Sparked by a spotless and efficient two-inning North American debut from Taiwanese right-hander Li Sih-te, and 10 early runs from a slew of line drives, the Nanaimo NightOwls recorded a 12-1 win over the PBL’s Mid-Island Pirates at historic Serauxmen Stadium.
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The Thursday game was an exhibition tilt to get the NightOwls ready for their third season in the West Coast League, with the season opening series Friday-Saturday-Sunday in Kelowna.
The home opener for the ‘Owls is slated for Tuesday, June 4 at Serauxmen against the Cowlitz Black Bears, the first ever visit to Nanaimo by the team now coached by 14-year MLB player Kelly Stinnett.
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On Thursday, Sih-te and VIU pitcher Graham Stephen kept the Pirates at bay — just four hits allowed— while the offense pounded out 11 hits. Returning player of the year Aaron Marsh was 2-4 with four driven in and new catcher Cassidy Watt had two hits.
