Black Bears Back on the Road

Cowlitz opens league play against new foe in Springfield.

The Black Bears are hitting the road for the second time this season as they travel down to Springfield, Oregon for a three-game series against one of the West Coast Leagues newest team, the Springfield Drifters.

Cowlitz looks to bounce back in Springfield after dropping a non-league game against the Ridgefield Raptors Wednesday night at the Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex. The bats showed up early for Cowlitz, but the Black Bears were not able to pull away an opening day victory. 

Utah Valley commit Calyn Halvorson opened the scoring early in Ridgefield smacking a two-run round tripper in the top of the first. Halvorson finished his Black Bears debut with two hits, picking up a pair of RBI. 

Sean Mulcare, who is back for his second season with Cowlitz, highlighted a four-run 5th inning, ripping a no-doubt three-run bomb to right field but it wasn’t enough as Cowlitz dropped game one of the Columbia River Cup.

Springfield has already started league play as they opened their inaugural season against the Bellingham Bells. In their first game in franchise history, the Drifters took down the Bells, 4-2, on Tuesday evening before dropping a pitcher’s duel in game two, 2-1. Springfield plays the rubber game tonight against the Bells at 6:35 at Joe Martin Field.

First pitch between the Black Bears and the Drifters is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, while the two teams will play a Sunday matinee with first pitch at 1:05 p.m. at the Hamlin Sports Complex. Fans can tune in and hear the voice of the Black Bears, Brendan Reilly, bring you all the action this weekend under the listen live tab on CowlitzBlackBears.com. 

After the three-game set against the Drifters, the Black Bears return to Longview for the home opener on Monday, June 6th against the Kamloops Northpaws. Make sure to get your tickets online so you don’t miss any of the action coming up at Story Field this summer. First pitch Monday is set for 6:35 p.m.