NANAIMO, BC — Series Nanaimo, and the trophy will stay with the Nanaimo NightOwls, at least until next week. As the teams meet again in a weekday series in Victoria. Jacob Hayes set up the charcuterie board and hit a Grand Salami in the top of the fourth inning, and the NightOwls pitching did the rest, holding Victoria to just four runs on eight hits.
NightOwls starting pitcher Lino Zepeda went 4 strong innings, giving up just three runs on four hits and striking out four. The relievers did the rest, as Jaedeyn Edwards went three scoreless innings with three strikeouts and got the win on the afternoon for Nanaimo.
It was the Jacob Hayes show Thursday afternoon at Wilson’s Group Stadium. Jacob, from Azusa Pacific University, put the NightOwls ahead in the fourth inning with a Grand Slam, and Nanaimo didn’t look back. Hayes also walked in a run with his great eyes at the plate and finished the day with five RBI. It also brings his hit streak up to 8 games, and he will look to continue the hot streak on Friday against the Kelowna Falcons.
Chipping in offensively were Drew Giannini, who had two singles on the day. Second basemen Talan Zenk also had two hits on the day, going two for five and also adding a run.
Brady Morse and Dalton Hanson closed out things on the mound for the Nanaimo Night Owls. Catcher Brock Wirthgen called a great game and threw out the only baserunner who tried to steal on him. It might not be best to test Brock’s arm this year.
Head Coach Cody Andreychuk spoke about the game, “The guys came out with a chip on their shoulder today after yesterdays loss and responded well. Excellent pitching and defense today by all of our guys and great at-bats led to some big-time hits.” On Jacob Hayes, “His Grand Slam really helped us get the momentum back.”
Series Nanaimo NightOwls after an all-around team win. The rivalry continues next week, so there isn’t much time for gloating, even thou I am going to do it. Trophy Stays in Nanaimo!!
The Nanaimo NightOwls continue their road trip in Kelowna for a weekend series against the Falcons. That goes Friday, Saturday, Sunday, June 13th, 14th, and 15th. Nanaimo heads back to Victoria for a three-game stint before returning home on June 20th against the Port Angeles Lefties for a weekend series. Lots of action at Serauxemen Stadium, and Sunday is Family Fun Day and Nanaimo Bar Jerseys, so come with a sweet tooth.
