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Victoria HarbourCats – Team Black prevails in Game 1 of Golden Tide Intersquad World Series

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Above: Team Black’s Zeke Holt celebrates scoring one of six runs in the second inning against Team Gold Wednesday.

Story and Photos by Christian J. Stewart

October 28, 2021, Victoria, BC – Team Black jumped out to an early 6-0 lead but then had to hang on for an exciting 14-13 win over Team Gold in Game 1 of the Victoria Golden Tide Inter-squad Wold Series on Wednesday afternoon at Wilson’s Group Stadium in Victoria.

Team Black shortstop Brandon Green puts the tag on Team Gold baserunner Tyler Burton during this first inning rundown on Wednesday.

The World Series, the first for the inaugural year of Golden Tide baseball, pits Team Gold (coached by Ethan Fox) against Team Black (coached by Kyle Orr) in a best of three series. The winning team not only gets bragging rights, but will be awarded with a night in the Wilson’s Transportation Group suite at a Victoria Royals game.

Team Gold’s Brody Alexandre had two hits, a walk and two runs scored in the loss to Team Black Wednesday.

The Series is being played under some unique rules, designed to speed up game play and keep the games exciting, as due to other events scheduled in the evenings at the stadium, games have to be completed by 6:30pm.

As such, pitchers are required to pitch within 10 seconds and teams have to hustle on and off the field between innings. Any delays or infractions will warrant a warning from Head Coach Curtis Pelletier and if a team is notified a second time, a run is granted to their opponents.

Team Black left-handed slugger Ryan Deagle had two singles, a double a walk and two RBI to lead the Team Black offence Wednesday.

Batters are also not allowed to call time outs, or a strike will be called, catchers have pinch runners at all times and in all the even numbered innings, teams begin the inning with a runner on second base.

While there were a few warnings in Wednesday’s game, there were no penalty runs awarded under the rules, however the runner at second in the even innings had a dramatic impact on the game, with seven of those eight runners ultimately scoring.

Team Gold’s Daniel Sawchyn, here celebrating a score, would have three hits and two RBI to pace the Team Gold offence.

This aspect came into effect immediately Wednesday, as Team Black would jump on Gold starter Brady Wilson for six runs in the top of the second inning, thanks to five five consecutive base hits, one of which, by high schooler Ryan Deagle, scored Alex Mclauchlan, the special runner, with the first run of the game.

Team Black’s Brett Paterson would be credited with the win in relief on Wednesday.

Team Gold would get one of those runs back in the second, when special runner Brody Alexandre scored despite a 1-2-3 inning and then they would jump into a brief 7-6 lead in the third, when they finally got to Black starter Ethan Dean for six runs on the strength of six hits.

A three-run fourth inning, keyed by an RBI single from Jaxson Cordle, would put Team Black back in front 9-6 and they would extend that lead to 14-9 heading to the bottom of the eighth (the agreed upon final inning due to curfew).

Team Black’s Jaxson Cordle slides safely into second base ahead of the throw to Team Gold second baseman Myles Wall.

Team Gold would not go down without a fight however and after a pair of walks and singles from Parker Harris, Daniel Sawchyn and Alexandre, they had closed the gap to 14-13 with the tying run sitting on second base. Reliever Haldon Craig would not be fazed however and struck out Jordan Bond to end the game and preserve the crucial game one win.

Team Gold’s Will Podmoroff hustles to third base during action Wednesday against Team Black.

For Team Black at the plate, Parksville Royal product Deagle had a great night, slashing two singles, a double, two RBI and scoring twice. Zeke Holt also had a three hit night with two runs scored, while Cordle, Ryan Whelan and Witt Nevins all had RBI base hits.

On the hill, Dean was picked up with some solid middle-inning relief by Brett Paterson, who gets credit for the win, going three innings and surrendering two runs on one hit and two walks. Nate Major pitched the seventh and part of the eighth innings and Craig would get the save.

