Story and Photos by Christian J. Stewart

July 26, 2019, Ridgefield, WA – Chase Meidroth had three hits, including a solo home run and three RBI to lead the Victoria HarbourCats to a 7-3 win over the Ridgefield Raptors in West Coast League action Friday night in Ridgefield.

The win gives the HarbourCats the series win in Ridgefield, having split the two game series this week and having won the solo game in Ridgefield on July 11.  The win also provides the HarbourCats with a season split with the Raptors after the Raptors took two of three from the HarbourCats in Victoria.

Meidroth got the HarbourCats rolling with a solo home run in the second inning and the ‘Cats added another in the second on Meidroth’s second RBI of the game – a bases loaded walk – to go up 2-0, before starter Aaron Celistino surrendered a three-run home run to Ridgefield slugger Michael Hicks that gave the Raptors a 3-2 lead after three innings of play.

That lead did not last long, as the HarbourCats exploded for four runs in the top of the fourth, thanks to a solo home run from Ty Schindel and RBI singles from Emilio Nogales, Tyson Hays and Meidroth.

A Nate Pecota sacrifice fly in the fifth added another insurance run and that would be all the HarbourCats would need as the pitching staff of Celistino (5 IP, 3R, 3H, 2BB, 6K), Derek Salata (2IP, 0R, 4H, 0BB, 4K), Luka Green (1IP, 0R, 0H, 2BB, 1K) and Matt Amrhein (1IP, 0R, 2H, 0BB, 1K) would keep the Raptors off the board the rest of the way.

In addition to Meidroth’s strong night at the plate, Parker Bramlett showed why he was an All-Star, going three for five and scoring once, while Nate Pecota with a double and Schindel, with his home run, both enjoyed two-hit nights. Frankie Niemann also had a double and a pair of walks, with a run scored.

The HarbourCats now enjoy a day off before returning to Wilson’s Group Stadium Sunday for a non-league matinee (1PM start) against the Burnaby Bulldogs.  After another off day on Monday, the ‘Cats host the Cowlitz Black Bears, who make their first trip to Victoria in two years.  Games in that series go Tuesday night and Wednesday night at 6:35 pm, with a Thursday afternoon Business Person’s Getaway Day (1:00 PM start) closing out the series.

Tickets for all games can be ordered on-line at https://www.ticketrocket.co/event/season/1 or by visiting or calling the HarbourCats office at 1814 Vancouver Street, 778-265-0327.