GreyWolves Strike Early and Late in Second Straight Win
Published on July 8, 2016 under West Coast League (WCL)
Gresham GreyWolves News Release
KELOWNA, B.C. - The Gresham GreyWolves clinched a series victory with their second consecutive win against the Kelowna Rockets on Thursday night.
Using some consistent offensive firepower and a quality start from Corban product Rilyn Lewchuk, Gresham (2-0, 13-16 overall) jumped out to an five-run lead before hanging on late for a 6-4 win. The victory kept the team undefeated in second half play as they head into Friday's series finale in Kelowna.
Perhaps using some momentum garnered from last night's one-run victory, the GreyWolves drew first blood with a pair of runs in the game's opening inning. Dylan Doherty (Cal Poly) got the contest by working a five-pitch walk, and he would come around to score along with Jack Johnson (Washington) on a two-RBI double off the bat of Southern Illinois junior Ryan Smith later in the frame.
After three spotless innings from Lewchuk, the right-hander got some more help from his offense in the top half of the fourth.
Michael Breen (San Jose State) and Jeffrey Mitchell, Jr. (California) both picked up RBI singles in the inning to push the lead to 4-0, and Doherty came in later in the frame to score his second run of the night on a passed ball. The run upped Gresham's advantage to five runs and would also prove to be the deciding factor later in the evening.
Kelowna (0-2, 13-16) would eventually tally four runs on the night - two off of Lewchuk and two off reliever Michael Clark (Cal Poly) - but the addition of a sixth run for Justin Barchus' club later in the game left little doubt in this one.
Lewchuk (3-0) earned the win for the GreyWolves after posting his third start of at least seven innings in as many tries. He has given up just two runs in 24 total innings of work so far this summer. Falcons starter Jordon Ragan (1-1) was credited with the loss.
Gresham will now attempt to get greedy and go for the sweep tomorrow night in British Columbia. First pitch is set for 6:35 p.m. at Elks Stadium.
West Coast League Stories from July 8, 2016
- Falcons Swept by GreyWolves - Kelowna Falcons
- Pippins Win Series Opener over Knights - Corvallis Knights
- Corvallis Sweeps Doubleheader, Series - Wenatchee AppleSox
- GreyWolves Strike Early and Late in Second Straight Win - Gresham GreyWolves
- Offensive Outburst Leads the Way to Game Two Win for Sweets - Walla Walla Sweets
- Bells Overcome BlueJackets - Bellingham Bells
- Knights Sweep Wenatchee - Corvallis Knights
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