The Kamloops NorthPaws dropped their first game back from the All-Star break, 5-3 to the Edmonton Riverhawks. Three runs in the second for Edmonton would inject life into a sold-out crowd. The NorthPaws struggled to get things going until the sixth, but the Riverhawks answered any efforts at the plate.
Friday was Star Wars Night at Re/Max Field in Edmonton, featuring nearly 10,000 fans in attendance, along with numerous games and interactive Star Wars-themed activities.
Edmonton got to Kamloops starter, righty Joey Rico, in the second inning. Three singles loaded the bases, and a fourth opened the scoring. The Riverhawks added two more runs via an error and a fielder’s choice, making it 3-0.
The NorthPaws had a difficult time getting things going, only registering one hit through the first five innings. It was a point of emphasis in the previous series and was especially significant, given the team’s four-day break.
“It’s always tough in the first game of a series on the road, but especially coming off the break, we wanted to get off to a good start, but we were forced to claw our way back tonight.”
Kamloops finally got going when new third baseman Chris Tampoya doubled to left center field, scoring Ethan Kodama. Right fielder Connor Clark followed that up with a double of his own, putting the NorthPaws within one.
The Riverhawks answered in the bottom half with an RBI double. Kamloops once again drew within one run after Joey Rico doubled and catcher Brendan Burke shot a single through the right side, scoring Rico.
“I liked our approach as the game went on; we were trying to hit balls in the air a lot early on, and that’s just not who we are as a team,” said Jepson.
The seesaw battle continued as Edmonton answered the NorthPaws when it was their turn at the plate. A walk and a single put runners on the corners. The next Edmonton batter once again singled, making it 5-3. The Riverhawks would then draw back-to-back walks, loading the bases with two out. Kamloops would get out of it and cap the damage to just one run.
With the heart of the order up in the eighth, the NorthPaws went down in order, putting all the pressure on the top of the ninth. The NorthPaws got a two-out baserunner, but that would be all as the Riverhawks shut the door for their 21st win of the season.
With the loss, Kamloops has now dropped their last five contests after starting the second half off 5-0. The NorthPaws will look for redemption tomorrow night in Edmonton. The first pitch is set for 6:05 PST. You can watch all the action on West Coast League TV.
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