Summer Collegiate

NorthPaws had their chances but lose to Bells in low scoring affair

Published

10 months ago

June 4, 2025

Dugout Wire Service

The Kamloops NorthPaws lost their first game of the season on Tuesday night at Joe Martin Field in Bellingham. The Bells scored three in the first inning, and then neither team plated a run for the rest of the game. Pitching was on full display, as there were just five combined hits in the game.

In the bottom of the first, NorthPaws starting pitcher Mason Chien had an 0-2 count and ended up walking the leadoff batter. A crafty bunt forced a throwing error and put runners on the corners. A couple of pitches later, Bellinghams’ third batter hit a ground ball up the third base side that third baseman Joey Marino struggled with on the transfer from glove to throwing hand, allowing the runner to be safe and the first run to score.

During the next at-bat, Chien threw ball four that turned into a wild pitch, making it 2-0. The Bells would add a base hit to load the bases, and a past ball would bring in the third and eventual final run of the ballgame. Chien would get out of the bases-loaded jam and cap the damage at just three runs.

Unfortunately for the NorthPaws, they couldn’t keep their bats hot. Bells Lefty starter Callum Young threw three no-hit innings before exiting the game. Kamloops had a pair of runners on after Marino and Keegan Drinkle both walked, they would be stranded on base. The NorthPaws would leave nine runners on base and were unable to get that extra situational hit to get on the board.

In the fifth, Kamloops had their best chance to score. A single and two walks loaded the bases with one out when Shortstop Anthony Setticassi sent a fly ball to left center field that looked to be deep enough for Kieran Gaffney to tag from third. Gaffney tagged up, but the throw from left field was perfect; the Bells turned two and escaped the inning unscathed.

In the sixth, the NorthPaws had runners at second and third with one out when catcher Matt MacDonald hit a sharp grounder to first that was snagged by the first baseman. Cade Palkowski was bolting for home, but yet another great throw got him at the plate, preserving the shutout.

“They made some nice plays out there tonight; if those plays go our way, it’s a completely different game, but it went their way tonight,” said Head Coach Reily Jepson.

Despite the offensive woes, the pitching staff combined for eight scoreless innings, giving up just one hit and walking two batters. Keith Manby went three innings, striking out a pair of Bells, while Macallister Gatzke and Luke Petrie both finished the game with clean innings. After giving up nine runs to Port Angeles on Sunday afternoon, this is a massive feat for a staff that can only gain confidence from this collective performance.

“This definitely helps, but I’ll always have confidence in this staff; I think we have a lot of good arms and a lot of depth; if we go out there and pitch to our strengths no matter who we face, I think we’ll have a good shot,” said Pitching Coach Jack Slominski.
Although the offence didn’t come through in certain moments, the bullpen’s efforts can be something for the team to build upon as the series continues.

“They (the bullpen) gave us a chance to still be in that game, so we definitely owe them one,” said Jepson.
The NorthPaws will be back at it on Wednesday night for game two in Bellingham. Same time, same place, 6:35, first pitch, and you can watch on West Coast League TV or listen along on the NorthPaws Mixlr.

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Summer Collegiate

Victoria HarbourCats – Vancouver Island Brewing Named Official Craft Beer Partner of the Victoria HarbourCats

Published

2 days ago

March 18, 2026

Dugout Wire Service

New partnership brings classic Vancouver Island craft beer to Wilson’s Group Stadium Royal Athletic Park, celebrating the ultimate Islander summer.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 18, 2026

VICTORIA, B.C. — Vancouver Island Brewing (VIB) and the Victoria HarbourCats Baseball Club today announced a new long-term partnership that will bring Vancouver Island Brewing to Wilson’s Group Stadium at Royal Athletic Park starting at the Home Opener on June 2, 2026. As part of the agreement, Vancouver Island Brewing is now the Official Craft Beer Partner of the Victoria HarbourCats.

At the heart of the partnership is Islander Lager, VIB’s crisp, easy-drinking lager made for laid-back summer adventures, now set to become a game-day staple at Royal Athletic Park. Fans will also find selections from Vancouver Island Brewing’s core lineup on offer throughout the season, along with the new Islander Fan Zone space, creating even more ways to enjoy the best of the Island at the ballpark.

“Vancouver Island summers are all about community, sunshine, and something cold in your hand,” said Ana Wagner-Chazalon, Marketing Manager at Vancouver Island Brewing. “The HarbourCats are one of those classic summer experiences in Victoria, and we’re proud to partner with them to make local craft beer part of the game-day ritual.”

“We’re always looking for partners who share our love for this community and everything that makes Victoria summers so special,” said Jim Swanson, Managing Partner of the Victoria HarbourCats. “Vancouver Island Brewing is as Island as it gets, and having a local craft beer in the hands of our fans on a warm evening at the ballpark just feels right. We can’t wait for Opening Night.”

