Game Summaries

The Victoria HarbourCats broke the hearts of the Edmonton Riverhawks and their fans winning the winner-takes-all final game of the season 3-1. 

The Hawks fought through the whole game and had a great chance in the 9th with a pair of runners and no outs, but three straight strikeouts spelled Edmonton's demise.

Edmonton opened the scoring in the top of the 4th, off 

ground rule double that rolled under the left field fence. The Riverhawks scored just the 1 run as, after a strikeout, Gonzalez was gunned down trying to steal 3rd followed by an 

Victoria doubled Edmonton’s score in the bottom half of the inning, putting up 2 courtesy a double and a run scoring on an error from a thrown away a pickoff attempt at 1st. The Cats built on their lead in the bottom of the 5th, adding an insurance run off an RBI single.

Victoria starter Nick Taylor had a fine outing, allowing 1 run on 5 hits, walking a batter, and recording 5 strikeouts in six innings of work. For the visitors, Edmonton starter 

 would cover 4 innings, allowing 2 runs on 4 hits, 2 walks, and 3 strikeouts.

Victoria relievers Ben Smedshammer and Jack Seward closed out the final 3 innings, combining to allow no runs anmd giving up 1 hit while walking 2 and striking out 6 of the last 12 batters they faced. 

 threw the last 4 innings for the Hawks. Together, they would allow just 1 run on 2 hits, 5 walks, and 4 strikeouts.

Edmonton’s season came to an end while the Harbourcats will now play the Bellingham Bells in a best of 3 series in the playoffs.

The Riverhawks finish the season with a 25-28 record, coming in 2nd place in the second half, and 5th place in the overall North Division standings. 

Clayton Loranger led the team in hitting, finishing with a .365 average, which ranked him 4th in the entire West Coast League. He added 30 RBIs. Ivan Brethowr led the squad with 5 home runs on the season. Mikie Gill had the most pitching wins with 4, only one of which came from a start. Brady Kobitowich had 38 strikeouts to lead the team while the best ERA belonged to JD Callahan, with a 1.00 ERA over 27 innings of work.

For offseason news including player transactions, follow 

 on Twitter. You can also see those updates on our website.

We thank you for pulling for the Riverhawks during our inaugural season. We look forward to creating even more memories as we move forward together!

Victoria Edges Edmonton in Win & You're In Game

Riverhawks End Season 1/2 Game Short of a Playoff Spot

Tonight’s game was wild, with the Edmonton Riverhawks at one point being down by 15 runs, but within the last two innings being able to turn it into a 13-17 loss to the HarbourCats, nearly coming back in the 9th.

The first half of tonight’s game was fully in the Riverhawks’ control. Scoring a pair of runs in the 2nd inning, Brandon Loeppky’s arm kept the Hawks in the lead as he escaped a few jams in his first four innings. While it would end up being Loeppky’s longest appearance of the season, the righty would struggle in the 5th, giving up a single and a walk before a double steal and a single tied the game. After Loeppky came Matt Masciangelo who had issues with control. He walked two, hit two batters, and allowed a single before the Hawks could get out of the 5th, but things only got worse from there. Masciangelo worked two quick strikeouts regaining the zone, but a pair of singles followed by a home run started the 6th inning damage. A walk and an error gave the Cats another couple of runners before Brad Jolley was brought in. A single, then a three-run homer off Jolley sunk the Hawks further, and after loading the bases on a pair of walks and a HBP, they were finally out of the 6th. The 7th inning went about as well, as back-to-back doubles led off the frame scoring one, and a HBP and a walk loaded the bases with no outs. At this point, manager Kelly Stinnett swapped Jolley for then-second baseman Will Gardner. Gardner had his own struggles as the loaded bases proved troublesome, runners scoring off a fielder’s choice and a wild pitch. A pair of singles got the HarbourCats to 17 total runs in three innings.

The Riverhawks fought back in the 8th, plating 7 runs to cut the Victoria lead in half. Loranger doubled off the second pitch he saw, Kelly Corl followed up with a walk, and pinch hitter Austin Choiunard got plunked to load the bases. RBI singles from Gonzalez and Gurevitch, as well as Jolley getting hit score a trio of runs before the first out of the 8th. A fielder’s choice scored a run, before Loranger hit a bases-clearing 3 RBI double. A similar rally sparked up in the 9th, as the Riverhawks clawed back another 4 runs to make the game competitive again. A HBP and a single got Choinard and Gonzalez on base respectively, within three pitches. Jolley walking loaded the bases, then the Hawks were gifted a pair of runs from a BB and HBP. An Ossanna single rotated the runners and another run scored off a 6-3 double play.

