The Bellingham Bells lost 11-4 versus the Bend Elks on July 4 at Joe Martin Field in Bellingham, Wash. With the win the Elks swept the Bells at home, it was the first time the Bells have been swept in a series all season. The Bells are now 17-13 and the Elks finished their first half schedule 16-11 with a third place finish in the South Division first half. 

The Bells scored first once again in today’s game. Tom Poole launched his first career Bells hit the opposite way for a three run home run. The home run to left field sent Jacob Mejia, who reached on a walk, and Nate Kirkpatrick, who reached on a single, home to give the Bells an early 3-0 lead.

Much like the rest of this series, the Elks were able to answer back immediately. In the top of the second inning Bend answered the Bells three runs with three runs of their own against the starting pitcher, Peter Storjohann. That would be Storjohann’s last inning in his start as Sax Matson would relieve him in third. Storjohann finished with three walks and two hits allowed for three earned runs with zero strikeouts. 

Matson would pitch a clean third inning but surrender the losing run in the fourth inning. Matson finished two innings with no walks allowed but three hits given up for two earned runs. This was Matson’s earliest appearance in a game this season and he would earn the loss. The win ended up going to Bend’s starter, Tyler Wood, who threw a quality start for six innings with three earned runs allowed.

The Bells offense amassed 11 hits but left seven runners on base and with the Elks only walking one batter the offense could not match the Elks offensive outburst. The Elks totaled 13 hits and walked nine times on their way to scoring 11 runs, which is tied for their second most in a game this season.

The Bells bullpen followed Matson with Jack Svinth tossing an inning where he allowed a run. Devyn Hernandez would make his season debut out of Cal State San Bernardino and allow three runs. Matt Molina pitched two scoreless innings in the seventh and eighth without allowing a hit and Marques Brown finished the pitching in the ninth where he allowed two runs. As a staff the Bells totaled nine strikeouts with four coming from the right-handed Molina.

The Bells would score one run in the bottom of the ninth on a Roman Martin groundout that scored Conner Smith who reached on a single to start the bottom of the inning. The final score of 11-4 would make it four straight losses for the Bells as they look to get back to their first half winning ways on the road against the Port Angeles Lefties for three games. The Bells will be back home July 9 to start a long home stand at Joe Martin Field.

Highlighted tonight on offense was Tom Poole who went 2 for 4 with a three-run home run. Nate Kirkpatrick got back to hitting with a 3 for 4 day at the plate. Logan Degroot picked up a multiple hit day going 2 for 4 with two singles. Trent Mallonee continued to swing the bat well with another 2 hit day in this six game home stand.

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