Summer Collegiate

NorthPaws prepare for Bellingham comeback after Wenatchee sweep

Published

1 year ago

June 22, 2024

Dugout Wire Service

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

www.northpawsbaseball.ca

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Summer Collegiate

Victoria HarbourCats – Haney, HarbourCats bring back former player to lead pitching staff

Published

2 days ago

October 28, 2025

Dugout Wire Service

October 28, 2025

For immediate release

VICTORIA, BC — A very familiar name and face is returning to Victoria to lead the pitching staff of the HarbourCats.

Zachary Swanson — who has served as batboy, pitcher and play-by-play voice of the team — has been hired as Pitching Coach for the 2026 season by Todd Haney, the Head Coach who is entering his sixth season as the Victoria skipper.

Swanson is in his first year as the pitching coach at Hawaii Pacific University (D2) in Honolulu, under Head Coach Dane Fujinaka, a former HarbourCats catcher who coached in the Toronto Blue Jays system.

“After coaching Zach a couple of seasons, I am thrilled for the opportunity to coach with him now,” said Haney, who started Swanson on the mound against the Corvallis Knights in Game 1 of the WCL championship series in 2019.

“Zach brings energy, experience and expertise to the HarbourCats coaching staff. Our pitchers will love working with him.”

Swanson, the son of Managing Partner Jim Swanson, is a Lambrick Park grad who spent time with both the Eagles and Mariners BCPBL programs. He spent two college years with the San Diego Christian (NAIA) Hawks, then moved to the Park-Gilbert (NAIA) Buccaneers in Arizona, under Head Coach Kelly Stinnett, a long-time MLB catcher, to complete his college playing career.

Swanson will work with Bullpen Coach Darius Opdam Bak, who filled the same role last summer under now-retired Scott Anderson, who held the pitching coach job for three seasons. Opdam Bak is a former HarbourCats and Victoria Golden Tide (CCBC) pitcher who is now Pitching Coach of the Golden Tide.

Swanson, who will be 26 by next season, earned his MBA and graduated Summa Cum Laude from the Park-Gilbert business program. He served as pitching coach at Skyline High School (6A) in Mesa, AZ before accepting the HPU offer. He is married to Madeline, and they reside in Kailua, HI.

“This is an extremely special opportunity for me, to return home and coach in front of this amazing city is such a privilege,” said Swanson. “I’m excited to coach some great young men and bring a West Coast League championship home to Victoria.

“It is a tremendous honour to have the chance to coach alongside Coach Haney, someone I consider a mentor. His intensity and passion for player development combined with his true joy for the game are traits that I admire as a coach.”

Swanson was 7-3 in his collegiate career, including playoffs and non league, including five starts.

Opdam Bak was a HarbourCat for two seasons and spent four seasons with the Golden Tide, as a dependable starter. He made eight starts last spring for the Tide, going 3-1 — he made 17 CCBC starts overall.

Season ticket memberships and 12-game flex packs (new for 2026!) are now on sale for the HarbourCats 2026 season at http://harbourcats.com/tickets. BE SURE TO LOCK IN YOUR SEASON TICKETS TODAY to get first right of refusal on your seats for the 2026 WCL All-Star game that will be played here in Victoria. These will be going on sale SOON!

Season tickets, 12-packs and team merchandise are also available at the HarbourCats office at 101-1814 Vancouver Street, Tuesday thru Friday, 10am-4pm.

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Summer Collegiate

Victoria HarbourCats – 2026 HarbourCats schedule features many highlights

Published

6 days ago

October 24, 2025

Dugout Wire Service

Wilson’s Group Stadium at Royal Athletic Park will be abuzz with fans packing the seats for at least 31 home games in 2026, as well as the West Coast League All-Star Game.

October 23, 2025

For immediate release

VICTORIA, BC — Who is the next Nathan Lukes, to don the V-Cat logo and start a path to the World Series?

That will come into focus starting in May of 2026 when the Victoria HarbourCats — the first collegiate summer league team of Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Lukes, a playoff star this fall — begin an eventful West Coast League campaign with a road series in Portland.

It won’t just be the games with the HarbourCats to look forward to, it will also be about the 2026 WCL All-Star Game being played at Wilson’s Group Stadium at Royal Athletic Park as part of a planned Festival of Baseball, July 14-15. The HarbourCats are hosting the event in both 2026 and 2027.

“No question, this is the most anticipated season yet for us — the All-Star Game, after a very strong schedule leading up to that, and playoffs to follow,” said Christian Stewart, the GM of the HarbourCats. “The variety of visiting teams, the rivalries with teams like Nanaimo, Wenatchee and Bellingham, facing the other tough Canadian teams — it’s a great mix for our fans and our corporate partners.”

The HarbourCats open on the road on Friday, May 29, against the Pickles, then are back on the island for the home opener on Tuesday, June 2, against the Edmonton Riverhawks.

Tentative plans for fireworks dates are Saturday, June 6 (vs. Kelowna Falcons, now managed by former Blue Jay Gregg Zaun), Tuesday, June 30 (vs. the Nanaimo NightOwls), and a special event on Monday, August 3 featuring local talent and a fireworks show to follow.

