NANAIMO, B.C. — There were skydivers, fireworks, and some great baseball, as the Nanaimo NightOwls took on their Rival, the Victoria HarbourCats, on July 1st at Serauxmen Stadium. Unfortunately, Nanaimo couldn’t get the win in game one of the series, losing 8-2. That didn’t stop the crowd of 3500 from enjoying their evening at the ballpark. I mentioned we had skydivers fall into centerfield before the game, and a ton of great events and promotions.
Nanaimo jumped out to an early lead in the first inning thanks to another Talan Zenk home run. The NightOwls would tack on one more before Victoria would tie things up with single runs in the third and fourth innings before taking the lead with one more in the fifth. The game was close until Victoria went off for 5 runs in the sixth and seventh innings, and Nanaimo just couldn’t muster up any offense to get back in the game.
https://baseball.pointstreak.com/boxscore.html?gameid=621649
The Nanaimo NightOwls had two runs on nine hits with no errors. The HarbourCats had eight runs on 16 hits with one error. The starting pitcher for the NightOwls had a good game, going four innings. Teague VanDyke gave up seven hits and just two runs while striking out two.
Nanaimo NightOwls Vs. Victoria HarbourCats (Photo Credit: Chad Frostad)
Brady Morse, from Bellarmine University, came in for the Nanaimo NightOwls in relief in the eighth inning and pitched two scoreless giving up no hits and no walks. Brady has been good on the mound and in the field for the NightOwls this season.
https://wcleague.watch.pixellot.tv/
It was Talan Zenk once again crushing the ball out of the park tonight for Nanaimo. He finished off the day going one for four with a home run and an RBI. You can see from the stats in the tweet below he has been on fire of late and he will look to continue down in Victoria.
Talan Zenk (@TalanZenk, @EvCC_Baseball '26) hit a solo HR in the first for the @wclNightOwls, his third this summer and second in consecutive games. Over his last 3 games, Zenk has 2 2B, 2 HR, 5 RBI, and 8 runs runs scored. pic.twitter.com/rIiaS8gnXx
— PNW College Baseball Report (@PNW_CBR) July 2, 2025
This is becoming a reoccurring thing since he keeps hitting bombs out the park, but I spoke with Talan about his approach at the plate, “Yeah, my main goal the past couple games have just been to load slow and early up at the plate. As well as focusing on getting my swing off and providing for the team anyway possible.”
Catcher Brock Wirthgen (Photo Credit: Chad Frostad)
Catcher Brock Wirthgen also had a good night at the plate for the home side. He went two for four with two singles on the evening. Look out for a player profile about Brock coming out soon. Tyler Arnold went 1one for four and contributed the other RBI on the night.
http://Nanaimonightowls.com/tickets
It was a great night at the ballpark despite the loss to the HarbourCats. Thanks to everyone who came out and supported the team as we sold out tonight! It’s a fun night at the ballpark with you here so come join us all summer. Link for tickets is above and you can book the Bathtub Bar or Bus for a summer party or birthday, message us on social media or call the office.
The series continues for the Nanaimo NightOwls against the Victoria HarbourCats, but it shifts down Island for the final two games at Royal Athletic Park. The two teams will finish off the series on Wednesday, July 2nd, and Thursday, July 3rd. Then the NightOwls head off to Edmonton for a rematch with the RiverHawks. It should be a hard-fought series, as Edmonton will have been swept by the NightOwls fresh on their minds. Make sure to watch the game on the link above and cheer on your team on social media with the Hashtag #IlluminateTheDark.
Good night Nanaimo!
Tough loss for us tonight against our Island Rivals, the @HarbourCats, but all 3500 of you that came out for our Canada Day 🇨🇦 festivities to support left winners!
Skydivers, baseball, and fireworks! Not a bad way to spend the night!#IlluminateTheDark #NightOwls #WCL #YCD pic.twitter.com/0PiV74Vz6a
— Nanaimo NightOwls WCL (@wclNightOwls) July 2, 2025
