By Cody Schmidt

The Edmonton Riverhawks enter the final game of their series against the Ridgefield Raptors trying to combine their last two efforts. If they can pair Tuesday’s offensive outburst with a repeat of #33 Halen Knoll’s start from last night, they would have a winning combination on their hands. While the Hawks were shut out 6-0 yesterday, they still kept up good contact, only striking out four times in the game. If the batters can keep the same approach on the plate, but actually get a few balls in play, the Hawks will be in business tonight.

The team’s 0-5 start to the season doesn’t have manager Jake Lanferman too worried.

“Our start is looking similar to that of last season. We are not getting outplayed by any means, and every game so far has been close. The guys are working hard, and if we keep playing like we are, we will get into the win column more times than not. Morale is excellent. The road-trip is allowing the guys to bond and spend time together. We are excited to get back home and play in front of our fans.”

With the team vibing well and cruising past the midpoint of this 9-game road trip the time is right for the first Riverhawks win of the season. To do so the Hawks will have this lineup in Ridgefield tonight:

1- #15 Daniel Calabrese CF

2- #1 Kelly Corl 2B

3- #2 Jack Wheatley SS

4- #10 Jonny McGill RF

5- #14 Tommy Takayoshi DH

6- #28 Mark Ossanna 1B

7- #36 Jakob Poturnak 3B

8- #31 Christian Grino LF

9- #34 Nico Libed C

P- #18 Riley Barrett RHP

There are some new names in the order tonight, returning Riverhawk Kelly Corl will look to keep his momentum from 2022 where he hit .294, a pair of homers, and stole 8 bases. At the bottom of the order are a pair of newcomers joining the team, Libed and Grino. With McGill back in the lineup, and Barrett making his second start of the season, the Riverhawks will be in good hands tonight.

The final game of the series begins at 7:35PM MST. You can watch along on WCL Live and the Raptors’ YouTube page, or follow the action on Twitter at @RiverhawksGames.

Tickets are on sale for every home game of the 2023 WCL season. The Riverhawks play their home opener on Tuesday night against the Kamloops North Paws. Come on down to RE/MAX Field and cheer on the team. Can’t make it Tuesday? The full 2022 promotional calendar is out, so you can find more games and events to come down to the river valley for!