Joe Martin Field in Bellingham. PHOTO: Doug Lange
WCL Playoffs: Bells Need Win at Home Tonight
August 11, 2019
The Bellingham Bells will look to stay alive and even their best-of-three West Coast League playoff series with a home game versus Kelowna tonight at Joe Martin Field. The Falcons beat the Bells 4-2 at Elks Stadium in Kelowna on Friday in the series opener.
Jared Akin lead the way for Kelowna. The right-hander from Concordia University went 6 and 1/3 innings allowing just 2 runs on 5 hits while striking out 4 batters. Cal Henke pitched a scoreless 9th inning to pick-up his 8th save of the season.
Matt James put Bellingham out in front to start the game with sac-fly RBI in the top of the first inning.
The Falcons would respond with single runs in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th inning. Taylor Wright went 2-for-4 with a home run and an RBI for Kelowna. Garrett Kelly and Matt Land each added 2 hits and an RBI in the victory.
The Bells only other run came on a Matt McClain RBI in the 8th inning.
Despite 9 strikeouts in 5 innings of work, Bellingham pitcher Justin Armbruester suffered his second loss of the season.
The Bells must win tonight to force a third-game at Joe Martin Field. Nick Nastrini (4-2; 1.88 ERA) will hit the mound for Bellingham versus James Brooks (4-0; 4.66) for Kelowna. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35pm.
- Doug Lange
