The Pippins offense exploded for the second straight night as they beat the Falcons 13-5 in the rubber game of the series and the last game for Pippins outfielder Jonathan Imperial.

Chase Farrell got his first start for the Pippins and ran into some early trouble. With one out in the first inning, the Falcons put four straight runners on base with a walk and three singles, including an RBI single from Cody Crowder. A sacrifice fly by Ryan Fish drove in the second run of the inning. Farrell was able to escape further damage, striking out Garrett Kelly for the final out, as his pitch count rose over thirty.

Farrell settled down after the first inning, giving up just one more run in the third.

After holding the Pippins scoreless through the first two innings, Falcons starter Travis Martizia ran into trouble in the bottom of the third. With two outs and runners at first and second, Chris Arpan drove a ball to the right-center field wall, plating both runs. Playing in his last game of the season before returning to the US Air Force Academy, Imperial followed with a single, putting runners at first and third. Sam Mitchell then drove a ball off the third base bag and into left field, driving in two more runs and giving the Pippins their first lead of the game 4-3.

The Pippins would add another run in the sixth to extend the lead.

After recovering from the first inning, Farrell pitched into the sixth being pulled with one out in the inning and no one on. Jack Gonzales would relieve Farrell and finish off the inning.

In the seventh, the Falcons mounted a comeback against Gonzales. Mike Pineiro hit a one out double and Tyler Nixon would drive him in with a single and bring the Falcons within a run. With two outs, Crowder and Taylor Wright hit back to back singles, scoring Pineiro. Gonzales was able to strand runners at the corners and keep the game tied at five.

Unfazed at just giving up the lead, the Pippins came right back with two of their own in the bottom half of the inning with Arpan hitting another double and driving in a run. Imperial also had a sacrifice fly, giving the Pippins a 7-5 lead.

In the bottom of the eighth, the Pippins made sure they would have a comfortable ninth inning.  Isaac Olson started the inning and after a single, two wild pitches and a walk, was removed for Owen Leonard. Four straight base hits later, including a three run blast by the hot hitting Cole Pofek, the Pippins extended their lead to 13-5. Kellan Richards, the third pitcher of the inning for the Falcons would record the final three outs.

Kaleb Strawn threw a scoreless ninth and sealed the Pippins second straight win and a series win over the Falcons.

The Pippins will head up to Kelowna on Friday to take on the Falcons for three more games. First pitch on Friday at 6:35.

Cole Pofek went 4-4 and drove in six runs in the Pippins 14-6 win over the Kelowna Falcons on Wednesday, snapping a four game losing streak.

During their four game skid, the Pippins never had a lead. Of the thirty runs given up during the streak, ten came in the first two innings. Hunter French made sure that he would give the Pippins offense a chance to give him the lead.

French would set down twelve straight batters to start the game, going into the fifth inning with a perfect game.

The Pippins offense got going in the third when Pofek crushed a ball over the right field wall for his first home run of the year, giving the Pippins a 1-0 lead.

The Pippins played add on in the third with Elijah Greene and Pofek checking in with RBI singles to give the Pippins a 3-0 lead.

Leading off the top of the fifth, Dan Pruitt smoked a ball to the left center field wall, getting a double and the first Falcons base hit and base runner of the game. French was able to hold him at second inducing three straight fly outs to post a zero in the fifth.

The offense exploded in the bottom half of the inning and for the third time, Pofek was right in the middle of it. With runners on second and third with one out, Pofek lined a ball into right field, driving in both runners. Falcons starter Stone Churby would be chased but the bullpen didn’t fare much better. Cody Jefferis followed with a 13 pitch at bat, drawing a walk. Later in the inning with two outs, Bryce Wooldridge knocked in a run with a single. A wild pitch would later score Jefferis from third. By the end of the fifth inning, the Pippins had a 7-0 lead.

The Falcons slowly started mounting a comeback in the sixth, finally getting to French. With two on and two out, Taylor Wright sent a 2-1 pitch over the wall in right field for a three run home run, cutting the lead to 7-3.

The Pippins answered in the bottom half of the inning as Pofek added to his day with another two run single.

In the seventh, the Falcons were able to knock French out of the game with back to back doubles by Trent Tinglestad and Lucas Soper, followed by an RBI single from Thomas Rudinsky. Cole Jones came in from the bullpen and gave up two singles and hit batter and two wild pitches, recording just one out. Tanner Inouye was able to put out the fire, recording the final two outs of the inning. The Falcons had the lead cut to 9-6.

The Pippins offense continued to score, trading blows with the Falcons. In the seventh, a wild pitch with runners at second and third brought in a run and a sacrifice fly by Conor Allard brought in another run. In the eighth inning, a wild pitch and sacrifice fly would once again score two runs.

Inouye would hold down the Falcons offense the rest of the way and the Pippins snapped their four game losing streak with a resounding 14-6 win over the Falcons.

The Pippins go for the series win on Thursday. First pitch at 6:35.

The Kelowna Falcons scored early and often, pounding out 15 hits in their 9-2 win over the Pippins on Tuesday.

Matt Driver started for the Pippins and immediately ran into trouble. After a one out walk to Ryan Fish followed by a single by Cody Crowder, Taylor Wright hit a sacrifice fly, scoring Fish. Dan Pruitt followed and crushed a two run home run off of the scoreboard in left field. The home run gave the Falcons a 3-0 lead before the Pippins were able to swing a bat.

The Falcons played add on in the third without recording a hit in the inning. Cody Crowder lead off the inning with a groundball that was booted by Jake Moberg at shortstop. Taylor Wright would follow with a walk, putting runners at first and second with no one out. After a fly out, Trent Tinglestad would hit a ground ball to third that Nick DiCarlo would dive and catch on a bounce. DiCarlo threw to second for the second out of the inning, but Tyler Hollow’s throw to first for a double play sailed over Bryce Wooldridge’s head and into the Falcons dugout. Crowder would come in to score and Tinglestad would end up at second base. Jake Fischer followed with a groundball to third that went under the glove of DiCarlo and into left field, scoring another run and extending the Falcons’ lead to 5-0. Driver would be pulled after recording the final out of the third inning.

The Pippins got on the board in the fourth inning. Cole Pofek lead off with a single followed by a walk to Chris Arpan. After a strikeout and another base hit to load the bases, Victor Cerny hit a ground ball to first base driving in Pofek from third.

In the fifth, the Falcons answered with three more runs off of reliever Nick Flesher with a two run double by Tyler Nixon and an RBI single from Ryan Fish.

The Pippins offense would only be able to muster one more run in the sixth inning with a sacrifice fly by pinch hitter Jonathan Imperial scoring Cole Pofek. Falcons starter Jered Akin shut down the Pippins giving up just the two runs over six innings.

The game would be scoreless the rest of the way, with Pippins pitching escaping multiple scoring threats from the Falcons. In the ninth inning, the Pippins would strand runners at first and second in the ninth inning as they dropped the first game to the Falcons 9-2. The Pippins committed four errors, their second most all year and they also stranded twelve men on base. With the loss, the Pippins have dropped four straight WCL games.

Game two of the series is on Wednesday. First pitch at 6:35.

Pippins pitching stymied the Honkers and the offense provided enough runs in the Pippins 4-1 win over the Honkers.

The Pippins got out to an early lead in the first inning with doubles from Cody Jefferis and Elijah Greene, staking the Pippins to a 1-0 lead.

The lead was extended in the second. Sam Mitchell lead off the inning with a single. After a stolen base and another single, Tyler Hollow hit a fly ball to left, scoring Mitchell from third base.

In the fifth inning, the Honkers would get a run back. Evan Gilliam would get on base with a one out single. Paul Bryniarski would follow with a ground ball that got beyond Bryce Wooldridge at first and went into the right field corner. Gilliam would score to make it a one run game.

After the fifth, the Pippins pitching staff would hold the Honkers scoreless. Tanner Inouye went three innings of scoreless ball and Michael Bovee Jr would follow with five innings out of the bullpen, giving up just one unearned run.

Up by just one run, the Pippins grabbed two much needed insurance runs in the eighth. Cole Pofek hit a one out triple and scored on a wild pitch. After two singles and a hit batter, Tyler Hollow picked up his second sacrifice fly of the day, scoring Jonathan Imperial and gave the Pippins a 4-1 lead.

Jack Gonzales threw a scoreless ninth to seal the Pippins second straight non-league win. After an off day on Monday, the Pippins open up  a three game series with the Kelowna Falcons. First pitch on Tuesday is at 6:35.

After a tough series in Portland, the Pippins rebounded and defeated the River City Athletics in a non-league matchup 8-2.

The Pippins got out to an early lead in the second. After a two out double by Jonathan Imperial, Shawn Grandmont followed with an RBI single, giving the Pippins a 1-0 lead.

The Athletics answered in the third. With the bases loaded in the third, a catcher’s interference call with Chase Oldham at the plate tied the game.

In the fourth inning, the Pippins offense would get hot and take the lead for good. A leadoff single and a stolen base got Conor Allard to second and Bryce Wooldridge would drive him in with a single. The inning would continue with a single from Grandmont a wild pitch and a double from Victor Cerny would bring two more runs home. Elijah Greene drove in the final run of the inning with a sacrifice fly. The Pippins added another run in the fifth to take a 6-1 lead.

On the mound, Mason Wells was strong through three innings, giving up just one unearned run while striking out five. Two newcomers, Cullen Kafka and Chase Farrell would pitch the next five innings giving up just one run on four hits while striking out seven combined.

Athletics starter Blake Collier went  six innings giving up six runs on nine hits with three strikeouts.

The Pippins played add-on in the eighth with a two run double by Elijah Greene staking the Pippins to an 8-2 lead. Kaleb Strawn pitched a scoreless ninth to seal the win.

Before getting back to WCL play, the Pippins have one more non-league game against the Northwest Honkers on Sunday at 6:05.

The Pickles jumped out to an early lead on Thursday and held on in the ninth as they beat the Pippins 6-4 in the final game of the three game series, sweeping the series.

Hunter French got the start for the Pippins and the Pickles got on the board in the first inning. After a one out walk, Mike Perez would come to the plate and in his first appearance with the Pickles, lined a ball over the left field fence for a two run home run.

