Falcons Flatten Riverhawks Early and Late

2024-06-19

Hawks lose series as they cant catch up in 12-3 drubbing

By Cody F. Schmidt

Nothing seemed to go right for the Edmonton Riverhawks in their second game of their series against the Kelowna Falcons. Losing 12-3, the Hawks were held hitless for half of the game and were only able to put together a single rally for runs in the 8th inning. The Falcons were held quiet for the middle of the game, but resurged for a 6 run bottom of the 8th that put things far out of Edmonton’s reach.

It was a tough start for #41 Andrew Yusypchuk. After only lasting 0.2 innings against the Falcons a week ago, Yusypchuk gave up five runs in the first inning thanks to three walks, a double, a fielder’s choice, and the culminating three-run homer. Facing the entire Kelowna lineup in the 1st, Yusypchuk was relieved after another walk and a hit batter. Unable to get out of the inning, he again only pitched 0.2 innings, and gave up five runs on a hit and four walks.

It was #29 Daniel Orfaly who got out of the 1st, catching his first batter striking out swinging. Orfaly proved to be more than capable in relief, continuing on to toss five strikeouts and limited the Falcons to scoring just one run across the 4.1 innings he tossed. The Falcons tried to get a couple more homers off of Orfaly, but they died and were handled by #49 Noah Konings in right. #28 Michael Nastro took over in the 6th and pitched a solid frame, stranding a runner at third. The 7th was all #20 Max Benton as despite loading the bags with a single and two hit batters, he escaped the jam unscathed with a pair of strikeouts. The Hawks looked to #52 Evan Wilde for throwing the 8th, but in facing just five batters he gave up four runs to the Falcons and did not record an out. Finishing the 8th was #55 Jackson Sherren, who had struggles of his own, allowing another of Wilde’s runners to score, then one of his own on an error. When the smoke cleared Edmonton was out of the inning but they were suddenly behind by nine runs.

It was also a tough night for Riverhawks batting, as other than a pair of walks and a hit batter to give a couple early runners it took until the 5th inning for any Edmonton batter to earn a hit, courtesy of catcher #53 Jack Giordano

The second knock of the night came with an attempted rally as #6 Taichi Nakao led off the 6th with a laser single, and #15 Jonny McGill followed with a walk. The rally was cut off on three straight fly balls to the outfield, returning the Hawks to the dugout.

The Nakao/McGill combo tried again in the 8th, this time with Taichi walking and McGill with the hit. This time it paid off as the runners moved up on a wild pitch, then #35 Trent Lenihan cracked a double to the corner in left and earned 2 RBI on the hit. #47 William Vasseur got plunked, then another wild pitch set the Hawks with a pair of runners in scoring position again. Only Lenihan would score on a fielder’s choice, but late in the game the Hawks were able to dig in and cut down the Falcons’ lead.

The Hawks finish the series and will look to salvage a win in the final game. After that the team will head to Kamloops to see the NorthPaws for the first time this year. The Hawks return home on Tuesday June 25 to take on the Bellingham Bells, the start of a nine game home stand that includes the ever-popular Canada Day game. Get your spot for all the action at RE/MAX Field by going to gohawks.ca/tickets.