By Cody F. Schmidt

The Edmonton Riverhawks’ bats were quiet tonight to close out the regular season against the Nanaimo NightOwls 7-1. Only managing a single hit through the first six innings, the Hawks entered the run column purely due to the NightOwl’s pitching troubles in the 7th. Three walks and a hit by pitch moved #36 Jakob Poturnak around the bases, while #51 Royce Hale, #26 Russell Young, and #11 Carlos Hernandez joined him on the base paths, with Hernandez getting the RBI walk.Scoring the sole run means that the Hawks went the entire season without being shut out, they scored at least one run in all 54 games played in 2024.

Making his second appearance and first start of the year, #3 Logan Colville was serviceable in his 4.0 innings on the mound. While he allowed an earned run in each of the first third's innings, Colville worked out of a bases loaded jam in the 3rd, and held the NightOwls scoreless in the 4th while striking out three in his innings.

Taking over in the 5th was #55 Jackson Sherren who ran into bases loaded trouble with a single and two walks. Only one run scored off the crowded paths, as the Hawks defence backed up Sherren to get out of his only inning of work. #44 Kai Fyke made his first appearance since July 1st in the 6th and was effectively working through NightOwls before a solo home run interrupted an otherwise flawless inning. Making an appearance on the mound in the 7th was #9 Mahidutt Tabata. The usual infielder ended up pitching an effective inning, allowing a hit but also getting the runner caught to end the frame. Tabata’s 8th was a bit more adventurous, allowing a single, two walks, and a run on a double steal.

The Riverhawks finish the 2024 regular season with a 32-22 record, their best ever record by seven wins! The Hawks were two runs away from earning the first half crown tiebreaker, and finish tied for second place in the overall North Division standings.

With the season complete all eyes turn to RE/MAX Field on Saturday, August 10. The Riverhawks will play in the their first ever WCL Playoff game facing the Bellingham Bells. The best of three series kicks off in Edmonton before heading to Washington for game two and three if needed. Make sure you can be there as the Riverhawks make their postseason debut, go to tickets.gohawks.ca right now and get a spot for Saturday’s matchup!