The Bellingham Bells lost 6-4 to the Bend Elks on July 2 at Joe Martin Field in Bellingham, Wash. It was the first game of the second half season for the Bells and the first game of a three-game series between the South Division’s third best team currently. The Bells fell to 17-11 overall and the Elks moved to 14-11 overall.

It was another late inning collapse for the Bells that would lead to a second straight loss. The Bells took an early lead on a first inningJacob Mejia two-run home run that scored Roman Martin who had reached with a double. Mejia is now tied for the league lead with four home runs this season.

The Elks answered in the top of the second inning against the starter Josh Flaugher with an RBI single from Tyler Peterson. Flaugher then allowed a run in the fourth to square it at 2-2 on an RBI single from Isaiah Burke. Easton Talt was the runner that touched home for each of the first two Elk runs. Burke reached in the second and fourth inning on walks and stole second base both times. Flaugher allowed his first earned runs of the season in four innings off of three hits and two walks. Flaugher also struck out four batters in the start.

The Bells broke a tie after Nick Lewis pitched three scoreless innings up to the bottom of the seventh. The Bells scored on back-to-back walks from Colton Bower and Conner Smith. Trent Mallonee laid down a sacrifice bunt and the runners were sent home from Anthony Kodama, who had an RBI single, and Gavin Long who grounded out but sent a run home on a fielder’s choice.

Up 4-2 the Bells would surrender the lead in the top of the eighth when Ethan Unruh walked two and gave up one hit. With the bases loaded, Ryan Heppner entered to try and escape the jam. Heppner allowed three to score with two of those runs being earned to Unruh. Heppner went on to receive the loss. In the ninth the Elks tagged Nathan Van Beek for one run and would win 6-4.

The Bells were shut down by the Elks closer, Xavier Richards, who earned a two inning save. The middle reliever Simon Lemke went on to earn the win. Overall the Elks totaled nine hits to the Bells seven. 

Highlight players tonight included Jacob Mejia who went 1 for 4 with a two-run home run. Roman Martin went 2 for 4 with a double. Anthony Kodama went 2 for 4 with a double and an RBI. Nick Lewis was the only pitcher to not allow a run against the Bells and he pitched three scoreless innings.

The Bells look to even the series tomorrow night against the Bend Elks in a 6:35 p.m. start time where postgame fireworks will light up the sky on July 3. Get tickets at bellstickets.com and come enjoy an early Fourth of July celebration at Joe Martin Field.

Tonight’s game recap is presented by Everstrong Physical Therapy and Performance.