'Cats make it three in a row

Starter Alex Rogers

Going for three on the trot, the HarbourCats sent Nanaimo product Alex "A-Rog" Rogers to the hill tonight, and he did not disappoint. In fact, he pitched a gem as Victoria brought down the Elks 4-1, way down Oregon way. Rogers went seven innings giving up no runs on only five hits, while striking out three and walking two. And what an amazing streak the 'Cats have put together. Over the past 4 games, they had gone 29 innings without a run being scored against them before letting one across in the eighth tonight! A combination of great pitching and great fielding seems to be the ticket as they had their second error-free night in a row...who woulda' thunk it? Reliever Mark Manrich came in and made things a bit interesting, giving up three consecutive singles and one run in the eighth before retiring the side in order in the ninth.

The 'Cats got off to a good start and had a 3-0 lead by the end of the third. After putting another one up in the fifth they pretty much coasted home, even through the irate antics of the Bend coach who was tossed in the seventh after trying to get his team going...I mean...arguing a close call at first. Alex DeGoti continues to hold the hot bat, notching another couple of hits and scoring two runs in his five at bats. Victoria was actually out-hit by the Elks nine to seven, but the four Bend errors in the field certainly didn't help the cause of the home side.

Really though this win was about Rogers, who brings his record to 1-1 after an early loss in Kelowna where he was a bit unlucky in giving up two earned runs in four innings of work on only one hit and two walks, while striking out one. He now has an Pedro-like WHIP of .900. Rogers had a pretty decent rookie season for Trinidad State (Colorado) Junior College where he went 5-4 with a 4.33 ERA in 14 appearances. Prior to that, A-Rog was the star pitcher for the Nanaimo Pirates in the BC Premier League where he played with his fraternal twin brother, Brady. Both boys were coached there by the legendary Doug Rogers - aka Dad - who is now in his 30th year coaching. Brady was separated from his brother for the first time this year, heading to Colby Community College in Kansas while Alex went on to Trinidad State.

The story of the past few games for Victoria really is pitching. Maybe they are throwing a bit above their heads right now but I sense confidence beginning to grow. With the 'Cats win and the Bells losing 10-5 as I write this, the Victoria goes to 5-3 in this young season and have a shot at a share of the West Division lead should the Bellingham/Kitsap score hold up. In fact, if Cowlitz wins, all four teams in the West will have identical 5-3 records. Holy coincidence, Batman.

The 'Cats wrap up the three game series with the Elks tomorrow before heading back to the friendly confines of the RAP for a three game set with the Bellingham Bells. With a win tomorrow, they will give their dad's the ultimate Father's Day present - a series sweep ...and maybe a bad tie or a macaroni self-portrait, just for good measure. Me? I'm asking for the sweep!

So boys...do it for the Dad!