NANAIMO, B.C. — The rally started too late, given the rough first two innings.
The Nanaimo NightOwls dropped an 8-5 decision to the visiting Kamloops NorthPaws in WCL action Wednesday at historic Serauxmen Stadium.
The real star of the show was the full infield tarp supplied for users of the stadium by sponsor Maxxam Insurance, which allowed for the early-day deluge to be handled and the field kept perfectly playable.
Kamloops was up 5-0 after two turns at bat, taking advantage of walks issued by Caden Pearlman and Kai Hanasaki, the first two Nanaimo pitchers. Lefty Landon Welter was very effective with 3.2 innings of scoreless work, followed by Paul Montgomery, Jake Schumacher and Jake Fleury.
The NightOwls outhit Kamloops 11-10. Kamloops (4-16), which saw a 14-game losing streak halted, scored single runs in the sixth, seventh and eighth innings to keep the cushion and provide the difference.
The NightOwls, now 8-12, got a three-run home run from Nevan Noonan in the sixth inning, the transfer from Grossmont College to San Diego State going over the left field wall. Nanaimo got two runs in the eighth, the first on an RBI single by Michael Easter, but could not cash in on further opportunities to tie the game.
Deshon Thomas had two doubles for Nanaimo.
The two teams complete the three game series on Thursday, a 6:35pm start at Serauxmen Stadium, with Aiden Russell of San Diego State due to start for Nanaimo. The NightOwls have a rare Friday night off and then open a home-away-home series with the arch-rival Victoria HarbourCats with a home date at Serauxmen at 6:35pm, before the series lands south in Victoria on Sunday.
The NightOwls will hold a special Canada Day evening game on Monday, July 1, a 6:35pm start — with FIREWORKS after the game, right on the field, sponsored by Kw’umut Lelum Foundation and Maxxam Insurance.
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