HarbourCats Sweep Away Edmonton, First Place Weekend Battle with Bells up Next

June 23, 2023 - West Coast League (WCL)
Victoria HabourCats News Release

Victoria HarbourCats' Lane Brewster congratulates Michael Crossland
(Victoria HabourCats, Credit: Christian J. Stewart)

Victoria earned it's fourth sweep of the year Thursday night, defeating the Edmonton Riverhawks 9-7 at Wilson's Group Stadium, moving their record to 14-4 overall (11-1 at home) and keeping them in the hunt for first in the North Division with Bellingham (12-3) and Wenatchee (13-4) who both won Thursday night.

The HarbourCats will now travel to Bellingham Friday for a key first place showdown against the Bells, with Friday's game at 4:35pm, Saturday at 6:35 and Sunday at 1:05.

Tripp Clark was solid behind the plate and scored three times in Thursday's win over Edmonton (Photo: Christian J. Stewart)

Like all three games in this series, the game was tight through the first half, tied 3-3 after four innings, but a five-run explosion by Victoria vaulted them into a lead they wold never relinquish. The Riverhawks did make it close however, scoring one in the eighth and three more in the ninth to keep it interesting.

For Victoria, Michael Crossland stayed hot, adding two more hits, including a home run and three RBI to the four hits and four RBI he had Wednesday, while newcomer Tripp Clark, had a hit, two walks an RBI and three runs scored, while also catching a good game behind the plate.

Davis Franklin got the win in relief for Victoria, pitching two innings of scoreless relief, while Edmonton starter Dallin Harrison takes the loss.

Offensively for the Riverhawks, Tom Poole had a pair of hits, including a late home run, and three RBI, while Jonny McGill had three hits, including a double in the losing effort.

Tyler Davis was sound at first base Thursday evening (Photo: Christian J. Stewart)

Following the key series in Bellingham, Victoria will head to Kelowna for a three-game series with the Falcons on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, and then return home on Friday June 30th for another big three-game set with Bellingham. That game on the 30th marks the start of an epic Canada Day weekend, with Fireworks on Friday night, a Canada Day matinee at 1:05pm on Saturday and another matinee Sunday at 1:05pm.

Tickets for all three of those games are going fast, especially for fireworks night , so get them while you still can at http://harbourcats.com/tickets.

Hudson Shupe bids for a base hit Thursday (Photo: Christian J. Stewart)

GAME NOTES: The HarbourCats are currently leading the West Coast League in wins (14), runs (145), hits (188), home runs (14), RBI (115), triples (6), total bases (267), stolen bases (67), team batting average (.301), team slugging (.428) and on-base percentage (.410).

Victoria HarbourCats' Tyler Davis on game night (Christian J. Stewart)	Victoria HarbourCats' Hudson Shupe at bat (Christian J. Stewart)	Victoria HarbourCats' Tripp Clark in action (Christian J. Stewart)
Victoria HarbourCats' Lane Brewster congratulates Michael Crossland (Christian J. Stewart)

West Coast League Stories from June 23, 2023

• Ridgefield Completes Sweep of Pippins at the Orchard - Yakima Valley Pippins
• Stutesman Shines in Sweets First Shutout - Walla Walla Sweets
• AppleSox Sweep Doubleheader, Series Against Kamloops - Wenatchee AppleSox
• HarbourCats Sweep Away Edmonton, First Place Weekend Battle with Bells up Next - Victoria HabourCats

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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