Shaky sixth inning sinks NorthPaws in season opener

VICTORIA — The Kamloops NorthPaws began their season Friday night (June 2) in the provincial capital taking on the HarbourCats. Last year Kamloops and Victoria were the two Canadian teams to earn a spot in the WCL playoffs, however both were eliminated in the first round.

The Paws were able to jump out to an early 3-1 lead in the contest thanks in part to a two-RBI single from returning outfielder Felix Chenier-Rondeau. But, in the sixth inning things started to unravel for Kamloops.

With the contest tied at 3-3. Kamloops local Tyrelle Chadwick entered the game in relief and struggled with his command, plunking the first batter his saw on his first pitch of the game en route to walking the bases loaded. Chadwick would then walk in the eventual winning run before getting the hook. The ‘Cats would score five more in the inning to put the game out of reach at 9-3.

Victoria would tack on a few more runs in the later innings and earn the opening day victory 13-3.