Talented Fox helps HarbourCats spoil Pippins’ home opener

VICTORIA 7 YAKIMA VALLEY 6

What does the Fox say, asks the novelty song.

Well, he does his talking on the diamond.

Parksville Royals graduate Ethan Fox not only hit three RBIs as a designated hitter but also took the win on the mound in relief in a 7-6 Victoria HarbouCats victory Friday night over the Pippins in the Yakima Valley.

The native of Campbell River, who plays for Douglas College, was only signed as a 10-day contract player to fill in for NCAA players who have not yet arrived for the ’Cats.

“This guy is really impressive and is opening eyes,” said Victoria GM Brad Norris-Jones, adding that two NCAA Div 1 coaches are even flying up to see Fox play.

Fox went from being off the radar to a rash all over it.

“NCAA coaches are saying we have to see this kid,” said NorrisJones.

The HarbourCats are 2-0 in the West Coast League and Yakima Valley 0-1.

One of the toughest things in baseball is to be the road team for the opponent’s season home opener. Teams unveiling the season in front of the home faithful are usually jacked up. The HarbourCats faced that situation back-to-back, providing the opposition for the Pippins home opener Friday after doing the same the night before for the Lefties in an 11-2 victory in Port Angeles.

Second-year HarbourCats pitcher Colin Ashworth, a six-foottwo right-hander from the NCAA Div. 1 University of Hawaii Rainbows, started but ran into trouble in the third inning.

The HarbourCats continue their three-game set against the Pippins today and Sunday before Victoria hosts its home opener on Monday night against the Wenatchee AppleSox at Royal Athletic Park.