Written by Raptors Broadcaster Hunter Shumake
After a three game home series against the Bend Elks, Ridgefield will head south to Springfield to face off against the Drifters for the first time this season. Going into game three of the Bend series, the Raptors have a record of 15-7, currently the best in the southern division. In game one against the Elks, the Raptors went to extra innings for the first time this year and prevailed in the 11th inning 2-1. Game two saw the Bend Elks attain an early advantage and they held onto the lead to even the series.
The series against the Drifters will mark the end of the “first half” of the season for the Raptors. Come Sunday, 26 games will have been played by Ridgefield (one game was postponed due to inclement weather). The next three games against the Drifters will be critical in an attempt to secure an automatic bid into the post season as the first half season winner. It gets convoluted determining the first half winner since Portland and Corvallis, the two closest teams behind Ridgefield, have already had their bye series and have played less games than Ridgefield. Regardless of how Ridgefield plays in the coming games, the Raps will have to wait and see how their overall win percentage holds up against the Knights and the Pickles as they will need to complete their first half schedule.
The Springfield Drifters, led by head coach Tommy Richards, are 4th in the southern division with a record of 10-10. Springfield is currently in a series with Corvallis and has dropped the first two, heading into game three. Springfield’s record in their past ten games is 3-7. Offensively for the Drifters, Dawson Santana typically sees himself at the top of the order for Springfield. Santana leads the team in hits and stolen bases.
In the coming games against Springfield, a couple pitchers are expected to get their second start of the year. Sawyer Parkin is expected to start game one on Friday, June 30th. Parkin saw his first action for the Raptors on the 24th of June in a 15-6 Ridgefield victory where he picked up his first win of the year. Game two has Charlie Royle slated to get the start. On June 25th, Royle threw his first game for Ridgefield against the Bend Elks. Royle threw 5 innings giving up only one hit, receiving the win in an 8-3 Raptors victory.
The three game series in Springfield will close out the first half of the season before the Raptors return home next week for a six game home stand. First pitch in Springfield is scheduled for 6:35 PM PDT on Friday, June 30th at the Hamlin Sports Complex. For more information, visit ridgefieldraptors.com. #GoRaps