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Knights Daily Update

Hawkins hired at San Jose State

July 22, 2016

Happy Friday, everyone.

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The Knights bounced back from a bad loss on Wednesday with a big win at Gresham on Thursday, evening the series at a game each. Game 3 is tonight; left-hander Jacob Fricke (3-0, 2.14) of Western Oregon is our projected starter.

We are then home for three games against Victoria (Saturday-Monday) and three against Bend (Tuesday-Thursday).

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Former Knights' pitching coach Jason Hawkins (2008) is the new head coach at San Jose State. Please click here for more on that story, from the Corvallis Gazette-Times.

--------------------------

An update of our alums in the Frontier League, with stats through Wednesday's games:

* Infielder Carter Bell (2009) of the Joliet (Ill.) Slammers is batting .343 (70-204) in 55 games. He has seven homers and 49 RBIs. Carter played at Oregon State.

* Pitcher Scott Schultz (2011) of the Schaumburg (Ill.) Boomers is 4-3, 5.16 in 12 games, with 45 strikeouts in 69.2 innings. He also played at OSU.

* Infielder Seth Heck (2013) of the Gateway (Ill.) Grizzlies is hitting .256 (46-180) in 50 games, with a homer and 16 RBIs. He played at Tacoma CC and at Mississippi State.

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Tickets for our August 10th playoff game are now on sale. We will be hosting Game 2 and Game 3 (if necessary) on Aug. 10-11. We are now offering the opportunity in advance to "opt-in" for tickets to a possible Game 3 on August 11th. Season ticket-holders have until August 1 to claim their seats. Purchase your tickets online, at our office or by giving us a call at 541-752-5656.

Punch cards are not eligible to be used for playoff games. So make sure to redeem all your punches for these final six regular-season games.

We also have a special offer on our 2016 limited-edition alternate "Family" jerseys, for $125 each. Jerseys not sold through this special email offer will be auctioned during our final regular season game on Aug. 4.

To reserve your jersey, email [email protected]. Jersey numbers will be sold in the order of email receipt. There are no duplicate jersey numbers and less than 40 jerseys are available.

-------------------------

We have lots of promotions scheduled for our upcoming series with the Victoria HarbourCats, set for Saturday through Monday, and with the Bend Elks, set for July 26-28.

* Saturday is Cap Night, presented by the Mario Pastega House. The first 750 fans receive an adjustable-fit Knights' cap.

* Sunday is Wilson Motors Night/Lil' Knights Club Game. Get your free tickets at Wilson Motors, corner of 5th Street and Buchanan Avenue in Corvallis.

* Monday is Holiday Express Baseball Giveaway Night, presented by the Holiday Inn Express. The first 500 fans get a free baseball.

* Tuesday is a Bi-Mart $2 Tuesday, with $2 prices on Pepsi products, $2 peanuts, and $2 Cracker Jack.

* Wednesday is the Andrea Beem Team Key Chain Giveaway Night. The first 250 fans get a free key chain. You can also enjoy a specially-priced pour of Spindrift Cellars wine. GA tickets for seniors (60+) are just $2.

* Thursday is a Block 15 Thursday/Reusable Grocery Bag Tote Bag Night, presented by Barker Uerlings Insurance. The first 250 fans receive a free tote bag, and there are $2 pricing on adult beverages and on hot dogs.

See you there! If you cannot make it, please catch all the games on KEJO-AM 1240, with Mike Parker calling the action.

-----------------------------

Toledo (AAA International. Tigers) DH Dean Green (2008) was 4-for-4 with a run, a homer and four RBIs in a 6-5 win over Norfolk on Thursday night to earn Corvallis Knights Minor League Player of the Day honors.

Honorable mention goes to:

* Reno (AAA Diamondbacks, Pacific Coast) outfielder Mitch Haniger (2010) was 4-for-5 with two doubles, two runs and two RBIs in a 7-2 win over Colorado Springs.

* Sacramento (AAA Pacific Coast) catcher Andrew Susac (2009) was 2-for-5 with two runs, two RBIs and a homer in a 5-4 win over New Orleans.

* Clinton (A Midwest, Mariners) first baseman Dalton Kelly (2014) was 2-for-4 with a double, a run and an RBI in a 7-5 loss to Lansing.

* Fort Wayne (A Midwest, Padres) second baseman Peter Van Gansen (2013) was 2-for-3 with two walks in a 12-3 loss to Wisconsin.

-------------------

Some news from elsewhere in the WCL:

* For a story in the Daily News of Kelso-Longview on new WCL president Donnie Marbut, please click here.

-----------------

That is all for today. Now that the season has started, we are blogging four days a week. See you at Goss Stadium this weekend and right back here, on Monday.


Bad night for Knights in Gresham

July 21, 2016

Happy Thursday, everyone.

----------------------

It was a miserable night for the Knights in Gresham on Wednesday, as we essentially gave away Game 1 of our series with the GreyWolves. We walked in four runs, issued 14 walks overall, hit a batter, gave up an unearned run on a two-out error and stranded four runners in the last two innings in a 6-4 loss.

