The Black Bears return home to David Story Field for a two-game set with the Northwest Star Nighthawks this weekend, Saturday, June 8, and Sunday, June 9, at David Story Field.
The Nighthawks are a feeder team to the Black Bears so here’s an excellent chance to see the Black Bears of the future compete this weekend. Northwest Star Academy produces youth teams up to high school and college level squads.
The Nighthawks fell to the Corvallis Knights 8-1 on May 23. Saturday’s game will be the first time they take the field in over two weeks. The Nighthawks have seven West Coast League teams on their schedule this summer: Corvallis, Cowlitz, Ridgefield, Bend, Walla Walla, Bellingham, and Yakima Valley. Following this series, the Nighthawks and Black Bears will meet again later this season; on Tuesday, July 16, at David Story Field.
The Black Bears picked up their first win of the season in game three against the NightOwls on Thursday night 5-2.
“The number one thing that I preach to the guys is to have a short memory,” said Black Bears head coach Kelly Stinnett, “No matter what position you play.”
Coming off a short series against Corvallis in which the Black Bears’ pitching surrendered nineteen walks and the offense produced one run; it was an opening weekend to forget about. Even in Tuesday’s 5-1 loss to Nanaimo, with all things considered, signs were pointing toward turning the corner. “All things considered” includes a long travel day up to Vancouver Island, nine available position players last weekend, and the practice time available in between torrential downpours in Longview earlier this week.
The bats woke up this weekend, Cowlitz put up 7 hits in the game one loss, but couldn’t capitalize on their opportunity; stranding twelve runners on base.
Brody Sexton (Iowa Western CC) arrived this week and made a statement against the NightOwls, going 4-8 with four RBIs in the final two games, playing catcher and shortstop.
Ryan Rembisz threw a gem in game three; striking out 11 NightOwls and giving up 2 hits in 5 scoreless innings. What a way to start the season for the rising senior at Portland.
The Black Bears-Nighthawks series will begin on Saturday at 6:35 p.m. and game two is scheduled on Sunday at 1:05 p.m. For more information about upcoming games, stats, or tickets, follow us on social media: X (Twitter) (@CowlitzBBears), Facebook, and Instagram (@cowlitzblackbears). To watch, listen live, or view the 2024 promotional schedule, go to our website cowlitzblackbears.com.