While the Riverhawks weren’t successful in punching their playoff ticket tonight, they’ll get another chance tomorrow afternoon. Which ever team wins the series, will also be slotted in at the 4th seed and take on the Bellingham Bells. The Riverhawks fought hard tonight, and they’ll need to do the same tomorrow!

August 6 Game Summary

Riverhawks Almost Bounce Back From Blowout, Delay Playoff Dreams Another Day

What originally had potential to be a blowout turned into the Edmonton Riverhawks fighting beak and talon to pull off a 9-8 win over the Victoria HarbourCats. A disastrous bottom of the 7th let the HarbourCats tie the game with 5 runs scoring, only two of which were earned. After a scoreless 8th, the Hawks fought back in the top of the 9th, starting with a first pitch hit batter. 

 got plunked in the neck, but aside from the left fielder’s grumbling at the pitcher’s arm, Loranger was ok to stay in the game and run. A pair of back-to-back wild pitches moved Clayton around to third before 

hit a sacrifice fly deep enough to score the go-ahead run. With the Hawks looking for insurance, both 

walked before Victoria brought in a new arm. Two batters later 

 nailed a single to score Poole, and the Hawks headed to the bottom with a two run lead.

had already been in the game for an 1.1 innings, but manager 

trusted Gill with the 9th. The first Cats batter flying out to right was promising, but what was a bang-bang play at first was judged in Victoria’s favour by the umpires. Another ground ball got through the gap for a second Cats baserunner, and it was tense as a ball hit to second ended up as a fielder’s choice. The grounder was tough to play for Gonzalez, and by the time he caught the hopping ball, his only solid play was a force at second base. This split the Victoria runners to the corners, and while a single allowed the HarbourCats to bring the game within one run, it also put a crucial runner on second base. With a 1-2 count against the HarbourCats’ last-chance batter, Gill whipped around to throw the ball to second, catching the leading runner stranded off the base, and Corl expertly laid the tag to put the game to rest.

While it was a thrilling back third of the game, the Riverhawks had plenty of early excitement too. Scoring in each of the first four innings, the Hawks seemed unstoppable in the first half. In the 1st, Loranger, Corl, and Will Gardner hit back-to-back-to-back singles to lead off the game, with an Alex Stinnett double scoring the second run. Loranger played hero again in the 2nd, smacking a deep solo home run to right field. The 3rd’s three runs came off a Gurevitch double, a wild pitch, and a 

 single. The 4th inning’s lone run came from a heads-up play, as when Gonzalez ran to steal second base after a single, Kelly Corl took off from third as soon as the ball left the catcher’s hand.

A majority of Victoria’s runs came at Edmonton’s misfortune, in the 4th it looked like Loranger was about to rob a home run, but the ball drifted down slightly and bounced off the heel of his glove over the fence, ensuring the two-run shot. Similarly in the 7th, three of the five runs the HarbourCats would plate to tie the game came across unearned. An almost assured inning-ending grounder was hit to second base, but the ball was bobbled, and all runners stood safely. Similarly, another misfortunate play was a single getting past both Gurevitch and Korl, and the attempt at getting a ball to third for a tag play was instead sailed into the dugout.

Thankfully, the Riverhawks stayed on top and were assisted through the whole game by three pitchers. Starter 

 was effectively wild, walking 7 batters, but only blemished by 4 hits over 5 innings, including the Loranger-assisted homer.

pitched a scoreless 6th marred only by a walk and HBP, but the troubled 7th inning dragged on long enough for Butt to be replaced. Gill earned the win with 2.1 innings of work, and both runs scored against him were unearned.

The series continues in Victoria tomorrow night and if the Riverhawks can pull off another win, they’ll guarantee their place in the 2022 WCL playoffs. Seeding and opponents likely aren’t to be decided until after Sunday’s games, but the Riverhawks are tantalizingly close to extending their inaugural season.

August 5 Game Summary

Dramatic Victory Against Victoria Leaves Riverhawks A Win Away From Playoffs

The Riverhawks were held scoreless for the first seven innings of the game, but they finally got on the board after 

 off a sacrifice fly. So, down 2 runs all efforts were focused on the comeback in the 9th.

 worked a walk off a full count after fouling off 4 balls, followed by pinch hitter 

 smacking a double that put both runners in scoring position. With the go-ahead run at the plate, 

 then grounded into a fielder’s choice, scoring Gardner to bring the Hawks within a run. Then, with the leading run on first, 

 would crush a bases-clearing triple, scoring both Loranger and Ossanna to take the lead. From there, Tom Poolewould hit an RBI double, and Alex Stinnett would plate Poole on an RBI single making the score 6-3. As a result, 

 would be tasked with closing out Port Angeles in the bottom of the 9th.

