Tyson Hays continued his hot streak with three hits, including a three-run home run, but the ‘Cats four-game road win streak ended with a 6-3 loss in Walla Walla Monday.

by Christian J. Stewart

July 15, 2019, Walla Walla, WA – After beginning their seven-game road trip with a win over Ridgefield last Thursday and then a sweep of the Bend Elks over the weekend, the Victoria HarbourCats four-game road win streak hit a wall Monday night, as they dropped the first of the three-game set to the Walla Walla Sweets, 6-3, at Borleske Stadium in Walla Walla.

The Sweets, who had a record of 18-9 in the first half but still lost the first half-crown to red hot Corvallis, are on a mission to earn a playoff spot in the second half, but have started out slowly, entering tonight’s game at 1-1 in the second half.

That didn’t matter to Sweet’s catcher Chazz Martinez however, as he propelled Walla Walla into an early 3-0 lead with a first inning three-run home run off HarbourCats starter Mitch Lines.

The HarbourCats would get one of those back in the second, on a solo home run by Kyle Harper, but a three-RBI double by Ryan Johnston in the bottom of the fourth put the Sweets up 6-1 and gave them enough cushion to close out the game.

Tyson Hays added a two-run homer in the top of the eighth to make it 6-3, but unlike the night before in Bend, there would be no dramatic comeback this time, as after Griffin Paxton and Parker Bramlett started the ninth with back-to-back singles, Walla Walla closer Reid Subby struck out Jason Willow and induced Chase Wehsener into a double-play to end  the game.

Lines, who went just 3.1  innings, takes the loss, giving up the six runs on eight hits, while walking two and striking out four.  Andrew Mosiello gets the win in relief for the Sweets.

Hays with his home run, two RBI and three hits in total led the ‘Cats offence, while Parker Bramlett had a pair of hits. Nick Plaia and Harrison Spohn also chipped in with doubles.

With the loss, the HarbourCats (5-2/23-12) drop into a first place tie with the Wenatchee AppleSox (4-2/16-17) for the second-half North Division title.  Walla Walla (1-2/20-10) move into third in the South, just a game back of Corvallis (4-1/25-7).

The HarbourCats and Sweets will meet Tuesday night in game two of the series.  Calvin Turchin is the probable starter for the HarbourCats, while Ty Hueckman (3-0) goes for the Sweets.

UPCOMING EVENTS!

 Public Batting Practice – Thursday, July 18th, 5:30-8:30 PM

Come take batting practice at Wilson’s Group Stadium at Royal Athletic Park, thanks to Peninsula Co-op, a major sponsor of your Victoria HarbourCats. FAN BATTING PRACTICE, open to sponsors and fans, will take place from 5:30pm to 8pm, with a hot dog stand serving HarbourDogs. Merchandise will also be available for purchase

Next HOME GAMES! Friday 6:35, Saturday 6:35 – FIREWORKS!, Sunday 1:00 PM

The Yakima Valley Pippins roll into town for our summer fireworks weekend.  FIREWORKS on Saturday!  Get your tickets now. Some sections already sold out, but plenty of seating remaining! Call 778-265-0327 to book seats or drop into the office at 1814 Vancouver Street (9:30-5:30).  tickets also available on-line at https://www.ticketrocket.co/event/season/1

$10 ZIP LINE TICKETS ALL WEEKEND!
Tickets for the Wild Play ZIPLINE will be $10 ALL WEEKEND for the games Friday, Saturday and Sunday against Yakima!  Pre-buy your tickets at the office, via the game links on-line, or get them at the box office on game day, or at the ZIPLINE concession during the game!  Come try the newest and coolest feature at the park!