That comes on the heels of a five-error performance in a 9-8 win over Cowlitz on Sunday in our last game before the All-Star break. Hopefully we will play better tonight, when lefty Hazahel Quijada (1-0, 0.88) of UC Riverside starts Game 2 of the series. Left-hander Jacob Fricke (3-0, 2.14) of Western Oregon starts Game 3 on Friday. Both games start at 7:05 p.m.

We are then home for three games against Victoria (Saturday-Monday) and three against Bend (July 26-28).

-----------------------

The Toronto Blue Jays have released former Oregon State player Gabe Clark (2013) after two years in their organization at Bluefield (R Appalachian) and Vancouver (A Northwest). He hit .199 in 47 total games, with seven homers and 26 RBIs. He was a 26th-round draft choice in 2015.

-------------------

Tickets for our August 10th playoff game are now on sale. We will be hosting Game 2 and Game 3 (if necessary) on Aug. 10-11. We are now offering the opportunity in advance to "opt-in" for tickets to a possible 3rd game on August 11th. Season ticket-holders have until August 1 to claim their seats. Purchase your tickets online, at our office or by giving us a call at 541-752-5656.

We also have a special offer on our 2016 limited-edition alternate "Family" jerseys, for $125 each. Jerseys not sold through this special email offer will be auctioned during our final regular season game on Aug. 4.

To reserve your jersey, email [email protected]. Jersey numbers will be sold in the order of email receipt. There are no duplicate jersey numbers and less than 40 jerseys are available.

-------------------------

We have lots of promotions scheduled for our upcoming series with the Victoria HarbourCats, set for Saturday through Monday, and with the Bend Elks, set for July 26-28.

* Saturday is Cap Night, presented by the Mario Pastega House. The first 750 fans receive an adjustable-fit Knights' cap.

* Sunday is Wilson Motors Night/Lil' Knights Club Game. Get your free tickets at Wilson Motors, corner of 5th Street and Buchanan Avenue in Corvallis.

* Monday is Holiday Express Baseball Giveaway Night, presented by the Holiday Inn Express. The first 500 fans get a free baseball.

* Tuesday (July 26) is a Bi-Mart $2 Tuesday, with $2 prices on Pepsi products, $2 peanuts, and $2 Cracker Jack.

* Wednesday (July 27) is the Andrea Beem Team Key Chain Giveaway Night. The first 250 fans get a free key chain. You can also enjoy a specially-priced pour of Spindrift Cellars wine. GA tickets for seniors (60+) are just $2.

* Thursday (July 28) is a Block 15 Thursday/Reusable Grocery Bag Tote Bag Night, presented by Barker Uerlings Insurance. The first 250 fans receive a free tote bag, and there are $2 pricing on adult beverages and on hot dogs.

See you there! If you cannot make it, please catch all the games on KEJO-AM 1240, with Mike Parker calling the action.

-----------------------------

Montgomery (AA Southern, Rays) outfielder Cade Gotta (2011) was 3-for-4 with a homer, two doubles, two RBIs and four runs in a 13=2 win over Birmingham on Wednesday night to earn Corvallis Knights Minor League Player of the Day honors.

Honorable mention goes to:

* Jupiter (A Florida State, Marlins) DH Taylor Ard (2009) was 2-for-4 with a double, a run and an RBI in a 5-1 win over Daytona.

* Springfield (AA Texas, Cardinals) outfielder Blake Drake (2013) was 2-for-3 in a 4-1 loss to Arkansas.

* Sacramento (AAA Pacific Coast) catcher Andrew Susac (2009) was 3-for-4 with two runs, two RBIs and a homer in a 10-4 win over New Orleans.

* El Paso (AA Texas, Padres) catcher Rocky Gale (2007, 2009) was 2-for-3 with a homer, two runs and an RBI in a 6-2 win over Frisco.

* Burlington (R Appalachian, Royals) catcher Nate Esposito (2012) was 3-for-4 with a double, a run and an RBI in a 7-5 loss to Princeton.

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That is all for today. Now that the season has started, we are blogging four days a week. See you at Goss Stadium this weekend and right back here, on Friday.


Huge night for Knights at WCL All-Star Game

July 20, 2016

Happy Wednesday, everyone.

------------------------

It was a huge night for the Corvallis Knights on Tuesday at the 2016 West Coast League All-Star Game, where the South defeated the North 4-0 before a sellout crowd of 1,823 at David Story Field in Longview, Wash.

Corvallis outfielder Kyle Nobach (Oregon State) earned MVP honors. The senior-to-be was 2-for-4 with two doubles and three runs and threw out a runner at home plate from center field in the first inning.

Corvallis shortstop Andy Atwood (OSU) was 1-for-4. The other Knights' position-playing selection, utility Adley Rutschman (OSU in 2017), missed the game because of an injury.

