It is time for Playoff baseball for the second time in franchise history and the first time in over a decade! The Corvallis Knights (2) and Cowlitz Black Bears (3) will be going head to head in the first round of the playoffs which is a best of 3 series.
The other series in the South Division will feature the Portland Pickles (4) and the Ridgefield Raptors (1). Game 1 will be in Portland and games 2 and 3 (If necessary) will be in Ridgefield.
The action starts Tuesday with Cowlitz hosting Corvallis for game one. Come on out to the ballpark to enjoy $3 general admission, hot dogs, nachos and domestic canned beer.
It was quite the season series between the Bears and Knights. Corvallis took game one on the last day of June, 5-1. The next day, Cowlitz bounced back to even the series, winning 7-3. On July 2nd, it was a late 7:05 start on a getaway day due to postgame fireworks and Corvallis just edged out Cowlitz in the rubber game 3-2.
Corvallis was ahead in the season series 2-1 when they came into Longview for a three game set on July 7 – 9. The Black Bears pitching staff had one of the best series of the season against the men in armor.
Game one was a complete game shutout tossed by Jaron DeBerry. He only needed 84 pitches to do it and recorded six strikeouts without giving up a walk. He allowed just two hits the entire game. His offense backed him up as Cowlitz took game one 5-0. The Knights would tie the series the following day having a good offensive performance winning 9-2. In the second rubber match between these two clubs in a matter of one week, Cowlitz wouldn’t be denied. In the bottom of the 1st inning, Ethan Mann smacked a two out RBI single. Little did both teams know that would be the difference in the game. Cowlitz shutout Corvallis twice in the series, taking game three 1-0.
Corvallis ended the season going 20-3. Cowlitz finished on a high note as well, winning the final nine series of the regular season. Cowlitz went 11-1 to end the year. Two hot teams collide to open up the 2023 West Coast League Playoffs.
The season series ended 3-3 during the regular season. Will the Black Bears be able to take down the defending champs in the first round of the playoffs? We are expecting another fantastic series between the Knights and the Black Bears. Follow along on all the action to see who will be raising the trophy at the end and winning a West Coast League championship!