Certainly, Liss would do just that only allowing a leadoff single, then shutting down the next 3 batters. Liss pitched 2 full scoreless innings allowing 2 hits, walking none, and striking out 3 of the 8 batters faced. The bullpen shutting batters down was what allowed Edmonton to get back in the game, and ultimately win this game. 

 would also came in to pitch a 3-up-3-down bottom of the 7th.

This game was tough for the Riverhawks early as starter 

 gave up 1 run in the 1st inning and another 2 runs in the 2nd putting the Lefties ahead early. Barrett would pitch 6 innings overall, allowing 3 runs on 5 hits, 1 walk, and striking out 7 of the 24 total batters he would face.

The Riverhawks now sit tied with the Wenatchee Apple Sox at 13-11 for the division lead with the Victoria Harbourcats only .5 of a game back at 13-12. So, with the division lead hanging in the balance Edmonton will travel to play Victoria in their final series of the regular season. The hunt for the playoffs all comes down to the last games of the season so sit down and buckle up fans because we are about to watch some incredible baseball.

Looking for play by play updates on every game home or away? Be sure to follow @RiverhawksGames on Twitter. Looking to stay as updated as possible? Be sure to read our game preview and game summary right here at riverhawksbaseball.com.

Edmonton wins 6-3 with a massive comeback 5-run 9th inning rally

Riverhawks Avoid Sweep to Stay in the Playoff Hunt!

The Edmonton Riverhawks were within reach of a comeback in the 9th inning, but they were shut down by the Port Angeles Lefties. Having a pair of runners on base after a pair of four-pitch walks, the Hawks got one run across off a 

 double. With the tying run at the plate, 

 to cross the plate, but with two outs they couldn’t stretch the rally any further losing 5-3 to the Lefties. This gives Port Angeles the edge on the season series, and has cooled the Riverhawks’ hot streak heading into August. With one more game in Washington before the Hawks head to Victoria, a win will be imperative to stay competitive in the tight playoff race.

Tonight the Riverhawks out-hit the Lefties, but were once again bit by the LOB bug, stranding 11 runners including a bases-loaded one-out situation in the first inning. The Lefties struck early, scoring their initial three runs in the first off starter 

. After the short two-out rally by Port Angeles in the 1st, Kobitowich settled down for an incredibly solid start. Brady pitched a total of 6 innings, his longest appearance of the season, and struck out 8 Lefties. After the 1st Kobitowich only have up a pair of hits in the 4th and a pair of walks in the 6th. 

 took the mound for the 7th and 8th innings, and while his first inning was a 10-pitch beauty, a pair of walks in the 8th came back to haunt Gill as they both scored off another two-out double. Those runs would be the difference makers, as while the Hawks could get their score to 3 in the the 9th, the last minute insurance kept Port Angeles on top.

The penultimate series finishes up tomorrow at 7:35pm MST in Port Angeles. As the AppleSox won tonight, the Hawks will need to stay competitive against the Lefties tomorrow night, not only to balance out the season series, but also to get back atop the division standings. Tough competition also comes from the Hawks’ Friday opponents, the Victoria HarbourCats who also won, hopping a game up in the standings over Edmonton.

August 3 Game Summary

Tough Loss to Lefties As 9th Inning Rally Falls Short

While the Edmonton Riverhawks struck early with a three-run top of the first, it wouldn’t end up accounting for much as the Port Angeles Lefties ended victorious with a 10-5 win. The Hawks had multiple opportunities to surge ahead or at least to narrow the gap on the scoreboard, but other than a 

2-run dinger in the 6th that temporarily tied the game, the Edmonton squad couldn’t plate their runners. With 13 runners left stranded in the game and as many hits as the winning team got, the offence just couldn’t string hits together in the right way to stay competitive. Corl had the best night of any batter, with a single and a double to go along with his homer, and 

 also was on base three times with two singles and a walk. 

earned half of the team’s bases on balls, and he was the only starter in the lineup that didn’t manage to strike out at least once in the game. Along with a trio of errors that helped Port Angeles (and meant that only 3 of their 10 runs were earned), the Riverhawks struck out 15 times across the game with 

both getting punched out three times each.

