By Cody F. Schmidt

The Edmonton Riverhawks’ 2024 campaign ended tonight as they were defeated 5-1 by the Bellingham Bells in the WCL Divisional Series. The Riverhawks finished their regular season 32-22, and went 1-2 in the postseason.

Falling behind in the 2nd, the Hawks allowed Bellingham to get ahead thanks to a leadoff walk issued by starter #23 Brady Kobitowich. The walk was followed by an automatic double to put both Bells in scoring position and a regular double to bring them home. This 2nd was a stark contrast to Kobitowich’s 7-pitch 1st. Bouncing back with a scoreless 3rd, the Bells struck again in the 4th thanks to a pair of bunts that brought a runner around to score after a double. Following a third run, the Kobitowitch walked the bases loaded and ended his appearance. Trying to work out of the jam, #48 Fernando Palencia took over and induced a 6-4-3 double play to finish off the 4th.

Scoring for the first time in the 5th, the Riverhawks were gifted a pair of runners thanks to walks to #35 Trent Lenihan and #51 Royce Hale. Both runners moved into scoring position thanks to a groundout from #6 Taichi Nakao, then a single from #12 Rex Watson brought Lenihan home. Hale also tried to round the bases, but a toss in to the plate with plenty of time meant that Royce was tagged out and the inning ended.

Palencia faced another jam in the 5th, but managed to escape it without allowing any more Bellingham runs. Allowing a double and a walk, Fernando then loaded the bases as an action clock violation served as a 4th ball. Thankfully, another strikeout meant that Palencia closed off the 5th without anyone crossing the plate. A much calmer 6th followed with Palencia only allowing a walk while notching his third strikeout of the game. Continuing his control, the first 1-2-3 inning thrown by Palencia followed in the 7th as he induced three fly outs.

Making his standard high-stakes appearance, #16 Tylor Jans got the ball for the bottom of the 8th. An E1 and a pair of doubles added another two runs on to Bellingham’s total. The Hawks’ second 4-6-3 double play of the game salvaged the inning from any more damage.

Back-to-back singles on successive pitches to Lenihan and #14 David Krahn were followed by a one-out walk to Nakao to load the bags in the 9th. A 1-2-3 double play ended the inning and the Riverhawks’ season.

The Bells will continue on to face the Wenatchee AppleSox in the Divisional Championship game on Wednesday night. The winner of that game will face either the Portland Pickles, or the reigning Corvallis Knights in Friday’s League Championship Game.

Thank you for another amazing year of Riverhawks baseball, we’ll see you soon in 2025!