Double Header Gives Double the Chances

2023-06-10

Riverhawks can reverse trends with pair of games against Black Bears

By Cody Schmidt

The Edmonton Riverhawks had an unexpected off day yesterday, as the series opener against the Cowlitz Black Bears was postponed due to rain. The Hawks instead will play a double header of 7 inning games today, meaning there’s double the opportunity to grab a win before the first home game on Monday.

Last season when taking on the Black Bears, the Hawks had a 2-1 record, dropping the first game but coming back to win the last pair. Hopefully the offence can keep the same batting prowess they’ve had through the previous series in Ridgefield. Despite getting swept, the Hawks held leads in two of the games and in both cases only dropped the lead in the final inning.

The Riverhawks have been buoyed by strong starting pitching, four of the six games played have had the starter go at least six innings, including the first appearance of the year by game one starter #45 KJ Ward. The towering Texan tossed 6.0 innings of scoreless ball in the final game against the Bells. That start padded a bevy of Riverhawks records that Ward holds, including innings pitched and games started. Looking to keep the momentum against the 2-4 Black Bears, KJ has the potential to last all seven innings of game one.

When discussing the strength of pitching, Head Coach Jake Lanferman had this to say:

“I have been very pleased with our staff's performance so far. Our pitchers have done a great job keeping games close and competing on the mound for us, which is all we can ask of them. If we continue to pitch the way we have been, we will find success throughout the summer.”

Behind Ward in the first bout of the day is a rejuvenated lineup of Riverhawks batters:

1- #15 Daniel Calabrese CF

2- #1 Kelly Corl 3B

3- #10 Jonny McGill DH

4- #28 Mark Ossanna 1B

5- #2 Jack Wheatley SS

6- #19 Will Gardner LF

7- #12 Eddie Saucedo C

8- #6 Brett Ott RF

9- #11 Ren Yokoyama 2B

P- #45 KJ Ward RHP

Hawks dropped game one 7-2, hopefully they'll come back for game two!

Game two features #3 Dallin Harrison on the mound:

1- #1 Kelly Corl SS @KellyCorl2

2- #15 Daniel Calabrese CF @breezy0044

3- #14 Tommy Takayoshi DH @takayoshitommy

4- #28 Mark Ossanna 1B @mark11ossanna

5- #36 Jakob Poturnak 3B @jakob_poturnak

6- #4 Carson Friesen RF

7- #2 Jack Wheatley 2B @jackwheatley25

8- #24 Nico Libed C @nicolibed

9- #19 Will Gardner LF @willgardner__

P- #3 Dallin Harrison RHP @HarrisonDallin

With two thirds of the last stop of the road trip being played today, the Riverhawks will look to grab a pair of wins and make the return to Edmonton on Tuesday that much sweeter.

Watch both games today on WCL Live, or follow along at @RiverhawksGames on Twitter. Follow along with the team on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok for all the latest updates. Pick up your tickets today for Tuesday June 13th’s home opener, or any other Riverhawks home game this season at tickets.gohawks.ca!