The Ridgefield Raptors have regained their momentum in the West Coast League with a dominating 8-1 victory over the Springfield Drifters. After suffering from a four-game losing streak, the Raptors have now won their last two games and seem to be back on track as they head into the final week of the regular season.
In Sunday’s game at the Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex, pitcher Brock Gillis played a crucial role in the Raptors’ victory. Gillis, from the University of Portland, delivered an outstanding performance, striking out seven batters over five innings. He allowed no runs and only four hits, showcasing his talent and contributing to the team’s success.
Gillis now boasts an impressive 0.69 ERA over the 13 innings he has pitched for Ridgefield. His solid performance on the mound has undoubtedly provided a boost of confidence for the Raptors as they aim to finish the regular season strongly.
Another standout player in the game was Henry Muench, an affiliate of the Pilots team. Muench had his best game with the Raptors so far, going 2 for 4 at the plate. He contributed a double, two RBIs, and scored two runs, including a crucial two-run double in the fourth inning that put Ridgefield in the lead with a score of 4-0.
The Raptors continued to exhibit their dominance throughout the game, adding two more runs in the fourth inning. These runs came courtesy of a passed ball and another hit by Jackson Nicklaus, extending their advantage to 6-0.
Jake Tsukada, also affiliated with the Pilots, delivered an impressive performance, going 2 for 4 with a run-scoring double and scoring two runs himself. Nick Holm and Julian Nunez also made valuable contributions by driving in a run each for the Raptors.
Despite the Raptors’ strong performance, the Drifters managed to avoid a shutout when Heritage High alum Brady Culp hit an RBI single in the sixth inning, preventing a complete shutout for Springfield.
With this victory, the Ridgefield Raptors improve their record to 31-17 for the season. They now head into the final week of the regular season with a three-game homestand against Walla Walla, set to start on Tuesday. Following that, they will face a three-game series at Corvallis.
The Raptors’ recent success will undoubtedly give them the confidence and momentum they need as they prepare for the WCL playoffs. The team will aim to carry this positive energy into their upcoming games, building upon their dominant performance against the Drifters.
In conclusion, the Ridgefield Raptors have bounced back after a challenging four-game losing streak, winning the last two consecutive games and regaining their momentum in the West Coast League. Brock Gillis and Henry Muench delivered outstanding performances in the recent victory over the Springfield Drifters, contributing significantly to the Raptors’ 8-1 triumph. With a strong record and renewed confidence, the Raptors are now prepared to take on Walla Walla and Corvallis in their final regular-season games before the WCL playoffs.
