The Edmonton Riverhawks were unable to get more than a single run against the Kamloops NorthPaws tonight, dropping the first game of the series 3-1. Edmonton local Brady Kobitowich tossed a solid start, but wasn’t backed up enough to earn the win as the Kamloops arm was able to toss a complete game in under 90 pitches.

Despite never getting too behind in counts, starter #23 Brady Kobitowich gave up some early runs to the NorthPaws. A pair of singles in the first combined to push across the first run, then a triple was followed by an E7 in the 2nd to score another. One more base hit in the 2nd put the Paws up 3-0, but Brady was able to settle in for a scoreless, hitless 3rd. The strong pitching continued for Kobitowich, who finished after 7.0 innings and only allowed a single runner after the 2nd.

It was #12 Rex Watson who put in a ton of work to give the Hawks their first run. Singling to lead off the 3rd, Watson then stole second and third on successive pitches to be 90 feet away for #9 Taichi Nakao’s sacrifice fly.

With minimal relief needed after Kobitowich’s start, #2 Austin Egan came into the game in the 8th, and tossed a 1-2-3 inning. In the 9th Hayden Morrison issued the first two walks of the entire game, but ended up clearing the inning without allowing any more more Kamloops runs.

Despite outhitting the NorthPaws, the Riverhawks only got the tying run on base once. Neither team was able to put together any serious rallies, but the Edmonton defence made a few fantastic defensive plays to keep Kamloops off the basepaths. #47 Will Vasseur saved the 7th by leaping to catch a line drive beside the bag and end the inning, and #36 Jakob Poturnak, Nakao, and #35 Trent Lenihan combined for a 5-4-3 double play to clear the 6th.

The action continues tomorrow night, as CISN Country 103.9 joins the Hawks for Country Night. Get your hat and spurs on and come out to the park! The home stand finishes on Sunday as we celebrate Christmas in July with 96.3 The Breeze. There’s seats for both games still available, so visit tickets.gohawks.ca and head to RE/MAX Field while the weather is perfect!