Edmonton pitching started and ended shakily, with both the first and last hurlers each giving up 5 runs. Starter 

 was the only Riverhawks pitcher who didn’t complete two innings of work in the night, with all three runs in the second scoring unearned against him and the bases loaded as he departed the game. A trio of fill-in arms served as the Edmonton bullpen for the night as 

 each covered two innings of work. From the 3rd to the 7th the arms gave the Hawks’ bats plenty of opportunities to catch up as they retired 11 Lefties in a row, but after a pair of triples sandwiching an error scored three runs in the 7th, the Hawks’ fate was sealed.

The Riverhawks will try to bounce back tomorrow as they face the Lefties again in the second game of the series. With playoffs just potentially 5 days away, the Hawks need every win that they can get to secure their spot in the postseason.

August 2 Game Summary

Errors and Stranded Batters Sink Riverhawks against Lefties

The pitching was not great, the bats were quieter than normal, and Bellingham took full advantage of the weather to start the game.

Both teams were clearly ready to go post rain delay that pushed the games start time by half an hour as a total of 4 runs combined were scored in the opening frame. Starting for the Riverhawks was 

 who would struggle early in this game getting pulled before the end of the 1st inning. The main issue was finding control and landing pitches in the zone as multiple tosses would be high and run too far inside on batters. Poapst would pitch 1/3 of an inning giving up 3 runs on 2 hits, 3 walks, and 1 strikeout. At the end of the first the score sits at 3-1 with Bellingham in the lead. As a result of Edmonton’s pitching not finding their control, meant a lot of walks were issued from both the starter and bullpen.

In relief, 5 pitchers were used out of the bullpen with 

 pitching the bulk of the innings at 3 and 2/3 giving up no runs on just one hit, 4 walks, and 1 strikeout. Lefty 

 would come into pitch the top of the 5th and get the loss as the game at that point was within reach at 3-2 with the Bells in the lead. In the top of the 5th, after loading the bases and walking in a run, Hunter Komine of the Bells would hit a double all the way to the left field corner to unload the bases and put the score out of reach at 7-2. Masciangelo would pitch just one inning, allowing 4 runs on 2 hits, 1 walk, and 2 strikeouts.

 would pitch a combined 4 innings allowing 2 runs on 6 hits, 3 walks, and 5 strikeouts. 2 additional runs would be scored in the top of the 8th for the Bells with an additional run scoring in the top of the 9th to reach double digits at 10 runs.

The Riverhawks would add a run in the bottom of the 8th for their total of 3 runs in the game but just couldn’t get a comeback going. Runners would get on base in some of the later innings with batters just not being able to hit them in. On a positive note, Edmonton does win 2 of 3 games in this series and remains tied with the Wenatchee Apple Sox for the division lead as of this Saturday afternoon. The Riverhawks now will play 2 more series on the road against the Port Angeles Lefties, and then will play the Victoria HarbourCats to end the regular season.

Bells beat up on Riverhawks 10-3 to stay in the race for division lead

Bellingham Beats Edmonton to Avoid Sweep in Game 3

Edmonton scored 9 runs on back-to-back nights, as they take a crucial game 1 of 3 in this series with Bellingham. Multiple errors helped the Riverhawks score some insurance runs on top of the bats coming alive. Similarly, the pitching was also excellent, shutting the Bells down after their one scoring inning, despite multiple threats through the game.

Starting with the offence, the Riverhawks would score 2 runs early in the first followed by a solo home run from 

 over the Booster Juice signage in left-centre field to put the Hawks up by 3.

 reached on an error to load the bases. With one out, 

 who would score Ossanna and McKeon on a fielder’s choice play. After a pitching change, 

 would lace a single to left field loading the bases once again. Next, 

 would walk with bases loaded scoring another run followed by a 

 2 RBI double making the score 8-2. To close out the scoring, 

 would groundout to first base scoring Grupe from third to make it 9-2. Equally important, was the pitching duo of starter 

Barrett would hold the Bells hitless through the first 2 innings before giving up a single to Easton Amundsen with 2 out in the top of the third. In the end, Barrett would get the win pitching 6 strong innings allowing just 2 runs on 7 hits, walking a batter, and striking out 6 of the 26 batters he would face. In relief, Gill would finish off the game pitching the remaining 3 innings allowing 0 runs on 0 hits, 0 walks, and striking out a batter of the 9 he would face.

Edmonton plays Game 2 of 3 tomorrow night with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 PM MST. Saturday is also cycling Saturday at the ballpark where if you ride your bike to the park we will give you 50% off your ticket. Also, at the end of the night we will have a draw for an electric bike worth almost four thousand dollars courtesy of RCM Motor Sports!

