The Victoria HarbourCats’ season ended Sunday night with a narrow 8-7 loss to the Edmonton Riverhawks in Game 3 of their divisional playoff series.
Victoria dropped Game 1 at Wilson’s Group Stadium at Royal Athletic Park 6-1 but bounced back with a 3-1 win Saturday to force a decisive Game 3.
The HarbourCats and Riverhawks became familiar foes over the past week, playing seven games in seven days, including their final four-game regular-season series.
In Game 3, Edmonton took control early, scoring six runs in the opening inning.
“It was a tough first inning in a number of ways that put us behind 6-0,” said HarbourCats managing partner Jim Swanson. “We don’t like to blame umpires, but it was a tough inning.”
Victoria chipped away, scoring two runs by the sixth inning to pull within 6-2. Edmonton then pushed the lead to 8-2 before Victoria mounted a furious ninth-inning rally, scoring five runs and loading the bases with one out.
“We scored five runs and had the bases loaded, with one out and then two outs, and a chance to not just tie the game, but go ahead,” Swanson said. “To fall short like that is obviously hard.”
Tyler Patrick started for Victoria and pitched six innings despite the rough start.
“The six runs weren’t all on him,” Swanson said. “He responded well and gave us a chance to come back.”
Playing in front of a raucous Edmonton crowd that totalled nearly 10,000 over the two games, the HarbourCats showed resilience throughout the series.
“Edmonton does a great job with their game presentation and supporting the home team,” Swanson said. “For us to win Game 2 was a really good mark."
Swanson credited head coach Todd Haney for instilling a 'never say quit' attitude within the clubhouse.
“Todd is, in my estimation, the best head coach in summer ball and maybe ever in summer collegiate baseball,” he said. “He instills an intensity and a desire to develop while winning games. We have him signed through 2030 and feel very fortunate.”
Victoria used eight pitchers in the series, with Ryne Palmer earning their only playoff win.
Offensively, infielder Jake Butler batted .364, outfielder Kamana Nahaku went four-for-13 with a home run and three RBIs, and catcher Dillon Lopez hit .286 while managing the pitching staff.
“Dillon is one of the best catchers we’ve ever had,” Swanson said. “He did a tremendous job behind the plate and was one of our better hitters as well.”
Edmonton now advances to face the Bellingham Bells in the North Division championship, with the winner moving on to the WCL title game on Aug. 14. Meanwhile, past champions Corvallis Knights (2023) and Portland Pickles (2024) vie for the South Division crown.
Edmonton aims to become the first Canadian team to win the championship.
Despite the playoff exit, Victoria is already looking ahead to 2026 and 2027, when the city will host the WCL All-Star games for the first time since 2013.
The two-day 2026 event on July 14-15 will include a major pregame concert, home-run derby and community baseball camps.
“Usually, after our final game, there’s a bit of a drag knowing how far away summer ball is again, but knowing the All-Star game is coming to Victoria brings a lot of excitement,” Swanson said. “This isn’t just going to be a game – it’s going to be a festival.”
