Raptors rally from big deficit to beat Pickles in 13 innings

RIDGEFIELD – If there’s a pecking order of clutch hitters on the Ridgefield Raptors, John Peck is near the top.

The Raptors shortstop hit a game-winning double in the 13^th inning as the Raptors beat the Portland Pickles 10-9.

It was an improbable win for Ridgefield, which trailed 9-5 with two outs in the ninth. But that’s when Peck, with the bases loaded, hit a double to drive in three runs. He then scored on a single by Koby Morales.

Peck, who plays for Pepperdine, went 4 for 7 with three doubles and five RBI.

“I was just looking for the fastball,” Peck said. “I changed a few things mechanically before the game. It worked out, so I think I’ll stay with it.”

The comeback was more improbable considering the early deficit Ridgefield faced. The Raptors trailed 5-0 after the first inning and 7-0 after the second.

“We knew we had to do everything we could to get back,” Peck said. “We just don’t quit.”

Caden Vire, a Skyview senior making a spot start for the Raptors, walked five of six hitters he faced. Vire was charged with five earned runs after the Pickles sent 10 hitters to the plate in the first.

Ridgefield ended its season-opening homestand 5-1. The Raptors now begin a six-game road trip and will leave town on a high note.

“It’s huge because we gained a lot of momentum,” Peck said. “Obviously that will carry into the next series. We’re excited.”

Three moments

Walk-off winner – With Reece Hernandez on first in the 13th, Peck hit a deep fly to center field. The Pickles centerfielder had the ball in his glove when he hit the fence, jarring the ball loose. Hernandez scored on a close play at the plate, setting off a Raptors celebration around Peck while the Pickles argued with the home plate umpire.

Mr. Consistency – Win or lose, it’s a safe bet Will Chambers will get a hit. The Raptors designated hitter has at least one hit in all seven games this season, including the exhibition opener. He leads the West Coast League with a .476 batting average. Thursday, Chambers had two RBI doubles. The first put the Raptors on the board and started a three-run fourth inning. In the next inning, Chambers doubled to center to cut Portland’s lead to 8-5.

Sharing the wealth – When Clark College had its baseball season cancelled this spring due to COVID, the team raised money to compete as the independent club team NW Star. The effort raised $2,000 more than needed. The team donated that money to Miracle League, which provides baseball activities to children with disabilities. Clark coach Mark Magdaleno, who became head coach of the Pickles this week, and the Ridgefield Raptors presented Miracle League with a check before Thursday’s game.

Three players

Eli Shubert – Making his first Raptors appearance, the relief pitcher was impressive after entering in the seventh inning. The Lewis-Clark State pitcher threw five-and-two-third innings, striking out nine and only allowing a walk and a hit batter.

Cole Urman – The catcher went 2 for 4 with two singles, raising his average to .389. Urman, who plays for Cal State Fullerton, also threw out two runners trying to steal second base, including the potential winning run in the 13^th inning. He also picked a runner off second.

Evan Leibl – Despite hitting in the No. 8 spot, the catcher was a main driver of Portland’s offense. His two-RBI single helped break open the five-run first inning. He doubled and scored in the fifth, then hit an RBI single in the seventh.

Three numbers

16 – Number of batters Portland sent to the plate in the first two innings.

9 – The number of runners who reached via walk who eventually scored.

4:03 – The time it took to play Thursday’s game.

RIDGEFIELD 10, PORTLAND 9

Portland 520 010 100 000 0—9 16 0

Ridgefield 000 320 004 000 1—10 12 2

Portland

Pitching – Bradley McVay 4.2 IP, 5 H, 4 ER, 5 K, 1 BB; Ethan Bell 0.2 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 0 K, 1 BB; Jared Villalobos 2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 6 K, 0 BB; K.J. Ruffo 0.1 IP, 3 ER, 0 H, 1 K, 3 BB; Tommy Snyder 0.2 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 1 K, 0 BB; Josh Mollerus 3 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 3 K, 1 BB; Trace Hokkanen 0.1 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 0 K, 1 BB, L. Highlights – Cam Clayton 1-5, R, 2 SB; Gabe Skoro 1-6, R; Jacob Jablonski 2-5; Ole Artson 3-5, 2R, 2 RBI, 2B; Eamon Lance 1-4, 2 R; Ryan Guardino 2-6, 2 R, RBI, 2B, SB; Connor Henriques 1-4, R; Evan Leibl 3-6, R, 3 RBI, 2B; Gabriel Arellano 1-4, RBI.

Ridgefield

Pitching – Caden Vire 0.1 IP, 1 H, 5 ER, 0 K, 5 BB; Nick Nygard 3.2 IP, 10 H, 2 ER, 1 K, 0 BB; Beau Kearsey 2.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 K, 1 BB; Eli Shubert 5.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 9 K, 1 BB; Andrew Troppmann 1 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 1 K, 1 BB, W. Highlights – John Peck 4-7, 3 R, 5 RBI, 3 2B; Will Chambers 2-4, Rm 2 RBI, 2 2B; Coby Morales 2-6, RBI; Cole Urman 2-4, 2 R; Dominic Enbody 2-5, R, 2 RBI, 2B.