Perez, Miller Slug in Nine Runs, but Drifters Still Fall to Bells 11-12

Photo by Alyssa Garcia

Written by Dillon Zamperin

SPRINGFIELD — In a high-scoring and exciting rubber match between the Bellingham Bells (5-4, 3-3) and Springfield Drifters (2-7, 1-5), 11 runs weren’t enough for the Drifters offense as Springfield dropped the series finale 11-12 in a slugfest to Bellingham, losing their third straight series to begin the season.

“I think we punched out 12 times today, and we had [10] walks on the other side, so it made for a pretty sloppy game, but we are making some improvements in some things that we have really set emphasis on,” Head Coach Jeff Lyle said. “Being able to put some balls in play, put some good swings on, and performing much better with runners in scoring position.”

A hot start on offense for the Drifters saw Colton Perez drive in three of the first five runs on a single and a double. Nick Gimino and Nolan Miller scored the other two runs on a walk and a single, respectively. Springfield totaled five runs on five hits in the first two frames, an impressive showing that continued from Saturday night’s come-from-behind victory.

The Bells, however, answered back throughout the game, scoring seven runs across three of the first four innings, driving Drifters’ starting right-hander Ethan Atchley from the game and giving reliever Beau Kernin a short leash.

Just as Springfield was trying to pull away with a four-spot in the fifth inning, Bellingham answered back right away in the sixth with four runs of their own, forcing the Drifters to use three pitches in that inning and take the lead.

Star second baseman Cooper Mullens fought back once again, driving in the tying run before Bellingham scored one final run that would prove to be the difference in the one-run win for the Bells. The slugfest finished with 23 runs scored between the two teams in an absolutely wild offensive showing.

Despite the loss, the Drifters caused heavy traffic on the basepaths, similar to Saturday’s extra-inning win. In Sunday’s game, runners reached base in every inning.

At the dish, Perez had a near-perfect night, going 4-for-5 with three singles and one double. The designated hitter reached base every time he came up to bat, reaching on an error in the seventh inning. He drove in a game-high five runs and was a huge source of offense once again after Saturday’s three-run home run.

“His work he’s putting in pregame [and] his mindset right now to get better at the plate and do all the things he’s doing in practice, taking it to the game and not trying to do too much,” Lyle said.

Mullens also had a nice night at the plate, going 2-for-3 with one double, one single, two hit by pitches and one walk. The four-time Drifter wreaked havoc on the basepaths, scoring three of the game's runs and constantly giving Springfield an opportunity to take the lead.

“It’s as simple as Cooper Mullens at the top of the lineup. It really sets the tone,” Lyle said.

Another long-time Drifter with a solid game was Nolan Miller, who went 2-for-4 with a walk, a stolen base and a hit by pitch. He scored twice and recorded four RBIs thanks to a 3-run double in the fifth inning that gave the Drifters a temporary lead.

“Whatever I say about Cooper Mullens, I could also just easily spin that right on to Nolan Miller. He’s a veteran, he goes about his business, his work ethic is second to none, and he just plays baseball,” Lyle said. “He hit that three-run double, and when he got to third he said, ‘There’s the big hit we needed.’”

Coming off a career day on Saturday night, which included scoring the winning run, redshirt junior left fielder Austin Takahashi from Lane Community College had another great night at the plate, going 2-for-4 with a stolen base, a walk and two runs scored. His two singles were part of the two rallies in the second and fifth innings, which both resulted in four-run outbursts for Springfield.

Through the first six innings of Sunday’s game, the Drifters used six pitchers, who allowed the first eleven runs of the game. 

Senior left-hander Michael Klein kept the Drifters in the game, pitching two scoreless innings and giving the Drifters a chance to come back. In two games against the Bells this series, Klein pitched five total innings, allowing no earned runs, striking out nine and quieting the Bellingham offense each time he took the mound.

The Drifters will hit the road for a six-game road trip, playing three games in Washington against the Wenatchee AppleSox and then three games in British Columbia against Victoria HarbourCats for the Drifters' first trip to Canada since 2024.

“To get out on these road trips and be tested not only baseball-wise, but sleep-wise, energy-wise and being able to combat a crowd,” Lyle said. “Getting out and being able to grind through a six-game series will be good for the guys.”

The AppleSox and Drifters series begins on Tuesday night. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. The game will be streamed on the West Coast League’s streaming website.