The Ridgefield Raptors are the hottest team in the West Coast League to start the 2026 season. At 12-5, they have won nine of their last 11 games and sit atop the WCL South standings. This weekend, Ridgefield welcomes the second-place Walla Walla Sweets (10-7) to the RORC.
After opening the season 3-3, the Raptors swept the Port Angeles Lefties and Marion Berries on the road and won a home series against the Yakima Valley Pippins. They will look to secure a fourth consecutive series win Thursday night in the rubber match against the Portland Pickles at Walker Stadium.
Tuesday’s series opener featured plenty of offense. The Raptors jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning behind RBI doubles from JT Summers (Oregon) and Zach Wadas (Loyola Marymount). Portland responded with four runs in the third to take a 5-2 lead before Ridgefield answered immediately with a five-run fourth inning.
The Raptors eventually built an 11-5 advantage, but the Pickles made things interesting late. Portland loaded the bases with the tying run on first base in the ninth before Cole Schmidt (George Fox) recorded the final out to secure an 11-9 victory.
Wednesday belonged to Portland. Ridgefield led 3-0 early and reclaimed a 5-3 advantage on Wadas’ third home run of the season, but the Pickles scored four runs in the fifth inning and never looked back, earning a 12-5 win to even the series.
The decisive finale is set for 7:15 p.m. PT Thursday in Portland.
Like Ridgefield, Walla Walla opened the season 3-3 before finding its stride. The Sweets have won three of their last four series and currently trail the Raptors by three games in the South Division standings.
With fewer than 10 games remaining in the first half, this weekend’s matchup could have major implications in the race for the first-half title and an automatic postseason berth.
The West Coast League season is split into two 27-game halves. The first-half and second-half winners in each division automatically qualify for the playoffs, along with the next two teams with the best overall records that have not already earned a berth.
Ridgefield is in prime position to secure a playoff spot, but every game matters down the stretch. As the Raptors return home in first place, they’ll look to keep their momentum rolling and take another step toward a first-half championship.
We have some fantastic promotions coming up this weekend!
Friday’s game will be our first Kids Club member game. All members of Rally’s Kids Club receive free admission. Kids Club members will be welcomed onto the field for the national anthem, receive special discounts on merchandise and get a special gift from our friends at Burgerville. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. PT.
Saturday night is Chick-fil-A Saturday. Stick around until the end of the game to receive a free Chick-fil-A entrée card on your way out of the ballpark. Plus, we’ll have Chick-fil-A sandwiches available for purchase from the Rally Wagon on the left-field platform (while supplies last). First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. PT.
On Sunday at 1:05 p.m. PT, celebrate Father’s Day at the RORC. All dads in attendance will be invited onto the field before the game to take a group photo with their children and fellow fathers. Plus, it’s another Kids Free Sunday, so all children 12 and under receive free admission when accompanied by a paid adult, thanks to PeaceHealth and The Columbian.
Fans can visit ridgefieldraptors.com to purchase tickets for this weekend’s home series against the Walla Walla Sweets. The livestream to watch or listen to the games will be available at ridgefieldraptors.com/stream.