Written by Raptors Broadcaster Hunter Shumake
The Ridgefield Raptors will hit the road to travel to Bellingham after completing their six game homestand at the RORC. In the span of six games at home, the Raps clinched their berth into the post season, and swept the winners of the first half in the northern division—the Bellingham Bells.
Having just completed a series against Bellingham, the Raptors will travel north to face the Bells at Joe Martin Field from July 11th-13th for another three game series.
In the first series between the two teams, two games need 11 innings to decide a winner— the first and third. In game one, Justin Stransky found himself scoring the walk off run as aggressive baserunning got him to third base and in the process of stealing third, was able to stroll home for Ridgefield to win on a walk off error. In game three, Nick Seamons stood at 3rd base as the lefty Trent Prokes laced a ball into right field for the walk off hit to sweep the series.
In the only game that did not need extra innings, the second game saw solid pitching and remarkable offense from Ridgefield. Charlie Royle got his third start of the season, had five scoreless innings and picked up his third win of the year. Game two saw an explosion of seven runs scored in the 4th inning for Ridgefield who went on to claim the second game of the series with a score of 10-4.
In the first Bellingham series, the Raptors were able to score 20 runs in three games against a team who only allowed 79 runs in their first 27 games in the West Coast League season.The Raps found a way to breakdown the quality Bells pitching staff. The offense was led by Jake Tsukada and Corey Nunez. Both Tsukada and Nunez had six hits. Nunez also got aboard with three walks. As a team, Ridgeϐield hit .324, above their season average of .268.
The first pitch in the second series between Ridgefield and Bellingham is scheduled for July 11th at 6:35 PM PDT. The Raptors return to the RORC next Friday, July 14th for a series with the Yakima Valley Pippins. Join us for Pink Lemonade Night this Friday and then Kids in Free Sunday. For more information, visit ridgefieldraptors.com. #GoRaps