SPRINGFIELD — On Monday, West Coast League officials named Springfield Drifters right-handed pitcher Tristan Ledbetter its Baker Tilly Pitcher of the Week following the first full week of games. Ledbetter, who just wrapped up his second season of baseball at Umpqua Community College, was nearly unhittable in two appearances for the Drifters. The Green, Ore., native started the home opener against the Yakima Valley Pippins on Tuesday, firing five shutout innings and striking out eight. He allowed one hit to earn the victory. Four days later, Ledbetter came out of the bullpen and threw three more shutout innings against the Bellingham Bells in the Drifters’ 9-8 extra-innings win, striking out two. Ledbetter finished the week with 10 strikeouts and no walks, and gave up three hits across eight scoreless innings.
■ Looking ahead: The Drifters are on a six-game road trip, with three games against the Wenatchee AppleSox and three against the Victoria HarbourCats. The Drifters trip to Victoria is the first time since 2024 that the Drifters will play north of the border. All six games will be streamed on the WCL Live app. Springfield returns home June 17 for a non-league game against the Cascade Collegiate League All-Star Team. Tickets are available online at driftersbaseball.com.
