Springfield hands Raptors a rare shutout

RIDGEFIELD – The Ridgefield Raptors bats, so hot during this week’s homestand, cooled off Sunday.

The Raptors fell to the Springfield Drifters 4-0 at Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex.

The loss snapped a five-game win streak and marked the first time Ridgefield (22-13) has been shut out since June 23.

Now, the Raptors hope Sunday’s hiccup doesn’t stunt the momentum garnered during a homestand that saw Ridgefield go 5-1 and outscore opponents 43-17.

“Bad things happen on the field sometimes,” second baseman Nate Kirkpatrick said. “Sometimes it doesn’t go your way. We just have to turn the page and get after it on Tuesday.”

Ridgefield had runners on base in seven of nine innings but went 0 for 5 with runners in scoring position.

“You can’t let the losses eat away at you and get frustrated,” said Kirkpatrick, who went 2 for 4.

Three moments

Leaving ‘em loaded – Ridgefield had a prime scoring chance in the third inning, loading the bases with one out. But Mikey Kane struck out. Then Trent Prokes, who entered Sunday 10 for his last 22, hit a line drive right to Springfield’s center fielder to end the inning.

Hustle points – Springfield leadoff hitter Cole Kleckner beat out a seemingly routine ground ball to shortstop to reach base in the fifth inning. He then pushed Springfield’s lead to 3-0 on a two-out single, the second time in the game the Drifters drove in a run with two outs.

Last chance – Ridgefield had a final chance to break through in the ninth. Riley McCarthy’s single put runners on first and second with one out. But Springfield pitcher Julien Hernandez got a strikeout and groundout the seal the win.

Three players

Safea Mauai – The Ridgefield first baseman extended his hitting streak to 10 games with a sharp single off the right field wall in the ninth inning. He went 7 for 14 over the six-game homestand.

Jacob Sharp – The Ridgefield leadoff hitter remained hot, going 2 for 4. Sharp went 9 for 22 over the homestand with three home runs. His nine home runs leads the West Coast League and his .360 batting average ranks third.

Eli Schubert – The Ridgefield reliever worked around trouble. He allowed one run over three-and-two-thirds innings despite allowing four hits and two walks.

Three numbers

.314 – Ridgefield’s batting average over the six-game homestand.

18 – Games since the last time Ridgefield was shut out, a 5-0 loss the Portland Pickles.

13 of 18 – Remaining West Coast League games that the Raptors will play on the road.

SPRINGFIELD 4, RIDGEFIELD 0

Springfield 011 010 001—4 12 0

Ridgefield 000 000 000—0 9 1

Springfield

Pitching – Hunter Dryden 5 IP, 6 H, 0 R, 3 K, 1 BB; Eli Holbert 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 K, 2 BB; Julien Hernandez 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 3 K, 0 BB. Highlights – Cole Kleckner 2-4, 2 R; Trevor Antonson 1-4; Dane Fraser 1-4, RBI; Cayden Delozier 1-3; Ryne Hazys 1-4, R; Taylor Holder 3-4, R; Ethan Sitzman 1-4, RBI; Mac Moyer 2-4, RBI.

Ridgefield

Pitching – Charlie Royle 4 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 5 K, 1 BB; Eli Schubert 3.2 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 4 K, 2 BB; Jeter Schuerman 1.1 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 1 K, 1 BB. Highlights – Jacob Sharp 2-3; Travis Welker 1-4; Mikey Kane 2-4; Safea Mauai 1-3; Riley McCarthy 1-3; Nate Kirkpatrick 2-4.