Box Score | Bellingham Bells Roster | WCL Standings

The Bellingham Bells capped off their first half (27 games) with a sweep of the Kamloops NorthPaws in a 4-2 win Sunday, June 29 at Norbrock Stadium in Kamloops, British Columbia. The Bells now await the finish of Wenatchee’s next four games that will determine the first half winner in the North Division.

The game started as a pitcher’s duel for the first four innings with the Bells starter Ty Van Dyke going three scoreless innings and reliever Preston Watkins taking over in long relief.

In the top of the fifth, the Bells tallied four straight singles to score the first run of the game. Brock Sell hit into a fielder’s choice that doubled Bellingham’s lead 2-0.

Watkins dominated on the mound and didn’t allow a hit until the ninth. Bellingham added to their lead when Sell scored from third on a wild pitch in the eight. Chris Clement hit into a double play that gave the Bells a 4-0 lead entering the final inning.

Kamloops finally hit Watkins for two runs and forced the Bells to bring in Chihiro Sato out of the bullpen with two runners on. Sato picked up a strikeout but walked the bases loaded. He escaped the jam forcing a flyout and securing the sweep for Bellingham.

Watkins earned the win all of his three hits and one of his walks coming in the ninth. Sell led the Bells going 2-f0r-3 with a run and an RBI. Nate Kirkpatrick and Chris Clement both had two-hit games and Aiden Aguayo picked up an RBI. Rob Jacobsen’s 11-game hit streak came to an end in an 0-for-4 day at the plate.

Bellingham (18-9) will face Kelowna for the first time this season at 6:35 p.m. tomorrow, Monday June 30 at Elks Stadium in Kelowna, British Columbia. Hayden George is the scheduled starter for the Bells as they begin a three-game series to kick off the second half of the season.

This game recap is presented by Everstrong Physical Therapy and Performance.