Speed was the name of the game for both sides in today’s game. 

Both pitchers worked efficiently through the first two innings, but opportunities opened up for the NightOwls in the 3rd inning when the speedy leadoff hitter for the Owls, Elijah Ickes, reached on an infield single. He would later score on a bloop single that narrowly avoided the glove of Andrew Valdez, and Dean West was unable to get him at the plate.  

West and Valdez wouldn’t have to wait long to strike back. West reached on an error and would steal second base during a pickoff attempt from the lefty on the Owls, putting himself in scoring position for Valdez, who took a breaking ball straight back up the middle to score West. 

The offense would continue for the Bells in the next inning. Cole Yoshida got the scoring started with a 2-out RBI single. West would follow suit in the next at-bat with an RBI single of his own that he would extend to a double on a throw to home, setting up Riley Parker to score two more runs with the third straight 2-out hit of the inning. 

Ryan Beitel, despite a crack in the 3rd inning, would otherwise cruise through five innings of action on his way to earning the win. Striking out five and allowing zero walks on the day. 

Will Franklin would take over in the 6th inning to take on the top of the order. Elijah Ickes would make his speed known again as he forced an errant throw by the catcher on a drag bunt, allowing him to easily reach 3rd and eventually score on a sacrifice. 

Franklin would return for another inning of action and record a scoreless frame to end his day, and turn the ball to Kadden Drew in the setup role, who would also record a scoreless frame. 

With a 5-2 lead going into the 9th inning. The Bells went to their right-handed flamethrower from Galveston, Texas. Hitting 97 on the radar gun, James Trimble overpowered the remaining hitters and recorded the save. Helping the Bells improve to 22-12 on the season.

The Bells next game is July 15 at 6:35 p.m. at Joe Martin Field. Be sure to buy tickets here.