Team Gold’s Jayden Puri would provide four innings of solid relief in Wednesday’s game.

For Team Gold, Sawchyn would lead the offence with three hits, two RBI and a run scored, while Alexandre would chip in with two hits a walk and two runs scored. Tyler Burton was his usual instigator in the leadoff spot, with a single, walking three times and scoring twice, while Victoria Eagle product Ryder Green would single, walk and score three times in the losing effort.

Team Black’s Zeke Holt would make a valiant effort to catch this foul pop-up in Wednesday’s game.

On the mound, Wilson would pitch through the fourth, taking the loss. Jayden Puri would take over in relief, finishing the game and giving up five runs on five hits and three walks in his four innings of work.

Game two in the series was scheduled for 4:00 pm on Thursday afternoon, but has now been cancelled because of extreme rain and weather. It will now be played Friday at 4:00 pm. Game three then (if needed), would likely then be held Sunday afternoon, with a time to be determined.

Tam Gold’s Jordan Bond slides safely into second, ahead of the throw to Team Black second baseman Austin Gurney.

The Golden Tide will also be in action on Saturday for their last formal game of the fall season, when they take on the Ontario Giants at 3:00 pm at Wilson’s Group Stadium in a single nine-inning game. Tickets are available at the gate. That game will be preceded by a game at 12 noon between the HarbourCats Players Development Club and the Giants U16 club. That game is included with the ticket for the Tide game at 3:00pm.

Team Black catcher Andrew Baxter puts the tag on Team Gold’s Jordan Bond on this play at the plate Wednesday.

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Summer Collegiate

NorthPaws comeback effort falls short in loss to Bellingham

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June 28, 2025

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The Kamloops NorthPaws lost game one of their weekend series to the Bellingham Bells 10-5 on Friday night at Norbrock Stadium. The Bells jumped out to an 8-0 lead after the third inning, but the NorthPaws stayed pesky. Kamloops rallied to score five unanswered to pull within three, but a pair of runs in the top of the tenth sealed the deal for Bellingham.

Righty Lukas Dykstra was on the mound for Kamloops, and unlike his last start against Victoria, he would run into trouble early in the ball game. Dykstra would lose his command in the second inning, walking five batters and giving up four hits as the Bells exploded for five runs. Dykstra lasted just an inning and two-thirds.

Righty Landon Gutierrez was first out for Kamloops, but the Bells bats stayed hot in the third inning. Gutierrez threw less than 10 balls in his outing, but Bellingham jumped all over him in the third with three more runs on four hits. The command was there for the righty, and he eventually settled in, sending the Bells down scoreless in the fourth and fifth innings.

Righty Zaiden Kiefer entered the game and would pitch three no-hit innings, silencing the Bells and allowing the bats to get hot. The offence got going with second baseman Tanner Hornback launching a home run over the left field fence. The NorthPaws would start to put together good at-bats and draw walks from Bellingham pitchers.

In the fifth, third baseman Drew Schmidt sent a sacrifice fly to right field, scoring left fielder Cade Palkowski. Although Kamloops scored in back-to-back innings, they stranded two runners in each of those innings, unable to come up with that next big hit.
In the sixth, the NorthPaws would draw a pair of walks and a hit by pitch with two outs to load the bases but once again couldn’t come through as a great defensive play by the Bells left the NorthPaws empty-handed.

Kamloops would keep their foot on the gas in the seventh with back-to-back singles from Schmidt and Hornback. The two would advance to second and third on a past ball. Designated hitter Joey Rico sent a fly ball to center field that allowed Schmidt to score. Two batters later, first baseman Keegan Drinkle singled, scoring Hornback. Shortstop Anthony Setticassi reached base via an error, and center fielder Ethan Kodama walked to once again load the bases with two outs. Palkowski was at the plate but flew out to left field once again, leaving the bases loaded.

