Fan advisory: Detour set up to get to the ballpark this week

Paul Valencia
ClarkCountyToday.com

The Ridgefield Raptors can use some hometown support this week as the team launches its longest West Coast League homestand of the season to date.

Oh, and when the Raptors hit the road again, it will only be for a short time before they are back at The RORC for an even longer homestand.

And here is some news you can use: There is a traffic advisory for fans for this week.

The Raptors host the Bend Elks for three games, and then the Portland Pickles for three games, and fans might want to plan for an extra few minutes to get to the ballpark.

South Royle Road, which leads right to the Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex, is closed through July 3. A recommended detour will take fans from Pioneer Street to 56th Place, 6th Way, Timm Road, and eventually to 11th Street and South Wells Road.

All roads lead to the RORC in the summertime, right?

Once at the RORC, fans will see the Raptors take on the Elks from Tuesday (June 25) through Thursday (June 27.) All games start at 6:35 p.m.

The series opener is $3 Tuesday, with general admission tickets and several food and drink items for $3 each. The first 100 fans at the concession stand receive a $3 coupon, as well.

Speaking of money, children will get an opportunity to put some cash in their pockets on Thursday. Children ages 6 to 12 will have a Dash for Cash moment, with $2,000 on the baseball field.

The Raptors will host the Portland Pickles for a three-game set over the weekend, starting Friday, June. 28. 

Friday’s game and atmosphere are still family-friendly, but the promotion is targeted for the 21-and-older crowd. It’s Local Wine Night, celebrating Southwest Washington’s thriving wine scene. The Friday game starts at 6:35 p.m., but the party at the platform beyond left field begins at 5 p.m.

Saturday’s game against the Pickles is also 6:35 p.m, while the series finale on Sunday is at 1:05 p.m.

On the field, the Raptors have been struggling to find their fitting this season, sitting at 7-10 in the West Coast League. But they did just finish 4-2 on their most recent road trip.

Among the bright spots individually has been pitcher Dylan Stewart of Pepperdine University. In three starts this season, he is 1-0 with a 1.80 ERA with 15 strikeouts in 15 innings with an 0.87 WHIP. Stewart is expected to pitch this week, likely against the Elks. 

If the Raptors do find some momentum, the RORC could become quite the atmosphere. After six consecutive home games this week, the Raptors will hit the road for two games, then return for seven home games in a row, including a mid-afternoon game on Independence Day.

That makes for 13 of the next 15 games in Ridgefield.

“We’re excited for some home cooking,” said Gus Farah, the team’s general manager. “A six-game road trip is very difficult for any team, but we came out of it 4-2. We’re excited. Our kids are competing harder. We are looking forward to fan support. We have been on the road long enough.”

The promotions at The RORC have seen a lot of success already this season. The RORC hosted more than 2,400 fans at one game. Farah wanted to point out that for games with large crowds, there is overflow parking at nearby Ridgefield High School.

“There is something for everybody in the next 13 (home) games, as far as promotional nights at the park,” Farah said.