Sports - Sports News

POSTED: Sunday, Jul. 05, 2009

WCL BASEBALL: Bells win seventh straight

The Bellingham Bells' win streak reached seven, as they completed another West Coast League series sweep with an 8-5 victory at Kitsap on Sunday, July 5. That followed a 5-2 victory on Saturday, July 4.

"Right now, the guys are showing up expecting to win," Bells coach Brandon Newell said in a phone interview. "It's a fun team to be around when you expect to get victories."

The Bells improved to 12-9 in WCL play and moved into a tie with Bend for second place in the West Division standings, 41/2 games behind Corvallis.

The Bells got a strong start on Sunday from Ray Hanson, who held the BlueJackets to four runs on three hits and three walks in six innings of work.

"It was a tough day to pitch, but Ray really came through for us," Newell said. "He gave up two wind-aided home runs, but that was about it. Then the bullpen took over and looked good, and we got another save out of Seth Harvey."

Brady Locker hit a two-run home run in the fourth inning, which was part of a four-run frame that helped the Bells take a 5-2 lead. Sam Richter picked up three RBI, while going 2 for 4 and scoring another run, and Craig Hertler tripled for the second time in two nights. Beau Brett also had two hits for the second consecutive game, and Patrick Claussen picked up his third stolen base in two nights.

On Saturday, Alex Besaw held Kitsap to one run, five hits and four walks through 6 1/3 innings, while Richter had three hits.

SUNDAY'S GAME

BELLINGHAM 8, KITSAP 5

Bellingham 010 400 012 - 8 13 2

Home 200 002 010 - 5 7 2

WP: Ray Hanson (1-0). LP: Steven Singer (2-3). S: Seth Harvey (5) Highlights: Brady Locker 1-4, 2 RBI, HR; Craig Hertler 3-4, run, 3B; Beau Brett 2-5, run; Danny Hennigs 2-4, run, RBI, 2B; Sam Richter 2-4, run, 3RBI, 2B.

SATURDAY'S GAME

BELLINGHAM 5, KITSAP 2

Bellingham 001 110 020 - 5 10 0

Home 000 000 101 - 2 8 1

WP: Alex Besaw (1-1). LP: Chad Priamos (1-1). S: Seth Harvey (4) Highlights: Tanner Leighton 2-6; Craig Hertler 1-4, 2 RBI, 2 runs, 3B; Beau Brett 2-4, Sam Richter 3-4, 2 runs, 1 RBI. Patrick Claussen 2 SB.