In the eighth, Rico singled, scoring Hornback, making it five under-answered runs. Going into the top of the ninth, there was a sense of optimism that was felt amongst the hometown crowd. Another scoreless inning, and the team has a real shot to pull this off. Unfortunately, those plans got quickly derailed as the Bells led off with a triple, and the rest is history. Two runs in the ninth put Bellingham up five, securing the game-one victory.

Without the three scoreless from Kiefer, the comeback effort wouldn’t have been possible, but Kiefer and the rest of the staff know what their hitters are capable of.

“For me, I was just trying to get quick outs and give our hitters a shot; we feel like if the staff can keep the game within reach, the offence can outscore anyone,” said Kiefer.

Although the five unanswered runs made the game interesting, the team was missing that one big hit. On Friday night, the NorthPaws left a staggering 13 runners on base, leaving them with a feeling of what could’ve been.

“It was frustrating tonight for us because we knew we were better than what we were showing,” said designated hitter Joey Rico. “We know we’re a good team and can beat anyone; we never feel like we’re out of games,” Rico added.

The two teams will face each other again on Saturday night at Norbrock Stadium; the first pitch is set for 6:35.

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NightOwls Walk It Off To Win A Wild Game Against The RiverHawks 10-9

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8 hours ago

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June 28, 2025

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NANAIMO, B.C. – What a night from Serauxmen Stadium on Friday night, that saw a little bit of everything. Lead changes, a Grand Slam, Great pitching, some heat between the two teams, a manager getting ejected, and most importantly, a walk-off 10-9 win for the Nanaimo NightOwls against the Edmonton RiverHawks. If you like baseball, this was a game you would have wanted to be at.

Both starting pitchers did very well on the night, only allowing a combined three runs until the 7th inning when things got interesting. With Edmonton up 2-1, the NightOwls exploded for a big four-run inning in the bottom of the seventh to take a 5-2 lead. Not to be outdone, the RiverHawks came back with four of their own in the top of the eighth inning thanks to a Grand Slam. The two teams were not done, not even close.

Nanaimo wasn’t going to go away easily, though, and after a couple of walks, some wild pitches, and a single, the NightOwls would take a 9-6 lead going into the ninth inning, needing just three outs to close the game. If you’ve sensed the theme of the game, we’re not over yet. Edmonton walked the bases for a run before a two-RBI single would tie things up. Seraxuemen Stadium stayed hopeful as the team would walk it off thanks to a sacrifice fly and a close play at the plate for the 10-9 Win.

https://baseball.pointstreak.com/boxscore.html?gameid=621646

Despite the score, the pitching was very good at the beginning of the game, seeing both starting pitchers go through at least five innings. NightOwls starter from Cal State Los Angeles, Lino Zepeda went 5 strong innings, giving up two runs on three hits, walking two, and striking out four. He settled down after the first inning and had a couple of great innings, where he struck out the side and had a 3-up-three-down inning in 5 pitches. He didn’t make the decision.

Also pitching very well for the Nanaimo NightOwls was reliever Jeadeyn Edwards. He pitched two scoreless innings, giving up no runs or hits and striking out one batter. The home side finished with 10 runs on 13 hits and no errors. The Edmonton RiverHawks had nine runs on nine hits and one error. The defense for the Nanaimo NightOwls was on display as Spencer Sullivan climbed the wall and took away a sure home run in the sixth inning. Check out the highlight here!

Coach Cody Andreychuk went to the bench and it worked as 9 of the 11 players finished the night with hits. Eli Watson came in off the bench as designated hitter and went two for four with three RBI, two hits and two runs scored. Along with his great play in the field Spencer Sullivan, from West Linn Oregon, went one for three with two RBI, one hit, one run, and one walk. He definitely made an impact on the game for the Nanaimo NightOwls.