Four Corvallis pitchers combined for four shutout innings.

Trenton Dupre (Washington State) pitched a perfect third inning. Cameron Bishop (UC Irvine) struck out the side in a perfect fifth inning. Ryley Widell (Central Arizona) struck out two and gave up two hits in a scoreless seventh and Chase Kaplan (Kansas in 2017) allowed a hit and a walk in the ninth.

Bishop was named the All-Star Game's top prospect by the 23 professional scouts in attendance. He also homered once in the preliminary round of the Home Run Derby, but did not advance.

Please click here for more on the game, from the WCL website. And please click here for even more, from the Daily News of Kelso-Longview.

Congrats to all the All-Stars!

----------------------

Our pitching rotation for our upcoming series at Gresham has been set. Righty Grant Goodman (0-0, 1.95) of San Francisco starts tonight; lefty Hazahel Quijada (1-0, 0.88) of UC Riverside starts on Thursday and lefty Jacob Fricke (3-0, 2.14) of Western Oregon starts on Friday. All three games start at 7:05 p.m.

-----------------------

Tickets for our August 10th playoff game are now on sale. We will be hosting Game 2 and Game 3 (if necessary) on Aug. 10-11. We are now offering the opportunity in advance to "opt-in" for tickets to a possible 3rd game on August 11th. Season ticket-holders have until August 1 to claim their seats. Purchase your tickets online, at our office or by giving us a call at 541-752-5656.

We also have a special offer on our 2016 limited-edition alternate "Family" jerseys, for $125 each. Jerseys not sold through this special email offer will be auctioned during our final regular season game on Aug. 4.

To reserve your jersey, email [email protected]. Jersey numbers will be sold in the order of email receipt. There are no duplicate jersey numbers and less than 40 jerseys are available.

-------------------------

We have lots of promotions scheduled for our upcoming series with the Victoria HarbourCats, set for Saturday through Monday, and with the Bend Elks, set for July 26-28.

* Saturday is Cap Night, presented by the Mario Pastega House. The first 750 fans receive an adjustable-fit Knights' cap.

* Sunday is Wilson Motors Night/Lil' Knights Club Game. Get your free tickets at Wilson Motors, corner of 5th Street and Buchanan Avenue in Corvallis.

* Monday is Holiday Express Baseball Giveaway Night, presented by the Holiday Inn Express. The first 500 fans get a free baseball.

* Tuesday (July 26) is a Bi-Mart $2 Tuesday, with $2 prices on Pepsi products, $2 peanuts, and $2 Cracker Jack.

* Wednesday (July 27) is the Andrea Beem Team Key Chain Giveaway Night. The first 250 fans get a free key chain. You can also enjoy a specially-priced pour of Spindrift Cellars wine. GA tickets for seniors (60+) are just $2.

* Thursday (July 28) is a Block 15 Thursday/Reusable Grocery Bag Tote Bag Night, presented by Barker Uerlings Insurance. The first 250 fans receive a free tote bag, and there are $2 pricing on adult beverages and on hot dogs.

See you there! If you cannot make it, please catch all the games on KEJO-AM 1240, with Mike Parker calling the action.

-----------------------------

Reno (AAA Pacific Coast, Diamondbacks) outfielder Mitch Haniger (2010) was 2-for-5 with a homer, a double and three RBIs in a 9-6 win over Colorado Springs on Tuesday to earn Corvallis Knights Minor League Player of the Day honors. He raised his average to .368.

Honorable mention goes to:

* Jupiter (A Florida State, Marlins) reliever Ben Wetzler (2011) pitched three scoreless, hitless innings and had two strikeouts in a 3-2 loss to Daytona, lowering his ERA to 0.39. Teammate Taylor Ard 92009) was 2-for-5 with an RBI.

* Springfield (AA Texas, Cardinals) outfielder Blake Drake (2013) was 2-for-4 with a run and an RBI in a 9-6 win over Arkansas.

* Toledo (AAA International, Tigers) DH Dean Green (2008) was 2-for-3 in A 4-2 loss to Pawtucket.

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Some news from elsewhere in the West Coast League:

Fresno State junior catcher Joe Prior of the Victoria HarbourCats and Cal State Bakersfield junior hurler Max Carter of the Kelowna Falcons were named the WCL Player and Pitcher of the week for July 11-17.

Carter, a senior-to-be two-way player at CSUB, led Kelowna to six wins vs. Kitsap to wrap the week, propelling the Falcons into first place in the North Division second-half standings.

This past Thursday, Max took a no-hitter into the eighth inning vs. the BlueJackets and finished with a complete game 8-1 win. He struck out seven while walking two and allowing only two hits and a run. Carter also pitched a scoreless inning of relief in the opener of Kelowna's series at Kitsap.

For the week, he went 7-for-20 at the plate as a DH and first baseman. Carter is hitting .254 this summer and is 1-0 on the mound with a 1.92 ERA over 5 appearances and 14 innings pitched.

