The HarbourCats in their home whites and Montreal Expos  style caps during Friday’s National Anthem.

Story and Photos by Christian J. Stewart

June 2, 2023, Victoria, BC – The Victoria HarbourCats broke open a 3-3 tie with a six-run sixth inning, to cruise to a 13-3 win over the Kamloops NorthPaws in the West Coast League (WCL) season opener for both teams Friday night in front of just over 2,100 fans at Wilson’s Group Stadium at Royal Athletic Park in Victoria.

FULL BOX SCORE

HeadCoach Todd Haney shares a chuckle as he prepares to submit the first line-up card of the 2023 season.

After falling behind 1-0 to Kamloops in the second inning, a Russell Young solo home run highlighted a three-run HarbourCats fourth inning, putting the ‘Cats up 3-1.

Kamloops would score a pair in the fifth to tie things up, but in the sixth, the HarbourCats took advantage of some sloppy NorthPaws pitching, and after a two-run double from Ryan Magdic and an RBI single from Kevin Shea, the HarbourCats had vaulted into a 9-3 lead.

Ryan Magdic, a Florida Southern product, had a two-hit and two-RBI night Friday.

Four more runs in the bottom of the eighth, highlighted by a two-run triple from Bradden Kesey and an RBI single from Nick Dumesnil sealed the deal and cemented the HarbourCats win.

Returning HarbourCat Jack Seward got the start for the HarbourCats and lasted two innings, giving up a run and two hits.  Dawson Hurford, Brett Harvey and Allan Dai saw work in relief.

HarbourCats starting pitcher, Jack Seward

At the plate, both Young and Magdic finished the night with a pair of hits, with Young scoring three times and Magdic notching a pair of RBI.  Kasey finished the night with three-RBI, while Kevin Shea quietly had a three-hit night, including two doubles, from the ninth spot in the order.

For Kamloops, six different players had hits, including right fielder Felix Chenier-Rondeau, who added a pair of RBI.

Tyrelle Chadwick was tagged with the loss, giving up four runs and two walks in that pivotal sixth inning.

HarbourCats second baseman Phoenix Sommay awaits the throw during a Kamloops stolen base attempt.

The HarbourCats and NorthPaws continue their three-game set on Saturday night at 6:35 pm, with the first of four 2023 fireworks celebrations to follow after the game.  The series then closes with a Sunday matinee at 1:05 pm. Tickets for both games are available online, through the HarbourCats one and only ticketing partner, Select Your Tickets, at http://harbourcats.com//tickets.

NOTE: Saturday’s fireworks game is selling fast so get your tickets on-line to avoid disappointment at the gate!