Articles

May 30, 2026

Portland, OR – It was billed as “Wrestling Night” in Portland Saturday night and while the wrestlers in the ring on the third base concourse of Walker Stadium did their best to ensure chaos reigned there all night, the HarbourCats did the same on the field, pummelling the Pickles by a score of 15-6.

FULL BOX SCORE


Victoria atoned for their three-hit performance in the opener on Friday by body slamming the Pickles for 19 hits in total, 14 of which came in the first four innings, allowing them to build a 13-0 lead over that same time span.

The Pickles got up off the mat briefly in the bottom of the fourth, scoring all their six runs in that frame, but never threatened again after that, shut-out the rest of the way.

The HarbourCats offence was led by leadoff hitter David Krahn, who had four hits, including a double, four RBI and four runs scored. Right behind him was Dryden Fuoco with three hits, including a double and the first HarbourCats home run of the season. Max Bernal, Jax Heid, Lukas Le Gras, Matthew Westley, Rhone Klein and Kade Davis also contributed two hits each to the winning effort.

Victoria starter Erik Rico was flat out brilliant in his HarbourCats debut, going three shut-out innings, and allowing just two hits and one walk, while striking out six, including the first three Portland batters of the game. Relievers Bryson Toner, Hunter Daniels, Easton Reimers and Anson Stuckly were also solid, combing for 5.1 innings of scoreless relief with eight strikeouts.

WCL STANDINGS

The HarbourCats and Pickles will complete the rubber match of the series on Sunday night wth a 6:05 PM start. Victoria then travels home for their opener against the Edmonton Riverhawks on Tuesday, June 2 at 6:35. Tickets for that are selling fast and are available at http://harbourcats.com/tickets.

The Cats fought hard but fell short in the first game of 2026

Portland, OR – The HarbourCats began the 2026 season tonight, falling 8-2 in the first game of the year to the Portland Pickles.

The Cats struck first in the season opener, as Kade Davis (UTSA) scored from third in the first inning on a Dryden Fuoco (Hill College) groundout. Portland returned fire in the bottom of the first, cashing in a run on a base knock to right field and tying the ballgame at 1-1.

BOX SCORE

HarbourCats starter Daniel Tovar (Northern Kentucky) saw his night come to an end following an action-packed second inning where he fielded all three outs. The Los Angeles product went two innings, giving up a pair of hits, one earned run, one walk, and a strikeout. Caden Shoul (Wenatchee Valley) kicked off the bottom of the third inning on the mound for the Cats, and the Pickles would break through with three more runs to claim a 4-1 lead.

A fruitful eighth inning broke the game open for Portland

Victoria got back on the board in the top of the fifth with Frankie Rutigliano (Portland) taking first on a dropped third strike and later scoring from third on a groundout from Jai Berezowski (Victoria Collegiate Cats).

Pierce Stone (Regis) worked the fourth and fifth innings for the Cats, refusing to surrender any runs on a pair of hits and a walk. Flynn Warren (Hawaii Pacific) took over for the sixth and seventh, and kept the lid on the Pickles through two hitless innings.

Portland added on in the eighth, as Cats reliever Marcus Janovsky (UBC) gave up four runs on three walks and a hit.

Victoria managed to load the bases in the ninth, but the runners were left on and Portland came away with the 8-2 win.

WCL STANDINGS

The HarbourCats will be in Portland all weekend, with 6:30 pm games on May 30 and 31, before returning home on June 2 for the Home Opener.

Single game tickets for all HarbourCats games and the 2026 West Coast League All-Star Game and Home Run Derby are now on sale at http://harbourcats.com/tickets. Season tickets, 12-pack and 32-pack game vouchers may also be bought online or by stopping by the HarbourCats office at 101-1814 Vancouver Street.

VICTORIA, B.C. — Showpass, one of North America’s fastest-growing event technology companies has stepped up to the plate as the Title Partner of the 2026 West Coast League All-Star Game Festival.