Looking for tickets? You can purchase tickets online at gohawks.ca or at our box office one hour before first pitch. Can’t make it to the ballpark? Be sure to tune in to our broadcast of the game on YouTube featuring commentary from the duo of Al Coates and John Belmont. Maybe you’re looking for play by play updates instead? Be sure to follow @RiverhawksGames on Twitter. Looking to stay as updated as possible? Be sure to read our game preview and game summary right here at riverhawksbaseball.com.

Riverhawks win 9-2 and stay alive for the division lead

Edmonton Crushes Bellingham in Game One

The Riverhawks offence carried them this game, on top of a spectacular start from 

The runs would get started in the bottom of the 3rd with a 

from second base. However, the bulk of the scoring would occur in the following frame. After 

 would step up to the plate knocking a RBI triple making the score 2-0. Then, with Chouinard at first and 

 would crush a double to the gap scoring Chouinard to make the score 3-0. Next, 

 hitting a single, scoring both Stinnett and Loranger. With 

 hitting a RBI single, it made it 5 runs in the inning and left the score at 6-0 with Edmonton far ahead.

The Riverhawks would go on to score 3 more runs in the bottom of the 7th. Of note, everyone in Edmonton’s lineup would get on base throughout the game at least once. However, all this offence would not be possible without starter 

 limiting chances for Kamloops early and often.

In his best start of the year Ward would earn the win pitching 7 strong innings, allowing no runs on 2 hits, 2 walks, and striking out 4 of the 25 batters he would face. In relief, 

 would come in to pitch the top of the 8th and 9th, allowing no runs on 1 hit, 1 walk, and striking out a batter.

The Riverhawks start a new 3 game series with the Bellingham Bells Friday night with first pitch at 7:05 PM MST. Friday night will also feature Friday Night Fireworks where guests can view fireworks following the game once the sky gets dark enough.

Edmonton’s offence carries the team in a 9-0 shutout

Riverhawks Sweep NorthPaws in Series Finale

This game was a close one thanks to great pitching from both sides and stellar defence backing up the starters. Zeros covered the board for both teams with this game coming down to the bottom of the 9th.

 came in and sped through the 3 outs he needed to keep his team in the game. In the bottom of the 9th 

 would lead off with a single to get things started for Edmonton. Next, we would see a 

 line a ball through the right side moving Gonzalez to third. With no outs in the inning, 

 came up to the plate, winning the game for Edmonton hitting a blast way over the Kamloops right fielder’s head with Gonzalez lightly jogging to home plate and scoring the winning run.

Equally important was the pitching, and that all begins with the Riverhawks starter 

 who pitched 7 strong innings and struck out 9 batters. Alvarez would carry a no hitter through 5.2 innings before giving up a single to slugger Zack Beatty. Alvarez, who is typically a bullpen arm got the start with some of the arms in the rotation going back to school early to prepare for their new season ahead. It was a golden opportunity for Alvarez, and he capitalized on it.

 would pitch a shutout 8th and inning and as mentioned 

 would close things down in the 9th. Overall, a very strong pitching performance from all three pitchers despite the lack of run support.

The finale of this 3 game series goes tomorrow night with first pitch at 7:05 PM MST as Edmonton looks to sweep the NorthPaws out of RE/MAX field. Tomorrow will also be “Thirsty Thursday” night at the ballpark when you can find draft beer for just $5 all night. Looking for tickets to the game? Be sure to visit gohawks.ca.

Can’t make it to the ballpark? Be sure to follow live pitch by pitch action on our Twitter by following @RiverhawksGames. Looking for a broadcast of the game instead? Be sure to tune in on YouTube featuring commentary from the duo of Al Coates and John Belmont. As always, you can find a game preview and game summary at riverhawksbaseball.com.

Aren Alvarez pitches 5.2 no-hit innings in walk off victory

Riverhawks Win Game 2 in Thrilling Walk Off

Looking to start off the new series with a win the Riverhawks did just that. With an amazing start from 

, the bats came alive to score double digit runs, and the bullpen locked it down.

The offence was popping tonight, scoring 12 runs on 11 hits. The deal was sealed in the bottom of the 6th with a massive 9 run inning. The half started with a 

 reaching on a walk to load the bases. Then, the scoring would start with an RBI single from 

to both walk, making the score 6-1. With 

 up to bat, he would join the hitters club, knocking in the next 2 runs with an RBI single. 

 would follow with a double that was nearly out of the park, scoring 2 runs. before the inning would end, fans were treated to a thrilling bases clearing triple from 

. At the end of the inning the score would be 12-1 with Edmonton gaining a massive lead.

