By Cody F. Schmidt

The Edmonton Riverhawks fell behind in the 3rd and were just unable to bounce back. Losing 7-1 to the Kamloops NorthPaws, the Riverhawks also drop the series. Finishing 19-11 before they head out on the road, it’s a tough loss for the Hawks as Kamloops sends a pitcher to the mound for a full 9 innings for the second time this series.

With a leadoff triple in the 4th #47 Will Vasseur got the Hawks their first and only run of the game, scoring on a #5 Bryce McFeely single. Despite the chance at a strong rally, the Hawks were foiled in the 4th after a liner right to first was caught and doubled off McFeely.

Starter #33 Halen Knoll was sharp as ever this afternoon, working fast through the first third of the game. While he allowed a trio of hits by the end of the 3rd, Knoll was never in major danger. The 4th went worse, as the NorthPaws put three runs on the board against Knoll with a double, a triple, and sac fly. Now throwing in a deficit, Halen allowed another hit and walk before he was removed for his shortest start of the season so far. Ending with 3.1+ innings pitched, Knoll struck out a pair and allowed a season-high seven hits.

Finishing off the 4th was #21 Myles Chamberlain, who got his first batter to hit into a 5-4-3 double play. He continued on in the 5th, hit for just a single in a six-pitch frame. His speedy innings continued in the 6th, striking out a pair to finish off Myles’ appearance. In the 7th #18 Riley Barrett took over and tossed a flawless inning outside of a walk. The 8th was #27 Brendan Loeppky’s, and he surrendered a pair of runs on three hits. #16 Tylor Jans finished off the defensive side of the game with a spectacular strikeout against his first hitter, but a walk and a couple of hits push the NorthPaws up even further.

The Hawks now hit the road, off to Washington to face the Wenatchee AppleSox for a three game midweek set. The team continues on to see the Victoria HarbourCats next weekend then after the All-Star break return to RE/MAX Field for the last home stand of the season. Make your plans to cheer on the Hawks at home before the season is over! Head to tickets.gohawks.ca and get a spot in the stands!