Prior, a senior-to-be at Fresno State, leads the 28-8 HarbourCats in RBIs with 22. He's hitting .325 with four doubles and four homers this summer. This past week, he went 11-for-20 (.550) and posted a .609 OBP with four runs scored, a double, homer and five RBIs.

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That is all for today. Now that the season has started, we are blogging four days a week. See you at Goss Stadium this weekend and right back here, on Thursday.


Knights off today; to All-Star Game on Tuesday

July 18, 2016

Happy Monday, everyone.

------------------------

Six Knights will play for the South Division team on Tuesday in the 2016 West Coast League All-Star Game, set for 7:20 p.m. at David Story Field in Longview, Wash.

The Cowlitz Black Bears are the host team. The all-stars were selected by WCL President

Donnie Marbut after recommendations from the coaches.

The participating Knights are shortstop Andy Atwood (Oregon State); center fielder Kyle Nobach (OSU), and left-handed pitchers Cameron Bishop (UC Irvine), Chase Kaplan (Western Nevada/Kansas in 2016-17), Trenton Dupre (Washington State) and Ryley Widell (Central Arizona in 2016-17).

Utility Adley Rutschman (OSU in 2016-17) of Sherwood High School was also selected to the South team, but he can't play because of a hand injury that could sideline him for the balance of the season.

Bishop will be the Knights' representative in the Home Run Derby, which begins at 6 p.m. He also plays DH for the Knights and at UC Irvine when not pitching.

Joining the Knights on the South Division team are players from Yakima Valley, Bend, Gresham, Kitsap, and host Cowlitz. The North Division team will feature players from Victoria, Wenatchee, Walla Walla, Bellingham and Kelowna.

The projected starting pitchers are Zach Draper (College of Idaho) of Yakima Valley for the South and Walla Walls lefty Easton Lucas of Pepperdine.

Please click here for a complete list of the 2016 WCL All-Stars.

And please click here for a detailed story on the 2016 WCL All-Star Game, from The Daily News of Kelso-Longview.

-------------------------

We have lots of promotions scheduled for our upcoming series with the Victoria HarbourCats, set for Saturday through Monday, and the Bend Elks, set for July 26-28.

* Saturday is Cap Night, presented by the Mario Pastega House. The first 750 fans receive an adjustable-fit Knights' cap.

* Sunday is Wilson Motors Night/Lil' Knights Club Game. Get your free tickets at Wilson Motors, corner of 5th Street and Buchanan Avenue in Corvallis.

* Monday (July 25) is Holiday Express Baseball Giveaway Night, presented by the Holiday Inn Express. The first 500 fans get a free baseball.

* Tuesday (July 26) is a Bi-Mart $2 Tuesday, with $2 prices on Pepsi products, $2 peanuts, and $2 Cracker Jack.

* Wednesday (July 27) is the Andrea Beem Team Key Chain Giveaway Night. The first 250 fans get a free key chain. You can also enjoy a specially-priced pour of Spindrift Cellars wine. GA tickets for seniors (60+) are just $2.

* Thursday (July 28) is a Block 15 Thursday/Reusable Grocery Bag Tote Bag Night, presented by Barker Uerlings Insurance. The first 250 fans receive a free tote bag, and there are $2 adult beverages and hot dogs.

See you there! If you cannot make it, please catch all the games on KEJO-AM 1240, with Mike Parker calling the action.

-----------------------------

Reno (AAA Pacific Coast, Diamondbacks) outfielder Mitch Haniger (2010) was 2-for-4 with a homer, a triple and three RBIs in a 6-2 win over Oklahoma City on Sunday night to earn Corvallis Knights Minor League Player of the Day honors. He raised his average to .367.

Honorable mention goes to:

* Lynchburg (A Carolina, Indians) closer Trevor Frank (2012) pitched a scoreless inning to finish off a 7-2 win over Wilmington. He had one strikeout.

* Fort Wayne (A Midwest, Padres) infielder Peter Van Gansen (2013) was 2-for-5 with an RBI in an 8-6 loss to Cedar Rapids.

* Lake County (A Midwest, Indians) outfielder David Armendariz (2011) was 3-for-4 with two doubles, two RBIs and a run in a 9-4 win over Quad Cities.

* Toledo (AAA International, Tigers) DH Dean Green (2008) was 2-for-4 with a double, a run and an RBI in an 8-4 loss to Columbus.

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That is all for today. Now that the season has started, we are blogging four days a week. See you at Goss Stadium this weekend and right back here, on Wednesday.


Knights host Cowlitz Black Bears this weekend.

July 15, 2016

Happy Friday, everyone.

------------------------

Tough loss at Walla Walla last night. We had the lead early but couldn't hold it, and thus lost the series 2-1.

We start a big WCL South Division series against Cowlitz at 6:40 tonight. Dixie State lefty Aaron Pope (3-2, 2.51) will start for Corvallis, opposed by Washington State righty Chandler Greenfield (0-1, 3.73).

