Opening Games Set For Club Tourney’s First Day

YAKIMA, Wash. — Top seed Gonzaga will face off against No. 3 seed Oregon in the nightcap of Friday’s first round of the Northern Pacific Region collegiate club baseball tournament at Yakima County Stadium.

The Gonzaga-Oregon game is slated for a 6:30 p.m. start. Earlier, No. 2 seed Utah State will face No. 4 seed Eastern Washington at 4 p.m.

The three-day, double-elimination tournament is being hosted by the Yakima Valley Pippins at County Stadium. Three games are scheduled for Saturday, at 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m., with the championship game set for 9 a.m. Sunday. A second championship game will immediately follow the first game, if necessary.

No admission will be charged, and concessions will be available, Pippins general manager Jeff Garretson said.

Because of the COVID vaccination site at State Fair Park, normal parking and entry to the stadium is not available, Garretson said. Parking entrance will be available through the fairground’s Gate 14 off Pacific Avenue. Entrance to the stadium will be along the first-base side of the stadium near the picnic area.

Fans will be required to wear masks while not in their seats actively eating or drinking. Social distancing measures will be encouraged for all spectators.

Tickets also will be on sale for the Pippins’ opening weekend series against the Corvallis Knights. Opening Night, presented by Legends Casino Hotel, is June 4, with postgame fireworks and a free souvenir blanket giveaway for the first 500 fans. Another 500 blankets will be given away at the June 5 game. Tickets also can be purchased at PippinsTickets.com. Because of COVID guidelines, seating is limited to 25 percent, or 700 fans, each night.

By Yakima Valley Pippins

May 11, 2021