In what is a perfect alignment due to the high-demand nature of event tickets, Showpass is reflecting the premier level of collaboration needed to elevate the WCL All-Star Game and Home Run Derby to an unforgettable experience for fans, players, coaches, and all others who are so deeply ingrained with the WCL. The Home Run Derby will feature recent MLB star Kevin Pillar as one of the full participants.

The Showpass logo will now be involved in all digital usage of the event logo, topping the graphic.

Showpass is the official ticketing company for three West Coast League teams, the Bend Elks, and the Victoria HarbourCats and Nanaimo NightOwls — helping those teams achieve outstanding customer outcomes that are fan-friendly with online, in-office and ticket booth interfacing options.

“The WCL is building something special around summer baseball, and the All-Star Game is a showcase of what strong organizations and great communities can create together,” said Lucas McCarthy, Founder and CEO of Showpass. “The HarbourCats have put real vision behind this event, turning it into more than just a game day experience. At Showpass, we’re proud to support organizations that are pushing their events forward, investing in their fans, and creating moments that bring communities together. We’re excited to help elevate the 2026 WCL All-Star Game Festival in Victoria.”

The Showpass logo will be prominent on the field, and the fingerprints of their ticketing and live event technology platform will be a key aspect of the outstanding experience around this two-day event in Victoria, one of the top destination cities in the world. Fan engagement activations and video content across many platforms, produced by Showpass, will be prominent in bringing this partnership to life.

“Showpass has stepped up since our very first meeting, and fully understands what our Island teams are looking to accomplish — more than that, they understand the fan ticketing experience is essential to growing strong attendance and revenue numbers, and they do it with gusto and skill,” said Adrian Somers, Vice-President of Operations and Business for the HarbourCats and NightOwls. “Showpass will be front and centre during these events, and we are proud to walk shoulder-to-shoulder with them in all that we do, but especially this Showpass WCL All-Star Game.”

The 2026 Showpass West Coast League All-Star Game Festival takes place July 14-15 in Victoria, at sites across the city but primarly at Wilson’s Group Stadium at Royal Athletic Park. The feature events include the Home Run Derby on Tuesday, July 14 (6:35pm) and All-Star Game on Wednesday, July 15 (7pm), with activities at the stadium up to two hours prior to the start — live bands, food trucks, and special pre-game entertainment fans will not want to miss.

The best of the West Coast League will be on display. The league has produced top Major League Baseball draft picks such as No. 1 overall selections Travis Bazzana and Adley Rutschman, along with current MLB stars such as Tarik Skubal, Nathan Lukes, Nick Pivetta, Shane Bieber and Andrew Vaughn.

For more information on tickets, go to http://harbourcats.com/tickets

ABOUT SHOWPASS

Showpass is the operating system for independent live events, connecting every stage of the event lifecycle into one platform. From ticketing and marketing to operations, analytics, and financing, Showpass gives organizers one system to run, grow, and own their events. More than 175 million tickets have been issued through Showpass, powering music, sports, festivals, venues, cultural events, and everyday things to do across North America. Built with a mission to reignite the joy of live experiences, Showpass equips organizers with the tools and support needed to elevate the fan experience. Independently owned, Showpass is one of North America’s fastest-growing event technology companies, recognized by Deloitte’s Technology Fast 50 and named to The Globe and Mail’s Canada’s Top Growing Companies list for three consecutive years.

For media inquiries, contact:

Adrian Somers, Victoria HarbourCats
adrian@harbourcats.com

Katelyn Marchyshyn
Katelyn.marchyshyn@showpass.com

The HarbourCats fell just short to the Riverhawks at the end of the 2025 season in a tightly-contested series

VICTORIA, B.C. – They say familiarity breeds contempt. With the HarbourCats home opener looming one week from today, the old proverb certainly applies to the first homestand of the 2026 season. After seven consecutive contests between Victoria and Edmonton to end the 2025 season, the Riverhawks will perch in Victoria for a three-game series beginning June 2.

