Pickles Take Series Over Sweets, But Historic Streak Comes to an End :(

The Portland Pickles continued their dominance in the West Coast League by taking 2 out of 3 games from the Walla Walla Sweets at Walker Stadium this week. The Pickles secured the series with back-to-back wins in games one and two, continuing their perfect start to the season and setting a record with their 11-0 start. However, the perfect streak came to a close in the finale, as Portland dropped a tight contest in game three. Despite the sour ending, the Pickles still boast the best record in the WCL and remain one of the most exciting teams in the league.

Game 1:
The tone was set early in game one by starting pitcher Ethan Thomas (University of Hawaii), who delivered a brilliant outing on the mound. Thomas came out firing, striking out the side in the first inning and never letting up. He tossed five innings of one-hit ball, allowing just one walk while racking up seven strikeouts. His mix of velocity and command kept the Sweets guessing, and he exited after five shutout frames with a big lead. It was a dominant performance that gave the Pickles exactly what they needed to start the series strong.

The Pickles bullpen picked up where Thomas left off, striking out seven more batters and allowing only five hits and two runs over the final four innings. Altogether, Portland’s pitching staff totaled 14 strikeouts, overwhelming what has been a competitive Walla Walla offense this season.

Catcher Connor Stewart (Long Beach State) put together a standout all-around performance, going 4-for-5 with 3 RBIs while expertly guiding the pitching staff. Josh Schleichardt (Vanguard University) continued his torrid start to the season, finishing 3-for-5 with 4 RBIs and 3 runs scored. First baseman Kevin Ferguson (University of Hawaii) also contributed, reaching base four times with a 2-for-3 night, two walks, and two runs scored.

The Pickles took game one in impressive fashion, defeating the Sweets 13-2.

Game 2:
Game two featured early scoring from both sides, with Walla Walla striking first on an RBI single to take their first lead of the series. But the Pickles’ pitching staff responded quickly—most notably Ari Kligman (Sacramento State), who tossed 4.2 innings of one-hit ball in relief, allowing just one run and striking out three. With solid appearances from Dylan Smith (University of Northern Colorado), Luke Wallin (Hope International University), and Cooper Corkrean (Galveston College), Portland limited the Sweets to just four runs total.

Offensively, the Pickles wasted no time responding. Josh Schleichardt delivered the big blow with a three-run homer in the first inning to immediately flip the momentum. Portland continued to pile on, scoring three more in the third and two in the fourth.

Petey Soto Jr. (Utah Tech) had a perfect night at the plate, going 3-for-3 with a double, an RBI, and two runs scored. Schleichardt capped off another monster night, going 3-for-4 with 5 RBIs.

The Pickles won 9-4, continuing their record-breaking start and improving to 11-0.

Game 3:
Game three took place in front of a lively crowd for Ye Olde Pickle Renaissance Fair Night, but the Sweets played the role of spoiler. Walla Walla scored early, plating runs in both the second and third innings to take a 2-1 lead.

Pickles reliever Kyle Larsen (Cal State San Bernardino) helped keep Portland in it, tossing the final three innings while giving up just two hits and one run. He followed solid appearances from Billy Gregory (Grand Canyon University) and Zach DenDeckker (Orange Coast College), who combined to allow four earned runs across the first six innings.

The Pickles offense was largely quiet, but the Utah Tech duo of Kyle McDaniel and Petey Soto Jr. provided a spark. McDaniel went 3-for-3 with a double, a walk, and 3 RBIs. Soto Jr. added a 2-for-4 performance with a walk and one run scored.

Down two in the ninth, the Pickles nearly pulled off a comeback. With a runner on second and Jordan Lewis at the plate, the center fielder launched a deep drive to left field—but the wind knocked it down just shy of the fence for the final out. Portland dropped this one 5-3, ending their historic win streak.

Despite the loss in game three, the Pickles took the series and remain in command of the West Coast League standings. Their 11-0 start showcased dominant performances across the board—from pitching to power hitting. Portland now travels to Springfield for a three-game set beginning Friday, before returning home on June 17 to face Yakima Valley. Come out to Walker Stadium and support your league-leading Pickles as they continue their red-hot start to the summer.