Kamloops – It was a rare pitchers’ duel as two of the best offences in the West Coast League combined for five hits as the NorthPaws took game two 1-0. Starter Jack Dickinson went five strong innings, giving up just one hit and striking out four batters. Cade Bridges followed that up with three scoreless innings, incurring just one base runner. Chase Demmler shut the door in the ninth for the combined shutout.
At the plate, it was one big swing from who else but Kade Crawford in the bottom of the sixth. The centerfielder hit his 5th homerun of the season and is now tied for the league lead.
The NorthPaws began the week 2-7 and have now rattled off five straight wins to get back to .500.
“These guys are pretty pumped up,” Head coach Riley Jepson said. “It’s nice to see the tide start to turn after some of the bad luck to start the season.”
Dickinson was last on Sunday evening in Wenatchee, where he gave up four earned runs on seven hits in three innings. Like Friday’s starter Evan Dugdale, this was a massive bounce back performance for Dickinson.
“He struggled in his first two starts, and we felt like there were some pieces missing,” Pitching coach Dustin Beggs said. “He’s worked his tail off, and it was awesome to see it all come together tonight.”
In the sixth inning, Cade Bridges came into the game. Like Dickinson, he also struggled earlier in the month but has bounced back nicely. The righty retired nine of 10 batters in three clean innings. The lone baserunner he allowed reached on an error.
In the bottom of the sixth, Kade Crawford led off with a solo homerun, breaking the ice. It was Crawford’s second home run in as many nights, giving the NorthPaws a lead they wouldn’t let go of.
“It’s nice having a guy like that where you can put him in the lineup every day and know he’s going to produce,” Jepson said.
In the ninth, Chase Demmler recorded the final three outs, securing the series victory and the fifth straight win for the team during their week-long home stand.
The NorthPaws will look for the sweep tomorrow afternoon as they try to get above .500 for the first time this season. First pitch is scheduled for 12:05.
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