The Kelowna Falcons swooped into Wilson鈥檚 Group Stadium at Royal Athletic Park on Friday night and sank their claws into the Victoria HarbourCats.
The Falcons, having taken flight lately with six straight West Coast League wins coming into Friday鈥檚 action, made it seven straight victories thanks to an early grand slam from Matt Voelzke, lifting Kelowna past Victoria by an 8-4 score.
Voelzke finished 2-for-5 with five RBIs as the Falcons moved to 13-9 on the season, while the HarbourCats, losers of three straight games, dropped to 10-12.
Canadian Trevor Bridgen started on the hill for Kelowna and went six innings, allowing two runs while striking out seven.
Nicky Gibbs was the lone offensive bright spot for Victoria in front of 1,462 fans. Gibbs belted a two-run homer in the bottom of the fifth to cut the Falcons lead to 4-2. Nick Plaia and Dustin Demeter both finished 2-for-4 on the night for the HarbourCats.
Trent Tinglestad put the game on ice for Kelowna thanks to a two-run shot in the top of the ninth. It was Tinglestad鈥檚 fifth home run of the season and 20th and 21st RBIs.
Ferndale, Washington, product Mason Shaw (0-1) made his second start on the hill for Victoria and went four innings, giving up four earned runs while striking out five.
The HarbourCats and Falcons are back at it tonight on Fireworks Night at Wilson鈥檚 Group Stadium. The three-game set wraps up Sunday afternoon.
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