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Sixteen runs, seventeen hits and six shutout innings from their starting pitcher: NorthPaws dominate Falcons in series opener

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9 months ago

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The Kamloops NorthPaws defeated the Kelowna Falcons 16-0 on Tuesday night at Norbrock Stadium, winning their 13th game of the season. Righty Mason Chien had another great outing, following his eight-strikeout performance last week in Walla Walla Chien pitched six scoreless innings, giving up just five hits and striking out seven batters. At the plate, the NorthPaws had a season-high in both runs and hits, scoring 16 on 17 hits, including five from second baseman Tanner Hornback.

“It was tough against Victoria; we scrapped it out for a couple of wins, but this is what our offence is capable of,” said Head Coach Riley Jepson.

The NorthPaws got on the board first outfielders Ethan Kodama and Connor Clark reached base. Kodama was on third, and Clark was on first before attempting to steal second. The Falcons catcher tried to catch Clark stealing but was unsuccessful. Kodama meanwhile was anticipating the throw and scored while the focus was on Clark. The right fielder later scored the second run of the game courtesy of a sacrifice grounder from Matt MacDonald.

Designated hitter Joey Rico led off the bottom of the fourth with a walk and advanced to third a few pitches later as Hornback singled. Third baseman Elijah Clayton stepped up to the plate and delivered with a double to the gap in left-center field, making it 4-0. The next three Kamloops hitters would reach base, loading the bases for Clark, who made it 5-0 with a sacrifice fly. MacDonald collected another RBI this time with a base hit.

In the bottom of the fifth, an error by the Falcons gave shortstop Drew Schmidt the green light to score from second base as Clayton and Hornback both were on base. By now, it was 7-0, and Chien marched out for his final inning of work, giving up a leadoff single but striking out two of his final three batters to cap off an excellent night.

“Walla Walla was a turning point for me; I felt like I wasn’t trying to be too perfect and was pitching to the big part of the plate and getting ahead of hitters,” said Chien.

Although catcher Matt MacDonald had three RBIs, his work behind the plate won’t go unnoticed as he and Chien have been battery mates for three of Chien’s four starts this season and are starting to build chemistry at the right time.

“He knows what I want to throw in certain counts,” said Chien. “I’ve rarely ever shaken him off; It’s great to build chemistry like that because it builds confidence both ways,”

After Chien exited the game, Kamloops would blow the game wide open with seven runs on six hits. The Falcons found themselves in a deep hole after committing two crucial errors to extend the inning. Hornback had two at-bats during that offensive explosion and hit two of his five singles, notching a pair of RBIs. Hornback came into the contest hitless since last Thursday in Walla Walla.

“You go through phases as a hitter where you don’t get the results you want, then eventuality you’re up there, and you feel like you can’t miss a pitch; he’s a good hitter who’s been trusting his process,” said Jepson.

After a tough weekend at the plate, the offence showed up in a big way while the pitching stayed strong, throwing their second shutout of the season and holding the Falcons to just five hits. The NorthPaws will look to keep it rolling as they travel to Kelowna on Wednesday night before returning to Norbrock Stadium for the series finale on Thursday.

The NorthPaws sit just one game back of first place in the north division. Wednesday’s first pitch is set for 6:35; you can watch the action on West Coast League TV or listen on the NorthPaws Mixlr.

 

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Summer Collegiate

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

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2 weeks ago

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March 18, 2026

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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

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2 weeks ago

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March 18, 2026

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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!

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3 weeks ago

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March 12, 2026

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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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