French would settle down, holding the Pickles scoreless the next two innings. The Pippins would get their first run in the top of the fourth when Chris Arpan lead off the inning and went over the right center field wall for his first home run of the season.

The Pickles answered in the bottom half. A single and a double would put runners on second and third with one out. Brody Barnum ripped an RBI single scoring a run and a fielders choice groundball from Noah Cardenas would put the Pickles up 4-1.

The Pippins scored their second run in the fifth, with singles by Cody Jefferis and Allard, put runners at the corners for Sam Mitchell, who grounded out, scoring Jefferis from third.

The Pickles would continue to answer every punch the Pippins threw. They scored a run in the bottom half of the fifth as well as in the sixth to take a 6-2 lead. French would leave after five and the Pippins bullpen would give up just one run over the final four innings to keep the team close.

For the second straight night, the Pippins mounted a ninth inning comeback with the Pickles giving them an opportunity. Nick Paciorek was tasked with shutting the door, but he could not record an out. He walked the first two batters and pinch hitter Bryce Wooldridge singled in a run. Pickles closer Brad Bonnefant would be summoned from the bullpen and stifled the Pippins rally. After a strikeout of Cole Jones, Jefferis was able to bring the Pippins within two runs with an RBI groundout. Allard would follow with another groundout to end the game as the Pippins fell 6-4. With the loss, the Pippins drop back to .500 and out of first place in the North Division. The Pickles, on a five game winning streak, extended their lead in the South Division.

The Pippins will have an off day on Friday before two non league games over the weekend. First pitch against the River City Athletics on Saturday at 7:05.

The Pickles offense continued to roll and the Pippins struggled to score, leading to an 8-3 loss in game two of the three game series in Portland.

The Pickles would get on the board first in the bottom of the second inning. A leadoff walk by Joey Cooper and a single by Davis Delorefice set up a sacrifice fly by Brody Barnum. Pippins starter Matt Driver would escape the inning with no further damage.

Driver pitched four solid innings but ran into more trouble in the fifth. Driver walked the leadoff man, for the fourth time in five innings, and after a strikeout, the Pickles would string together three straight base hits, scoring two runs. Driver would be pulled with two outs in the fifth, giving way to Tanner Lewis. Later in the inning, Joey Cooper would send a ball way over the right field fence for a three run home run, his third homer of the year.

Staked to a 6-0 lead, the Pickles pitching staff dominated the Pippins for a second straight night. Starter Joel Casillas went four shutout innings allowing just three hits, no walks and five strikeouts. Augie Sylk would come in out of the bullpen and throw 2.2 innings scoreless.

The Pippins had a chance to score in the seventh, with the bases loaded and two outs. Cody Jefferis would strike out to end the threat. In the bottom half of the inning, the Picles would tack on two more runs with a two run triple by Brody Barnum.

The Pippins would finally get on the board and end a 13 inning scoreless drought when pinch hitter Jonathan Imperial crushed a ball deep over the left field fence for a two run home run.

In the ninth inning, the Pippins attempted a comeback, thanks in part to a Pickles defense that committed two errors in the ninth. The Pippins grabbed one more run in the ninth, stranding the bases loaded to end the game. With the loss the Pippins dropped to 6-5 and moved into a tie for first place in the north division.

The series finale is on Thursday. First pitch at 7:05.

Despite a two run home run by Sam Mitchell, the Pippins five game winning streak was snapped on Tuesday as they lost to the Portland Pickles 7-4.

Sean Mullen got the start for the Pippins and it was his first appearance on the mound this season. After the Pippins stranded runners at first and third in the first inning, Mullen came out in the bottom half of the inning and plunked Gio Diaz. A single by Carson Breshears would move Diaz to second. Sam Novitske would follow with fly ball to deep left field that glanced off of Mitchell’s glove, scoring two runs. Later in the inning, Brody Barnum would double in another run, increasing the Pickles lead to 3-0. Mullen would get out of the inning by getting Davis Delorefice to fly out.

The Pippins would answer in the second inning. Two walks would put runners on first and second with one out. Bryce Wooldridge would then hit a bloop single to right that shattered his bat and scored two runs.  The Pickles would grab another run in the bottom half of the inning, with a Diaz double that scored a run. Luckily for the Pippins, Diaz was thrown out trying to get to third. Mullen would be pulled later in the inning and Tanner Inouye would record the final out of the inning.

In the third inning, the Pippins would even the score. After a leadoff single by Elijah Greene, Sam Mitchell smashed a ball over the right field fence and into the Pippins bullpen, knotting the score at four. After the home run, the Pippins offense would go silent, only having one base runner the rest of the game.

Inouye would cruise until the sixth where two walks and a run scoring single put the Pickles back in front 5-4. Jack Gonzales came in and recorded the final two outs of the inning.

Michael Bovee Jr. would come in in the seventh inning after Gonzales gave up a leadoff walk. Bovee Jr. would get some help from a sacrifice bunt attempt that turned into a 2-6-3 double play. With two outs and no one on, Bovee Jr. ran into control problems, walking two batters and hitting another, setting up a bases loaded opportunity for the Pickles. A Delorefice single would put two more runs up, pushing the score to 7-4.

On offense, the Pippins were completely outmatched by Michael Newstrom. Over four innings, Newstrom struck out 10 batters and did not allow a base runner. Only two balls were put in play.

Brad Bonnefant would finish off the Pippins with a 1-2-3 ninth, sending the Pippins to their first loss in nearly a week.

The Pippins will look to get even in the series in game 2 on Wednesday. First pitch at 7:05.

Fresh off of a seven run eighth inning in a win over the Bend Elks on Sunday, the Pippins offense continued to roll against the Northwest Honkers.

The Pippins got off to a quick start in the first inning. After a 1-2-3 first inning for Pippins starter Jack Gonzales, Sam Mitchell and Cody Jefferis hit back to back doubles in the bottom of the first inning. Elijah Greene would follow with a run scoring single and Bryce Woolridge, just added to the roster on Monday, would hit an RBI single. Honkers starter Josh Snider would get some help with a line drive double play before striking out Victor Cerny to end the inning.

The Honkers would score their first run in the second inning, with the Pippins answering in the bottom half. The Honkers would mount a comeback with a run in the third and two runs in the fourth to tie the game at 4 and chase starter Jack Gonzales. He went 3.2 innings giving up four runs on nine hits. Michael Bovee Jr. would take over and get out of the fourth inning.

The Pippins would rally in the fifth and one-up the previous night’s seven run eighth inning. Greene lead off the inning with a base hit and Chris Arpan would fly out for the first out. The Honkers wouldn’t record the second out for the next ten batters.

Jonathan Imperial and Wollridge would single, scoring another run. Snider would be replaced by Stuart Maes who couldn’t stop the bleeding. Mitch Dean would follow with a groundball that should have been the second out of the inning but an errant throw by third baseman Jordan Padilla would get beyond first base, scoring two runs and putting Dean at third. Cerny would then double in another run. After a hit batter, Mitchell would walk in what would become four straight walks, three with the bases loaded. Garrett Gagnon would take over for Maes, who couldn’t record an out. Imperial, batting for the second time in the inning, would drive in the final run with a fielders choice. After the final out was recorded, the Pippins scored eight runs and took a 12-4 lead.

The Honkers put two runs on the board in the top of the sixth and the Pippins answered with another run in the seventh. An RBI single by Paul Bryniarski would be the final score for the Honkers. Lucas Juarez and Nick Flesher would throw the final two innings allowing just one run and sealed the Pippins 13-7 win over the Honkers.

The Pippins will travel to Portland on Tuesday to take on the south leading Pickles in a three game series. First pitch of game one is at 6:35.

Pippins pitcher Hunter French was awarded the West Coast League’s Moss Adams Pitcher of the Week on Monday. Over the past week, French pitched in two games, one start against the Bend Elks and one relief appearance against the Harbourcats. He threw a combined nine innings allowing just one unearned run on six hits while striking out ten and walking one.

He picked up a win on June 8 in the Pippins 10-2 win over the Elks. French went six innings allowing one unearned run and striking out six.

“He has just continued to get better and better in his two years with us,” said Pippins Manager Marcus McKimmy after French’s start against the Elks. “He’s obviously older and more experienced now but just with his work ethic and mentality, even facing a little difficulty there in the early innings he didn’t flinch and really settled in nicely and gave us a quality start when we needed it.”

French pitched in one game for the Pippins in 2017 throwing 6 innings of two run ball against the Bellingham Bells.

French will be a junior at Central Washington University in the fall. With Columbia Basin College this spring, French went 4-3 with a 4.34 ERA in 76.2 innings pitched.

Powered by a huge eighth inning, the Pippins beat the Bend Elks 9-2 on Sunday, extending their winning streak to four games and sweeping the three game series with the Elks.

It was a pitchers duel early between the Elk’s Sam Muskat and the Pippins Davonte Butler. The Elks got on the board first in the top of the second inning. After a leadoff double by John Arndorfer and a wild pitch to move him to third, Tucker Rhode would follow with a one out sacrifice fly that would score Arndorfer. That was the only run that the Elks would score off of Butler.

Butler would go five innings allowing just one run on three hits with two walks and a strikeout.

The Pippins would answer in the third as the rain started to pour at Yakima County Stadium. Chris Arpan lead off the inning with a triple and scored when Tyler Hollow grounded a ball to shortstop that Collin Runge couldn’t handle. After a groundout moved Hollow to second, Cody Jefferis followed with an RBI single. Jefferis went 2-3 in the game, raising his average to .391.

Pippins pitching would keep the Elks off the board till the seventh inning when Tristan Alvarez got aboard on a two out error from third baseman Sean Mullen. Runge would follow with a single to center field, knotting the score at 2.

Muskat stymied the Pippins the rest of the way, going seven plus innings, throwing nearly 120 pitches. The Pippins were able to chase Muskat in the eighth inning after a leadoff single from Jonathan Imperial. Ace Embree would replace Muskat and after stolen base, walk and a sacrifice bunt runners were at second and third with one out. Sam Boone would be the third pitcher of the inning for the Elks, but he couldn’t stop the Pippins momentum. A walk to Mullen would load the bases for Victor Cerny who lined a ball to left field for an RBI single, giving the Pippins a three to two lead. They were just getting started.

