Elks shutout by Pickles to snap win streak

Bend’s bats struggled against Portland’s impressive pitching. (Sage Young)

Bend, OR - Coming off its first sweep of the season, Bend's win streak couldn't survive into the next series as a hungry Portland Pickles squad shut out the Elks 2-0 for the first time this summer.

Portland (7-4, 7-4), who was fresh off the wrong end of the sweep, got back in the winning column through prominent pitching that tied up the Elks' bats all night.

Bend's (7-6, 7-6) best chance at getting on the board came in the final frame. The Elks had the bases loaded with one out and Brandon Forester at the Plate.  But a bang bang play ended the Elks chance at a walk off as Forester lined out to Chipper Beck who flipped it to second immediately to complete the game ending double play.

The Elks pitchers played their part in limiting the Pickles to just two runs, both of which Sam Chistriansen was responsible for on a sacrifice fly in the second and a two-out RBI single in the sixth. Luke Hines (0-2) tossed six frames with two strikeouts and surrendered those two runs to Christiansen. Elk relievers Mason Edwards and Xavier Richards combined to retire nine of the final 12 Pickles faced.

Portland hurlers Brock Roundy and Shay Timmer (1-0) combined for eight shutout innings, allotting the Elks just six hits and nine strikeouts.

Bend hopes to even the series against the Pickles on Saturday at Vince Genna Stadium. First Pitch is set for 6:35 p.m. Get your tickets now!