Above Image: Roberto Gonzalez makes a fine play in his first opportunity as a HarbourCat (Photo: Christian J Stewart)

June 17, 2022

By Thomas Wilke, Photos by Christian J. Stewart

Victoria, BC ~ The visiting Coquitlam Angels used two big innings to propel themselves to a 9-6 victory over the Victoria HarbourCats on Friday night in a non-league exhibition game at Wilson’s Group Stadium in Victoria.

The HarbourCats, who were coming off a three-gam road trip in Kamloops, took the opportunity Friday to rest a number of regulars during this exhibition game, and also brought in some reinforcements for the weekend including starting second baseman Walker Selley from the Victoria Mariners, and pitcher Bret Paterson and Jackson Belanger, both from the Victoria Golden Tide. 

Nick Lee makes another impressive start for the HarbourCats (Photo: Christian J Stewart)

The Angels scored first in the top of the fourth when they pushed across five runs before the HarbourCats were able to strike back with their own five-run inning in the bottom of the sixth. That rally was capped off by a bases clearing triple off the bat of Hudson Shupe. That would make the game a 6-5 lead for Victoria before Coquitlam scored three in the eighth and one in the ninth for good measure to put the game away.

Hudson Shupe had the big hit of the game for the HarbourCats, driving in three runs with a triple (Photo: Christian J Stewart)

With many of the regulars off Friday, it was an opportunity for players that haven’t had a chance to play as much and players who just arrived, to get some needed at bats, or get their feet wet. This included newcomers Roberto Gonzalez and Jesse Brown, who made impressive debuts starting at shortstop and catcher respectively.   

Josh Blount gets thrown out after being hung out to dry between first and second (Photo: Christian J Stewart)

HarbourCats manager Todd Haney, after the game said, “Today was a good opportunity for some individuals to get some reps in and other individuals to get better…. A chance to learn and develop.” He would go on to add, “We have a very talented team here and it was really nice to see the new additions to the team – Jesse Brown and Roberto Gonzalez –  get into the game. We think we have all the pieces here and I love the direction of our offense with its depth and athleticism.”

Newcomer Jesse Brown got the start behind the plate for the HarbourCats (Photo: Christian J Stewart)

What’s Next?

The HarbourCats will continue their three game series at home against the Angels tomorrow night before concluding the series at 1 pm on Sunday for a special Father’s day Celebration.  Get your tickets now as they are going fast at http://harbourcats.com/tickets.