Arpan would follow with a two run double knocking Boone out of the game. Grant Crosby would come in and walk Tyler Hollow to load the bases again. A wild pitch would score another run. Elijah Greene followed with an RBI double and Jefferis would hit a sacrifice fly to left field. One more run would come in to score on the second wild pitch of the inning. After coming into the eighth in a tie game, the Pippins went to the ninth with a 9-2 lead.

Tanner Lewis, who threw four innings of one run ball in relief, would finish off the Elks in the ninth to get the Pippins their fourth straight win and a series sweep of the Elks. With the loss, the Elks dropped their sixth in a row.

The Pippins will play one non-league game against the Northwest Honkers on Monday at Yakima County Stadium before heading back on the road to Portland to take on the Pickles on Tuesday.

Behind another strong start from Mason Wells and just enough offense, the Pippins were able to extend their winning streak to three games by beating the Bend Elks 4-2 on Saturday.

For the second straight night, the Elks got on the board first. In the third inning, Tristen Alvarez hit a one out double. It was immediately followed by another double by Collin Runge, scoring Alvarez from second. Runge would later steal third and score on a groundout from Alex Pallios.

The Pippins would get one run back in the bottom half of the inning. After two quick outs, Cody Jefferis lined a single into left field. Elijah Greene would quickly follow with a double to that one hopped the wall in right-center field, scoring Jefferis from first.

The Pippins would grab the lead back in the Sean Mullen and Chris Arpan lead off the inning with a single and double. With runners on second and third with no one out Tyler Hollow and Victor Cerny would each hit groundballs to second driving in two runs to give the Pippins a 3-2 lead. They would not relinquish that lead.

Mason Wells was tabbed for the start for the Pippins and he was dominant. Wells went seven innings allowing just two runs on five hits with six strikeouts and no walks. On the other side of the diamond, RJ Robles pitched nearly as good for the Elks. Robles pitched seven innings giving up three runs on five hits.

Still holding a 3-2 lead in the eighth, the Pippins would play add on with an RBI single from Sean Mullen, scoring Greene from second. That extra run would prove important in the ninth inning.

Pippins closer Connor White came in in the ninth inning to try and shut the door. After a single and a walk, it was runners at first and second with no one out. Gunnar Togia would follow and try to move the runners to second and third. After two foul bunts, Togia lined a ball to right field that was destined for the grass, newly inserted Jonathan Imperial sprinted over to make a diving catch that saved at least one run and resulted in a double play as Tucker Rhode was off the bag at second. White would strike out Michael Warkentin for the final out of the game and sealing the Pippins third straight win.

With the win, the Pippins moved to 5-3 on the season while the Elks dropped to 2-6. The final game of the series is on Sunday with first pitch at 6:05.

On a windy and rainy evening at Yakima County Stadium, the Pippins offense caught fire against the struggling Bend Elks.

Mason Wells was scheduled to start against the Elks, but had to be pushed to tomorrow in order to attend his high school graduation. Hunter French got the spot start and ran into some trouble early. A leadoff walk and a single put runners on first and third with no one out. After French got a strikeout of Ty Holmstrom, Alex Pallios hit a ground ball that Grant DeLappe couldn’t handle at shortstop, scoring a run. French would escape the inning with help from catcher Andrew Schleusner who picked off Collin Runge at third base with two outs. The Elk’s 1-0 lead would not last long.

In the last two home games for the Pippins, they have scored a total of seven runs in the first inning. The Pippins continued their first inning prowess. Khalil Rivera got the start for the Elks and struggled early. Cody Jefferis and Elijah Greene got on base with walks and with one out, Sam Mitchell demolished a pitch over the right field wall for his first home run of the season and a 3-1 Pippins lead. The home run extended Mitchell’s hitting streak to seven games. Mitchell has a hit in each of the Pippins first seven games.

The Pippins would add another run with an Andrew Schleusner RBI single to take a 4-1 lead and they would not look back.

Jonathan Imperial and the Pippins would play add on in the third inning with an RBI single driving in Mitchell and extending the lead to 5-1.

Another big blow came in the fourth inning. After a leadoff walk and a fielders choice, Conor Allard hit a line drive over the centerfield fence for a two run homer and opened up a 7-1 lead. It was Allard’s first home run and the Pippins’ third of the season. Mitchell would hit a sacrifice fly later in the inning to extend the lead. Rivera would leave after the fourth inning, giving up eight runs on five hits with seven walks.

The Pippins would continue to score in the sixth, with Elijah Greene who just joined the team earlier in the day, driving in a run with a single and a balk by Ethan Jones would drive in the tenth run for the Pippins.

Not to be lost in the offense was Hunter French who after escaping jams in the first and second innings, settled down and cruised through six innings, allowing just one run on four hits with six strikeouts.

With the rain beginning to fall more heavily, Kaleb Strawn and Jack Gonzales would pitch the final three innings giving up just one more run to finish off the Pippins 10-2 win over the Elks. The Pippins move to 4-3 on the season while the Elks drop their fourth straight and fall to 2-5. The second game of the series is on Saturday. First pitch at 6:35.

The Pippins were able to avoid the sweep and take the final game of the three game series against the Victoria HarbourCats.

The Pippins got on the board quickly in the top of the first inning. Conor Allard (U of Nevada, Reno) lead off the game with a single and was moved to third on a sacrifice bunt and a groundout. Sam Mitchell (MSU Billings) followed with a double, scoring Allard from third and giving the Pippins a 1-0 lead.

After a scoreless bottom of the first inning the Pippins would add another run in the second with an RBI single from Victor Cerny (Cal St Northridge) scoring Chris Arpan (U of Portland) from second base. The HarbourCats would get a run back in the bottom half of the inning with a two out double from Adam Imwalle (State College of Florida) and an RBI single by Ryan Green would pull the Harbourcats within a run, For Pippins starter Matt Driver (Lewis-Clark St), that was the only run he would allow.

In the first two games of this series, Pippins starters had a tough time going deep into the game throwing strikes. The story was different on Thursday as Driver threw six innings of one run ball without walking a batter. He struck out seven along the way.

The Pippins would continue to add on with a run in the fourth and two more in the fifth with Mitch Dean (Spokane Falls CC) playing a part in both innings, doubling and scoring in the fourth and knocking an RBI single to score Grant DeLappe (WSU).

The five runs would be more than enough for the Pippins. Lucas Juarez (Cal Poly SLO) would take over for Driver in the seventh and went two innings giving up just a lone run on a blooping fly ball hit by Nick Plaia (California Baptist) that Jonathan Imperial (US Air Force Academy) couldn’t get to with a dive. On the throw to third as Plaia tried to take the extra base, the throw got away from Dean and Plaia came all the way around to score to make it 5-2.

That was where the score would stay as 2017 WCL All-Star Connor White (U of Portland) came in to close out the ninth and with the help of a double play, set down the HarbourCats to seal the Pippins 5-2 win. With the win, the Pippins go to 3-3 on the season and the Harbourcats fell to 3-3. The Pippins will return home to face the Bend Elks on Friday, first pitch at 6:35.

A four run ninth was not enough for the Pippins as they fell to the HarbourCats for the second straight night.

The Pippins got on the board first with some help from the HarbourCats in the second inning. After a lead-off double by Sam Mitchell (MSU Billings) and a groundout by Conor Allard (U of Nevada), Jonathan Imperial (US Air Force Academy) grounded a ball to shortstop that should have been the second out of the inning. Instead, it went through the legs of Adam Imwalle (State College of Florida) and Mitchell scored from second. The lead would not last long.

In the bottom half of the inning Tanner Inouye (St Martin’s) had a hard time finding the plate. He loaded the bases with three walks and with two outs Imwalle would make up for his error with a bases clearing double. The HarbourCats would not trail again in the game.

Inouye started for the Pippins and looked very different from the pitcher who struck out seven of the nine batters that he faced in the Pippins Opening Day loss. Inouye went four and a third innings giving up four runs and walking seven.

Victoria would play add on with a run in the fourth and two more in the sixth to take a 6-1 lead into the ninth inning. With some more help from the HarbourCats, the Pippins would make it close.

Cody Jefferis (U of San Diego) lead off the inning with a single. Grant DeLappe (WSU) would follow by being hit by a pitch and Mitchell would load the bases with another single. Allard would follow with a groundball to second which should have been a double play but Jack Smith (WSU) bobbled the ball and couldn’t record an out. A run would score on the play. A wild pitch would score another run. After two outs, one of which resulted in an out, Andrew Schleusner (MSU Billings) single to bring the Pippins within a run. After a pitching change, the Pippins rally would come to an end with Cole Jones (MSU Billings) popping out to second base to end the game.

With the loss, the Pippins fall to 2-3 on the season. The Pippins have one more game against the HarbourCats on Thursday in a weekday matinee before returning to Yakima to face the Bend Elks.

The Pippins picked up right where they left off on Saturday with a strong offense and great pitching performances to take the season opening series against the Sweets and winning on Sunday 8-1.

In a near repeat of the first inning on Saturday, the Pippins put three runs on the board in the first. Chris Arpan (U of Portland) drove in the first run of the game with an RBI single scoring Tyler Hollow (Dixie State) from second base. Two batters later, Grant DeLappe (WSU) found outfield grass with a base hit scoring Conor Allard (U of Nevada). The final run of the frame would score on a bases loaded walk to Jonathan Imperial (US Air Force Academy). The Pippins wouldn’t look back after the first.

Davonte Butler (Cal State Bakersfield) got the start and the win for the Pippins on the same day that he flew into Yakima. Butler shut down the Sweets with five scoreless innings allowing just three hits and a walk. He didn’t strike out a batter but he was effective pitching to contact.

The Pippins would put their fourth run on the board in the fourth inning. Imperial lead off and hammered the first pitch he saw from starter Michael Peterson (Walla Walla CC) over the wall in right center field for the Pippins first home run of the season. Peterson took the loss as he went six innings for the Sweets allowing six runs, all earned, on ten hits.

