Relate Links: Box Score | Bellingham Bells Roster

The Bellingham Bells lost 13-4 against the Kamloops NorthPaws in game one of a three-game series being played at Norbrock Stadium on July 30 in Kamloops, British Columbia. Despite the Bells 12 hits on offense they could only score four runs whereas the NorthPaws put up their 13 run total on 13 hits.

The starting and losing pitcher tonight was Peter Storjohann. Through his first four innings the NorthPaws could not touch Storjohann. In his first four innings he only allowed one run which came in the first inning on an RBI double from TJ Wachter.

In the fifth inning though the first two runners would reach for Kamloops on a single and a double. Wachter then drilled a three-run home run to open the flood gates against the Bells tonight. Eli Knowlton would sub in for Storjohann immediately following the home run and the starter exited losing 4-0. Storjohann allowed five hits and walked three batters while striking out three NorthPaws in his fourth start and his first losing outing.

Knowlton returned to the Bells after he began the season with the team. Knowlton’s previous pitching appearance was June 21 before tonight. He entered the fifth inning with no outs and would only record one out himself. Knowlton allowed five runs on only one hit but three walks and a hit-by-pitch resulted in Dylan Weddle entering the game with the bases loaded. Weddle allowed three of Knowlton’s five runs to touch home but did end the inning without allowing an earned run of himself.

Weddle would allow a run in the sixth inning on a sacrifice fly after allowing a pair of base hits. Weddle exited his inning and two-thirds pitched with three hits allowed and three strikeouts. The NorthPaws were leading 10-0 entering the seventh inning.

Bellingham would score their first runs of the game on RBI singles by Roman Martin and Nate Kirkpatrick. Kamloops answered with two runs of their own against the new pitcher, Sax Matson. With the score 12-2 the Bells scored two more runs in the top of the eighth when Jason Shedlock and Roman Martin both had RBI singles. Matson allowed one more run in the bottom of the eighth to give us our final scoreline of 13-4. Matson finished two innings pitched with three runs allowed on four hits and three walks with three strikeouts.

Tonight we saw the return of Jorge Olivera who is back from injury after playing in the first week of summer for the Bells. Olivera returned with an 0 for 3 night tonight but did draw one walk. Martin led the Bells with his 3 for 5 night that included two RBIs. Kirkpatrick went 2 for 5 at the plate with an RBI and now has 60 hits this summer which is second in the WCL. Logan Degroot had multiple hits as well, going 2 for 4. Jason Shedlock entered the game as a pinch hitter and went 1 for 2 with an RBI.

Overall the Bellingham Bells allowed their opponent to score double digit runs for just the fourth time this season. The Bells are now 28-18 and 11-8 in the second half of the season which is tied with Victoria for the lead in the North Division second half standings. 

The Bells look to bounce back from a rough start in Kamloops and even the series tomorrow at 6:35 p.m. Bellingham is in a tight race for the number two seed in the West Coast League’s playoffs which begin August 10. Bellingham is tied with Victoria and only one game ahead of Port Angeles and Nanaimo in the race for the North Division’s second half title. August 2 the Bellingham Bells and Victoria Harbourcats begin a three-game series that could drastically shift the WCL Playoff picture. Get your tickets to the final regular season series at bellstickets.com.

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