Despite leaving twelve runners on base, the Kamloops NorthPaws overtook first place in the North Division after defeating the Bellingham Bells 4-2 on Sunday afternoon at Norbrock Stadium. The Paws managed just four hits in their win, but it was their plate control that made the difference. The team drew nine walks, with all their runs coming from batters that were walked.

The Bells scored the first run of the game coming from a leadoff home run by Elijah Hainline, his second in the last two games. Hainline also stole his team-leading seventh base of the year.

Lightning struck again in the fourth inning, when right fielder Teo Banks hit his first homer of the season for the second, and last, run for the Bells. Their starter, Austyn Coleman, walked five batters in his three innings pitched, allowing three runs.

For the Paws, first baseman Robin Villeneuve hit an RBI double in the third, making it his third double in three games against the Bells. The bottom three of the Paws’ lineup all gathered two walks, a clear difference-maker in the game.

Tyson Heaton (1-0) notched the win for the Paws, giving up two runs and just one walk in five innings pitched.  Coleman (0-2) took the loss for the Bells, who head back to Joe Martin Field for a series against the Wenatchee Applesox on Tuesday.