The Pippins would continue to add on late in the ballgame, scoring two runs in the sixth and two more runs in the seventh to take a 8-1 lead into the ninth inning. Kaleb Strawn (Columbia Basin CC) pitched a scoreless ninth as the Pippins picked up their second win of the season and a series victory over the Walla Walla Sweets.

After an off day on Monday, the Pippins will look to stretch their winning streak to three when they take on the Victoria Harbourcats on Tuesday. First pitch at 6:35.

The Pippins rebounded from an Opening Day loss and beat the Walla Walla Sweets 8-5 on Saturday.

After struggling offensively on Friday, the Pippins came out swinging early. After two quick outs in the bottom of the first, the Pippins put together a rally. Five straight batters got on base with four hits and a walk. The big blows were a two run single by Grant DeLappe (WSU) and a two run double by Jonathan Imperial (US Air Force Academy). The Pippins would tack on another run in the third to take a 5-0 lead.

The Pippins got a solid performance from starter Mason Wells (Gonzaga). Wells threw five innings allowing just one run on four hits.

After being in a 5-0 hole, the Sweets clawed their way back. A run in the fourth and a run in the sixth made it 5-2. In the seventh inning, a costly error gave the Sweets a spark.

Jack Filby (UCLA) lead off the inning with a double. Danny Sinatro (WSU) followed by skying a ball to left field that Imperial lost in the lights and dropped, putting runners on first and second with nobody out. Jordan Hovey (Creighton) immediately followed with a two-run double and Zach Penrod (Northwest Nazarene) grounded out to drive in another run and tie the game at five.

A defensive miscue let the Sweets back into the game, but it was another defensive miscue that helped a Pippins rally. In the bottom of the seventh, Sam Mitchell (MSU) lead off with a fly ball to right field that was lost in the lights leading to a two base error. The Pippins were able to cash in with an RBI double by Cole Jones (MSU) to retake the lead and an RBI single by Imperial to tack on an insurance run.

The Pippins would add another run in the eighth to take an 8-5 lead into the ninth where Connor White (University of Portland), a 2017 WCL All-Star for the Pippins, struck out the side to seal the Pippins first win of the season.

The Pippins will look to win the series against the Sweets on Sunday. First pitch at 6:05.

Despite solid performances on the mound from Tom Scheffler (Wenatchee Valley College) and Tanner Inouye (St. Martin’s College), the Pippins fell on Opening Day to the Walla Walla Sweets by a score of 3-2 in front of a crowd of 2,386.

Scheffler had a hard time finding his control in the first inning as he walked three of the first four batters to load the bases with one out. Sweets catcher Josh Prizina (University of Nevada, Reno) followed with a shallow base hit to left field that scored a run but also got the final two outs for the Pippins in the process. Zach Penrod (Northwest Nazerene University) was on second and decided to stop at third. Matt Elser (Los Angeles Mission College) was at first base and he blew past second and made his way to third, only to realize that Penrod was at the bag. Elser was tagged out and Penrod broke for home and was also tagged out. Scheffler was able to escape the inning with a bizarre double play and he settled down from there, posting zeros from the second through the fifth inning.

Bryce Moyle (WSU) toed the rubber for the Sweets and was efficient, tossing six innings on just 76 pitches. The only blemish came in the third inning when Sam Mitchell (MSU Billings) hit a two- out two-run single to score Andrew Schleusner (MSU Billings) and Tyler Hollow (Dixie State), both of whom got aboard on singles.

The Pippins held a 2-1 lead until the sixth, when the Sweets were able to get to Scheffler again. The first three batters of the inning reached, followed by a sacrifice fly from Elser and a RBI fielders choice from Prizina to take a 3-2 lead which would be all the Sweets would need.

Inouye would relieve Scheffler in the seventh and put together a dominant three innings. While usually pitching to contact, Inouye struck out seven and gave up just two hits and gave the Pippins a chance to make a comeback.

The offense would have a few more chances to tie the game or take the lead with a runner stranded at third in the seventh and runners stranded on the corners in the eighth.

Carson Woolery (MSU Billings) came in to close out the ninth and retired the Pippins in order to preserve the 3-2 Sweets win.

The Pippins will look to get their first win of the season in the second game of the series. First pitch at 6:35.

With the 2018 Pippins season about to get underway, fans will have the option to video stream all 32 Pippins home games for the first time.

A single-game pass can be purchased as well as a full-season, All-Access Pass. A single-game stream will cost $8.99, while the full season will cost $189. The video stream will combine with the simulcast audio from the Pippins’ English-radio broadcast on 1460 ESPN Yakima.

The Pippins will utilize Boxcast, a cloud-based video streaming service with a full production suite for a comfortable and enjoyable video streaming experience.

“We’re excited to take these first steps in video streaming this year. Boxcast is a great streaming company to work with, and we’ve had some amazing test results so far,” said Pippins general manager Jeff Garretson.

The video stream will also include pregame and postgame analysis on top of in-game coverage.

“I’m really happy about the team we’re putting together behind the camera. In addition to our broadcaster, Kevin Vallene, who has radio and video experience, we’re fortunate to have four enthusiastic and talented students from around the Yakima Valley who have taken video production classes at YV Tech. They will be able to put their knowledge to use and develop skills in live broadcasting that not only will benefit us, but will help them as well,” Garretson said.

The Pippins will start with a one camera setup this season with plans to expand to a multi-camera setup in 2019.

Adding a pay-per-view and season subscription options for all home games in Yakima is part of a larger, West Coast League initiative to have all games live-streamed for fans. Both the Pippins and Walla Walla Sweets started Periscope broadcasts for home and away games in 2014. In 2016, the Victoria HarbourCats launched a multi-camera broadcast. Earlier this year, the WCL board of directors approved an initiative to help each ballclub capitalize a video-streaming service in each park. The league anticipates that all clubs will have a live-video solution available for all games.

You can purchase the stream for the Opening Night game here.

Tyler Hollow just wrapped up his first season playing college baseball and despite finding success, he experienced the challenge of moving from high school baseball to the college level.

“Lots of people say it’s the same game and don’t get too overwhelmed but it’s really hard. The pitching is that much better, the hitters are that much better, the game speed was a lot faster than it was at high school,” he said. “I really like the challenge.”

Hollow played consistently for Dixie State in his first season. In 46 games for the Bisons he hit .350 with 15 RBI. He also showed fantastic plate discipline as he walked 14 times and struck out only 14 times.

“It was a good experience. It was very different from high school,” Hollow said. “The pace of the game is a lot faster but overall I liked it a lot. Our season didn’t go as great as we would have hoped it went, but I feel like I did alright. I’m looking forward to next fall to get back down there.”

Despite attending Dixie State in southern Utah, Hollow calls Boise home. Playing summer baseball a little closer to home was part of the reason why he made the decision to play for the Pippins.

“It’s also in the West Coast League which is a pretty known league around the colleges so I know that when I go [to the Pippins], I will be taken care of. The overall competition of the other teams, I’m excited to see how I fare against those guys,” he said.

Hollow also saw the support for the Pippins as another draw to the team.

“When my coach at Dixie State talked about how [the Pippins] have a consistent fanbase that comes out every day, that really got me excited because down at Dixie it’s a small tight community kind of like Yakima and there was a lot of alumni and other fans that came out every day, which I thought helped us play a lot better. Having a community that cares about how we play and how we look, I’m really excited for that.”

Hollow sees a lot that he can improve on during his time with the Pippins before returning to Dixie State in the fall.

“On the defensive side, I need to become better. I want to improve my speed and footwork,” he said. “We play a lot of games in a little amount of days, so I want to see if I can condition my body to take that wear and tear of playing every day. To see if I can stand that and to try and get better every day and through the summer.”

Andrew Schleusner is one of many new faces featured on the 2018 Pippins roster and after a strong season behind the plate at Montana State University, he is excited to join the Pippins and help the team to another postseason berth.

As he continues to work on his craft, Schleusner said that the coaching staff was a big reason why he decided to come play for the Pippins.

“Coach McKimmy seems like a really good guy and I’ve heard a lot of great things about the program and the WCL,” Schleusner said. “I think it sounds like a great fit for me.”

After hitting .208 in 26 games as a freshman last season, Schleusner came into his own playing in his second season with MSU this spring. In 48 games, hit .325 with 4 home runs, 38 RBI and showed great plate discipline as he walked nearly as many times as he struck out.

“I got together with my coaches and we worked on a lot of things and talked over things that I needed to work on,” he said. “I became a lot more comfortable with the team and my position.”

His strong season helped MSU take the top seed in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference Championships this season.

“It’s been great. I was blessed with a great team, lots of tremendous teammates and a lot of competitive baseball. It was a good experience,” he said.

Despite his strong showing last season, Schleusner still sees many ways he can improve throughout the summer.

“Getting better defensively overall and continuing to stay strong with my offensive approach,” he said.

Schleusner is also excited to play for a large home crowd in Yakima throughout the summer.

“It’ll be great to have a bunch of fans standing behind you and supporting you. I’ve never played in front of that many people before so it will be a new experience and I’m excited,” he said.

PORTLAND — Rob Neyer, a former ESPN and Fox Sports journalist, has been named the West Coast League’s new commissioner as the league revamps its leadership structure heading into the 2018 season.

Neyer is the league’s first commissioner since ABCA Hall of Fame head coach Jim Dietz of San Diego State presided over the West Coast Collegiate Baseball League, during the circuit’s formative years.

“We are thrilled to have Rob Neyer represent the West Coast League and act as our league’s commissioner,” said WCL president Tony Bonacci. “His knowledge of the game and passion for what we are doing, not to mention his contacts in baseball, should help us elevate the league to new heights.”

“We can’t be more pleased that Rob has joined us as our commissioner.”

Neyer lives in Portland.

A baseball writer known for his pioneering use of statistical analysis and sabermetrics, Rob began his career working for Bill James and STATS, Inc. He’s also worked for 15 years as a columnist and blogger for ESPN, and was National Baseball Editor at Vox Media’s SB Nation from 2011 to 2013, then Senior Baseball Editor for Fox Sports through 2015. His recent work has been featured in The New York Times, Vice Sports, Complex Sports, and Yahoo, among others.

This October, HarperCollins will publish POWER BALL: Anatomy of a Modern Baseball Game, Neyer’s seventh book.

