Three-Pitcher 6th Gives Series To Victoria

2024-07-14

The Hawks struck early, but were bested 6-3 by Victoria

By Cody F. Schmidt

One runaway inning was all it took for the Edmonton Riverhawks to drop the series against the Victoria HarbourCats. This puts the Hawks just below .500 on the second half as they take off for the All-Star break. Edmonton is now 22-14 on the season, while the HarbourCats now sit even at 18-18.

It was a quiet game for the Edmonton Riverhawks until #54 Sam Kane broke the scoreless tie with a solo home run in the 4th inning. That shot gave Kane a dinger in every game this series with theVictoria HarbourCats, and he’s the first Hawk to every have home runs in back-to-back-to-back games.

There was a medical delay mid-top of the 4th as theme plate umpire who had been struck a few at bats earlier, collapsed after running for a better view of a play at second. Returning to play after around 35 minutes #51 Royce Hale and #53 Jack Giordano were back on the base paths, reaching earlier thanks to a walk and single respectively. Hale stole third base almost immediately after play resumed and was sent home while #12 Rex Watson hit into a 6-4-3 double play.

With their backs against the wall, the Hawks had a good chance at a comeback, with #47 Will Vasseur, Hale, and Giordano reaching base on two singles and an HBP. Watson was able to send one run home with a sacrifice fly, but that was all the Riverhawks could muster.

Another fantastic day on the mound for #33 Halen Knoll, he carried the Hawks through the first 4.0 innings, striking out six, and only allowing a single hit. After the over thirty minute delay, Knoll surprised by returning to the mound for the 5th. Halen tried to pick up where he had left off, but struggled a bit as he allowed a pair of one-out walks and a single to load the bags. A sac fly scored the first run of the game against Knoll, but he escaped the inning without any more damage. Knoll’s 6th started well with a three pitch first out, but a solo homer tied the game against Edmonton.

Knoll was replaced with one out in the 6th by #21 Myles Chamberlain, who was only able to get one out in the inning while allowing three unearned runs off a trio of singles and a walk. #2 Austin Egan gave up another run in the 6th off a double, but was able to get the last out of the inning by striking out the eleventh batter of the frame.

After using three pitchers in the 6th, the Hawks were able to rely on #40 Hayden Morrison for the 7th. He was aided by a spectacular double play, with Kane making a diving catch and doubling off the runner who had reached on a hit by pitch. #18 Riley Barrett was the last pitcher of the game for Edmonton, striking out two HarbourCats looking for a 1-2-3 inning.

The Riverhawks get the next few days off, as the entire WCL will take a pause for the first WCL All-Star Game since 2019. Edmonton will be sending five players to the showcase game: Soper, McFeely, Poturnak, Domingo, and Dearing. The second half will resume for the Riverhawks back at home on July 19. The Hawks will play their first-ever games against the Springfield Drifters over the weekend set at RE/MAX Field, so head to tickets.gohawks.ca and see the Hawks in their last home stand of the season.

Photo credit - Christian Stewart & Victoria HarbourCats