First Place Foes
- Updated: July 18, 2023
The Kelowna Falcons have made the 9.5-hour bus ride to Corvallis, Oregon to open a three-game series against the Knights beginning on Tuesday night.
Two weeks ago, the North Division leading Falcons took two of three from the Knights at Elks Stadium after losing the first game. In the second and third tilts the Falcons offence came alive, outscoring the visitors 18-6 and outhitting them 20-12.
A great deal of credit also needs to be given to the pitching staff who struck out 26 batters in the series and frustrated the Knights hitters. Troy Shepard and Koen van’t Klooster each recorded a win.
The Falcons have won four straight and are coming off a very impressive series sweep over the Edmonton Riverhawks. The pitching staff was again the tale of the tape throughout the series striking out 32 batters including 16 in the second game alone. Van’t Klooster was named the West Coast League Pitcher of the Week thanks in large part to the fine outing he had on Sunday night, striking out 11 Riverhawks in five innings of work.
Since leaving Kelowna, the Knights have been on a tear as well and have won six in a row coming into Tuesday night. They are coming off back-to-back sweeps over the Portland Pickles and Springfield Drifters and will no doubt have a little payback on their minds.
The Falcons (7-2) and Knights (7-2) are currently sitting in first place in their respective divisions, both fighting for the final playoff spot with the second half of the season underway.
Japanese lefty Amane Kondo will make his first start of the season for the Falcons while the Knights will counter with righty Sam Stuhr (2-0) from Oregon State University. He was stifling against the Falcons at Elks Stadium throwing seven shutout innings and struck out eight, giving up just one hit.
The Falcons return to Elks Stadium on Friday night to open a three-game series with the Port Angeles Lefties. Tickets for all three games are available online HERE.
Photo courtesy of Tami Quan Photography
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