Written by Raptors Broadcaster Patrick McColl
With a two inning save from DBU’s Zach Todd, the Raptors bussed out of Bend, Oregon with a 4-3 win over the Elks. Earning a 4-2 record in its road trip, Ridgefield will host the Elks for a three-game series that starts on Tuesday at the Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex (RORC).
Ridgefield lost the first two games of the weekend series in Bend after sweeping the Port Angeles Lefties. In Game 3, Ridgefield used its power to bring in most of the runs. Utah Tech’s Hunter Katschke hit his first home run of the year in the second inning to put the Raptors on the board at Vince Genna Stadium. Tied at three later in the sixth inning, ‘Raps outfielder Jack Salmon hit a ball near the scoreboard in right center field, giving Ridgefield a 4-3 edge.
Ridgefield’s offense is paced by Hawaii’s Taylor Takata, who owns a .320 batting average in eight games. Catcher Luke Iverson is first on the team in RBI (nine) and doubles (six). On the mound, Raptors reliever Carson Kruckman has shined. Kruckman has not allowed a run or a hit in six innings of work this season.
Bend (12-9) comes off the series win over Ridgefield (7-10). Earlier in the week in Walla Walla, the Elks took down the Sweets two times in three games. Bend has not lost a series since dropping two of the three games it played against Portland from June 14 to June 16.
Bend infielder Vinny Salvione has eight more hits (20) than anyone else on the Elks roster. Portland Pilot Jace Miller has impressed, as well, with 10 RBI and two home runs for the Elks. Bend starter Tucker Grote owns a 1.90 ERA in 19 innings. Grote’s low ERA is the 12th best mark in the West Coast League amongst qualified contenders.
All games against Bend are scheduled to start at 6:35 p.m. The Raptors will host the Portland Pickles at the RORC on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday after the series with the Elks.
Tickets to the home series against Bend at the RORC are available on ridgefieldraptors.com. The live stream to watch or listen to the games against both Bend and Portland will be available on ridgefieldraptors.com/stream. #GoRaps