Written by Raptors Broadcaster Patrick McColl
The West Coast League (WCL) is just about set for July, and the Ridgefield Raptors are in the middle of a loaded stretch of the season. On Monday, the Raptors will play the Cowlitz Black Bears before heading to Springfield Tuesday for the start of three game series against the Drifters.
Ridgefield (12-14) beat Portland (20-4) on Friday and lost by one run on Saturday at Walker Stadium. The Raps are going for the series win against the Picks on Sunday night.
Wichita State commit Nolan Ganter hit his first home run of the season in Portland on Saturday, scoring himself and two other Raptors as part of a four RBI performance. Reliever Michael Hoefgen earned a save on Friday night with two innings, and Declan Francis set him up with a season high three innings and five strikeouts. Francis did not allow a run against the Pickles.
The Black Bears come into the game against Ridgefield with a 7-16 record before Sunday’s game against Corvallis. The Black Bears lost their first two games against Corvallis at Goss Stadium on Friday and Saturday. Cowlitz played Ridgefield one other time this season and won in the non-league game on May 29, 9-2.
Springfield (9-14) won both Friday and Saturday’s games at Marion after they were swept by Ridgefield earlier in the week. Reliever Jack Klee earned a win in three scoreless innings Friday. Lower Columbia’s Kaden Harris allowed just one run in the last four innings on Thursday, giving him a pitching win.
The Drifters rely on Michael Klein on the mound, who has a 2.50 ERA in 10 appearances and 18 innings. Klein has 21 strikeouts this year. Logan Honma’s six doubles led the Springfield offense, while Cooper Mullens (11 RBI and 27 hits) and Nolan Miller (10 RBI and 23 hits) are key pieces, as well.
Monday’s game against Cowlitz will begin at 6:35 p.m. The games against Springfield (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) will start at 6:35 p.m. After the series against Springfield, the Raptors will host the Victoria HarbourCats on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Fans can go to ridgefieldraptors.com to purchase tickets to the upcoming home series against Victoria at the Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex (RORC). The live stream to watch or listen to the games against Cowlitz and Springfield will be available on ridgefieldraptors.com/stream. #GoRaps