Corvallis leads the all-time series with Cowlitz, 24-7, and is 12-3 all-time against the Black Bears at Goss Stadium. Corvallis also swept Cowlitz in the 2012 Divisional Series, the only time the teams have met in the playoffs.

The series will have a family connection. Corvallis outfielder Cody Hawken is the younger brother of Cowlitz pitcher Jake Hawken. Both play at Portland.

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We have lots of promotions scheduled for the final series before the all-star break.

* Friday is Nocking Point Wines Perfect 10 Night, presented by the Barbers, and Food, Toy and Clothing Drive Night, presented by Pape and Lew Schwab in support of Community Outreach, Inc. It is also our final Fred Meyer Family Friday Night. Pick up your voucher at the Corvallis or Albany Fred Meyer to get redeemed at Goss Stadium for four reserved seats, four soft drinks, four hot dogs and four popcorns for only $44.

* Saturday is Portland Trail Blazers Night, presented by Lew Schwab. The first 1,000 fans get a Blazers' 2015-2016 team yearbook; the first 750 fans get a team poster, and the first 300 fans get Blazer cheer sticks. One lucky fan will win a signed NBA basketball by Myers Leonard in a ticket drawing.

* Sunday is Pioneer Telephone/KRKT Military Appreciation Night/Les & Bob's T-Shirt Giveaway Night, presented by ServPro and the Hilton Garden Inn, and a Jamba Juice Reading Club game. All active and retired military personnel will be admitted free, and the first 250 fans through the gates get a free Knights t-shirt. Also, every Sunday is free admission for all members of the Lil' Knights Club.

See you there! If you cannot make it, please catch all the games on KEJO-AM 1240, with Mike Parker calling the action.

-----------------------

The West Coast League All-Star game is set for Tuesday at David Story Field in Longview, Wash., hosted by the Cowlitz Black Bears. The seven all-stars from Corvallis (Kyle Nobach, Adley Rutschman, Andy Atwood, Chase Kaplan, Trenton Dupre, Ryley Widell and Cameron Bishop) and other South Divisions teams will meet the best from the North Division; there will also be a Home Run Derby.

-------------------------

An update of our alums in the Frontier League, with stats through Wednesday's games:

* Infielder Carter Bell (2009) of the Joliet (Ill.) Slammers is batting .337 (63-187) in 50 games. He has six homers and 44 RBIs. Carter played at Oregon State.

* Pitcher Scott Schultz (2011) of the Schaumburg (Ill.) Boomers is 4-2, 5.27 in 10 games, with 42 strikeouts in 58 innings. He also played at OSU.

* Infielder Seth Heck (2013) of the Gateway (Ill.) Grizzlies is hitting .249 (42-169) in 47 games, with a homer and 16 RBIs. He played at Tacoma CC and at Mississippi State.

-----------------------------

Lynchburg (A Carolina, Indians) closer Trevor Frank (2012) pitched 1.2 scoreless innings and earned his eighth save in a 5-1 win over Carolina on Thursday night to earn Corvallis Knights Minor League Player of the Day honors.

Honorable mention goes to:

* Jupiter (A Florida State, Marlins) Ben Wetzler (2011) pitched two scoreless innings, got his first save and lowered his ERA to 0.44 in a 3-1 win over Brevard County.

* South Bend (A Midwest, Cubs) pitcher Casey Bloomquist (2013) struck out five in 3.1 innings and got the win in a 5-4 victory over Clinton in Game 1 of a doubleheader.

* Kannapolis (A Carolina, White Sox) pitcher Max Beatty (2010-12) allowed two hits and struck out five in 7.2 innings and got the win in a 4-2 victory over Lexington.

* Burlington (R Appalachian, Royals) catcher Nate Esposito (2012) was 2-for-3 with a double and two RBIs in a 5-4 win over Johnson City.

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That is all for today. Now that the season has started, we are blogging four days a week. See you at Goss Stadium this weekend and right back here, on Monday.


Knights conclude road trip to Walla Walla

July 14, 2016

Happy Thursday, everyone.

------------------------

Big win in Walla Walla last night. We got of the schneid and scored some runs on the road, got some great starting pitching from Grand Goodman, and some clutch hitting from Kyle Nobach, who was 4-for-4 with a double and a triple.

We conclude our series at Walla Walla tonight, looking for a series win. Lefty Hazahel Quijada (1-0, 1.10) of UC Riverside is our projected starter.

Our next home WCL series is Friday through Sunday against Cowlitz, and we have lots of promotions.

* Friday is Nocking Point Wines Perfect 10 Night, presented by the Barbers, and Food, Toy and Clothing Drive Night, presented by Pape and Lew Schwab in support of Community Outreach, Inc. It is also our final Fred Meyer Family Friday Night. Pick up your voucher at the Corvallis or Albany Fred Meyer to get redeemed at Goss Stadium for four reserved seats, four soft drinks, four hot dogs and four popcorns for only $44.

