Bells Shutout Pippins For First Time This Season

Pippins offense musters season-low three hits in loss

The Yakima Valley Pippins failed to score a run for the first time this season in Saturday’s 3-0 loss to the Bellingham Bells.

All three runs for the Bells came in the second inning, started by Cole Hinkleman’s solo home run to right field to start the inning. Pippins starter Peyton Stumbo retired the next two batters, but a single, walk and two-run double by Emilio Corona gave the Bells all the offense they would end up needing.

Stumbo (1-1, 5.51 ERA) lasted four innings and was tagged with the loss having walked five batters and striking out four.

Bells starter Eric Chavarria delivered three scoreless innings while allowing just one hit and striking out six. He did not last long enough to earn the win, but did lower his already-league-leading ERA to 1.04.

Justin Tucker took over for Bellingham in the fourth inning, holding the Pippins hitless and scoreless over 2.2 innings before leaving with two runners aboard in the sixth. James Spicklemier took over, striking out Austin Plante to end the inning.

The Pippins would load the bases against Spicklemier in the seventh thanks to a walk, their second hit and Blake Dickman getting hit by a pitch, but two strikeouts ended the threat.

Connor Wilson (0-0, 1.12 ERA) relieved Stumbo, tossing three scoreless innings while allowing two hits and one walk with a pair of strikeouts. Peysen Sweeney (0-0, 3.00 ERA) pitched the final two innings for Yakima Valley, striking out three while allowing two walks and one hit.

Ryan Beitel was called upon for his first save opportunity of the season, facing seven batters to record the final six outs. 

The Pippins look to bounce back in the series finale Sunday at 6:05 p.m. before the off day Monday and non-league action with the Highline Bears coming into town Tuesday-Thursday.

By Chris Rosato Jr.

July 11, 2021