The Paws return to Kamloops after a tough road trip that saw the team lose five of six road games, ending with a three-game sweep of the Victoria HarbourCats in the provincial capital. Kamloops sits last in the North Division at 6-13 in the second half, 5.5 games behind the league-leading Bellingham Bells who arrive in the Tournament Capital on Tuesday for a three-game set.

The Bellingham Bells continued their Canadian road trip, winning two of three games against the Nanaimo NightOwls on the island.

GAME 1

Thanks to a strong lead in the final inning by the Victoria HarbourCats, the Islanders won the opening game of the set 11-6.

Shane Brinham made his first appearance in the WCL. He threw five fantastic innings without a hit, collecting six hits, but also striking out five and taking a no-decision.

The NorthPaws quickly took a 5-0 lead with two runs in the second inning and three more in the third, before the HarbourCats scored 11 runs from the sixth inning on.

Shortstop Anthony Setticasi led Kamloops with a 2-4 3RBI night at the plate. Dylan Dekker and Madden Ocko both added an RBI in the loss. The game unraveled in the seventh inning for Kamloops with Victoria scoring seven runs to take a lead they would never relinquish.

The Cats’ Michael Crossland and Michelle Artzberger both collected 3RBI in the win for Victoria. Willem Heilker collected the win, pitching two innings as a reliever, allowing 1 unearned run and striking out three.

Chase Taylor was left reeling from the loss.

GAME 2

Victoria’s offensive weapons continued to dominate the Kamloops pitching staff in the second game, defeating the Paws 15-3.

Cade Johnson started for Kamloops and took the loss, after throwing 2.1IP, 9H, 8ER, 2K. Joey Rico was a bright spot for Kamloops in the 2-4 loss at the plate with 2RBI, both hits for doubles. Jacob Schlesselman had the other RBI.

Michelle Artzberger failed to cool down between games, collecting four more RBIs in game two for seven in the series. In total, the Victoria batters collected 18 hits and eight walks in the win.

Taylor Franklin earned the win by pitching one inning of pure baseball.

GAME 3

Victoria completed the sweep during a matinee performance on Sunday, 7-3.

Sawyer Jensen got the starting nod for Kamloops and pitched well, allowing just 4ER over 6.0IP with 3K, but ultimately took the loss. Cade Webber and Oliver Mabee also pitched in the game for the NorthPaws, with Mabee allowing the other three runs to Victoria.

Flynn Ridley was the winning pitcher with three innings of no hits, replacing starter Trey Langan.

TJ Wachter hit his second home run of the season, a solo shot in the fourth inning. Catcher Jerry Nix also collected an RBI in the loss on a 1-3 night.

UPCOMING PROGRAM
Monday July 29 – Day off
Tuesday July 30 vs Bellingham, 6:35 first pitch
Wednesday July 31 vs Bellingham, 6:35 first pitch
Thursday August 1st vs Bellingham, 6:35 first pitch
Friday, August 2 vs. Kelowna, 6:35pm First Pitch (Fan Appreciation Night)
Saturday August 3 @ Kelowna, 6:35 first pitch
Sunday August 4 vs Kelowna, 2:05 first pitch (FINAL HOME GAME OF THE SEASON)
Monday August 5 – Day off
Tuesday, August 6 vs. Yakima Valley, 6:35 first pitch
Wednesday, August 7 vs. Yakima Valley, 6:35 first pitch
Thursday, August 8 vs. Yakima Valley, 7:05 first pitch (LAST GAME OF THE SEASON)

FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES
Jenna Forter
General manager
Kamloops NorthPaws
pp. 250-200-1415
www.northpawsbaseball.ca