Bells sweep NorthPaws in 6-5 comeback win

BELLINGHAM — The Bellingham Bells claimed a 6-5 comeback victory over the Kamloops NorthPaws to earn a series sweep, which gave Bellingham its seventh win in a row. The Bells scored four unanswered runs in the seventh and eighth innings to rally back from a 5-2 deficit.

Kamloops struck first against Bellingham’s starter Seddrick Henderson. The UCLA right-handed pitcher surrendered an unearned run in the first inning after a two-out error put the NorthPaws ahead 1-0. The visitors doubled their lead in the third with a run off Henderson.

Bellingham’s first two runs came in the fourth inning. Bryce Johnson squeezed in the first run on a bunt and Dillon Moss tied the game with an RBI hit to center field. Robby Zimmerman pitched two scoreless innings in the fourth and fifth.

Will Crain debuted for the Bells in the sixth on the mound and surrendered the lead after letting up two runs on two hits. Cal Young allowed Kamloops to score one run in the seventh, which gave the NorthPaws a 5-2 lead.

Jaden Jackson doubled to score the first Bells run in the bottom of the seventh. He later scored on an RBI knock from Nate Johnson. The comeback fire grew larger after Aidan Colin struck out the side in the top of the eighth.

Down 5-4, Bellingham rallied for another two-run inning. Aspen Alexander singled and KG Hattori reached with the help of an errant throw on a fielder’s choice from Kamloops’ first baseman Tate Martin. Jackson tied the game with another RBI hit. Jake Lyall gave the Bells a 6-5 lead on a single to left field.

Frank Willius entered for the save opportunity and locked down his fourth save of the summer. Willius struck out two batters, but allowed his first hit in relief. The Bells finished the comeback to win their seventh straight game and are 15-6 heading into an off day.

Jackson led Bellingham with a 3-for-5 day that included two RBI, a double, one steal and a run scored. Alexander was the only other Bells to record two hits going 2-for-4 with a run scored. Bellingham had 11 hits as a team and the pitching staff struck out 13 batters without issuing a walk.

The Bells are back home for three games against the Port Angeles Lefties beginning Tuesday, June 23 at 6:35 p.m. Get your tickets at bellstickets.com.