Nanaimo NightOwls, already had tremendous experience with collegiate and summer baseball.

Going into his second season steering the NightOwls, he feels even more prepared and supported with the challenge of the West Coast League ahead.

Andreychuk will have veteran Pitching Coach Gorm Heimueller with him again.

The 70-year-old is entering his 50th year in the game dating back to his college years at Cal Poly when he was a teammate of Ozzie Smith. Heimueller, who has three World Series rings from his stellar pro ball coaching career, is the only pitching coach the fifth-year organization has ever known.

Returning as the Athletic Therapist Extraordinaire is one of the best in the business, Dr. Kyle Salloum — a chiropractor and AT from Prime Performance and Therapy, which also serves as the official training centre of the NightOwls.

Added to the NightOwls staff this year is assistant coach Cam Revolt, a former college player now an assistant with Andreychuk at the University of Pikeville in Kentucky. The infielder hit nine home runs and drove in 111 while playing four seasons and batting .312 for the Bears.

The NightOwls have added Jordan McLeod as Bullpen Coach — a product of Nelson, B.C. and currently a teacher in Nanaimo and a graduate of Vancouver Island University, who is the Pitching Coach for the VIU Mariners. He is a former Douglas College and VIU pitcher.

Bench coach and mental skills coach Dr. Jordan Herbison, an instructor at VIU and a former UBC pitcher, is back to support the staff.

Andreychuk, 33, played in the West Coast League in 2013 for the Kelowna Falcons and served as an assistant coach in the famed Cape Cod League, the top summer collegiate league. In his first season leading the NightOwls, the former VIU player and Nanaimo product led the NightOwls to within a whisker of the playoffs, finishing at 23-31. Pikeville finished the spring season with a 29-19 record, reaching the playoffs, on the heels of winning 27 games in 2025 and 30 games in 2024.

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Summer Collegiate

Victoria HarbourCats – Victoria HarbourCats Announce Expanded Premium Group Experiences for 2026 Season

Published

3 days ago

May 22, 2026

Dugout Wire Service

New and enhanced hospitality spaces, upgraded fan experiences, and streamlined online booking now live at harbourcats.com/groups

May 22, 2026

VICTORIA, B.C. – The Victoria HarbourCats are elevating the group entertainment experience for their 2026 season with expanded premium hospitality offerings, upgraded fan spaces, and a newly enhanced online booking platform designed to make planning summer outings easier than ever heading in to the All-Star Game Festival taking place at Wilson’s Group Stadium at Royal Athletic Park and around the City July 14th – 16th, 2026.

With demand continuing to grow for corporate outings, staff events, client entertainment, birthdays, reunions, and social gatherings, the HarbourCats have introduced several refreshed and newly-enhanced group spaces at Royal Athletic Park – many of which are already seeing strong early demand.

Fans and organizations can now explore real-time availability, view space details/renderings, review spacing/capacity and pricing information, and submit booking requests directly at harbourcats.com/groups.

New and enhanced premium spaces for the 2026 season include:

Canadian Club House – a newly themed hospitality space along the third base line designed for groups and premium experiences.

The Nordic Fencing Dugout – an intimate field-level hospitality option next to the HarbourCats dugout that places guests close to the action while providing a unique experience for smaller private groups with tables for two.

The Strath Party Deck – a long-time fan favourite that continues to be one of the stadium’s most popular group destinations, offering a high-energy atmosphere ideal for larger celebrations, team outings, and company events.

Top Deck Lounge by Sipsmith Gin – one of the most unique viewing experiences in summer baseball returns with major upgrades for 2026, inside and atop the iconic double-decker British bus along the first base line.

Vancouver Island Brewing Islander FanZone – a casual and energetic group environment giving an outdoor brewery patio vibe that remains a popular option for fans looking for a fun and flexible game-day gathering space.

“Our premium hospitality program has grown significantly because people are looking for experiences that go beyond simply attending a baseball game,” said Jim Swanson, Managing Partner of the Victoria HarbourCats. “We’re proud to have hired some of the best in hospitality management to take it to the next level, whether it’s a company event, client appreciation night, staff party, birthday celebration, or just getting friends together, our team has created unique options to fit every type of group.”

Several key summer dates – including fireworks nights, weekend matchups, and 2026 West Coast League All-Star Game festivities – are already seeing limited availability.

Groups interested in booking are encouraged to visit harbourcats.com/groups to explore options and secure preferred dates before availability becomes limited.

More details are forthcoming on additional activations, including an exciting addition to the park, a recently-installed viewing platform with arguably the best view in the house!

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

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Summer Collegiate

Two returning pitchers, two D1 bats added to roster

Published

3 days ago

May 21, 2026

Dugout Wire Service

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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