Summer Collegiate
NorthPaws prepare for Bellingham comeback after Wenatchee sweep
Photo credit – Allen Douglas Photography
KAMLOOPS — The Wenatchee AppleSox travelled to Kamloops and left with a North Division leading 12-3 record after a weekend sweep. The set also pushed the Kamloops NorthPaws losing streak to seven games.
Game 1 –
It was an old fashioned pitching duel to begin the three game set between the AppleSox and NorthPaws on Friday night, with the visitors pulling out a thrilling 2-1 win.
Wenatchee starter Evan Canfield went toe-to-toe with ‘Paws righty Josh Berenbaum all night, with both pitchers striking out eight batters along the way. Berenbaum went six strong giving up 2-runs, only 1-earned on just 3-hits, taking a tough-luck loss. He was outdone by Canfield who went 8.0 innings, giving up 5 hits, and 1-unearned run.
The AppleSox would strike first in the sixth inning, scoring the opening run of the ballgame without the benefit of a base hit thanks to a pair of Kamloops errors and a sacrifice bunt.
The NorthPaws would respond in the bottom half thanks to a Hayato Ikeda RBI single. The winning run would score in the seventh on a 2-out RBI single from Hunter Friedberg.
With the tying run standing on second base in the ninth with two outs, Jerry Nix would single up the middle but Dylan Dekker would be gunned at the plate by Max Hartman to end the ballgame and secure the Wenatchee win.
Tristian LaMaison earned his first save of the season thanks to the 8-2 putout.
Game 2 –
The offense in the series arrived in spades for the AppleSox in game two, as they would bully their way to a 13-2 victory.
Wenatchee would strike early with a first inning run, before exploding for six in the 4th inning and never looking back. Cannon Peery would lead the offense with a 3-5, 4 RBI night. Aidan Dougherty and Max Hartman both provide 2 RBI as well in the dominant win.
The two runs of the ballgame for Kamloops came in the 6th inning when Jacob Schlesselman brought home Jacob French and Tyler Glowacki with a single.
Derek Murphy would take the loss giving up 6ER over 3 innings. Casper Rammeloo allowed 4ER over 2 innings of relief.
Quincy Vassar earned the win for the AppleSox pitching 6 strong giving up 2ER on 6 hits. Braiden Boyd would earn the rare 3-inning save, walking just one and not allowing a base hit.
Game 3 –
The AppleSox would outdo their offensive performance in a North Division leading statement victory on Father’s Day. A pair of big innings would be the difference in a 15-5 win to complete the sweep for the visitors.
Kamloops held a pair of leads in the contest before Wenatchee took control, including thanks to a 2-run homer from catcher Jerry Nix that made the score 3-2 at the time.
It was a 2-out rally that led to the demise of Kamloops on Sunday. Wenatchee scored five 2-out runs in the 5th inning, including a grand-slam from Connor Peery who finished the contest 3-6 4RBI.
Kamloops leadoff hitter Madden Ocko went 3-5, as the ‘Paws reached the 10 hit plateau for the first time this year.
Cade Johnson was credited with the loss, 4.2 IP, 6ER, 6H, 2K.
Caleb Costa earned the win for Wenatchee who have won 5 straight. The loss pushed the Kamloops losing streak to seven games.
Reset for Bellingham
The ‘Paws will look to get back on track following an off-day Monday as they begin a mid-week set in Bellingham against the Bells. Kamloops has already beaten the 7-6 Bells twice.
“Hopefully the tables turn here and we start to get some W’s,” said Dylan Dekker. “Just stick to the gameplan, not trying to change to much, not get to-high, to-low.”
Dekker from Hinton, Alberta, now calls Kamloops home and is happy to be spending time in the Tournament capital for the summer.
“Nice to see everybody, see the parents, stay at home” added Dekker.
Along with Dekker, Kamloops’ Matt MacDonald also returned to the squad ahead of the Wenatchee series.
“Loving playing at home, playing in front of the fans. Hopefully I can turn it around, hopefully I can show out and do something cool this year,” said MacDonald. “All these guys, I grew up with them, I love playing with them. It’s sweet, it’s great for the team chemistry. Super enjoyable, I like being home for sure.”
Joining the team in the midst of the slide, MacDonald is looking to reset for Bellingham on Tuesday.
“We have to wipe the slate, definitely a couple of ugly games here but we will figure it out. We just have to get the energy up and forget about it,” said MacDonald.
Head Coach Jose Bautista, who spent 10 seasons in the majors has been a part of a few losing streaks over his long baseball career. His message to the boys after the contest was to keep moving forward.
“Just let the kids go up there and play. No superstitions, no nothing, just go up there and play,” said Bautista. “Hoping to add some more guys, and add a couple pitchers.”
Upcoming Schedule –
Monday, June 17 – Off-Day
Tuesday, June 18 @ Bellingham, first pitch 6:35
Wednesday, June 19 @ Bellingham, first pitch 6:35
Thursday, June 20 @ Bellingham, first pitch 6:35
Friday, June 21 vs Edmonton, first pitch 6:35 (Bark at the Park)
Saturday, June 22 vs Edmonton, first pitch 6:35
Sunday, June 23 vs Edmonton, first pitch 2:05
For media requests –
Jenna Forter
General Manager
Kamloops NorthPaws
- 250-200-1415
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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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