Ridgefield, Washington – The Kamloops NorthPaws earned their first victory of the season in the series opener against the Ridgefield Raptors. The 7-3 victory was highlighted by three home runs, two of which came from the centerfielder Kade Crawford. His four RBI’s propelled the team to victory. On the mound, the NorthPaws gave up just three hits, working efficiently.
“Getting that first win felt great,” Crawford said. “Knowing we’re on the right track makes me feel good.”
Ridgefield got on the board first in the bottom half, thanks to a one-out throwing error, giving the Raptors a baserunner. A stolen base and a double later, and the Raptors lead 1-0.
Heading into the third, Kamloops had already left three runners on base and needed to answer. The top of the order was due up and came through in a big way. Kade Crawford got a pitch to hit in a 2-2 count and made no mistake, sending it over the wall for a solo home run. Evan Dugdale was next and was facing a 0-2 count. Dugdale got a fastball and drilled it over the center field wall, giving the NorthPaws the lead.
The Raptors answered with a run of their own in the bottom of the third, but the tie would be broken quickly when the NorthPaws came to bat in the fourth inning.
A single, walk and Ian Huang double down the right field line gave the Paws a 3-2 lead. The order turned back over to the top for Crawford once again. Similar to his previous at-bat, he was in a two-strike count and got a hanging curveball. The center fielder hammered it over the wall in left field for his third home run of the season. The three-run shot gave him four RBI’s on the night and nine in his last three games.
“That’s what you want from everyone, come in relaxed and have a good time, and for him, he swung it really well tonight.” Said Assistant Coach Nolan Austin.
On the mound, starter Jack Thompson was cruising. He was able to keep his pitch count low while also getting out of jams. He stranded five base runners, including two in the fifth inning. The Plan was for Thompson to throw three innings, but his performance suggested otherwise.
“For him to give us five is incredible,” Pitching Coach Dustin Beggs said. “It helps our bullpen out and sets us up for success going forward.”
After Thompson exited, Nick Westendorp and Bryce Payne each threw two no-hit innings to close out the game. The two combined for three walks and three strikeouts, completely neutralizing the Raptors’ offence.
The NorthPaws will look to take the series in game two tomorrow evening in Ridgefield. First pitch is set for 6:35. You can keep up on socials or tune in on the WCL streaming network.
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