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Tyler Arnold had an RBI and two hits on the evening while Caden Petrey also added a pair of hits for the NightOwls. Shortstop Andrew Nykuluk took advantage of any mistake the Edmonton Riverhawks made and scored three runs going two for four with two singles and a walk. He also scored the walk off sacrifice fly off the bat of Raoul Fabian Jr. Raoul want one for one for four with a walk but scored two runs and drove in two more RBI. None more important than the one in the ninth inning and was met with a Gatorade shower up the first base line.

http://Nanaimonightowls.com/tickets

The series continues for the Nanaimo NightOwls and Edmonton RiverHawks which could get a little testy as this already looks like a bit of a rivalry.  Game two goes Saturday June 28th at 6:35 pm, while we go Nanaimo Bars Family Fun Sunday at 1:00 pm on the 29th. Then it’s an exhibition game on Monday June 30th against the Nanaimo Selects. Canada day July 1st, we have our big extravaganza against Island Rival Victoria HarbourCats.

We have have fireworks after the game and a lot of other fun promotions and activities happening at the ballpark. Spend the day at the beach and come and watch some great baseball at 6:35 pm at Seraxuemen Stadium! Tonight we had our very talented Owen capture the walk-off celebration from above while making his ride wait. We really have the best in the business. Make sure to follow us on all social media platforms and tag us in your photos and videos from the game using the hashtag #IlluminateTheDark.

Just going to end it with this…

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Victoria HarbourCats – Cats drop series opener to Sox

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8 hours ago

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June 28, 2025

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June 27, 2025

For immediate release

WENATCHEE, Wash. – The Wenatchee AppleSox continued their chase for the top spot in the North Division with a 10-6 win against the Victoria HarbourCats Friday night.

It was the first time these two teams had met since the AppleSox won the deciding game of the opening round of the 2024 WCL Playoffs. They didn’t waste any time, scoring five runs in the bottom of the second to give themselves an early cushion, including a Jake Sanko home run.

Andrew Carter (TCU) started the game for the Cats and pitched into the second inning, where he was unable to record an out. The right-hander gave up four earned runs on four hits.

BOX SCORE

Shea Lake (West Texas A&M) replaced Carter and went 3-2/3 innings, giving up two runs on one hit, while striking out two and walking four.

The HarbourCats first started to claw their way back into the game when Cayden Munster (Fresno State) hit a sacrifice fly in the third inning to make it 5-1 to the Sox.

WCL STANDINGS

Tanner Beltowski (Westmont College) hit a three-run home run in the top of the fourth inning to make it a one-run ballgame.

A Connor Ross (Cal Baptist) sacrifice fly and a Jacob Doyle (Nevada) RBI single in the top of the fifth inning briefly put the visitors ahead 6-5.

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In the bottom of the same inning, the AppleSox scored a pair of their own, restoring their lead. A pair of singles in the bottom of the sixth brought home three runs, and it was quickly 10-6 to the home team.

Robert Sanford (Paris JC) faced five batters but only recorded one out, giving up three runs on two hits, while walking a pair. Garrett Villa (Angelo State), who’s rocking a new haircut, held Wenatchee in check in the late stages, completing three innings, giving up no runs and striking out three.

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Carson Boesel came into the game during the fifth inning for Wenatchee and was dominant. He pitched 4-2/3 shutout innings while surrendering just two hits and striking out eight HarbourCats, including Jack Johnson (Baylor) for the last out of the game, sealing a 10-6 Sox win.

Game two is tomorrow at 6:35 PM. Thomas Bridges (TCU) is projected to make his fifth start of the season for Victoria.

Monday, June 30, is the second fireworks night of the season! There is no better way to celebrate the long weekend. Buy tickets at harbourcats.com/tickets.

Season Tickets, 10 and 32-Game Flex Passes and Single Game Tickets are now on sale for all 33 home games and four “Showcase” events through the HarbourCats’ new and one-and-only ticketing partner SHOWPASS at harbourcats.com/tickets.

Tickets and merchandise can also be purchased in person at the HarbourCats office at 101-1814 Vancouver Street or by calling 778-265-0327.

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