The Ridgefield Raptors dropped their first two games to the Bend Elks on the road but can clinch a West Coast League playoff spot with a win tonight.
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.
With one more WCL series remaining in the first half, the Raptors control their own destiny. As of Thursday night, they hold a four-game lead over Walla Walla (with the tiebreaker) and the Corvallis Knights are four games back in the loss column. The Knights resume WCL play on Friday.
The Elks had lost seven of their last 10 games entering the series and sat in seventh place in the WCL South, but they have put the league on notice with 9-2 and 3-1 victories over Ridgefield.
Oregon State incoming freshman August Ware no-hit the Elks through three innings Tuesday night, but Bend figured him out the second time through the order. A leadoff hit-by-pitch followed by back-to-back base hits loaded the bases before Keedan Nadeau delivered a two-run single to make it 2-0 Elks.
Elks DH and reliever Noble Ortega doubled the lead with a two-run double in the bottom of the fifth to put Bend ahead 4-0. He also threw three quality innings of relief, allowing two runs.
The Raptors cut into the deficit with two runs in the top of the sixth on a wild pitch and Jayden Blalack’s (Dallas Baptist) sacrifice fly.
Bend broke the game open in the bottom of the seventh with four runs on five hits to take the opener, 9-2.
Wednesday’s game was a pitcher’s duel between both starters. Tyler Walker (Washington) went six innings, allowing two runs on four hits. Trevor Kaiser threw four innings, allowing three hits and one unearned run.
The Elks added an insurance run in the bottom of the seventh on Mason Elrod’s RBI single to extend Bend’s lead to 3-1.
JT Summers (Oregon) walked with two outs to bring the tying run to the plate, but WCL Player of the Week Zach Wadas struck out looking to end the game. The Raptors dropped their first road series of the season and also lost back-to-back games for the first time.
They look to avoid the sweep tonight against the Elks at 6:35 p.m. PT before returning home to host the Springfield Drifters at the RORC this weekend.
Friday’s game will be a “Fibre Family Friday.” Tickets are $5 off for fans who present a Fibre FCU credit or debit card at the box office.
Plus, “Fryays” are back! If the Raptors win a Friday home game, fans can take home a coupon for free French fries courtesy of Burgerville.
Saturday night is Chick-fil-A Saturday. Stick around until the end of the game to receive a coupon for a free Chick-fil-A sandwich on your way out of the ballpark. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. PT.
Sunday’s 1:05 p.m. game is Military Appreciation Night. Celebrate the brave men and women who serve our country with a special day at the ballpark. All active-duty military personnel and veterans will receive free admission. Arrive early and enjoy special pregame festivities as we salute the armed forces.
Plus, bring the kids for another Kids Free Sunday, presented by PeaceHealth and The Columbian.