* Saturday is Portland Trail Blazers Night, presented by Lew Schwab. The first 1,000 fans get a Blazers' 2015-2016 team yearbook; the first 750 fans get a team poster, and the first 300 fans get Blazer cheer sticks. One lucky fan will win a signed NBA basketball by Myers Leonard in a ticket drawing.

* Sunday is Pioneer Telephone/KRKT Military Appreciation Night/Les & Bob's T-Shirt Giveaway Night, presented by ServPro and the Hilton Garden Inn, and a Jamba Juice Reading Club game. All active and retired military personnel will be admitted free, and the first 250 fans through the gates get a free Knights t-shirt. Also, every Sunday is free admission for all members of the Lil' Knights Club.

See you there! If you cannot make it, please catch all the games on KEJO-AM 1240, with Mike Parker calling the action.

-----------------------------

Frisco (AA Texas, Rangers) DH Alex Burg was 3-for-4 with a homer, two RBIs and a run scored in a 4-2 loss to Corpus Christi on Wednesday night to earn Corvallis Knights Minor League Player of the Day honors.

Honorable mention goes to:

* Fort Wayne (A Midwest, Padres) shortstop Peter Van Gansen (2013) was 2-for-3 with a run in a 6-0 win over Quad Cities.

* Lowell (A New York-Penn, Red Sox) pitcher Stephen Nogosek (2013) had four strikeouts in two scoreless innings in a 7-0 win over Staten Island.

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Some news from elsewhere in the WCL:

Utah sophomore Patrick Flynn of the Bend Elks and Cal State Fullerton freshman Gavin Velasquez of the Yakima Valley Pippins were named the West Coast League Player and Pitcher of the Week for July 4-10.

Flynn went 10-for-31 with seven runs scored, five doubles, three homers and 10 RBIs.

Velasquez tossed a 9-inning complete-game shutout against Corvallis at Goss Stadium on July 8 in the 7-0 win. The right-hander allowed four hits, walked one and struck out four.

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That is all for today. Now that the season has started, we are blogging four days a week. See you at Goss Stadium, and right back here, on Friday.


Cardinals promote Blake Drake to Texas League

July 12, 2016

Happy Tuesday, everyone.

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Seven Knights were selected to the South Division roster for the 2016 West Coast League All-Star Game on Monday by WCL president Donnie Marbut, following recommendations by the coaches.

The annual midsummer classic is set for Tuesday, July 19, at David Story Field in Longview, Wash., hosted by the Cowlitz Black Bears.

The honored Knights are shortstop Andy Atwood (Oregon State); utility Adley Rutschman (OSU in 2016-17); center fielder Kyle Nobach (OSU), and left-handed pitchers Cameron Bishop (UC Irvine), Chase Kaplan (Western Nevada/Kansas in 2016-17), Trenton Dupre (Washington State) and Ryley Widell (Central Arizona in 2016-17).

For a complete rundown on the game, please click here for a story from the WCL website.

-------------------------------

Our seven-game homestand ended last night with a 15-5 victory over the Salem Capitols of the Oregon Collegiate Baseball League. We concluded our nonleague schedule with a 7-0 record.

We resume WCL play at Walla Walla on tonight, Wednesday and Thursday; all three games start at 7:05 p.m. Our projected starting rotation is all-star lefty Cameron Bishop (1-2, 0.52) of UC Irvine tonight; righty Grant Goodman (0-0, 2.54) of San Francisco on Wednesday, and lefty Hazahel Quijada (1-0, 1.10) of UC Riverside on Thursday.

Our next home WCL series is Friday through Sunday against Cowlitz. See you there! If you cannot make it, please catch all the games on KEJO-AM 1240, with Mike Parker calling the action.

-----------------------

The St. Louis Cardinals have promoted outfielder Blake Drake (2013) to Springfield of the double-A Texas league for the second time this season. The Concordia grad was playing for Palm Beach in the advanced Class A Florida State League.

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Fort Wayne (A Midwest, Padres) shortstop Peter Van Gansen (2013) was 4-for-5 in a 4-3 win over West Michigan on Monday night to earn Corvallis Knights Minor League Player of the Day honors.

Honorable mention goes to:

* Springfield (AA Texas, Cardinals) outfielder Blake Drake (2013) was 1-for-3 with a run, a double and a walk in an 8-3 loss to El Paso.

-------------------

That is all for today. Now that the season has started, we are blogging four days a week. See you at Goss Stadium on Friday, and back here on Thursday.


Seven Knights named to WCL All-Star Game

July 11, 2016

Happy Monday, everyone. Hope you had a great weekend, and managed to stay dry in the inclement, unusual wet weather. Last night's downpour was impressive, for sure.

------------------------

Seven Knights were selected to the South Division roster for the 2016 West Coast League All-Star Game, WCL president Donnie Marbut announced Monday.

