Sports

It took four games but the Kelowna Falcons finally got the better of the Cowlitz Black Bears.

Photo: Contributed

After dropping three straight to their Washington State rival, the Falcons bats came alive Thursday in a 11-3 pounding of the visiting Black Bears.

After just seven hits in the first game of the series, the offence erupted for 13 hits in game two. 

Five Falcons had multi-hit games including a 3-5 night from Tyler Qualls who continues to lead the West Coast League with a lofty .522 average

The Falcons snapped a 1-1 tie with three runs in the third, keyed by Qualls two run triple. Qualls later scored on Kyle Pearson's sacrifice fly.

The Falcons blew the game open with four unearned runs during a five run seventh.

Andrew Firth and Jace Conrad both finished with three hits. Pearson and  Kelowna native Ryan Stajduhar each had two hits.

The Falcons got another solid outing from their starting pitcher. 

Juan Padilla, in his first start of the summer, threw seven innings allowing just one run on three hits while striking out five and picked up the win.  Hunter Wood pitched the final two innings giving up a run on two hits.

Friday night the Falcons will host the Black Bears in the final game of the series in a rubber match.  Gates open at 5:30 with the first pitch at 6:35. 

Brandon Marris gets the start for the Falcons. 

Friday night is a Father’s Day celebrations as Dad’s get in for half price. 

Plus two Dads will compete in a BBQ build off contest sponsored by Rona and M&M Meat Shops in the Mission Plaza.