For the first time in franchise history the Kelowna Falcons (34-19) have won the West Coast League’s (WCL) East Division pennant after a weekend sweep in Walla Walla.
The sweeps ends the season and sends the Falcons into the WCL Playoffs for the first time since 2010 as they will match-up against the defending champion Bellingham Bells (33-21). This will be the first time the Falcons and Bells have met in the post season.
The Falcons will have home field advantage for the best of three WCL semi-final. Game One will take place on Tuesday night in Bellingham, before Games Two and Three (if necessary) are back at Elks Stadium on Wednesday and Thursday at 6:35pm.
During the six game regular season series the Falcons beat the Bells four times winning twice at home and twice on the road. Each game was tight as the Falcons outscored the Bells 35-30. The largest margin of victory for either team was a Falcons 8-1 win. The Falcons tallied 50 hits in series and had a .252 average, while the Bells recorded 53 hits and a .258 average.
This will be classic offence versus pitching match-up. The Falcons are one of only two teams to collect over 500 hits (542) and had the second best team batting average, hitting at a .297 clip. The Falcons had the League’s best on base percentage at .398. The Bells have the League’s top pitching staff collecting a 3.26 ERA and 17 saves.
“This is what it’s all about for us,” said General Manager Mark Nonis. “We have been so lucky to have record breaking crowds this season and we hope to see more of the same in the playoffs. I’m just glad we gave our fans a great team on the field to cheer for. I’m proud of how our coaching staff and players have conducted themselves, they have acted like pros.”
Tickets for Wednesday’s playoff game at Elks Stadium will be available when the main gate opens at 5:00pm. For more information call the Falcons headquarters at 250-763-4100.