The annual midsummer classic is set for Tuesday, July 19, at David Story Field in Longview, Wash., hosted by the Cowlitz Black Bears. The teams were selected by Marbut following recommendations by the coaches.

The honored Knights are shortstop Andy Atwood (Oregon State); center fielder Kyle Nobach (OSU); utility Adley Rutschman (OSU in 2016-17), and left-handed pitchers Cameron Bishop (UC Irvine), Chase Kaplan (Western Nevada/Kansas in 2016-17), Trenton Dupre (Washington State) and Ryley Widell (Central Arizona in 2016-17).

The seven Knights will be joined on the South team by players from Yakima Valley, Bend, Gresham, Kitsap, and host Cowlitz. The North team will feature players from Victoria, Wenatchee, Walla Walla, Bellingham and Kelowna.

Please click here for a complete list of the 2016 WCL All-Stars.

-------------------------------

Our seven-game homestand ends at 6:40 tonight when we wrap up the nonleague portion of our schedule against the Salem Capitols of the Oregon Collegiate Baseball League. It is Papa's Pizza Slice of Fun Night, presented by IBEW 280.

The first 250 fans through the gate receive a free slice of Papa's pizza. Righty Cody Hoff of Linn-Benton CC is our scheduled starter.

We resume WCL play at Walla Walla on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; all three games start at 7:05 p.m. Our next home WCL series is July 15-17 against Cowlitz.

See you there! If you cannot make it, please catch all the games on KEJO-AM 1240, with Mike Parker calling the action.

-----------------------

The Detroit Tigers recalled alum Matt Boyd (2010) from triple-A Toledo of the International League on Friday. The former Oregon State star started against Toronto on Saturday and allowed one run and four hits over five innings, with six strikeouts.

He left with a 2-1 lead but the bullpen allowed Toronto to tie the game so he got a no-decision. Here is more on Matt's start from MLB.com.

--------------------------

Alum Scott Lyman (2010), who played at UC Davis, has been released by Miami after six years in their organization. He reached as high as double-A Jacksonville several times and was 24-39 in 119 career games, with 389 strikeouts in 541 innings.

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Frisco (AA Texas, Rangers) outfielder Alex Burg (2008) was 2-for-5 with a homer, a double, an RBI and a run in an 8-6 loss to Northwest Arkansas on Sunday night to earn Corvallis Knights Minor League Player of the Day honors.

Honorable mention goes to:

* Lake County (A Midwest, Indians) outfielder David Armendariz (2011) was 3-for-3 with a double, a run and an RBI in a 6-3 loss to Lansing.

* Burlington (R Appalachian, Royals) catcher Nate Esposito 92012) was 2-for-3 with an RBI in an 8-5 win over Pulaski.

* San Antonio (AA Texas, Padres) catcher Rocky Gale (2007, 2009) was 1-for-4 with a double and an RBI in a 6-4 win over Springfield.

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Some news from elsewhere in the WCL:

* We play Cowlitz this Friday-Sunday. Here is a story on Cowlitz shortstop Morgan McCullough from The Daily News of Kelso-Longview.

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That is all for today. Now that the season has started, we are blogging four days a week. See you at Goss Stadium tonight, and back here on Tuesday.


Knights open weekend series with Yakima Valley.

July 8, 2016

Happy Friday, everyone.

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We completed a two-day, three-game sweep of Wenatchee on Friday night by taking both ends of a doubleheader on a wet night at Goss Stadium. We are now 13-3 in our last 16 West Coast League games, and have won six series in a row.

Corner infielder Michael Farris of UC Riverside drove in three runs to take over the team lead with 15 RBIs. He had been tied with shortstop Andy Atwood of Oregon State, who knocked in two to up his total to 14.

Our three-game series against Yakima Valley opens tonight. Lefty Ryley Widell (2-0, 0.04) is our projected starter. Righty Craig Colen of Cal Poly makes his starting debut on Saturday and Grand Canyon RHP Jacob Wong gets the ball on Sunday.

The homestand ends at 6:40 p.m. Monday when we wrap up the nonleague portion of our schedule against the Salem Capitols of the Oregon Collegiate Baseball League. We then head to Walla Walla for three games, but are back home with Cowlitz on July 15-17.

* Tonight is MOM Magazine Ladies Night, hosted by Heresco Chiropractic. It is also a Fred Meyer Family Friday Night. Pick up your voucher at the Corvallis or Albany Fred Meyer to get redeemed at any Friday game at Goss Stadium for four reserved seats, four soft drinks, four hot dogs and four popcorns for only $44.

* On Saturday, the World Famous SD Chicken returns to Corvallis for the third time for our game against Yakima Valley. It is also an All-Family Vision Care $1,000 Kids Dash for Cash Night, presented by Best Heating and Cooling.

And Sunday's series finale vs. Yakima Valley is HOPE Night, presented by 107.9 FM. It is also a Lil' Knights Club game.

See you there! If you cannot make it, please catch all the games on KEJO-AM 1240, with Mike Parker calling the action.

