Pickles Sweep raptors to enter the break with WCL’s top record
GAME ONE:
Game one of the series was a strong outing up and down the Pickles roster. The Raptors scored first in the top of the second, plating one on a double to take the early lead. That wouldn’t last long, as Pickles centerfielder Tony Otis (William Jessup University) drove a two-run shot to left field to make it 2–1. The Pickles offense did a great job extending that lead, adding one insurance run in the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth innings. The Raptors would find two more runs down the stretch, but the Pickles pitching staff kept Ridgefield quiet, allowing just five hits. The series opener couldn’t have gone much better for Portland as they took this one 6–3.
Tony Otis was the offensive star in this one, delivering a two-run homer to take the lead—a lead the Pickles never gave up. Otis went 1-for-3, but also drove in another run on a 4–3 putout to finish with three RBIs. His bat continues to make a big impact on the Pickles offense, and he’s shaping up to be a key player down the stretch. Kyle McDaniel (Utah Tech) also made his mark, going 2-for-3 and scoring two runs of his own. McDaniel continues to impress with his plate discipline, sporting 33 walks to just 10 strikeouts.
Starter Zachary Fetchel (Texas Tech University) went five innings in the series opener, allowing only one hit and one run with one strikeout. Fetchel continues to deliver solid starts for the Pickles and will look to build on that as the summer progresses. After Fetchel, Liam Golden (Stanford University) pitched an inning, allowing one run on three hits with three strikeouts. Brock Snow (BYU), Nolan Umlandt (University of Portland), and Carter Speights (University of California Davis) combined to pitch the final three innings, allowing just one unearned run on one hit while striking out three. The Pickles pitching staff held Ridgefield to just five hits, dominating this series opener.
GAME TWO:
The Pickles started hot in game two, scoring four runs on singles from Bryson Glassco (Oregon State) and Brett Williams (St Mary’s College of California) while also capitalizing on a Raptor defensive miscue. Ridgefield responded immediately, scoring two of their own after a Pickles error. From there, Portland never let the lead shrink, plating another on a Jordan Lewis (University of San Francisco) single in the fourth and a Tony Otis fielder’s choice in the fifth. The Raptors scored one run in both the fifth and sixth innings, but the Pickles bullpen slammed the door on any comeback hopes. The Pickles would take game two with a score of 6-4, securing the series victory.
Offensively, the Pickles got contributions from much of the lineup, but a few players stood out. Bryson Glassco went 2-for-3, driving in a run and scoring once. His RBI was his 24th of the season as he continues to produce from the four-hole. Brett Williams had a strong day as well, catching the Pickles pitching staff and going 2-for-4 with two RBIs and a run scored. Jordan Lewis also went 2-for-4 with an RBI, remaining a key contributor in clutch moments.
Dylan Smith (University of Northern Colorado) started, going two innings and giving up two unearned runs while striking out three. Evan McGuire (Clark CC) and Jayden Avina (University of Hawaii) followed, each allowing one run in their outings. From there, the bullpen took control: Rowen Barnes (University of California Davis), Braydon Wooldridge (University of California Davis), and Nick Bacura (San Francisco State University) combined to throw 3.1 innings, striking out four and not allowing a single hit. Barnes did the heavy lifting, throwing 2.1 innings without issuing a walk and facing just one batter over the minimum.
GAME THREE:
The series finale was a hot one, with first-pitch temperatures in the low 90s. The Raptors scored first with a run in the opening frame, though Pickles third baseman Joey Wright (University of California Davis) made a diving play to limit the damage. From there, both defenses stepped up, making multiple highlight-reel plays to rob hits. The Pickles finally broke through in the fourth, tying the game on an infield single. Ridgefield answered with a sacrifice fly in the sixth to retake a 2–1 lead. But in the seventh, Portland erupted, scoring five runs on a solo home run from Conner Stewart (Long Beach State) and a series of walks and hit-by-pitches from the Raptors bullpen. From there, the Pickles relievers handled the rest, holding Ridgefield hitless over the final three innings to secure the sweep.
The offense was quiet for much of the day, finishing with just five hits, but the Pickles showed strong plate discipline in capitalizing on free bases. The offensive highlight was Conner Stewart, who had a strong defensive game behind the plate and hit a no-doubt home run to left—the exclamation point in Portland’s big seventh inning. Stewart could be a key spark for this offense moving forward.
The pitching staff shined overall. Starter Billy Gregory (Grand Canyon University) went four innings, allowing just two hits and one run while striking out three. Brock Roundy (Utah Tech) followed with two innings of relief, giving up three hits and one run with a strikeout. The bullpen finished in dominant fashion: Luke Wallin (Hope International University), Ryder Edwards (Transfer Portal), and Ari Kligman (Sacramento State) combined to throw three no-hit innings while striking out two to close out the win.
NEXT UP:
The Pickles enter the All-Star Break still holding the league’s best record. Seven Pickles players will head to the All-Star Game this week, while the rest of the roster gets some well-earned rest. Portland returns to action on Friday, July 18, on the road against Yakima Valley. With momentum on their side, the Pickles will look to continue their winning ways after the break.
If you’re missing Pickles baseball this week, come out to Walker Stadium on Tuesday, July 15, for Pickles All-Stars and American IDill Talent Show Night!