Shutout
- Updated: June 26, 2019
KELOWNA, B.C. – The Kelowna Falcons mustered just three hits as pitching was the name of the game in a 4-0 loss to the Portland Pickles to open a three-game series at Elks Stadium on Tuesday night.
Portland pitching was terrific in the game, led by strong outings from Colin Suter and Michael Perzan while a bases clearing two-out double from John Arndorfer was all the offence the Pickles needed in a 4-0 shutout win over the Falcons to begin the series.
The starting pitchers each had their best game going early on and kept the offences in check through the first few innings but Kelowna did press in each of the 1st and 2nd innings but could not find a way to bring in a run.
The Falcons best chance to score early came in the 2nd frame as they loaded the bases for right fielder Brayden Merritt, but the birthday boy would strike out to end the threat against right handed hurler Colin Suter for the Pickles.
Jonathan Clark was dealing in the early innings for the Falcons, making his 4th start of the season. The freshman from San Jose State faced the minimum through four innings, striking out four batters before Portland got on the scoreboard in the 5th frame.
The Pickles walked the bases loaded to bring John Arndorfer to the plate and he delivered a two-out, three-run double down the right field line to push Portland ahead by a 3-0 score after four and half innings had completed.
Colin Suter saw his night come to an end after four innings pitched but gave the Pickles a strong effort from the rubber. He didn’t allow and run and stranded four runners on base, striking out three batters and walking two while allowing just two walks before handing the ball to reliever Michael Perzan.
Nick Nygard came out of the bullpen for Kelowna and was terrific, throwing two innings of scoreless relief and striking out a pair while allowing two hits before handing the ball to Gage Wall in the 8th inning where Portland would add to their lead.
After John Jensen collected his third hit of the game, getting on base for the fourth time, Kyle Manzardo drove a double to the gap in left center field to earn the RBI and give Portland a 4-0 lead in the late innings.
Perzan continued to deal, holding the Falcons hitless through his four innings of relief until Tyler Grissom broke that stretch with a two-out double in the 8th but was stranded at second.
Connor Thurman came out of the bullpen and fanned a pair of batters in his inning of work in the 9th as the Pickles held the Falcons to just three hits and opened the series with a 4-0 victory.
The Falcons (5-11) host the Pickles (8-11) in the second of their three-game series on Wednesday night at Elks Stadium. First pitch is slated for 6:35 PM with tickets available at the Falcons website as well as ahead of the ballgame at the front gate.
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