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The WCL All-Star game is set for July 19 at David Story Field in Longview, Wash., hosted by the Cowlitz Black Bears. Players from Corvallis and other South Divisions teams will meet the best from the North Division; there will also be a Home Run Derby. Teams will be announced on Monday.

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South Bend (A Midwest, Cubs) pitcher Casey Bloomquist (2013) allowed three runs in 6.1 innings, had six strikeouts and got the win in a 6-4 victory over Fort Wayne on Thursday night to earn Corvallis Knights Minor League Player of the Day honors. His former Cal Poly and Knights teammate Peter Van Gansen (2013) was 0-for-4 for Fort Wayne.

Honorable mention goes to:

* Lake County (A Midwest, Indians) outfielder David Armendariz (2011) was 2-for-4 with an RBI in a 4-1 loss to Bowling Green.

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That is all for today. Now that the season has started, we are blogging four days a week. See you at Goss Stadium this weekend, and back here on Monday.


Knights add Brewers' draftee Louis Crow to roster.

July 7, 2016

Happy Thursday, everyone.

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Some good news to report on the roster front.

Pitcher Louis Crow, a graduated senior from Buena Park High School in Fullerton, Calif., will join the Knights for this weekend's series against Yakima Valley. A University of San Diego signee, he was selected by Milwaukee in the 16th round of the June MLB draft but apparently has elected to attend college instead.

Welcome to the Knights, Louis. He adds more quality depth for our pitching staff, which already leads the WCL in ERA.

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The Knights clinched the first-half South Division title and an automatic postseason playoff berth this past Monday with our 2-1 victory at Yakima Valley. The playoffs start on Aug. 10.

Our three-game, two-night series against Wenatchee concludes today with a 6 p.m. doubleheader. Both games will be seven innings. We also play Yakima Valley (Friday-Sunday) and the Salem Capitols of the Oregon Collegiate Baseball League (Monday) at Goss Stadium before heading to Walla Walla for three games.

* Tonight is a Block 15 Thursday; enjoy adult beverages for $2. Hot dogs are also just $2.

* Friday vs. Yakima Valley is MOM Magazine Ladies Night, hosted by Heresco Chiropractic. It is also a Fred Meyer Family Friday Night. Pick up your voucher at the Corvallis or Albany Fred Meyer to get redeemed at any Friday game at Goss Stadium for four reserved seats, four soft drinks, four hot dogs and four popcorns for only $44.

* On Saturday, the World Famous SD Chicken returns to Corvallis for the third time for our game against Yakima Valley. It is also an All-Family Vision Care $1,000 Kids Dash for Cash Night, presented by Best Heating and Cooling.

And Sunday's series finale vs. Yakima Valley is HOPE Night, presented by 107.9 FM. It is also a Lil' Knights Club game.

See you there! If you cannot make it, please catch all the games on KEJO-AM 1240, with Mike Parker calling the action.

-----------------------

The WCL All-Star game is set for July 19 at David Story Field in Longview, Wash., hosted by the Cowlitz Black Bears. Players from Corvallis and other South Divisions teams will meet the best from the North Division; there will also be a Home Run Derby. The teams will be announced on Monday.

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Alum Nick Madrigal (2015) of Oregon State was named to the D1Baseball.com Freshman All-American team on Wednesday. It's the fourth such honor for Madrigal; he was recognized earlier by Louisville Slugger/Collegiate Baseball, Baseball America and Perfect Game USA.

The Pac-12 Conference Freshman of the Year, Madrigal hit .333 and tied for OSU's lead with 65 hits. He had 11 doubles, five triples, one home run and 29 RBIs.

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Reno (AAA Pacific Coast, Diamondbacks) reliever Jimmie Sherfy (2011) had three strikeouts in a scoreless ninth inning for his first triple-A save in a 3-2 win over Tacoma on Wednesday night to earn Corvallis Knights Minor League Player of the Day honors. Teammate Mitch Haniger (2010) was 2-for-3 with a double and two RBIs for the Aces.

Honorable mention goes to:

* Montgomery (AA Southern, Rays) outfielder Cade Gotta (2011) was 2-for-4 with a run in a 4-3 loss to Mississippi.

* Jupiter (A Florida State, Marlins) reliever Ben Wetzler (2011) had one strikeout and lowered his ERA to 0.59 with two scoreless innings in a 4-0 win over Palm Beach.

* Connecticut (A New York-Penn, Tigers) pitcher Austin Sodders (2014) gave up no earned runs and had two strikeouts in three innings in a 2-1 win over Williamsport.

* Everett (A Northwest, Mariners) reliever Elliot Surrey, the current NWL Pitcher of the Week, kept his ERA at 0.00 with 1.1 scoreless innings in a 12-1 win over Eugene.

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That is all for today. Now that the season has started, we are blogging four days a week. Have a great day; see you at Goss Stadium on Thursday night, and back here on Friday.