“I’m a passionate, longtime fan of baseball history generally, and Pacific Northwest baseball specifically,” Neyer said. “So it’s difficult for me to imagine a more exciting opportunity, and I’m honored to be associated with such a fine organization. This summer, as I connect with the owners and visit all the beautiful ballparks, I’ll do everything I can to help this great league become even greater.”

WCL members will look to the league’s new commissioner to arbitrate and regulate during the season; to further connect the league and its teams with the baseball community, its markets and those that follow the game; and to act as a league ambassador.

YAKIMA, Wash. – Pippins fans will have a new way to catch Yakima Valley’s 32 home games this summer through a new live-video option available at Yakima County Stadium.

Adding a pay-per-view and season subscription options for all home games in Yakima is part of a larger, West Coast League initiative to have all games live-streamed for fans. Both the Pippins and Walla Walla Sweets started a rudimentary Periscope broadcast for home and away games in 2014. In 2016, the Victoria HarbourCats launched a multi-camera broadcast. Earlier this year, the WCL board of directors approved an initiative to help each ballclub capitalize a video-streaming service in each park. The league anticipates that all clubs will have a live-video solution available for all games.

“We’re excited to be able to extend our reach even further with live video for our local fans, and fans outside the area who can’t come to Yakima,” Pippins general manager Jeff Garretson said. “Broadcaster Kevin Vallene has experience both with radio and video broadcasts, and he’s a great asset to have on board as we launch this new medium.

The single-camera operation this year is expected to become a multi-camera setup for 2019, Garretson said. The video stream will include simulcast audio from the Pippins’ English-radio broadcasts on 1460 ESPN Yakima. Advertising options just for streaming video are available, or can be packaged with other advertising mediums, Garretson said.

Single-game and full-season passes will go on sale in May. Some games, or parts of games, may be available for free on certain platforms, such as Facebook Live. Garretson said those details are still being finalized.

The Pippins will use Boxcast, a comprehensive cloud-based solution that includes a full production suite to allow for a great viewing experience. This platform will also allow the Pippins to grow working relationships with local education facilities, as this new initiative creates paying jobs for developing multimedia and video production students.

YAKIMA, Wash. – Yakima Valley Pippins fans looking for special deals, giveaways and fireworks have plenty of reasons to head to Yakima County Stadium this summer.

Beginning on Friday, June 1 — Opening Night presented by Legends Casino and Hotel – the Pippins again will have five fireworks nights at The Orchard scattered throughout their 32-game home schedule. That night, the first 1,000 fans will receive a collectible baseball cinch-bag. Other fireworks nights are June 16, June 29, July 20 and Aug. 2.

Single-game tickets for all 32 home games go on sale Monday at Hunky Shaw’s Team Shop at 12 S. Second St. in the Larson Building in downtown Yakima. Tickets also can be purchased by calling 509-575-4487 or online at www.PippinsBaseball.com.

Each of the fireworks nights also have premium giveaways associated with them. On June 16, presented by Toyota, the first 1,000 fans will receive one of two Pippins souvenir collectible fountain drink cups. The eight-cup series, which continues on various nights throughout the season, will feature first-team All-West Coast League picks from the Pippins’ first four seasons.

Banner Bank Night is June 29 and features Pippins- and Banner Bank-branded piggy banks for the first 1,000 fans. On July 20, Zirkle Fruit presents Johnny and Sparkle dual bobblehead night for the first 1,000 fans.

On Aug. 2, Fan Appreciation Night, Perry Technical Institute will give away 1,000 Pippins Jersey Lunch bags showcasing the Pippins’ new alternate neon green jerseys.

“We’ve had great giveaways during our first four seasons, and this year’s full promotional schedule really takes things to another level,” general manager Jeff Garretson said. “We have something lined up for 31 of our 32 nights so far, and we’re still working on putting together exciting options for our fans. I think this will be our strongest promotional schedule yet.”

The Pippins are again partnering with other organizations in the Yakima Valley to honor several outstanding groups of people. Military Appreciation Night, presented by Caliber Home Loans, is slated for Sunday, June 10. First Responders Night, sponsored by Astria Health, is set for Wednesday, July 11, and Foster Care Awareness Night, sponsored by Community Resource Group, returns on Saturday, July 21.

Also returning this year is Dollar Kids Sundays, courtesy of Ron’s Coin & Collectibles. Youth 12 and younger can purchase a general admission ticket at the box office for $1 on any Sunday game, and can run around the bases after the game. Ron’s will also have free tickets for youth who visit the business on a first-come, first-served basis prior to each Sunday game.

$2 Tuesdays, with $2 advance tickets sponsored by Gesa Credit Union, will be held on four Tuesdays. In addition to ticket specials, fans can purchase hot dogs, regular sodas, nachos, and small popcorn for $2 each.

Thirsty Thursdays, sponsored by Yakima Craft Brewing Co. and Radio Yakima, start on June 21 and take place on each Thursday game after that, featuring discounted drink specials all game long. The Pippins also are introducing Batting Practice Happy Hours on 10 weeknights, featuring advance entry and Happy Hour adult beverages for fans 21 and older.

Scott T. Pippin will host the Mariner Moose and Rebound, the Yakima SunKings mascot, on Mascot Night on Wednesday, June 27.

Another new addition this summer is Wiffle Ball Wednesdays, sponsored by Dickey’s Barbecue, Graf Investments and Ron’s Coin. Youth ages 13 and younger can play wiffle ball with Pippins players on select Wednesday mornings on the Dickey’s Barbecue or Graf Investments Wiffle Ball Fields, and receive a free general admission ticket to that night’s game courtesy of Ron’s Coin.

Other promotional nights include Fiesta Family Night presented by Cuevas & Villa Inc. on Sunday, July 22; Rambling Route Cider Night presented by Tieton Cider Works on Friday, June 8; Little League/GYGSA Night is Monday, June 11; and Team Poster Night, courtesy of Washington Fruit, is Saturday, June 30.

YAKIMA, Wash. – Pippins fans will be getting more fun and games at The Orchard this summer — and the chance to win prizes every night. But they don’t have to wait until June 1 to get in on the action.

The Yakima Valley Pippins have partnered with Micro Fantasy LLC to provide its Micro Fantasy Baseball play-by-play prediction contests for all 32 Pippins home games at Yakima County Stadium.

All spectators at Pippins home games with the Micro Fantasy app installed on their iPhones or Android phones can participate in the prediction contests while watching the games live or listening to the radio broadcasts on 1460 ESPN. There is no charge for fans to install the Micro Fantasy app, and there is no charge to participate in the contests.

Contest participants predict the results of each at-bat in real-time. Points are awarded for correct predictions. The participant with the highest point total after every 3 innings will be announced as a contest winner with prizes to be awarded to each 3-inning winner.

“We’re excited to be offering Micro Fantasy contests at The Orchard this year,” Pippins general manager Jeff Garretson said. “We’ve partnered with three great Yakima Valley businesses that will supply prizes, and it will engage fans in a new way while watching the Pippins. It’s easy, it’s fun and it’s great for fans of all ages.”

Garretson is encouraging fans to download the app and register for an account before the Pippins’ opening night on June 1.

To jump-start the fun and provide an opportunity for fans to download and experience the contests, Micro Fantasy has set up contests during three upcoming Seattle Mariners home games for participants to become familiar with how the game works.

The sample games are on April 13 (Oakland at Seattle), April 14 (Oakland at Seattle) and April 16 (Houston at Seattle). Fans can play while watching on ROOT Sports Northwest or listening on the radio.

The Pippins will provide a prize to the winner of each 3-inning Micro Fantasy game during the trial. Only participants with registered Micro Fantasy accounts are eligible to win prizes.

During Pippins games, the winner of each 3-inning Micro Fantasy contest will win a gift card from the Valley Mall, Second Street Grill or Legends Casino, Garretson said. A grand prize will be awarded to the overall points champion at the end of the season.

The Micro Fantasy app is available for download through the Apple AppStore and Google Play. An online version is available on microfantasy.com.

YAKIMA, Wash. – Yakima Valley’s Pippins are adding another familiar face to the 2018 roster.

Pitcher Matt Driver, a 6-foot-2 sophomore right-hander, was on the 2017 squad to start and end the season with a pair of 10-day contracts. This year, the Kennewick native has been signed to a full-season contract.

Also joining the Pippins is YVC teammate Easton Henke, a 6-3 sophomore right-hander from Kamiakin High School in Kennewick, and Bellevue College sophomore infielder Grant DeLappe from Tahoma High School in Maple Valley, Wash.

“The NWAC (Northwest Athletic Conference) consistently produces and develops quality players who move on to Division 1, NAIA, and professional baseball year in and year out,” Pippins manager Marcus McKimmy said.

Driver, pitched 8.2 innings in six appearances for the Pippins last summer, finishing 0-2 with a 7.27 ERA. But he’s been impressive for the Yaks so far this spring: He’s 1-0 with a 4.09 ERA in 11 innings. In his past two appearances, Driver has struck out 18 batters in 9 innings, picking up a victory against Centralia CC on March 11, his most recent appearance.

“I’ve seen Matt’s fastball up to 90-91 this year, but what impresses me most is that he’s learning how to take full control of games from the rubber,” McKimmy said. “He is in great shape and mentally ready for the rigors of the WCL schedule.”

Henke has struck out seven and walked five in 8.1 innings so far this season, coming out of the bullpen in two of the three games in which he’s seen action. He’s 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA.

“I’ve had my eye on Easton for some time. He will pitch out of the bullpen for us, and will have a valuable role in the middle to late innings when the game is on the line,” McKimmy said. “Easton is a quality YVC pitcher, with experience, who has earned the opportunity to put on the Pippin green. I am pumped to have him.”

DeLappe, who will attend Washington State University in the fall, is a 6-foot-1, 170-pound middle infielder for the Bulldogs and is hitting .194 in 13 games so far this spring. In 2017, DeLappe batted .300 with 12 doubles, six triples and seven home runs for Bellevue.

“He can really hit and play defense – though he’s gotten off to a slow start at the plate this year,” McKimmy said. “I like the energy he plays the game with, which for a shortstop on our team is essential. He can be a field general and solidify our defense in the middle of the diamond. WSU got a real good player here.”

