The Corvallis Knights were shutout by the Bellingham Bells, losing 3-0 on Sunday.

This loss marks the first game that the Knights have been shutout by an opponent this season. All runs were scored within the first two innings of the game, with both teams’ pitchers preventing any further scoring.

Prior to Game 3 against the Bells, The Knights had split the series 1-1 with an 8-7 loss in Game 1 on Friday and an 8-4 win on Saturday. With the loss on Sunday the Knights also lost their first series of the season, (1-2).  

The Bells struck first in the top of the first inning scoring on a single from infielder Gavin Schulz of Tulane University to take an early 2-0 lead. The Bells added on to their lead once again in the top of the second inning on a single from outfielder Josh Trujillo from Old Dominion University, which would be the final run of the game scored by the Bells. 

Looking for a late rally, the Knights brought the tying run to the plate with two outs away in the bottom of the ninth inning. However, the Bells would end the late rally with a strikeout to complete the shutout and secure the win.

For the Bells, right-handed pitcher Austin Coleman of California State University, San Bernardino picked up the win; his record improves to 2-2, Coleman pitched 6.1 innings and gave up a hit. Left-handed pitcher Wesley Moore relieved Coleman and pitched 2.1 innings, giving up 2 hits. Ryan Beitel from University of British Columbia picked up the save for the Bells to close out the game on the mound.   

The trio of Coleman, Moore, and Beitel held the Knights to just three hits and stranded four runners in scoring position throughout the game. 

For the Knights, right-handed pitcher Nathan DeSchryver of Gonzaga University picked up the loss; his record fell to 1-1, DeSchryver pitched 0.1 innings and gave up two runs along with two hits. Right-handed pitcher Neil Feist from El Camino College relieved Deschryver, Feist pitched 3 innings and gave up a run. Right-handed pitcher Nelson Keljo of Oregon State University  relieved Feist and pitched 3.2 innings. Left-handed pitcher Brady Maylett from University of Utah and Matthew Ager of University of California Santa Barbara each pitched 1 inning. 

The pitching trio of Keljo, Maylett, and Ager held the Bells scoreless through 5 innings, only giving up three walks, to keep the game in reach for the Knights. However, the Knights were unable to capitalize on scoring opportunities during the game. 

With the loss the Knights record falls to 12-4, while the Bells improve their record to 15-5 both teams are still at the top of their respective divisions in the West Coast League after today’s game. 

Up next, the Knights have a midweek four game matchup against the Springfield Drifters starting Tuesday at 6:35pm.