Still Perfect: Walk-Off Home Run Sends the Pickles to 9-0
The Pickles' first full week of league play ended with a bang, as center fielder Jordan Lewis launched a walk-off home run to dead center field, sealing a series sweep of the Marion Berries and pushing the Pickles to a perfect 9-0 West Coast League record.
After surrendering the lead in the top of the 9th, Petey Soto Jr. set the stage for heroics, battling through a tough at-bat against the Berries' closer before ripping a double into the right-center gap. Moments later, Lewis ended the game with authority, sending a 1-1 pitch soaring into the picnic tables in center field and sending the Walker Stadium crowd into a frenzy. The home run capped a hard-fought sweep of the league’s newest team and extended the Pickles’ historically dominant start to the season.
This game was largely a bullpen effort for the Pickles, but Zachary Fetchel of Texas Tech University stood out with an impressive performance in relief. Fetchel tossed four strong innings, allowing just one run while striking out five and keeping the Berries' bats in check. Offensively, the Pickles were quiet until the 8th inning, stymied by strong pitching from the Marion staff. That changed when outfielder Josh Schleichardt stepped up and tied the game with a three-run blast over the left-field fence, injecting life into the Walker Stadium crowd and setting the stage for Jordan Lewis in the 9th.
The Pickles opened league play in Cowlitz on May 30, sweeping the Black Bears behind a combination of stellar pitching and great at-bats. They returned to Portland for their first home series of the season against rival Corvallis Knights, a matchup that carried early-season weight. The Pickles rose to the occasion, sweeping Corvallis in impressive fashion. That momentum carried into the sweep of the Marion Berries, who played two tightly contested games but ultimately couldn’t break the Pickles’ winning streak. Through nine games, this Pickles roster looks capable of delivering on high expectations—including a potential run at back-to-back WCL titles.
Standouts So Far:
Jordan Lewis (CF), leadoff hitter and hero against Marion, has been a staple in the lineup. The University of San Francisco outfielder is batting .357 with 2 home runs, wreaking havoc at the top of the order and patrolling center field with confidence. He's been a tone-setter early in games and a spark plug late.
Josh Schleichardt (RF), a returning fan favorite, is picking up right where he left off. The Vanguard University junior is off to a torrid start, hitting .424 with 3 home runs and a team-high 15 RBIs through nine games. His bat is proving to be a crucial weapon in the heart of the Pickles’ offense.
Kyle McDaniel (2B), a newcomer from Utah Tech, has been a revelation. Batting .500 with a remarkable 9 walks to just 1 strikeout, McDaniel has shown elite plate discipline while playing clean defense at second base. His presence in the two-hole has been a key component of the Pickles' offensive success.
Ryder Edwards (RP) from George Fox University has emerged as a lockdown bullpen arm. In two appearances, Edwards has thrown 10 scoreless innings, allowing just 3 hits while striking out 15. His dominance has made him an early-season anchor in the Pickles’ bullpen.
Logan Moser (SP) has brought steadiness to the Pickles' rotation. The right-hander from the University of Northern Colorado has made two WCL starts, logging 10 innings with just 1 earned run allowed and only 1 walk issued. His control and composure have made him a key contributor on the mound, giving the Pickles quality innings and a chance to win every time he takes the ball.
Next Up:
The Pickles (9-0) continue their homestand at Walker Stadium on Tuesday, kicking off a three-game series against the Walla Walla Sweets (6-3), who currently sit in second place in the WCL South Division. It’ll be Fermentation Night—so expect funky vibes, big crowds, and high-stakes baseball as the Pickles look to remain unbeaten.