For the returning HarbourCats, last year’s playoff series against Edmonton will be fresh in their minds. Victoria forced game three after dropping the opener, but were defeated 8-7 after a valiant comeback effort. Todd Haney’s crew will be in search of sweet revenge in the opening homestand of the year.

Among the returnees is Austin Lindsey, a right-handed pitcher entering his second season as a HarbourCat. The Lufkin, Texas product went 8-3 over 13 starts for Hill College this season, striking out 48 batters and maintaining an ERA just under five. Lindsey earned a crucial save in game two of the playoffs last year, striking out two in the ninth inning to force game three. Marcus Janovsky returns for the Cats as well, who struck out five over three innings in game one of the Victoria-Edmonton series last year.

Austin Lindsey (Hill College) held on for a critical save in the playoffs last season

Tuesday, June 2 is the home opener, always one of the most exciting days of baseball season! Fresh off an away series in Portland, the Cats will return to Victoria for their first performance in front of a home crowd in the 2026 season.

Following the home opener, Wednesday, June 3’s game is Help Fill a Dream Night, in partnership with the Help Fill a Dream Foundation in support of families with children affected by serious health challenges. The series wraps up on June 4, with our first School Spirit Game, where local students can enjoy some HarbourCats baseball and bring the youthful energy to Royal Athletic Park!

The homestand continues into the weekend with a trio of skirmishes with the Kelowna Falcons, including some fun theme nights! June 5 is Forces Friday, where military members and first responders can take advantage of special ticket discounts. June 6 is the first fireworks night of the season, with gates opening at 5 pm, followed by a Sunday matinee on June 7 where kids can run the bases after the game.

Homestand Schedule:

• June 2 6:35 pm – Home Opener
• June 3 6:35 pm – Help Fill a Dream Night
• June 4 11:05 am – School Spirit Game (sold out, select tickets may become available)
• June 5 6:35 pm – Forces Friday
• June 6 6:35 pm – Fireworks Night
• June 7 1:05 pm – Sunday Matinee

Single game tickets for all HarbourCats games and the 2026 West Coast League All-Star Game and Home Run Derby are now on sale at http://harbourcats.com/tickets. Season tickets, 12-pack and 32-pack game vouchers may also be bought online or by stopping by the HarbourCats office at 101-1814 Vancouver Street.

New and enhanced hospitality spaces, upgraded fan experiences, and streamlined online booking now live at harbourcats.com/groups

May 22, 2026

VICTORIA, B.C. – The Victoria HarbourCats are elevating the group entertainment experience for their 2026 season with expanded premium hospitality offerings, upgraded fan spaces, and a newly enhanced online booking platform designed to make planning summer outings easier than ever heading in to the All-Star Game Festival taking place at Wilson’s Group Stadium at Royal Athletic Park and around the City July 14th – 16th, 2026.

With demand continuing to grow for corporate outings, staff events, client entertainment, birthdays, reunions, and social gatherings, the HarbourCats have introduced several refreshed and newly-enhanced group spaces at Royal Athletic Park – many of which are already seeing strong early demand.

Fans and organizations can now explore real-time availability, view space details/renderings, review spacing/capacity and pricing information, and submit booking requests directly at harbourcats.com/groups.

New and enhanced premium spaces for the 2026 season include:

Canadian Club House – a newly themed hospitality space along the third base line designed for groups and premium experiences.

The Nordic Fencing Dugout – an intimate field-level hospitality option next to the HarbourCats dugout that places guests close to the action while providing a unique experience for smaller private groups with tables for two.

The Strath Party Deck – a long-time fan favourite that continues to be one of the stadium’s most popular group destinations, offering a high-energy atmosphere ideal for larger celebrations, team outings, and company events.

Top Deck Lounge by Sipsmith Gin – one of the most unique viewing experiences in summer baseball returns with major upgrades for 2026, inside and atop the iconic double-decker British bus along the first base line.

Vancouver Island Brewing Islander FanZone – a casual and energetic group environment giving an outdoor brewery patio vibe that remains a popular option for fans looking for a fun and flexible game-day gathering space.

