Box Score | Bellingham Bells Roster | WCL Standings

The Bellingham Bells began their three-game series against the Edmonton Riverhawks with a 8-6 loss Tuesday, July 8 at Joe Martin Field in Bellingham, Wash. Edmonton got out to an early lead against WCL All-Star Preston Watkins and never looked back.

The Riverhawks tagged Watkins for two runs in the first inning on a two-RBI single by WCL All-Star Max Stagg. They doubled their lead in the top of the third as Watkins finished this three-inning start with six hits and two walks allowed for four earned runs while striking out four. Watkins had entered the game with three total runs allowed on the season.

Bellingham got on the scoreboard with a three-run third after an error extended the inning. Andrew Lamb and Noah Meffert hit RBI singles and Bellingham cut the lead to one down 4-3.

Will Franklin came in relief for the fourth and fifth innings and gave up one run on just two hits allowed during his appearance while striking out three. Josh Flaugher pitched the sixth, allowing three runs after a two-RBI triple from Stagg and a sacrifice fly that scored him.

Aiden Aguayo knocked his second double of the night in the bottom of the sixth to score Nate Kirkpatrick, who had doubled earlier in the inning. Logan Degroot scored on a wild pitch and the Bells trailed 8-5.

Flaugher pitched a scoreless seventh and exited after two innings allowing two hits and one walk for three runs with one strikeout. Carter Herrera pitched at Joe Martin Field for the first time as he tossed a scoreless eighth. Chihiro Sato pitched a 1-2-3 ninth and the Bells had three outs to mount the comeback.

Rob Jacobsen and Andrew Lamb picked up one-out singles to bring the tying run to the plate with runners on first and third. Noah Meffert hit a sacrifice fly to center to cut the lead to two. Blake Balsz battled with the game on the line but flew out to center and finished the game.

Aguayo was 2-for-4 at the plate with a pair of doubles and had one RBI and run. Lamb had three hits with one RBI and Jacobsen went 2-for-4 with two runs and an RBI as the Bells tallied 10 hits as a team.

The pitching staff allowed 11 hits but only gave up three free passes while striking out 11 Riverhawks.

Bellingham (21-13) will look to even the three-game series against Edmonton at 6:35 p.m. tomorrow. The Bells lefty Cal Young is the scheduled starter and will face Riley Barrett of the Riverhawks.

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