Image credit: Allen Douglas Photography via Kamloops NorthPaws

By Aaron Schulze

NorthPaws

NorthPaws win series against Sweets, get rained out in Kelowna over Canada Day long weekend

Jul 2, 2024 | 6:30 AM

KAMLOOPS — The Kamloops NorthPaws were rained out on Canada Day but not before winning their second series of the 2024 West Coast League (WCL) season over the long weekend.

The NorthPaws took the three-game series against the Walla Walla Sweets at Norbrock Stadium 2-1.

After getting blown out at home 12-0 on Friday (June 28), the NorthPaws rebounded with a 3-2 win on Saturday thanks to a walk off single from Joey Rico.

“You dream of that situation, to win the game, bases loaded, bottom of the ninth. Take it in the moment, take what they give you, try to stay calm as much as possible and don’t let the moment get too big,” Rico says. “It was awesome to see all the fans out and play for them.”

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But Saturday wouldn’t be the only time Rico played hero for the NorthPaws Canada Day long weekend. On Sunday, he hit a solo home run in the seventh inning to break a 5-5 tie.

Rico also struck out two while allowing one hit over one scoreless inning for the save en route to a 7-5 win to clinch the series.

“I knew it, 3-1 count ready for a fastball and got it, so just put a good swing on it,” Rico SAYS. “Just doing what I can to help the team win. It was big because we have struggled, and we are coming back and fighting. This series was big to show us who we are and keep playing.”

The NorthPaws were set to play in Kelowna against the Falcons on Canada Day but the game was cancelled due to rain.

However, the Kamloops-Kelowna rivalry shifts to Norbrock Stadium Tuesday (July 2) night as the NorthPaws host the Falcons for a two-game series. First pitch is at 6:35 p.m.

The NorthPaws improve to 6-18 on the 2024 WCL season, good for seventh in the North Division.