The Vancouver Island Brewing and HarbourCats partnership is designed to feel local in the best way: familiar, fun, and undeniably Island. The partnership will extend beyond the ballpark, with collaborative programming and storytelling planned throughout the 2026 season. Additional details, including about the new in-park Islander FanZone experience, will be shared closer to the Home Opener on June 2.

About Vancouver Island Brewing
Vancouver Island Brewing has been crafting beer on the Island since 1984, rooted in the community and landscapes that inspire every pour. Vancouver Island Brewing makes award-winning beers, from classic lagers to innovative ales, using quality ingredients and traditional brewing methods inspired by the island it calls home. Learn more at vibrewing.com.

About the Victoria HarbourCats
The Victoria HarbourCats are a member of the West Coast League, a summer collegiate baseball league featuring top NCAA talent from across North America. The HarbourCats play their home games at historic Royal Athletic Park in Victoria, B.C. Learn more at www.harbourcats.com

Media Contacts:
Ana Wagner-Chazalon, Marketing Manager Vancouver Island Brewing ana@vibrewingcom | 250-216-0701
Jim Swanson, Managing Partner Victoria HarbourCats jim@harbourcats.com | 250-889-5204

Tickets for all 2026 HarbourCats games, as well as the 2026 All-Star Game and Home Run Derby July 14-15, Season Tickets and Flex-Packs are now on sale at harbourcats.com/tickets or at the HarbourCats office at 101-1814 Vancouver Street just around the corner from the stadium.

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Summer Collegiate

Victoria HarbourCats – New Era Canada, Rawlings, Adidas join with WCL All-Star Game

Published

3 days ago

March 18, 2026

Dugout Wire Service

March 17, 2026

VICTORIA, BC — The best caps, and the best gear, from the best baseball brands.

The organizing committee of the 2026 West Coast League All-Star Game is proud to announce the involvement of strategic baseball-brand partners in producing a memorable event, with the WCL All-Star Game Festival slated for July 14-15 in Victoria.

The game itself will be played on Wednesday, July 15, at Wilson’s Group Stadium at Royal Athletic Park, home of the Victoria HarbourCats.

New Era Canada will be providing a special selection of WCL All-Star Game caps, and fan wear, while Rawlings will produce the official player/coach gear along with fan garments. Adidas is providing backpacks for all the coaches and the players who are selected to participate in this spectacular event, that will include community activations, kids camps, off-site socials, and a home run derby (on Tuesday, July 14).

“Everyone involved will love the items that will showcase the branding for this event, and we thank these partners for coming on board,” said Adrian Somers, VP of Business and Operations for the HarbourCats, and a member of the event steering committee. “These brands are synonymous with baseball, and the look and feel of these items will be at that all-star level.”

The All-Star Festival begins the morning of July 14, 2026 with a kids camp and wiffle ball scrub game on the lawn of the BC Legislature, followed by a Home Run Derby at Wilson’s Group Stadium that evening. The actual All-Star game takes place on Wednesday evening July 15th at 7:00 pm.

Ticket packages are now on sale for the Home Run Derby and the All-Star Game and are available on-line HERE, or by stopping in at the HarbourCats office at 101-1814 Vancouver Street to order in person.

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Summer Collegiate

Choo Signs with NightOwls – Son of MLB All-Star!

Published

1 week ago

March 12, 2026

Dugout Wire Service

Alan Choo has seen a lot of home runs in his life — hundreds from his father, and now a healthy number off his own bat in college.

The son of former MLB all-star outfielder Shin-Soo Choo, a Korean product who hit 218 long balls in his 16-season career, Alan himself has now established himself as a power hitter in the college ranks.

Choo, currently at Orange Coast College, is tied for third in home runs in the CCCAA with nine, including two in a game on Tuesday. He is a legitimate draft prospect for this coming July!!

“I’m so pumped to play for the NightOwls,” said Alan Choo, who turns 21 at the end of this week. “I’ve only heard great things about the organization and coaching staff and the players’ futures that go through the NightOwls. I’m super excited for the summer!”

Choo, a lefty hitter who plays first base and DH, is close friends with returning catcher Clark Springs, who is in D1 baseball at UT-Arlington. Choo, who was born in Phoenix Arizona, is a sophomore and checks in at 6’1” and 225 lbs.

“This is a big signing for us, adding a feared lefty power bat to hit in the middle of the order with returning all-stars Jacob Hayes and Talan Zenk,” said Head Coach Cody Andreychuk. “We will have big bats and depth on our roster, and we think Alan will be a leader for us so we can bring a championship to Nanaimo.”

Choo the senior was an outstanding Major League hitter, starting his big league time as a Seattle Mariner in 2005, then moving on to Cleveland, Cincinnati and Texas, where he played his final season in 2020. He received MVP votes in 2010 and 2013 and went to the all-star game in 2018, representing the Rangers. In seven of his seasons, he hit 20 or more home runs. He also stole 157 bases in his career, with three 20-20 seasons.

Shin-Soo Choo is still involved in the game after retirement, now as a scout.

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