Extra Inning Heartbreak
- Updated: June 17, 2016
The Kelowna Falcons were looking to break their one game losing streak as they made their way to Gresham to play the GreyWolves, the newsiest team on the West Coast league circuit.
Unfortunately, it was not to be, as the Falcons (6-6) lost a heart breaking game in 12 innings, with the winning run coming off of a very controversial play. With two outs in the bottom of the 12th inning, the GreyWolves (4-6) had runners on second and third.
It was a 2-2 count, two balls and two strikes. Tanner Knapp, the newest Falcons pitcher, was primed to send the game to the 13th, giving the birds another chance to win. The pitch was delivered and should have been called a strikeout. Instead, the runner advanced from third in an attempt to steal home. Brendt Citta, the catcher out of San Jose State, had the ball and made the tag a split second before the runner touched home plate.
What should have been a routine call was blundered however, as the umpire behind home plate called the runner safe, thus assuring the GreyWolves a walkoff win. It was highly controversial, and Falcons players and coaches rushed the field demanding an explanation of some kind.
None was given and the Falcons had to settle for their second loss in a row. This loss arguably hurt worse than either one against Corvallis, simply because of how close the game was the entire way through. The teams were tied 2-2 after the fourth, and each club had numerous chances to win the game in extra innings.
The Falcons will once again need to put this loss behind them because they have two more games against the GreyWolves before this series is done. Game two’s pitcher will be Colby Nealy, the big right-handed pitcher out of Washington State. He’ll look to right the ship and steer the Falcons back into the win column.
Short memory. That has been the philosophy early on this season. The Falcons will need to heed that advice more than ever to close out the next couple of games.
Related Posts
Sponsors
