RIDGEFIELD — The first half of the Ridgefield Raptors’ inaugural season came to a lackluster close, as the Knights pasted 20 hits in a 15-5 win on Sunday at the Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex.
Ridgefield pitchers allowed three home runs and an eight-run Knights’ sixth inning spelled defeat for the home squad. Ridgefield scattered 9 hits, with Union alumnus Jack Bauer scoring the team’s opening run in the fifth inning after a leadoff double.
“I was just seeing the ball big today,” Bauer said. “It was just one of those days.”
The Raptors’ first half concludes at 13-14, having lost seven of their past 10.
They were swept twice by the South Division first-half champion Knights, who clinched one of four playoff spots.
“It was a tough day for the ballclub, but that happens,” Bauer said. “That’s baseball for you.”
The Raptors hit the road to start the second half of the season with a three-game series in Victoria starting at 6:35 p.m. Monday.
Three key moments
Two for Utes — University of Utah sophomore Briley Knight and Utes senior Zack Moeller each clubbed two-run home runs in the third and fifth innings, respectively, to help the Knights to a 5-0 lead.
Bauer brings the bat — Union grad Jack Bauer kickstarted the Raptors’ offense with a double down the right field line in the fifth inning before coming around to score Ridgefield’s first run on Dusty Garcia’s single to center field.
Knights pile on — Nicholas Klemp led off the top of the sixth inning with a solo shot to left field. Little did he know that spark was enough to start the fire for the Knights, who brought 12 batters to the plate and scored eight runs in the frame to extend Corvallis’ lead to 13-1. Klemp had another RBI later in the inning when he drew a bases-loaded walk.
Three key players
Jack Bauer — The Campbellsville senior and Union grad was 2 for 2 with a double and a run scored. He was replaced by pinch hitter Michael Yourg in the seventh inning. Bauer is now batting .319 on the year. “I’m not a big stat guy but it definitely feels good to get the confidence back up again,” he said.
Briley Knight — The Utah sophomore was 3 for 5 with a double, home run, three RBI and three runs scored.
Trace Tammaro — The University of Portland sophomore was 4 for 5 with a double, RBI and two runs scored.
Three numbers
6 — Times that the Raptors have allowed double-digit runs, including twice to Corvallis.
15 — Home runs on the season for the Knights after blasting three on Sunday afternoon. It also matches their 15-game league win streak.
59 — Total pitches in the top of the sixth inning by three Raptors pitchers. The Knights brought 12 batters to the plate and had seven hits to score eight runs.
