Lewchuck Lights up Cowlitz as GreyWolves Even Series with 7-5 Win
June 23, 2016 - West Coast League (WCL)
Gresham GreyWolves News Release
LONGVIEW, WA. - Right-handed reliever Rilyn Lewchuck was sensational for the Gresham GreyWolves on Wednesday night, at one point retiring 19 straight batters to lead his team to a 7-5 win over the Cowlitz Black Bears.
The game was a strange one, with 11 of the 12 total runs being scored in the second inning alone.
Gresham (6-9) got the scoring started in the top half of the frame as its first four men up to the plate all reached base safely. Jordan Barchus, Matt Karo, Jack Johnson, and Will Matthiessen all recorded run-scoring singles in the inning, while Ryan Rodriguez also brought in a run by working a bases-loaded walk. The GreyWolves brought 12 men to the plate and scored six runs in that span before the Cowlitz (7-10) pitching staff finally got out of the inning.
It was then the home team's turn to explode for a barrage of runs, as the Black Bears plated five of their own in the last of the second. Gresham starter Brett Gannaway (Columbia) did do a good job to escape the trouble with his lead still intact, getting five-hole hitter Weston Hatten (Washington State) to ground out to third and leave the tying run in scoring position.
Both bullpens shined from that point on, but it was the work of Lewchuck that left a lasting impression on everyone in attendance on this night. The Corban junior entered the contest at the start of the third inning and retired the first 19 batters he faced, only faltering when Michael Forgione singled with one out in the bottom half of the ninth.
Forgione's base hit served as the only blemish on an otherwise perfect night for Lewchuck (1-0), who ended up earning the win after retiring the final two batters he faced with ease. Freshman left-hander Nico Tellache took the loss for Cowlitz.
The GreyWolves are now 6-9 on the season and will go for the series win on Thursday night in Longview. First pitch is set for 6:35 p.m. at Story Field.
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West Coast League Stories from June 23, 2016
- Bells Fall to Pippins - Bellingham Bells
- Lewchuck Lights up Cowlitz as GreyWolves Even Series with 7-5 Win - Gresham GreyWolves
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