The Bellingham Bells beat the Ridgefield Raptors 3-1 on June 7 at Joe Martin Field in Bellingham, Wash.
The Bells pitching shined in the victory. Will Franklin in the start went five innings with six strikeouts and only one earned run. He would earn the win, his first of the season, in his second appearance of 2024.
“I’m throwing a lot of strikes and focusing on getting ahead of batters,” Franklin said. “My fastball wasn’t feeling good today so I worked on the off-speed and trusted it.”
In the second inning the Bells would score two runs off of a leadoff hit by Kaikea Harrison in his season debut. Jason Shedlock delivered a double to put two in scoring position. Conner Smith grounded out for an RBI and Trent Mallonee would score one more runner with a single.
“Anytime the offense can score runs behind you it makes everything so much easier,” Franklin said.
Out of the bullpen came Will Anderson in the sixth inning who continued what Franklin had started. Anderson pitched three scoreless innings with three strikeouts and only one hit allowed.
“We’re starting to get comfortable as a group and staying ahead of batters. When you stay ahead of batters in this league you can dominate,” Franklin said.
The Bells would add one more run in the sixth inning against Raptors reliever Drew Townson. Shedlock hit the RBI single that scored Nate Kirkpatrick who reached on a single earlier in the inning and advanced to second on a wild pitch.
With a 3-1 lead and Anderson’s scoreless outing it was up to Chris Foster in the ninth to secure the save. Foster had a 1-2-3 inning to secure the victory for the Bells and grabbed his first save of 2024.
The Bells were highlighted by Shedlock’s 3 for 3 day with a double, an RBI, and one run. Harrison, from USC, went 1 for 4 in his Bells debut with a run scored. Mallonee went 1 for 4 with an RBI and a stolen base.
It was an overall team win for the Bells to improve to 4-3 on the season. They will face off against the Raptors tomorrow at 6:35 p.m. in game two of a three-game series. Get your tickets now at bellstickets.com.
Tonight’s game recap is presented by Everstrong Physical Therapy and Performance.