NorthPaws Win Sunday Rubber Match to Take Series Over Bells

by | Jun 12, 2022 | Press

Jackson Forbes records the 4-3 groundout in his first start with the NorthPaws. Photo: Allen Douglas

The Kamloops NorthPaws defeated the Bellingham Bells 4-2 Sunday afternoon to win the weekend series on Dearborn Ford Field at Norbrock Stadium.

Elijah Hainline opened the scoring for the Bells with a lead-off solo home run to start the game.

The NorthPaws answered in the bottom of the 3rd inning in an all-Québec connection. Félix Chénier-Rondeau drew a walk with one out, stole second and was driven home by a Robin Villeneuve double to tie the game.

The Bells retook the lead in the top of the 4th with a Teo Banks solo shot to lead off the inning.

The NorthPaws responded in the bottom half of the inning. Jackson Forbes drew a lead off walk and promptly displayed his speed on the base paths to find himself standing on third after an errant pickoff attempt. Mike Fitzsimmons drew another walk and stole second to have two runners in scoring position with nobody out.

Ty Siffermann hit a dribbler back to the pitcher, but Forbes outhustled the throw home to tie the game. Noah Or drove Fitzsimmons home in the next at-bat with an RBI single.

Vic Domingo recorded the final four outs for his first West Coast League save. Photo: Allen Douglas

The ‘Paws doubled the lead in the seventh inning. Marshal Luiz drew a walk with the bases loaded to score Gabe Arellano, the former Portland Pickle making his NorthPaws debut Sunday afternoon.

Tyson Heaton – fresh off a national championship win with Central Arizona College – picked up the win in his West Coast League debut. He struck out five batters and allowed two runs in five innings of work.

Vic Domingo retired four of the final batters to pick up his first save of the season – and first save in the West Coast League.

The NorthPaws homestand continues Tuesday night when the Victoria HarbourCats come to Dearborn Ford Field at Norbrock Stadium for the first all-BC West Coast League matchup in Kamloops.

Click here for tickets to the series opener. Opening pitch is at 6:35pm.