Pippins storm back on ’Cats

The Victoria HarbourCats began a critical West Coast League series in Washington state with a costly loss Tuesday night against the Yakima Valley Pippins.

The Pippins, trailing 9-2 in the fourth inning, rallied for a 10-9 victory with a walk-off run in the bottom of the ninth inning.

The HarbourCats fell five games behind the leading Pippins in the race for the North Division second-half title, which is the clearest way for Victoria or Yakima Valley to make the playoffs, after the Bellingham Bells secured the first-half title and first divisional playoff spot. If the Bells, who are 2 12 ⁄ games behind Yakima Valley in the second half, also win the secondhalf race, the team with the next best overall record to the Bells will get the second and final North Division playoff berth.

Nick Plaia led Victoria on Tuesday with three hits, including a double, with an RBI and three runs scored. Hunter Vansau added three hits, with a double, an RBI and two runs scored. Ryan Ober had a triple.

The HarbourCats (9-10 in the second half and 23-23 overall) continue their set against the Pippins (14-5 in the second half and 25-21 overall) tonight and Thursday before beginning a three-game series in Wenatchee against the AppleSox.

The HarbourCats close out the regular season with a three-game set against the Portland Pickles beginning Monday at Wilson’s Group Stadium at Royal Athletic Park.