Written by Raptors Broadcaster Josh Worden
The Ridgefield Raptors have one more series against the Cowlitz Black Bears this year, taking place this weekend in Longview.
The Raptors and Black Bears play seven games each year, with the winner of the series taking home the Columbia River Cup.
Ridgefield and Cowlitz have each boasted a 4-3 record against each other in one season, Ridgefield in 2019 and Cowlitz in 2021. This year, the Raptors have the upper hand, three games to one.
Cowlitz has to sweep to win the series, which would also help their playoff standing. The Black Bears have spent most of the second half this summer in fifth place in the Southern Division, one spot outside the playoff picture and just behind Ridgefield. Four teams make it into the playoffs from each division.
The Raptors also finish a six-game road trip this week, and will look forward to more home games next week. The Raptors have a non-league game against the Redmond Dudes on Monday, followed by three more home games on Tuesday through Thursday, hosting the Bend Elks.
Then the homestretch kicks into high gear, with road series in Springfield and Walla Walla, and finishing with a home-and-away series against the Corvallis Knights. The regular season concludes at home against the Knights on August 7.
Tune into the road games this week at RidgefieldRaptors.com and we hope to see you at the RORC next week!