“Our premium hospitality program has grown significantly because people are looking for experiences that go beyond simply attending a baseball game,” said Jim Swanson, Managing Partner of the Victoria HarbourCats. “We’re proud to have hired some of the best in hospitality management to take it to the next level, whether it’s a company event, client appreciation night, staff party, birthday celebration, or just getting friends together, our team has created unique options to fit every type of group.”

Several key summer dates – including fireworks nights, weekend matchups, and 2026 West Coast League All-Star Game festivities – are already seeing limited availability.

Groups interested in booking are encouraged to visit harbourcats.com/groups to explore options and secure preferred dates before availability becomes limited.

More details are forthcoming on additional activations, including an exciting addition to the park, a recently-installed viewing platform with arguably the best view in the house!

ABOUT THE VICTORIA HARBOURCATS

The Victoria HarbourCats are a premier summer collegiate baseball organization competing in the West Coast League, delivering high-quality baseball and entertainment to fans at Wilson’s Group Stadium at Royal Athletic Park in Victoria, British Columbia.

Media Contact:
Jim Swanson
(778) 265-0327
jim@harbourcats.com
www.harbourcats.com

VICTORIA, B.C. – The Victoria HarbourCats are proud to announce that Canadian Club has been named the Presenting Sponsor of the 2026 West Coast League All-Star Game, marking a major milestone in a new long-term partnership with Suntory Global Spirits. The All-Star Game sponsorship forms part of a long-term agreement between the HarbourCats and Suntory, bringing Canadian Club, one of the world’s most admired whisky brands to the forefront of one of summer baseball’s premier events.

As Presenting Sponsor, Canadian Club will play a central role in shaping the fan experience at the 2026 West Coast League All-Star Game, set to take place at Wilson’s Group Stadium at Royal Athletic Park July 15th, 2026, preceded by the Home Run Derby July 14th, 2026.

Beyond the All-Star Game festivities, fans can expect to see Suntory Global Spirits brands integrated throughout the ballpark this season with a series of elevated and immersive activations, including:

• Top Deck Lounge by Sipsmith Gin – a refreshed, unique double-decker British bus
experience offering premium views and a vibrant social atmosphere.
• Canadian Club House – a newly themed hospitality space along the third base line
designed for groups and premium experiences.
• Additional in-game and on-site activations designed to enhance the overall fan
experience throughout the 2026 season.

Fans, groups, and organizers are encouraged to visit harbourcats.com/groups to find availability and booking information for all premium spaces as the Home Opener draws closer.

“Partnering with Canadian Club as the Presenting Sponsor of the 2026 West Coast League All-Star Game is a tremendous step forward for our organization,” said Jim Swanson, Managing Partner of the Victoria HarbourCats. “This long-term agreement with Suntory Global Spirits allows us to elevate not only the All-Star Game, but the entire fan experience at the ballpark.”

“As long-time community supporters, we’re excited to continue our work and expand
our visible presence in Victoria and be part of such a marquee event,” said Karissa Dahl
of Suntory Global Spirits. “Canadian Club has a long history of bringing people together, and the HarbourCats provide the perfect platform to connect with fans in a fun and meaningful way.”

The 2026 West Coast League All-Star Game will bring together the league’s top talent for a celebration of collegiate summer baseball, with Canadian Club at the centre of the festivities.

Details on All-Star Game programming, events, and ticketing will continue to be announced in the coming weeks leading up to the festival.

ABOUT THE VICTORIA HARBOURCATS
The Victoria HarbourCats are a premier summer collegiate baseball organization competing in the West Coast League, delivering high-quality baseball and entertainment to fans at Wilson’s Group Stadium at Royal Athletic Park in Victoria, British Columbia.

Media Contact:

Jim Swanson
(778) 265-0327
jim@harbourcats.com
www.harbourcats.com

ABOUT SUNTORY GLOBAL SPIRITS
Suntory Global Spirits is a world leader in premium spirits with a mission of inspiring human connections. Their includes notable brands such as -196, Canadian Club, Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Sipsmith Gin, Alberta Distillers, and other globally-recognized products. With an unwavering attention to detail and enduring respect for nature, Suntory crafts spirits of the highest quality and delivers brilliant experiences to people around the world.