The momentum of this game was on the Riverhawks’ side from the beginning with a great start from 

. Callahan would pitch 3 scoreless innings, with 2 hits and a pair of walks, striking out 5 of the 13 batters he would face. Of note, Callahan also K’d 3 of the first 6 batters he faced in the game.

 would come in to close things out in the top of the 9th. Overall, while the bullpen pitchers gave up 3 runs on 7 hits, walked 4 batters and struck out 5 of their 27 batters.

Tomorrow night Edmonton plays Kamloops in game 2 of this series, with first pitch at 7:05 PM MST. You can purchase tickets at gohawks.ca.

Can’t make it to the ballpark? Watch from home with our YouTube broadcast of the game featuring commentary from legendary duo Al Coates and his sidekick John Belmont. As always, you can also get live in-game updates by following @RiverhawksGames on Twitter. Also, be sure to stay updated by reading our game previews and summaries at riverhawksbaseball.com.

Riverhawks' high powered offence carries them in a 12-3 victory

Edmonton Blows Out NorthPaws in Series Opener

The HarbourCats figured out how to limit the Riverhawks offence in the final game of the series and avoid the sweep, with Edmonton scoring just 1 run on 4 hits. A crucial part of shutting down that offence was the pitching and specifically the starter for Victoria, Andre Duplantier II.

Duplantier II pitched 7.2 innings, allowing just 1 earned run on 4 hits, walking just 1 batter and striking out 5 Riverhawks. As for Edmonton, starter 

 would struggle with errors early on leading to him lasting just 5 innings, and giving up 3 runs (1 earned) on 3 hits. Chas walked 1 batter, and struck out 3 of the 19 batters he faced. Duplantier was backed up this game as the HarbourCats offence came alive for 5 runs, the most they scored out of any game in the series.

Victoria would take the lead in the bottom of the 2nd with Hudson Shupe stealing home for the first run of the game. Then, in the bottom of the 4th Edmonton would tie it with a run of their own on a 

 RBI single. However, coming right back and scoring 2 more runs of their own were the HarbourCats to make the game 3-1. Eventually, in the top of the 9th Victoria would add on runs to reach the final 5-1 score. Both teams hit the ball hard, yet this was the only game in the series with no homeruns, the teams did have 14 fly outs combined throughout the game.

The Riverhawks have an off day Monday and continue their nine game home stand by taking on the Kamloops NorthPaws, Tuesday through Thursday next week. Followed up by playing the Bellingham Bells in a 3 game set starting Friday through Sunday. The playoff hunt is on and Edmonton has won a crucial series to gain momentum in the standings.

Tuesday night, first pitch will be at 7:05 pm MST against the Kamloops NorthPaws. You can get tickets at gohawks.ca. Be sure to catch a game preview and post game summary right here at riverhawksbaseball.com. You can stay updated on every pitch all season by following @RiverhawksGames on Twitter. Can’t make it to the ballpark? Be sure to tune into our YouTube broadcast featuring commentary from the duo of Al Coates and his partner John Belmont.

Edmonton loses 5-1, but still take the series over Victoria

Riverhawks Drop Series Finale to HarbourCats

The game plan was executed to perfection as the Riverhawks won game two in blowout fashion. From the outstanding pitching to the high-powered offence and perfect defensive fundamentals, it all came together for the victory.

Starting with the offence: Edmonton would score 3 runs in the first inning, 2 off a 

 single with the bases loaded. Then, in the bottom of the 3rd the Hawks would add to their lead, putting up another 5 runs, 2 of which scored on a 

 home run. McKeon’s home run was hit 96 mph off the bat and went 358 ft over the left field wall. Finally, the scoring would end in the bottom of the 4th with Edmonton racking up another 4 runs, including a 3-run blast from Poole. Tom’s dinger was hit 102 mph off the bat and would go 362 feet toward Rossdale Road. Overall, it was a team effort putting up double digit runs while limiting the other team’s chances to score.

As for the pitching, this was the key to limiting Victoria’s chances of coming back in the game. 

pitched 6 strong innings, losing control near the end but still working his way out of the 6th for a quality start. In total, Barrett allowed just 2 runs on 6 hits. In relief, 

 made his Riverhawks debut out of the pen, and 

 combined with him to pitch the remaining 3 innings. The pair allowed a run on a hit and a walk, and struck out 3 of the final 11 batters for the game.

