Summer Collegiate
Victoria HarbourCats – HarbourCats sweep away Edmonton, first place weekend battle with Bells up next
Michael Crossland celebrates with Lane Brewster after his second inning home run Thursday. He would finish with two hits and three-RBI (Photo: Christian J. Stewart)
Story and Photos by Christian J. Stewart
June 22, 2023
Victoria, BC – There may be a handful of cleaning companies calling the HarbourCats office looking for help this weekend, as the HarbourCats have proved themselves very good at sweeping.
Victoria earned it’s fourth sweep of the year Thursday night, defeating the Edmonton Riverhawks 9-7 at Wilson’s Group Stadium, moving their record to 14-4 overall (11-1 at home) and keeping them in the hunt for first in the North Division with Bellingham (12-3) and Wenatchee (13-4) who both won Thursday night.
The HarbourCats will now travel to Bellingham Friday for a key first place showdown against the Bells, with Friday’s game at 4:35pm, Saturday at 6:35 and Sunday at 1:05.
Tripp Clark was solid behind the plate and scored three times in Thursday’s win over Edmonton (Photo: Christian J. Stewart)
Like all three games in this series, the game was tight through the first half, tied 3-3 after four innings, but a five-run explosion by Victoria vaulted them into a lead they wold never relinquish. The Riverhawks did make it close however, scoring one in the eighth and three more in the ninth to keep it interesting.
For Victoria, Michael Crossland stayed hot, adding two more hits, including a home run and three RBI to the four hits and four RBI he had Wednesday, while newcomer Tripp Clark, had a hit, two walks an RBI and three runs scored, while also catching a good game behind the plate.
Davis Franklin got the win in relief for Victoria, pitching two innings of scoreless relief, while Edmonton starter Dallin Harrison takes the loss.
Offensively for the Riverhawks, Tom Poole had a pair of hits, including a late home run, and three RBI, while Jonny McGill had three hits, including a double in the losing effort.
Tyler Davis was sound at first base Thursday evening (Photo: Christian J. Stewart)
Following the key series in Bellingham, Victoria will head to Kelowna for a three-game series with the Falcons on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, and then return home on Friday June 30th for another big three-game set with Bellingham. That game on the 30th marks the start of an epic Canada Day weekend, with Fireworks on Friday night, a Canada Day matinee at 1:05pm on Saturday and another matinee Sunday at 1:05pm.
Tickets for all three of those games are going fast, especially for fireworks night , so get them while you still can at https://harbourcats.com/tickets.
Hudson Shupe bids for a base hit Thursday (Photo: Christian J. Stewart)
GAME NOTES: The HarbourCats are currently leading the West Coast League in wins (14), runs (145), hits (188), home runs (14), RBI (115), triples (6), total bases (267), stolen bases (67), team batting average (.301), team slugging (.428) and on-base percentage (.410).
Summer Collegiate
Victoria HarbourCats – Vancouver Island Brewing Named Official Craft Beer Partner of the Victoria HarbourCats
Summer Collegiate
Victoria HarbourCats – New Era Canada, Rawlings, Adidas join with WCL All-Star Game
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.
Victoria HarbourCats – Vancouver Island Brewing Named Official Craft Beer Partner of the Victoria HarbourCats
Victoria HarbourCats – New Era Canada, Rawlings, Adidas join with WCL All-Star Game
Choo Signs with NightOwls – Son of MLB All-Star!
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