Media Contact:

Karissa Dahl
(604) 340-1779
karissa.dahl@beamsuntory.com
www.suntoryglobalspirits.com

Carter Eberhard (Cal Baptist) (above) made a splash in the Alaska League last summer (photo courtesy of  CBU Lancers)

VICTORIA, B.C. — It’s hard to believe, but Hayden Woodson is about to become the first USC Trojan in Victoria HarbourCats history, with the team now into its 12th season in the West Coast League.

Woodson, a shortstop by trade who is athletic enough to play all over the diamond, saw little playing time at powerhouse USC as a freshman — but will get to break out as a HarbourCat in front of Victoria fans at Wilson’s Group Stadium at Royal Athletic Park, site of the 2026 and 2027 WCL All-Star Game festivities.

Woodson is joined on the last list of announced players for the 2026 season by Victoria-raised catcher Lukas LeGras, who got a taste of the WCL last summer.

Head coach Todd Haney has signed the following players for 2026:

C Lukas LeGras, Westmont, R/R, 6-0/205, Victoria
IF/OF Hayden Woodson, USC, R/R, 5-11/182, Whittier, CA
SS Frankie Rutigliano, Portland, R/R, 6-0/160, Medford, OR
1B/3B Carter Eberhard, Cal Baptist, L/R, 6-2/180, Castro Valley, CA
OF Bryan Bradshaw, UC San Diego, L/L, 6-0/210, Pomona, CA
SS Jax Heid, Southeastern Oklahoma State, R/R, 6-0/185, Boyd, TX

LeGras graduated from the Victoria Eagles PBL program and moved to Westmont University in California this past season, playing in ten games as freshman in an NCAA Div II conference. The Lambrick grad saw action in two WCL games for the HarbourCats last summer.

Rutigliano is a sophomore who does strong infield work with his glove and arm, and used his speed to swipe 19 bags for the Medford Rogues in the summer of 2025.

Eberhard, a lefty hitter finishing his sophomore year, hit .345 in the famed Alaska League in the summer of 2025, and has five home runs for CBU this spring in 37 games, including 19 starts.

Bradshaw, a lefty-hitting junior, broke out as a college hitter batting .404 with seven home runs and 13 stolen bases while at Mt. Sac in junior college.

Heid saw plenty of playing time as a freshman, batting .258 with a couple of home runs, while drawing 31 walks over 49 games and striking out just 20 times.

The HarbourCats begin their 2026 season on May 29th with a visit to Portland and then return to Victoria for the Home Opener against the Edmonton Riverhawks on Tuesday, June 2, 6:30 pm.

Season tickets, single-game tickets, 12 and 32-game flex packs and 2026 All-Star Game ticket packages are now on sale at http://harbourcats.com/tickets or at the HarbourCats office at 1814 Vancouver Street.

Jeremiah Arnett (Rice University) (above) brings a veteran presence to the HarbourCats pitching staff. (photo courtesy of Rice University Athletics)

VICTORIA, B.C. — Big name schools are all over the latest group of Victoria HarbourCats player signed by Todd Haney.

The recruiting network of the head coach has unearthed power arms from Rice, Arkansas State and UC-San Diego, along with an outfielder from Fresno State and another from Hill College,

“Todd works very hard at putting a winning product on the field for our fans,” said Christian Stewart, GM of the HarbourCats. “We know these guys will compete in our environment, and in a very good league like the West Coast League. These guys also have a shot at being added to the list of eight players to play for us and go on to the MLB level.”

Announced today:

RHP Tate Collins, Arkansas State, 6-3/215, Little Rock, AR
RHP Houston Tomlinson, Arkansas State, 6-0/200, Spring, TX
RHP Jeremiah Arnett, Rice, 6-4/215, Waco, TX
RHP Quincey Brown, UC San Diego, 6-2/175, Seattle, WA
OF/1B Dryden Fuoco, Hill College, L/L, 6-1/205, Vancouver, BC
OF Marcus Nolen, Fresno State, R/R, 6-3/220, Fresno, CA

Collins is a sophomore who was previously at Central Arkansas, and teammate his Tomlinson has started one game for Arkansas State as a redshirt freshman.

