On a sunny evening at Goss Stadium at Coleman Field, the Corvallis Knights triumphed over the Portland Pickles with a 7-4 victory. The win further solidified the Knights’ dominance this season, pushing their record to 34-10, while the Pickles dropped to 31-13.

In a potential playoff matchup, Portland managed to put the Knights in a pickle early on, but they could not keep them in that pickle. 

The game started with Portland’s promising lead, as Tanner Griffith walked and later scored on a groundout by Alex Gouveia. The Pickles showcased early aggression, with Tyler Harries reaching base on a walk and stealing second. 

However, the Knights responded quickly in their quest to sweep Portland, as in the bottom of the second Kevin Takeuchi opened the inning with a ground-rule double, setting the stage for Quin Dufort’s RBI groundout, which brought Takeuchi to third. Ben Leid followed with a single, driving in Takeuchi and tying the game. 

The Knights continued to pressure, loading the bases with a walk by Peyton Miller and another by Thomas Ferroggiaro, resulting in another run scored when Leid crossed the plate.

The third inning saw the Pickles fighting back as Britton Beeson and Griffith singled, with Harries bringing them home on a groundout, briefly giving the Pickles a 3-2 lead. 

The Pickles’ advantage was short-lived, however, as the Knights’ pitching staff, led by starter Jake DeCremer and reliever Sean Wiese, settled into a rhythm. DeCremer pitched four innings, allowing three runs on three hits, while Wiese’s three innings of work allowed only one run, stabilizing the game for the Knights.

Kenny Ishikawa started for the Pickles, struggling with control issues that led to early exits and missed opportunities. Ishikawa gave up two runs in just two innings, walking three batters and setting the stage for the Knights’ comeback. Matthew Shapiro relieved Ishikawa but faced similar struggles, allowing a run in 1.2 innings. Liam Guest and Cody Speights followed, with Guest notably struggling by allowing three runs in just 0.1 innings, two of which were earned. Speights provided stability, pitching four innings with three hits and one earned run.

For the Knights, the pitching was more consistent. DeCremer’s four innings, though marked by three walks, kept the Knights within reach, while Wiese’s command in the middle innings prevented the Pickles from building momentum. Gino Rizzo and Caleb Debban closed the game, with Debban earning the save with a perfect ninth inning, striking out one.

The Knights’ offense was led by Thomas Ferroggiaro, who scored twice and drove in a run, and Brandon Cabrera, who reached base three times with two hits and two walks. Cabrera’s speed on the bases was a significant factor, as he stole two bases. Ty Yukumoto and Dufort also contributed RBIs. It was Ferroggiaro’s sacrifice in the bottom of the fifth that provided the Knights with an insurance run that the Pickles could not surmount.

For the Pickles, Harries stood out with a run scored and an RBI, while Dalton Mashore contributed two hits.

The fifth inning proved to be a turning point for the Knights. After the Pickles took a 4-3 lead, the Knights responded with three runs in the bottom half. The rally was sparked by errant pitching from Guest, whose wild pitch and subsequent walk to Howard loaded the bases. The Knights took advantage, with Miller’s walk forcing in a run and Ferroggiaro’s walk bringing in another.

Defensively, the game was marked by solid play from both teams, despite some errors on the Pickles’ side. Gouveia was involved in a double play in the bottom of the fifth, showcasing his defensive prowess. However, the Pickles’ pitching miscues, especially from Guest, allowed the Knights extra opportunities that they capitalized on.

After the game Garren Rizzo, who pitched the eighth inning, reflected on his own performance:

 “I think my curveball was definitely my moneymaker tonight. My fastball is kind of up, down, all over the place, so I think that the curveball is kind of the key for tonight.”

As for what kept Portland in the game, Rizzo elaborated on their effectiveness in keeping the game close, saying “The Pickles honestly put a lot of pressure on us. I think they put the ball in play a lot; they made hard contact, and I think we just made plays on some of the balls.”

The game was a showcase of solid baseball, with both teams displaying moments of brilliance and areas for improvement. The Knights’ victory, marked by balanced offense and solid pitching, underscores their position as a dominant force this season. As both teams look ahead, the Pickles will need to address their pitching and defensive inconsistencies, while the Knights will aim to maintain their winning momentum.

The game, attended by 1,670 fans, was a testament to the competitive spirit of the West Coast League, providing an exciting night of baseball. As the regular season draws to a close, fans can look forward to more thrilling matchups and the unfolding storylines of these two competitive teams, who stand not just atop the South Division but maintain the two best records in the West Coast League.

The Knights will close out their three-game series against the Pickles, going for the sweep, on Sunday at 5:05 p.m. at Goss Stadium at Coleman Field.