Written by Raptors Broadcaster Patrick McColl
After their first ever series against the Marion Berries, the Ridgefield Raptors will take their longest road trip in the South Division on Friday, which takes the team 251 miles east to Borleske Stadium for three games against the Walla Walla Sweets this weekend.
The Raptors beat the Berries in Game 2 of their three-game series against Marion and won 12-3 on Wednesday. Ridgefield hitters totaled 17 walks in the game. Reliever Austin Sheldon picked up the win in the game, relieving starter Landon Hood in 2.1 innings pitched, allowing no runs on one hit.
As of Thursday afternoon, Ridgefield’s (2-3) Noah Karliner has been effective at the plate, hitting .500 in 16 at bats this season. Karliner’s three doubles and four RBI also leads the team. Former Gonzaga Bulldog Ryder Cutlip has walked six times this year, which leads the ‘Raps. On the mound, starter Landon Hood leads Ridgefield with nine innings pitched and 10 strikeouts.
The Sweets (2-3) will play their first games against the Raptors since they won two of the final three games of the regular season against Ridgefield in 2024. The Raptors beat the Sweets in all three home games in 2024. In five West Coast League (WCL) games this year, Sacramento State transfer Tanner Kern has six hits for Walla Walla, which leads the team.
Game 1 against Walla Walla on Friday night will start at 7:05 p.m. Game 2 on Saturday night will start at 6:35 p.m. and Sunday’s finale will start at 6:05 p.m. at Borleske Stadium. After the series, Ridgefield will return home three games against the Yakima Valley Pippins.
Tickets to the upcoming home series against Yakima Valley at the Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex (RORC) are available on ridgefieldraptors.com. The live stream to listen to the games against Walla Walla will be available on ridgefieldraptors.com/stream. #GoRaps