The Pippins host Walla Walla on June 1 in both teams’ season opener. Tickets for opening night, presented by Legends Hotel and Casino, are currently available for purchase at Hunky Shaw’s Team Shop, 12 S. Second St. in the historic Larson Building in downtown Yakima, by calling 509-575-4487 or at pippinsbaseball.com.

YAKIMA, Wash. – Two freshmen infielders and a freshman right-handed pitcher are the newest additions to the Yakima Valley Pippins roster for 2018.

Nick DiCarlo, a 6-foot-2, 190-pounder at Cal Poly SLO, is currently batting .300 (6 for 20) for the Mustangs in the 11 games he’s played as a true freshman. DiCarlo attended Arcadia High School in Phoenix, where he hit .372 with 12 doubles, two home runs and 19 during his senior season in 2017.

“Nick is a very talented freshman who will be an infielder who stands out immediately when he puts on the Pippin green,” Yakima Valley manager Marcus McKimmy said. “He’s very dynamic in his offensive skill set and will probably play a lot of third base for us, but can play the other two infield spots as well.

“Since he’s already seeing early action this spring for the Mustangs, he will hit the ground running when he gets to Yakima,” McKimmy continued. “Nick’s a winner, and we expect that to infect his teammates and Yakima County Stadium. He played for the Utah Marshalls out of high school, which is on the short list of best summer programs in the western United States.”

McKimmy is also looking forward to the versatility of Brendan Brooks, a 6-foot-1, 165-pound freshman infielder at Cal Irvine.

“We really like the versatility that Brendan will give us offensively and defensively,” he said. “He is just a really good, skilled baseball player. I’m confident that he can play all three infield spots in the summer, but his first college start was in the outfield.”

Brooks, from Corona, Calif., attended Norco High School in Norco, Calif., where he hit .370 with nine doubles and 12 RBI in 28 games his senior year. At Irvine, he’s hitting .297 in nine starts with the Anteaters.

Teammate Jake Lachemann, a 6-foot-7, 205-pound right-hander, also is expected to have an impact with the Pippins.

“Jake will be an important piece of our bullpen,” McKimmy said. “He is an 88- to 90-mph arm from an incredibly valuable angle, given his height.”

Lachemann was 3-1 with three saves in 20 innings pitched for San Juan Hills High School in San Juan Capistrano, Calif., in 2017. He’s also the grandson of former Major League Baseball player and manager Marcel Lachemann.

“One thing I’ve learned is to trust the value of baseball families,” McKimmy said.

The Pippins open their fifth anniversary season on June 1, hosting the Walla Walla Sweets at Yakima County Stadium. Season tickets for the team’s 32-game home schedule are currently available for purchase at Hunky Shaw’s Team Shop, 12 S. Second St. in the historic Larson Building in downtown Yakima, by calling 509-575-4487 or at pippinsbaseball.com.

“Every Christmas and birthday, I am met with sweet messages from our former Pippins players,” says Kristi Foster (second from right), whose family has hosted players since 2014. “These messages will never get old, and it is just a small part of the joy the Pippins Host Family program has brought to my family.”

YAKIMA, Wash. – As the Yakima Valley Pippins gear up for their fifth season at Yakima County Stadium, the team is also seeking additional host families to house players while in Yakima.

“One of the questions we’re often asked is where do players stay during the summer,” Pippins general manager Jeff Garretson said. “With players coming from all around the country, we also get that question a lot from parents.”

Host families have been a critical part of the organization’s success from Day 1, Garretson said. “Without our great hosts, we wouldn’t be able to operate. It’s as simple as that.”

Families interested in hosting a player can apply online at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PippinsHostFamily

Garretson estimates about 30 beds will be needed for this summer.

Although host families “adopt” their players for less than three months, many of them keep active ties with players long after they’ve left Yakima.

“Our family has been expanded, thanks to the opportunity we have had to host several Pippins players,” said Kristi Foster, whose family has hosted players since the team’s inaugural 2014 season. “We have not only added the players to our extended family, but their families as well. The host family program has initiated lifelong relationships that have even taken us to California where our former Pippins families were able to host us as well.”

Host families provide free room and board during the West Coast League season, a family environment to help players adjust to a new community away from their own families, and, in some cases, transportation to and from the ballpark. Typically, players arrive in late May and stay through mid-August.

In return, host families receive a Stadium View season ticket for each member of the immediate household, a full-season parking pass, 20 percent off team merchandise during the season, on-field recognition during Fan Appreciation Night, and more.

“We expect our players to represent their colleges and their families well while in Yakima, and host families have contributed to their growth, too,” Garretson said. “There’s no doubt in my mind that we’ll see major leaguers in coming years who have played for the Pippins and have grown up with adopted brothers and sisters here in Yakima.”

Foster concurred.

“Our boys consider many of these former players almost like brothers,” Foster said. “Long after the players go back to their respective homes, I find my boys texting or Facebook messaging them. Whether it be a baseball-related question, something they saw in the news, or just a “Hey how’s that anatomy class going?” these guys truly become a part of your family.”

YAKIMA, Wash. – A catcher from Montana State University Billings and a pair of freshmen from Dixie State University are the latest additions to the Yakima Valley Pippins for this summer.

Catcher Andrew Schleusner, a 5-foot-11, 185-pound sophomore from Kalispell, Mont., started his 2018 collegiate season with a bang – earning Player of the Week honors in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference after batting .462 over three games this past weekend, including seven RBI and three walks. That included a 4-for-5 effort in MSUB’s 15-7 Friday victory over 15th-ranked Dixie State.

“Andrew is a player I’ve had my eye on for almost a year now,” Pippins manager Marcus McKimmy said. “I saw him last spring for the first time, but it was too late in the process to get him in a Pippins uniform. He can really catch and throws well from behind the plate, and now he’s a year older. I’m pleased to see him come out of the gates fast this spring with the bat.”

MSUB went 3-1 on opening weekend, winning two of the three games against Dixie State in addition to beating Cal State San Bernardino.

Dixie State pitchers Tyler Hollow and Jack Gonzales also are heading to Yakima this summer.

Hollow, a 6-foot, 180-pound right-hander from Boise, Idaho, pitched an inning against MSUB on Saturday, allowing two runs and three hits. A two-way player, Hollow is hitting .267 (4 for 15) with three RBI in six games with the Trailblazers.

“As an infielder and right-handed pitcher, Tyler’s versatility will really allow our coaching staff to open up the playbook on how we use him in various roles game to game,” McKimmy said. “He comes from a fantastic baseball family in the Boise area and can play any spot in the infield for us this summer.”

Gonzales, a 6-foot-3, 225-pound left-hander from Oceanside, Calif., struck out four and walked two, allowing six hits and six runs, in his Friday debut.
“We anticipate Jack will come into the summer with quite a bit of college experience after his first year at DSU,” McKimmy said. “He will be used mostly out of the bullpen this spring, but can also extend into some long relief when needed. You can never have enough quality arms from the left side.

“We’re excited to welcome players from two quality Division II programs we have worked with in the past,” McKimmy continued. “Coach (Chris) Pfatenhauer (DSU) and coach (Aaron) Sutton (MSUB) are proven winners at every level they’ve been at, and have sent us very fine young men and athletes over the years.”

The Pippins open their fifth anniversary season on June 1, hosting the Walla Walla Sweets at Yakima County Stadium. Season tickets for the team’s 32-game home schedule are currently available for purchase at Hunky Shaw’s Team Shop, 12 S. Second St. in the historic Larson Building in downtown Yakima, by calling 509-575-4487 or online at pippinsbaseball.com. Discounted opening night tickets are also on sale through the end of February.

YAKIMA, Wash. – Chase Farrell, who originally signed with the Pippins prior to the 2017 season, and Sean Mullen, a pair of right-handers attending or headed to UCLA, are the newest additions to Yakima Valley’s pitching staff this summer.

Farrell, a 6-foot-1, 170-pound hurler from Valencia, Calif., was selected by the Houston Astros in the 40th round of th 2017 Major League Baseball draft. As a senior at Valencia High, he finished with an 8-2 record and a 1.43 ERA in 73.2 innings, with 83 strikeouts and one no-hitter.

“His arm really works,” Pippins manager Marcus McKimmy said. “What most of our fans don’t remember is that Chase was signed to be a Pippin in 2017. He had a dominant senior year and didn’t play summer ball because of innings restrictions. He is even better this year, a year older, and could possibly throw some starter innings for UCLA as a true freshman. He will be in the 89-90 mph range with his fastball, and he has a really good changeup, and a slider.”

Mullen, a 6-foot-1, 180-pounder from Bakersfield, Calif., is heading into his senior season at Stockdale High. As a junior, Mullen was 9-1 with a 3.48 ERA in 54.1 innings. He struck out 61 and walked 35. Mullen, who also plays infield, led the Mustangs with a .470 average, 47 hits and seven home runs, and was the second-leading batter with 11 doubles and 29 RBI.

“Up until this year (2017), I thought he was going to be a pitcher only in college,” Stockdale coach Brad Showers told the Bakersfield Californian newspaper last summer. “I didn’t know if he was good enough to be a two-way guy.”

After Mullen’s breakout junior season, Showers said he believes Mullen could be a two-way starter for the Bruins.
McKimmy is looking forward to having Mullen on the Pippins roster.

“I anticipate his role will be condensed to a vital bullpen arm for us, depending on how much he throws this spring, but having his versatility will be crucial for 59 games this summer,” McKimmy said. “Reports have had Mullen up to the 92-94 mph range, which will give him a great advantage in this wood-bat league if he’s a consistent strike-thrower.

“In talking with Sean recently, he’s really pumped to make Yakima Valley his home this summer.”

The Pippins open their fifth anniversary season on June 1, hosting the Walla Walla Sweets at Yakima County Stadium. Season tickets for the team’s 32-game home schedule are currently available for purchase at Hunky Shaw’s Team Shop, 12 S. Second St. in the historic Larson Building in downtown Yakima, by calling 509-575-4487 or online at pippinsbaseball.com. Discounted opening night tickets are also on sale through the end of February.