Further plans to announce popular features such as the Woofability Bark in the Park, the Mayfair Optometric School Spirit game (and maybe a second game!), something we are calling “Early Father’s Day,” and Harvey’s Birthday will be announced soon. Game times remain the popular 6:35pm, except for Sundays (1pm) and the School Spirit games (11am).

“Getting two teams from Oregon at our park this year will be fun — we have the first visit from the Springfield Drifters (June 12-13-14) and a rare appearance by the Bend Elks (July 7-8-9),” said Stewart, who is taking season ticket bookings and doling out 12-packs of tickets already.

“We plan to have the All-Star Game package on sale in short order, too — we love that we have so much time to plan out the WCL schedule and make it work for promotions and logistics. We are known for our creative ideas — this schedule will make things a lot of fun next summer.”

HOME GAMES 2026
June 2-3-4 (T-W-Th), vs. Edmonton Riverhawks
June 5-6-7 (F-Sa-Su), vs. Kelowna Falcons
June 12-13-14 (F-Sa-Su), vs. Springfield Drifters
June 16-17-18 (T-W-Th), vs. Redmond Dudes (non-league)
June 24 (Wed), vs. Nanaimo NightOwls
June 26-27-28 (F-Sa-Su), vs. Bellingham Bells
June 30 (Tues), July 2 (Thurs), vs. Nanaimo NightOwls
July 7-8-9 (T-W-Th), vs. Bend Elks
ALL-STAR GAME FESTIVITIES — Tuesday, July 14, and Wednesday, July 15
July 17-18-19 (F-Sa-Su), vs. Wenatchee AppleSox
July 24-25-26 (F-Sa-Su), vs. Kamloops NorthPaws
July 28-29-30 (T-W-Th), vs. Port Angeles Lefties
August 3 (Mon), vs. SIBL All-Stars (non-league)

ROAD GAMES 2026
The HarbourCats visit the following teams — Portland Pickles (May 29-30-31), Edmonton Riverhawks (June 9-10-11), Port Angeles Lefties (June 19-20-21), Nanaimo NightOwls (June 23, 25, July 1, and July 21-22-23), Kelowna Falcons (July 3-4-5), Kamloops NorthPaws (July 10-11-12), Bellingham Bells (July 31, August 1-2), Wenatchee AppleSox (Aug 3-4-5).

NOTE: SINGLE-GAME TICKETS, ALL-STAR GAME TICKETS and FLEX-PACK VOUCHER RENEWALS ARE NOT YET AVAILABLE. We are finalizing a few logistics and dates and building the 2026 ticketing system and anticipate all those to go on sale in the next few weeks.

Season tickets and 12-game flex packs are NOW on sale on line at harbourcats.com/tickets or by stopping into the HarbourCats office at 101-1814 Vancouver Street.

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Summer Collegiate

Victoria HarbourCats – Four returnees signed by HarbourCats, including all-star Shepherd

Published

2 weeks ago

October 15, 2025

Dugout Wire Service

2025 All-Star and home-run leader Logan Shepherd (28) will return to the HarbourCats for the 2026 season (Photo: Christian J. Stewart)

October 15, 2025

For immediate release

VICTORIA, BC — It’s the norm for players to want to run it back for another summer, and four such returning players have started the foundation for the 2026 Victoria HarbourCats — headlined by a slugging DH/first baseman.

Logan Shepherd, a powerful right-handed hitter from Olympia, WA, will be back with the HarbourCats next summer. A product of Tacoma Community College and now at Mercer, he tied the franchise record for home runs in a season with eight last year, batting .345 and driving in 41 runs while being named to the West Coast League all-star game.

“Logan put up some serious numbers for us and wants to get even more out of the Victoria experience,” said WCL veteran head coach Todd Haney, who will be in his sixth season leading the HarbourCats when May rolls around. “He was a leader, and these players announced today will help us continue with the culture we have established with this program.”

Also signed:

C Dillon Lopez, St. Mary’s, 5-10/200, San Antonio, TX
RHP Austin Lindsey, Hill JC, 6-1/180, Lufkin, TX
RHP Marcus Janovsky, UBC, 6-0/195, Surrey, BC
1B/DH Logan Shepherd, Mercer, 6-2/215, Olympia, WA

Lopez also put up all-star worthy numbers, if he’d been able to join the team earlier in the season — .350 with 18 RBIs in 21 games, hitting three home runs and providing premium defence behind the plate.

Catcher Dillon Lopez (18), here celebrating after a walk-off hit in 2025, will return behind the dish for the 2026 season (Photo: Justin Morash).

Lindsey pitched in 13 games with 27 strikeouts in 24 innings of work, mostly out of the bullpen — a high-leverage, dependable arm for Haney and the coaching staff. Janovsky, playing near his hometown of Surrey at UBC, was 2-1 while giving up 19 hits in 21.1 innings of work, with 19 strikeouts.

Right-hand pitcher Marcus Janovsky (centre), here celebrating after a clutch relief appearance in 2025, will return to the mound for the HarbourCats in 2026 (Photo: Justin Morash)

“We’re proud of the development of these players and can’t wait to welcome them back, with another year of experience under their belt,” said Haney.

Season tickets, 12-packs and team merchandise are also available at the HarbourCats office at 101-1814 Vancouver Street, Tuesday thru Friday, 10am-4pm.

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