HarbourCats season comes to an end following 4-2 playoff loss to Bells

The Victoria HarbourCats 2022 season came to an abrupt end following a 4-2 defeat at the hands of the Bellingham Bells in game two of the West Coast League divisional semifinals on Wednesday.

It was a must-win game for the ‘Cats, who suffered an 8-2 defeat to the Bells in game one of the best-of-three series on Tuesday night.

The game got off to a positive start for Victoria, who scored the game’s first run on a single by right Fielder Josh Walker in the top of the third. However, the Bells would respond in the bottom half, tying the game at 1-1 on a single by first baseman Malcolm Moore.

The game would remain tied until the top of the eight, where the ‘Cats would take their second lead of the game on a sacrifice fly by third baseman Nick Lee.

But Victoria’s fortunes would change in the bottom of the eighth, when a pair of singles by Moore and shortstop Noah Meffert would plate three runs for the home side, putting them up 4-2 entering the top of the ninth, where Bellingham closer Cameron Dayton would slam the door shut to seal the series win.

The loss was no fault of HarbourCats’ starting pitcher Flynn Ridley, who allowed just a single run over five strong innings of work against a potent Bellingham offence.

On the other side, it was Bells’ reliever Lukas Frers who ultimately earned the win following a solid inning of relief work in the top of the eighth.

However, the true MVP of the game for Bellingham was first baseman Malcolm Moore, who recorded five hits in five at-bats (all singles) while driving in a pair of runs to vault his team to victory.

It's a disappointing end to the season for Victoria, who had high hopes after rallying to win their final game of the regular season to make the playoffs.

The players will now return to their respective colleges and universities where they are set to begin their fall semesters and look forward to a new season on the diamond.

The HarbourCats are set to return with a new roster next summer where they will look to capture the 2023 WCL championship.