YAKIMA, Wash. – Dylan Villalobos, who pitched briefly with Yakima Valley last summer, is the fifth announced pitcher who will return to the Pippins in 2018.

The 6-foot-2, 185-pound freshman from La Habra, Calif., who attends Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, pitched only 3 2/3 innings in three games for Yakima Valley in 2017 because of an arm injury. He struck out four and walked five, allowing three hits and one earned run in that stretch.

But manager Marcus McKimmy believes Villalobos’ potential earned him a return trip to Yakima next season.

“We’re very excited to have Dylan come back,” McKimmy said. “His progression back from injury this fall has been really positive. Unfortunatley, our fans didn’t get to see him much last summer, but when he pitched he was really good, and he’s shown even greater glimpses of that this fall.”

Villalobos joins Cal Poly teammates Taylor Dollard and William Adair in a return to Yakima next June. In all, at least five pitchers are coming back from 2017 – the most ever.

“The pitchers we have coming back not only have a comfort level with our fans and stadium and the mound, but also with our pitching philosophy,” McKimmy said. “A couple of our returning pitchers really just scratched the surface of what we were trying to do with them developmentally. The fact that they’ve accepted a position back with the Pippins shows they’re motivated and they’re excited to put on the uniform again.”

Pitchers Cullen Kafka (Oregon) and WCL All-Star Connor White (Portland) also will return for Yakima. Returning position players include outfielder Michael Russo (2017) and catcher Chris Ceballos (2016).

The Pippins open their fifth anniversary season on June 1, hosting the Walla Walla Sweets at Yakima County Stadium. Season tickets for the team’s 32-game home schedule are currently available for purchase at Hunky Shaw’s Team Shop, 12 S. Second St. in the historic Larson Building in downtown Yakima, at the Pippins’ holiday kiosk in the Valley Mall, by calling 509-575-4487 or online at pippinsbaseball.com. Ticket vouchers, mini plans, group night outings and prepaid parking passes are also available for purchase. Opening night tickets go on sale Dec. 1.

YAKIMA, Wash. – Taylor Dollard, who led the West Coast League with a 6-0 record during the 2017 regular season and also earned the Pippins’ first-ever playoff victory, is returning to Yakima Valley next summer.

The 6-foot-2, 175-pound right-hander from Sherman Oaks, Calif., was a breakout success for the Pippins this past summer. In eight appearances, including his playoff win, Dollard struck out 27 and walked only six in 38 1/3 innings. He compiled a 2.35 ERA, surrendering only 10 earned runs in his outings.

“Taylor’s presence and poise for such a young individual really jumped off the page last year,” Pippins manager Marcus McKimmy said. “He’s a guy who you really need to sit and watch for multiple starts to realize why his value is as a starter. He’s got a three-pitch mix, with an incredible baseball IQ.”

Dollard’s performance earned him recognition as an All-West Coast League starting pitcher, despite not joining the team until late June.

2018 is the first season in which the Pippins are bringing back multiple pitchers. In previous years, most returners have been position players.

“Any time you can have a returner back is invaluable,” McKimmy said. “He’s familiar with our community, our fans and how we want to attack things from the pitching side.”

Dollard, a freshman at Cal Poly this year, reminds McKimmy of another stellar freshman Pippins pitcher – Gonzaga’s Eli Morgan in 2014.

“When I think of Taylor and Eli, who was also undefeated through the regular season in 2014, they just really have unshakeable confidence in what they do, in their plan and their process,” the manager said. “Taylor attacks the zone with multiple pitches and does things intangibly that winners do, and that translated into a first-team all-league selection.”

Dollard joins at least five other Pippins who are returning in 2018, including Connor White, Michael Russo, William Adair and Cullen Kafka from 2017 and Chris Ceballos from the 2016 squad.

The Pippins open their fifth anniversary season on June 1, hosting the Walla Walla Sweets at Yakima County Stadium. Season tickets for the team’s 32-game home schedule are currently available for purchase at Hunky Shaw’s Team Shop, 12 S. Second St. in the historic Larson Building in downtown Yakima, at the Pippins’ holiday kiosk in the Valley Mall, by calling 509-575-4487 or online at pippinsbaseball.com. Ticket vouchers, mini plans, group night outings and prepaid parking passes are also available for purchase. Opening night tickets go on sale Dec. 1.

YAKIMA, Wash. – The Yakima Valley Pippins will move to the West Coast League’s North Division in 2018, and will open their fifth season against their sister team, the Walla Walla Sweets, at home on Friday, June 1.

The Pippins’ 59-game schedule includes 32 home games at Yakima County Stadium, starting with the three-game series against the Sweets. Both the Pippins and Sweets are owned and operated by Pacific Baseball Ventures.

The June 1 opener is the fourth time in five years the Pippins have started their season at home.

“We really like the way our schedule is set up this year,” general manager Jeff Garretson said. “We open with weekend series that will be great for families with kids still in school during those weeks, and with our earlier start times most days, that also will be more family-friendly this year.”

Pippins home games will begin at 6:35 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, except for special event nights such as fireworks nights. Sunday games will begin at 6:05 p.m., an hour later than prior years, to help deflect the midafternoon heat.

Joining Yakima and Wenatchee in the North Division are Bellingham and Port Angeles, and Victoria and Kelowna in British Columbia. The Pippins replace Walla Walla in the North; the Sweets will move to the South Division.

Walla Walla is joined in the South by Cowlitz, Corvallis, Bend and the Portland Pickles, who are replacing the Gresham GreyWolves in the West Coast League this year. Portland has been in the Great West League the past two seasons. The Pippins will travel to Portland for a three-game series, but by scheduling rotation, the Pickles won’t play in Yakima this summer.

The Pippins’ home schedule includes five nonleague games. The league has extended its regular season by three days, and will conclude on Wednesday, Aug. 8, followed by the division and championship series.

Season tickets sales, mini plans and ticket vouchers are now on sale at the Pippins’ holiday kiosk at Center Court of the Valley Mall, the team offices at 12 S. Second St. in downtown Yakima, by calling 509-575-4487, or online at PippinsBaseball.com. The Pippins promotional schedule will be announced early next year.

The Pippins’ 2018 schedule:

June 1-3: Walla Walla; 5-7: at Victoria; 8-10: Bend; 11: TBA (nonleague); 12-14: at Portland; 16-17: TBA (nonleague); 19-21: Kelowna; 22-24: at Kelowna; 26-28: Cowlitz; 29-30: Bellingham.

July 1: Bellingham; 2-4: at Wenatchee; 6-8: at Port Angeles; 10-12: Corvallis; 13-15: at Bend; 18-20: Port Angeles; 21-24: Wenatchee; 25-26: TBA (nonleague); 27-29: at Cowlitz; 31: Victoria.

Aug. 1-2: Victoria; 3-5: at Walla Walla; 6-8: at Corvallis.

YAKIMA, Wash. – William Adair made a good first impression with the Yakima Valley Pippins in 2017.

On July 11, the Dallas, Texas, right-hander joined the team at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport en route to Victoria, British Columbia. He pitched three relief innings against the HarbourCats that night, striking out three and walking one, and earned the win.

Now a freshman at Cal Poly, the 5-foot-10, 175-pound Adair will return to the Pippins next summer.

“His personality and toughness stand out,” Pippins manager Marcus McKimmy said. “We called him Texas Tough, which was pretty apparent when he joined the team. Great spirit, great personality, outstanding teammate.”

Adair finished the 2017 campaign with a 2-2 record and 5.81 ERA in 21.2 innings. He struck out 21 and walked 14.

“We’re not a playoff team in 2017 without a handful of guys, and Adair was one of them,” McKimmy said. “He’s got a ‘plus’ change-up and a ‘plus’ curve, and a mid-80s fastball. He’s just scratching the surface with what he can do.”

Adair joins at least four other Pippins who are returning in 2018, including Connor White, Michael Russo and Cullen Kafka from 2017 and Chris Ceballos from the 2016 squad.

The Pippins’ fifth anniversary season in Yakima begins in June 2018. Season tickets for the team’s 32-game home schedule are currently available for purchase at Hunky Shaw’s Team Shop, 12 S. Second St. in the historic Larson Building in downtown Yakima, at the Pippins’ new holiday kiosk in the Valley Mall, by calling 509-575-4487 or online at pippinsbaseball.com. The Pippins’ 2018 schedule will be announced soon, with mini-plans and other ticketing options available at that time.

YAKIMA, Wash. – Kevin Vallene, a Washington native and soon-to-be graduate of Washington State University, will be the new voice of the Pippins for the 2018 season.

Vallene is currently finishing his senior year at WSU, majoring in communications and broadcasting. During his time with the Cougars, he has called a number of WSU sports for KUGR, the student-run radio station, including baseball, basketball, football, soccer and volleyball. He called the 2016 Holiday Bowl between the Cougars and the Minnesota Golden Gophers in San Diego, and has also hosted a sports radio show on the the station throughout his college career.

A Redmond, Wash., native, Vallene drove more than 3,000 miles over the course of five days to spend this past summer in Florida to broadcast Florida Collegiate Summer League games for the Winter Garden Squeeze. His favorite moment of the summer was calling the FCSL home run derby, where a Squeeze player hit a league-record 12 home runs in the first round and 14 overall in the contest.

For his work during the summer, Vallene was named Broadcast Intern of the Year by the FCSL. He found out he won the award during the league’s championship game at Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays.

“Having my name called at Tropicana Field was a really cool experience for me,” he told the online news publication OrangeObserver.com. “Just to be at a Major League park and win the award was fun.”

Vallene is counting on his experience last summer to help him in his role with the Pippins in 2018.

“It was so fun being down there and experiencing the grind of broadcasting a full season of baseball,” Vallene said. “I’m really excited to join the Pippins this summer and bring the games and storylines to those who can’t make it to the ballpark.”

In addition to broadcasting all home and away games, Vallene will be the team’s media relations manager.

The Pippins’ fifth anniversary season in Yakima begins in June 2018. Season tickets for the team’s 32-game home schedule are currently available for purchase at Hunky Shaw’s Team Shop, 12 S. Second St. in the historic Larson Building in downtown Yakima, at the Pippins’ new holiday kiosk in the Valley Mall, by calling 509-575-4487 or online at pippinsbaseball.com. The Pippins’ 2018 schedule will be announced soon, with mini-plans and other ticketing options available at that time.

