Ridgefield Raptors coming off a three-game series sweep of Bend Elks
Don’t let your eyes fool you. The Ridgefield Raptors are undefeated.
OK, OK, so if you went to the home opener last week, you might have seen that the Raptors lost that game, a 10-8 slugfest with the Cowlitz Black Bears.
But if you go to the West Coast League standings, you will see that the Raptors are the only undefeated team in the league.
Gotta love those “exhibition” or “non-league” games to start the season.
The Raptors got that one out of their system, then got on a roll over the weekend to open league play. Ridgefield swept Bend in a three-game series, outscoring the Elks 34-6.
The Raptors hope to keep the mojo going in their favor with another three home games at the Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex starting tonight against the Portland Pickles (2-1).
Nick Jennings, a Skyview graduate, struck out nine in six scoreless innings on Friday to pick up the pitching win for the Raptors. Those nine strikeouts were the most by anyone in the league over the first three days.
Will Chambers of Val Verde, Calif., has driven in a team-high five runs in the league games, batting .500 over the three-game set. Kody Darcy of Enumclaw hit two home runs in Sunday’s win.
The Pickles are known for their baseball, but more known for their social media presence. Their fans “relish” reading the team’s Twitter account.
Over the weekend, via Twitter, the Pickles invited Portland Trail Blazers courtside reporter Brooke Olzendam to throw out the first pitch. After all, she was no longer working. The Pickles made her an offer she could not refuse, having a puppy escort her out to the mound. Olzendam obliged.
The Raptors and Pickles play at the RORC on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. First pitch for all three games is 6:35 p.m. It is the last chance to see the Raptors in Clark County this week. The team will hit the road for a weekend series in Yakima.
Tickets: https://ridgefieldraptors.com/