Arnett is a junior who will be expected to anchor the staff as a veteran pitcher. He’s 2-2 with a save over ten appearances, including six starts at Rice.

Brown, from Seattle, has made 14 appearances as a freshman and is striking out a batter per inning. He earned his first college win on Feb. 24 in a victory over rival University of San Diego.

Fuoco is from Vancouver and is having a strong junior college season — batting .307 with six home runs, 42 RBIs and four stolen bases in 53 games.

Nolen is a physical specimen who has nine home runs and 12 doubles through 47 games as a freshman, batting .246.

The HarbourCats begin their 2026 season on May 29th with a visit to Portland and then return to Victoria for the Home Opener against the Edmonton Riverhawks on Tuesday, June 2, 6:30 pm.

Season tickets, single-game tickets, 12 and 32-game flex packs and 2026 All-Star Game ticket packages are now on sale at http://harbourcats.com/tickets or at the HarbourCats office at 1814 Vancouver Street.

New taproom patio experience brings great local beer and a relaxed summer energy to a brand new gathering space at the ballpark.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

VICTORIA, B.C., May 12, 2026 — Vancouver Island Brewing and the Victoria HarbourCats are excited to share new details about the Islander FanZone, a new in-park activation debuting this season at Wilson’s Group Stadium at Royal Athletic Park.

Building on the recently announced partnership between Vancouver Island Brewing and the HarbourCats, the Islander FanZone will bring a true taproom patio experience to the ballpark; a new experience for fans of the HarbourCats to enjoy the game, and a physical footprint for fans of Vancouver Island Brewing to enjoy their products.

Designed to capture the laid-back spirit of a Vancouver Island summer, the space – located on the first base concourse behind Section 6 reserved seating – will feature high-top seating for up to 40 in different formats (a total capacity of 50), umbrellas, patio games, and artificial turf, creating a welcoming and social atmosphere for fans to gather, relax, and enjoy the game on Islander time.

The hybrid ticketed and VIP space will be ideal for a wide range of social occasions, from casual outings with friends to group gatherings and summer celebrations at the ballpark.

Fans visiting the Islander FanZone will be able to enjoy a lineup of Vancouver Island Brewing favourites, including Islander Lager, Broken Islands Hazy IPA, Breakpoint Pilsner and Seadog Amber Ale, a selection that brings some of the brewery’s most approachable and easy-drinking beers to the ballpark.

“We couldn’t be more excited to build this space and share a genuine craft beer experience at the ballpark with the Islander FanZone,” said Zach Van Der Ende, Director of Sales and Marketing, Vancouver Island Brewing. “Great beer and baseball have always been a perfect match, and we’re excited to help create a space where fans can come together, relax, and share great experiences all summer long.”

“The Islander FanZone is going to be a fantastic addition to the fan experience,” said Christian Stewart, General Manager of the Victoria HarbourCats. “It gives both loyal fans and newcomers an exciting way to take in a HarbourCats baseball game, whether they’re coming with family, meeting up with friends, or hosting a group event.”

The Islander FanZone reflects the shared vision behind the Vancouver Island Brewing and HarbourCats partnership: creating experiences that feel local, memorable, and made for summer. As the season gets underway, the new space will offer fans another reason to arrive early, stay longer, and take in everything that makes a night at the ballpark special.

Visit www.harbourcats.com/groups to find available game days for booking the Islander FanZone, or simply head to the HarbourCats.com/tickets to purchase individual tickets.

About Vancouver Island Brewing
Vancouver Island Brewing has been crafting beer on the Island since 1984, rooted in the community and landscapes that inspire every pour. Vancouver Island Brewing makes award-winning beers, from classic lagers to innovative ales, using quality ingredients and traditional brewing methods inspired by the island it calls home. Learn more at vibrewing.com.

