After Joey Wagman's thrilling complete game victory, in which the righty from Cal Poly shut down a powerful Bend Elks lineup with masterful control of his fastball and off-speed stuff, the Walla Walla Sweets found themselves in uncharted territory in the short history of the franchise: in a position to make a run at a wild card spot in the West Coast League division playoffs. Between clutch pitching, solid defense up the middle by Adrian Williams, Kevin Kuntz, and Scott Gottschling, and the power generated by Elliot Stewart, the Sweets have come together recently.
"It has been an exciting stretch," said general manager Zachary Fraser. "We had our fair share of struggles early on, but I think people are starting to see the talent that we envisioned as we signed these guys - it has been nice to see guys really pulling for each other and the chemistry that has developed in the clubhouse and dugout." The Sweets have won seven in a row, including two non-league games mid-week, and have forced a tight race in the East, sitting 1.5 games back from the Kelowna (BC) Falcons and the Moses Lake Pirates for a chance to play for the WCL Championship.
This week is an exciting and bittersweet one for the Boys from Borleske - exciting because the club is now in the heart of a pennant race, bittersweet because it is the last regular season homestand of this first season. "We invite our fans to continue the trend they have set this season in leading the WCL in attendance - in addition to the fun we've had all season long, we now are in the mix for a playoff spot, and our fans will be the difference," said Fraser.
Here is a quick review of what the is on schedule for this week:
Tuesday, July 27 - vs. Kitsap BlueJackets - 7:05 pm - the Sweets start the homestand against the Kitsap BlueJackets, who also find themselves in the hunt for a playoff spot in the West. 8" x 10" team photos, courtesy of Image Smart Sign Co., Pro-Build of Walla Walla, and Blue Mountain Cider Co. will be distributed to the first 700 fans at the ballpark.
Wednesday, July 28 - vs. Kitsap BlueJackets - 7:05 pm - the series continues as the Sweets take on a team that took three straight in Bremerton (Kitsap County) - three close ones in which the Sweets had the lead in each game. This is the last $1 drink night of the season, with $1 Busch Light and Pepsi products until the 3rd inning.
Thursday, July 29 - vs. Kitsap BlueJackets - 1:05 pm - the last day game of the year - a perfect chance to get a little sun while "working" while enjoying a dog and a cold drink.
Friday, July 30 - vs. Bellingham Bells - 7:05 pm - the Bells, another WCL West opponent in a playoff hunt, arrive. This game marks the last 6 for $36 night of the season, plus the first (50) seniors and veterans get $2 reserved tickets courtesy of Home Loan Center of Walla Walla.
Saturday, July 31 - vs. Bellingham Bells - 6:05 pm - The Sweets will don pink jerseys, swing pink bats, and sport pink-embroidered caps as the team joins up with J.U.G.S to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer awareness and treatment options. The jerseys, bats and caps used during the game will be auctioned with a silent auction, with revenues from the auction going to J.U.G.S. Are you tough enough to wear pink?
Sunday, August 1 - vs. Bellingham Bells - 4:05 pm - last game of the series with the Bells. This game features one last $2 senior and veterans night by HLC (first 50 at the box office) and $1 kids day for all kids 12 and under. We will also honor the families that made this season possible - our host families.
Monday, August 2 - vs. Corvallis Knights - 7:05 pm - our chance to say thank you to our fans with one last great fireworks display post-game.
Tickets can be purchased by clicking here to any of the games above. It will be a memorable week at Borleske - hope to see you there!
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