YAKIMA, Wash. – Pitcher Cullen Kafka, who experienced moderate success with the Pippins in 2017, is returning to Yakima Valley again next summer.

The 6-foot-4, 202-pound right-hander from Walnut Creek, Calif., pitched in five games and started three for the Pippins last summer before being shut down with shoulder soreness. The University of Oregon freshman had a 1-2 record with a 4.35 ERA in 20.2 innings, striking out 16 and walking nine. Only 10 of the 21 runs Kafka allowed last summer were earned.

“We were just scratching the surface of Cullen’s summer development when he got shut down,” Pippins manager Marcus McKimmy said. “He had some good starts for us last summer – his last start was a win against Bend. His ERA was pretty good even though we lost some games for him, one earned run in a loss at Kelowna, one earned run at Gresham in a loss.”

McKimmy is pleased with Kafka’s 2017 effort and that earned him a return trip to Yakima.

“We love his character and personality, and we anticipate that he’ll turn a corner in his development next summer,” the manager said. “Coming from a big-time Pac-12 school, he’ll be more seasoned and more mature, and ready to go through the rigors of a West Coast League summer.”

What role Kafka fills next summer will depend on him, McKimmy said.

“It’s going to depend on his physical maturity,” McKimmy said. “He came in last year throwing a lot of innings where we wanted to use him more in a relief and long-relief role at times, and he was forced to start. He can do both. It’s going to depend on his physical conditioning and where his arm care is at come June.”

The Pippins’ fifth anniversary season in Yakima begins in June 2018. Season tickets for the team’s 32-game home schedule are currently available for purchase at Hunky Shaw’s Team Shop, 12 S. Second St. in the historic Larson Building in downtown Yakima, at the Pippins’ new holiday kiosk in the Valley Mall, by calling 509-575-4487 or online at pippinsbaseball.com. The Pippins’ 2018 schedule will be announced soon, with mini-plans and other ticketing options available at that time.

YAKIMA, Wash. – Conner White, a right-handed pitcher who earned All-Star and All-West Coast League recognition in 2017, will return to the Yakima Valley Pippins in 2018.

The 6-foot-3, 210-pound University of Portland junior pitcher from Woodinville, Wash., led the WCL with 11 saves during the regular season. In 22 appearances, White struck out 32 and walked 14 in 24 innings pitched, allowing just 14 hits and compiling a 1.13 ERA.

“His leadership and his ability to be a great teammate really stand out,” said Marcus McKimmy, who will return as Pippins field manager again next summer. “From Day 1 to the end of the season, his ability to throw strikes and to develop his breaking pitch allowed him to be the lock-down guy for us.

“Connor’s future is really undetermined as far as how good he can be, and that’s where the Pippins come in,” McKimmy continued. “Another year of development, another year of maturity will really benefit him.”

In addition to earning first-team All-WCL honors by league coaches after the 2017 season, White was selected as a league All-Star and was the starting pitcher for the South team in the 2017 All-Star Game hosted by the Pippins at Yakima County Stadium.

White allowed only six runs – including four earned – in his 22 regular-season appearances. He didn’t allow any runs in the regular season after a July 1 appearance in Kelowna, a stretch that spanned 12 appearances and 14 innings in which he gave up only six hits and struck out 19.

“Connor was someone we used in multiple roles, and that’s something that fans may forget,” McKimmy said. “We signed him as a two-way player, and he caught for us early. He was an everyday catcher at Columbia Basin and was their closer. We asked him to make pitching a priority, we felt that was going to help our ballclub the best given our roster dynamic.”

White is the first Pippins player to be announced for the 2018 season.

The Pippins’ fifth anniversary season in Yakima begins in June 2018. Season tickets for the team’s 32-game home schedule are currently available for purchase at Hunky Shaw’s Team Shop, 12 S. Second St. in the historic Larson Building in downtown Yakima, by calling 509-575-4487 or online at pippinsbaseball.com. The Pippins’ 2018 schedule will be announced in late October, with mini-plans and other ticketing options available at that time.

YAKIMA, Wash. – Catcher Chris Ceballos, a 2016 All-Star selection whose season was cut short by injury, will return in 2018 to play for the Yakima Valley Pippins.

Ceballos, a 6-foot-2, 220-pound sophomore from Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, Calif., hit .269, with 29 hits, nine doubles, a triple and 16 RBIs in 32 games for the Pippins during his stint in Yakima. But a lower-back injury just before that year’s All-Star Game cut Ceballos’ season short. Despite playing just over half a season, Ceballos still earned All-WCL honorable mention recognition.

“Bringing players back to Yakima is something that is very special to our team and our fans,” Pippins manager Marcus McKimmy said. “In addition to quality baseball attributes, players are more physical, mature and must be great locker room guys. In Chris’ case, he is all of those things and can play multiple positions for us as well.”

In addition to catching, Ceballos will see time at first base next summer.

Ceballos started his collegiate career at Cal State Fullerton before transferring to OCC after a redshirt season. The Pirates were 36-12 overall and 16-5 in California Community College Athletic Association play in 2017.

The Pippins’ fifth anniversary season in Yakima begins in June 2018. Season tickets for the team’s 32-game home schedule are currently available for purchase at Hunky Shaw’s Team Shop, 12 S. Second St. in the historic Larson Building in downtown Yakima, by calling 509-575-4487 or online at pippinsbaseball.com. The Pippins’ 2018 schedule will be announced soon, with mini-plans and other ticketing options available at that time.

YAKIMA, Wash. – Outfielder Michael Russo, who got off to a promising start in 2017 with the Yakima Valley Pippins before a season-ending arm injury, is coming back to Yakima to try again next year.

The left-handed-hitting Russo hit the first of the Pippins’ 32 home runs in the team’s 11-4 win over Victoria on June 3. But he was sidelined shortly thereafter by a bicep injury.

“He gave our fans a taste of what he’s capable of,” Pippins manager Marcus McKimmy said. “He’s a left-handed power bat with multiple years experience at the Division I level, a very seasoned offensive player and outfielder that we’re excited to have back.”

The 6-foot-1, 215-pounder from La Crescenta, Calif., who’s playing college ball at Cal St. Northridge, finished 2-for-4 in two games with the Pippins.

“He really enjoyed his short time in Yakima and jumped at the opportunity to put on a Pippins uniform again,” McKimmy said. “We’re really happy he’s a year older, a year more mature, and back at 100 percent.”

Russo and All-WCL reliever Connor White are the first two players named to the Pippins’ 2018 roster.

The Pippins’ fifth anniversary season in Yakima begins in June 2018. Season tickets for the team’s 32-game home schedule are currently available for purchase at Hunky Shaw’s Team Shop, 12 S. Second St. in the historic Larson Building in downtown Yakima, by calling 509-575-4487 or online at pippinsbaseball.com. The Pippins’ 2018 schedule will be announced in late October, with mini-plans and other ticketing options available at that time.

With another successful season wrapped up, we want to hear about your experiences at The Orchard this summer.

Fans who complete the survey and provide contact information will be entered into a drawing for a $100 Pippins Gift Card.

The survey will close Oct. 15, 2017, with the winner selected the following week.

The survey can be accessed here.

YAKIMA, Wash. – Two pitchers and two infielders from Yakima Valley have been named West Coast League first-team all-league selections, and the Pippins captured a league-leading four spots on the 16-man team announced today by the league.

Starting pitcher Taylor Dollard, relief pitcher Connor White, first baseman Lucas Denney and second baseman Brad Beesley all earned first-team recognition at their respective positions, as voted on by coaches in the 11-team league. Third baseman Mitch Ellis earned second-team honors for the Pippins.

“What makes the All-WCL team special is that it reflects the views and feedback from opposing teams and coaches,” Pippins manager Marcus McKimmy said. “It’s an incredible achievement to be recognized for their on-field accomplishments throughout the summer. Each of our players is deserving of what they earned. I’m extremely proud of that.”

Dollard, a freshman at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo from Sherman Oaks, Calif., was the Pippins’ ace, compiling a 7-0 record with a 2.35 ERA in 38 1/3 innings pitched during the season and postseason, including earning the team’s first-ever playoff victory. The 6-foot-2 right-hander struck out 27 and walked just six batters.

White, a 6-2 right-handed junior from Woodinville headed to the University of Portland, struck out 32 and walked 14 in 24 innings of work, compiling a 1.12 ERA and earning a league-leading 11 saves during the regular season.

Denney, a redshirt senior at Seattle University from Goldendale, led the Pippins with a .338 batting average, 54 hits, 15 doubles, eight home runs, and 34 RBI during the regular season. The left-handed batter also reached base getting hit by a pitch a team-high 12 times. He also hit .364 during the playoffs.

Beesley, a sophomore-to-be at Cal Poly SLO from San Leandro, Calif., hit .300 with 45 hits, seven doubles, a triple and seven home runs this summer. In three playoff games, Beesley hit .417 (5 for 12) with two RBI.

Ellis, the switch-hitting senior-to-be at Western Illinois from Diamond Creek, Australia, hit .289 during the regular season with 11 doubles and 31 RBI.

Denney, Ellis and White also were chosen as South Division All-Stars during the season.

The four Pippins on this year’s first team is the most since the Pippins joined the WCL in 2014. Yakima Valley had three players on the 2016 first team, one in 2015 and two in 2014.

Between the first and second teams, Yakima Valley tied with Victoria for the most players named to the squads, with five each. Only three other teams in the league had more than one player named to the first team.

Seven Pippins earned honorable mention honors: Dillon Plew (Washington State), Jonny DeLuca (Oregon), Tora Otsuka (San Diego), Steven Sordahl (St. Martin’s), AJ Landis (Colorado Mesa), Joshua Tedeschi (Utah) and Dustin Yates (WSU).

The full list of All-WCL teams and players can be read at www.westcoastleague.com.

Season tickets for the 2018 season are already on sale at Hunky Shaw’s Team Shop, 12 S. Second St. in the historic Larson Building in downtown Yakima, or by calling 509-575-4487. The Pippins will play 32 home games during the 2018 season, which begins in early June.