About the Victoria HarbourCats
The Victoria HarbourCats are a member of the West Coast League, a summer collegiate baseball league featuring top NCAA talent from across North America. The HarbourCats play their home games at Wilson Group’s Stadium at Royal Athletic Park in Victoria, B.C. Learn more at www.harbourcats.com.

Media Contacts:
Zach Van Der Ende, Director Sales and Marketing Vancouver Island Brewing zach@vibrewingcom | 778-938-8220
Christian Stewart, General Manager Victoria HarbourCats chris@harbourcats.com | 778-265-0327

By Norm LeBus

Victoria, BC – He works fast and he likes a crowd. That makes third-year pitcher Shea Lake a hit with his teammates – and even former coaches.

In the relative pressure cooker of Wilson’s Group Stadium at Royal Athletic Park, there’s an electricity on good summer nights that’s not coming from the overhead lights.

“It’s kind of like that white line fever,” former pitching coach Scott Anderson tells me from Portland. Scott spent three seasons mentoring the ‘Cats mound prospects. “Some of those guys when they come out across the foul lines and they get 3,000 people in the stands it’s a little bit different story.”

But at 6-3, Shea Lake stands tall on the mound.

“First off, when we’re in Victoria it’s a much better crowd than anywhere else,” he says.

“I just think the way that RAP kind of fits – all those people packed in close together, the energy just fills the room, especially playing night games, firework nights, all the stuff like that.”

Lake is one of the rare three-year players with Victoria. And like many of the ‘Cats, he’s had a nomadic path to BC’s capital.

In his case, ‘Cats fans can thank the U.S. Department of State.

After his freshman year at Hawaii Pacific the coaching staff placed Lake with the Swift Current 57s of the Westen Canadian Baseball League. But Lake’s passport did not arrive in time to play summer baseball. Instead, he’s in town for a trifecta: ’24, 25 and now 2026.

And the 2025 campaign was a busy one: Lake appeared in nine games and pitched 34 innings, compiling a 2-2 record and 3.20 ERA. And both fans and teammates appreciated his efficient pace on the hill. Lake works quickly.

“It’s one of the more underlying things in baseball that people don’t really see,” Lake says. “When your D is out there for a while, it kind of wears them out throughout the game. Getting them off the field and staying on their hitting side, it’s always good for the offense and the fans kind of like it — especially when you have an offense like us.”

And how would he describe himself on the hill?

“I’ve never been a big velocity guy,” he says.  “It’s kind of just playing with the hitter and keeping them off balance, control the count and generating ground balls. The longer I’m out there the more it becomes like work, so keeping the pitch count low and trying to get the guys off the field as fast as I can.”

“He’s a pitcher that can pitch,” Anderson says. “Shea’s a solid guy that works with a good tempo and he changes speeds really well. He’ll be a good leader to the team. He’s a smart kid.

Lake is a mechanical engineering student at West Texas A &M near Amarillo.  When it comes to his baseball future he thinks like an engineer – sound, fundamental concepts built on proven principles. About 10% of NCAA baseball players are drafted, but a much, much smaller percentage make it all the way to Major League Baseball.

“Of course there’s that chance,” he says. “If a big jump happens, that’s great; I think I have the ability, the capabilities to do it, you never know.

“I just keep my head down and work hard and we’ll see what happens. I wouldn’t say nothing’s really changed: I think just being the best version of myself every day and working as hard as I can is all I can really do.

“As long as I do that, I’m happy with myself.”

It’s a winning attitude.

Before he even crosses those white lines.

The HarbourCats season begins May 29th on the road versus the Portland Pickles, before returning to Victoria for the Home Opener against the Edmonton Riverhawks on Tuesday, June 2, 6:30 pm.

Season tickets, single-game tickets, 12 and 32-game flex packs and 2026 All-Star Game ticket packages are now on sale at harbourcats.com/tickets or at the HarbourCats office at 1814 Vancouver Street.