The final game of this series against the HarbourCats will be Sunday afternoon with first pitch at 1:05 PM MST. As always, you can find a game preview and a game summary at riverhawksbaseball.com. Be sure to stay updated on every pitch by following @RiverhawksGames on Twitter. Can’t make it to the ballpark? Be sure to watch the broadcast of every home game on YouTube featuring commentary from the legendary Al Coates and his partner John Belmont.

Jacob McKeon and Tom Poole homer in 12-3 blowout win

Riverhawks Destroy HarbourCats in Game Two

From the start this game was an instant classic at RE/MAX Field. From some massive homeruns, to shutdown pitching from 

, to the vibe of the crowd the huge win was capped off perfectly with Friday Fireworks.

Things started fast and furious with 7 of the 10 total runs for both teams scored in the first 3 innings alone. Starting in the 1st, 

 tripled for the first hit of the game followed shortly afterwards by a 

 groundout for the first RBI. Of note, Loranger’s triple would be the first of 6 extra base hits on the night for the Riverhawks, a major contributor to the early success. However, the bulk of the runs would be scored in the 2nd, with 5 runs scoring on a Loranger sacrifice fly and a massive Kelly Corl 3 run dinger.

Corl’s homer came off the bat at 96 mph and went 371 ft over the left field wall. Similar, to Corl’s homerun was the add on homerun hit in the bottom of the 3rd by 

 to put the game out of reach at a score of 7-1. McKeon’s homerun was hit 100 mph off the bat and went 362 ft over the left as well.

2 additional runs would be tacked on from there, 1 scoring in the bottom of the 6th, and 1 in the bottom of the 8th for the final score of 9-1. Equally important, to the victory was the strong pitching of starter K.J Ward, and long relief pitcher Mike Gill.

Ward would pitch the first 5 innings of the game with Gill closing out the last 4 innings. Combined they would allow just one run on 6 hits, walking 3 batters, and striking out 6 of the 35 batters faced. Although this was a team victory, one player stood out above the others and it was clearly Kelly Corl.

Corl would go 4 for 5, hitting 2 singles, a triple, and a homerun, leaving him a double short of the cycle. However, in the bottom of the 8th knowing he is a double shy of the cycle, Kelly hit a sharp shallow single to center field. On the base paths he tried to stretch for a double on the off chance he could beat out the throw, but he was tagged an left with just an RBI single.

Game 2 of this 3 game series goes tomorrow night with first pitch at 7:05pm MST. You can purchase tickets online at gohawks.ca or in person at our box office 1 hour before first pitch. Can’t make it to the ballpark? Be sure to tune into our broadcast on YouTube with commentary from Al Coates and John Belmont. As always, you can find a full game preview and summary before and after every game right here at riverhawksbaseball.com.

Kelly Corl goes 4 for 5, a double shy of the cycle

Riverhawks Devour HarbourCats in Series Opener

The Edmonton Riverhawks received a sterling pitching performance from J.D. Callahan but they were unable to take advantage of it as they fell to the Kelowna Falcons 2-0 in the rubber match of their three game series in the Okanagan Valley.  

Callahan went six innings for the visitors from Alberta, and limited the Falcons to just two hits while striking out seven. Matt Masciangelo came on in relief in the seventh and that's when the Falcons bats heated up. They scored two runs and that's all they would need.

Shaun Atamanchuk held Kelowna off the scoresheet in the bottom of the eighth but the damange was done and the Hawks failed to mount any kind of serious threat. They dropped the game 2-0 and lost the series two games to one. 

They now return home to play nine games in ten days starting Friday night. 

Kelowna Finds Chink in Pitching Armour 

Hawks Clipped in Rubber Match

The Edmonton Riverhawks beat the Kelowna Falcons handily tonight, as they even out the road series. Scoring in 6 different innings, there was only a brief moment of worry for the Hawks when the Falcons tied the game in the 6th. Thankfully 

 was gifted a walk for the go-ahead run. 

 followed that sequence up with a sacrifice fly, and the Hawks never lost the lead again. Insurance in the 8th came from 

 scoring from a Gardner double, and the 9th’s run was Brethowr (who barely missed a home run with his double) getting home off a Gonzalez two-bagger.

Clayton Loranger put his wheels on early, earning three stolen bases in the first three innings. A double steal between Brethowr and Loranger put Ivan in position to score in the first, and Clayton’s steal in the 3rd put him in position to score off a 

 double. Brethowr ended up on base in all but one of his plate appearances tonight, getting plunked twice, walked twice, and only getting his first hit of the game with his 9th inning double. Gonzalez was key for bringing runs home with his sacrifice fly and late-game double. Tyvon Moore’s 7th inning double was also key for setting up the big rally that put the Riverhawks ahead for good.

was the Hawks starter, and he was very effective. In the first two innings his only baserunner came from a defensive error. Despite a runners on the corners jam in the 3rd, Aren worked out of it, and came back out for a 1-2-3 4th. Alvarez’s only blemishes came in the 5th as the Falcons had a one-out rally to score off a sac fly and another defensive error. 

 got the game’s win as he carried the 6th and 7th. It looked like Kobitowich would be able to escape another runners on the corners jam, but a balk scored the third Falcon right before the inning’s final pitch was thrown. 

stumped the Falcons with two scoreless, hitless innings, and earned the save for his efforts.

The Riverhawks will look to finish up both the road series and their season series with the Falcons tomorrow afternoon. With an 1:35pm MST start time for the rubber match, the Hawks will have a quick rest before they return to Elks Field in Kelowna for the last time this season.

Hawks couldn’t stop adding on in 7-3 win

Riverhawks Run Up the Score, Even The Series

It was a tough one for the Edmonton Riverhawks as they got to within one run in the 9th but couldn’t get past the Kelowna Falcons. A comeback was needed desperately after the Falcons re-took the lead in the 7th and added a pair of insurance runs with a homer in the 8th. 

 were in scoring position after a hit by pitch, a single, and a throwing error. 

 knocked the ball into the outfield sending both runners home, and Loranger did his best to give the Hawks every chance he could but he was tagged trying to extend to second base, ending the game. This all was on top of the three runs scored in the 5th and 7th innings that had originally tied the game.

Brethowr and Loranger were the top two in the order tonight and they ended up making a circuit with Stinnett and 

 at the bottom of the lineup. The quartet all ended up on base and shared the RBI opportunities for the Riverhawks. Despite leading off the game with a runner due to a hit batter, the Hawks’ bats didn’t pick up until the 5th inning 2-run rally. 

In the first 4 innings they had two leadoff runners get erased on a double play, but in the 5th were able to use the momentum of a pair of Falcons errors to push 

 around to score. In the 7th, a deep Loranger sac fly brought around Schulz to score.

 pitched through the first two-thirds of the game, striking out 3 and only allowing a pair of earned runs. While thinks started shakily with a pair of walks coming around to score in the 1st, Wheatley would settle in to a start where he managed to get out of a few jams, but also set down 9 straight Falcons between the 3rd and 6th innings. Reliving Wheatley for the 7th and 8th was 

, who faced early adversity as a single-fielder’s choice-single-single sequence got the Falcons’ leading run. The 8th started harshly as well for Gill, who gave up a single, homer, and double before setting down the next three Falcons in order.

Game Summaries

Riverhawks End Season 1/2 Game Short of a Playoff Spot

Riverhawks Almost Bounce Back From Blowout, Delay Playoff Dreams Another Day

Dramatic Victory Against Victoria Leaves Riverhawks A Win Away From Playoffs

Riverhawks Avoid Sweep to Stay in the Playoff Hunt!

Tough Loss to Lefties As 9th Inning Rally Falls Short

Errors and Stranded Batters Sink Riverhawks against Lefties

Bellingham Beats Edmonton to Avoid Sweep in Game 3

Edmonton Crushes Bellingham in Game One

Riverhawks Sweep NorthPaws in Series Finale

Riverhawks Win Game 2 in Thrilling Walk Off

Edmonton Blows Out NorthPaws in Series Opener

Riverhawks Drop Series Finale to HarbourCats

Riverhawks Destroy HarbourCats in Game Two

Riverhawks Devour HarbourCats in Series Opener

Hawks Clipped in Rubber Match

Riverhawks Run Up the Score, Even The Series

Riverhawks Can’t Catch Up to Falcons Late Homer

Stinnett Slams, But Knights Steal the Series

Riverhawks Slay Knights to Win Game Two

Knights Shutout Riverhawks in Game One

Riverhawks Routed by Falcons in Matinee

Near-Identical Wins for Riverhawks in Double Header

Riverhawks Pull Off the Win In Extended 16 Inning Game

Bells Stump the Hawks 0-2 Off Strong Start

Early Errors, Busy Sixth Sink the Hawks

Riverhawks Stay On Top In Sunday Slugfest

Hawks Explode for 13 Hits, Even the Series

Hawks Drop Series to Wenatchee

Riverhawks Take Bite Out of the Pickles